The sub-₹25,000 smartphone segment has become the most competitive space right now. Every brand is trying to offer a phone that delivers strong value across three key areas—features, performance, and battery life. With the launch of the Redmi Note 15 5G, the competition gets even tighter, as it goes head-to-head with one of the strongest players in this category, the OnePlus Nord CE 5 5G. On paper, both phones look impressive, but where does the real difference lie? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Display: Same size, but Redmi gets brighter
The Redmi Note 15 5G comes with a 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate. Its standout advantage is a peak brightness of 3,200 nits, along with Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection.
The OnePlus Nord CE 5 also offers a 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, but its peak brightness is limited to 1,430 nits.
In everyday use, the difference won’t feel dramatic. However, under direct sunlight, the Redmi Note 15’s brighter display could offer slightly better visibility.
Performance: OnePlus clearly takes the lead
The Redmi Note 15 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, which is suitable for daily tasks and regular multitasking.
In comparison, the OnePlus Nord CE 5 uses the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex chipset, which delivers noticeably stronger raw power and smoother overall performance.
OnePlus also pairs its chipset with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, while Redmi sticks with LPDDR4x RAM and UFS 2.2 storage. For users who care about gaming, faster app loading, and long-term performance stability, OnePlus emerges as the stronger option.
Camera: Megapixels vs real-world output
The Redmi Note 15 5G features a 108MP primary camera with OIS and an 8MP ultra-wide lens. On the front, it has a 20MP selfie camera.
The OnePlus Nord CE 5, on the other hand, offers a 50MP Sony LYT-600 primary sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 16MP front camera.
On paper, Redmi’s camera setup looks more powerful due to the higher megapixel count. However, camera quality isn’t defined by megapixels alone. OnePlus has traditionally been strong in image processing, so the real difference will only become clear in real-life usage and camera tests.
Battery and charging: OnePlus dominates
When it comes to battery, the OnePlus Nord CE 5 is not just slightly ahead—it’s far ahead. It packs a massive 7,100mAh battery with support for 80W SuperVOOC fast charging.
The Redmi Note 15 offers a 5,520mAh battery with 45W fast charging.
If long battery life and quick charging are high on your priority list, OnePlus clearly holds a major advantage here.
Software experience: Clean vs feature-heavy
The OnePlus Nord CE 5 runs OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15. It comes with minimal bloatware and no system ads, delivering a clean and smooth experience.
In contrast, the Redmi Note 15 runs HyperOS 2, which includes advertisements across the user interface.
Both phones promise 4 years of OS updates and 6 years of security updates. However, for users who prefer a clutter-free and refined software experience, OnePlus feels more comfortable and polished.
Price and final verdict
Both the Redmi Note 15 5G and the OnePlus Nord CE 5 start at ₹22,999 for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant.
If your priority is a brighter display and a high-megapixel camera, the Redmi Note 15 5G can be a good choice. But if you’re looking for better performance, a much larger battery, faster charging, and a cleaner software experience, the OnePlus Nord CE 5 stands out as the more balanced and reliable option at this price point.
Ramesh is a technology writer at gemch.in, covering smartphone launches, leaks, and comparisons. His articles focus on real-world features, performance, and value-for-money insights to help readers make informed buying decisions.