In the competitive Indian smartphone market, finding a device that balances performance, features, and affordability can be a challenge. As of September 2025, several compelling options exist under the Rs 25,000 price point. This article will focus on three noteworthy contenders: the OnePlus Nord CE 5 5G, the Realme P4 Pro 5G, and the Infinix GT 30 Pro 5G.

OnePlus Nord CE 5 5G

The OnePlus Nord CE 5 5G is presented as a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that offers several upgrades over its predecessor. It features a more powerful processor, the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex. It also boasts a larger 7100 mAh battery with 80W SuperVOOC Charging. This combination allows for up to 2.5 days of use, or over 6 hours of YouTube streaming from just a 10-minute charge, while also reducing battery load during extended gaming sessions.

The Nord CE 5 sports a 6.77-inch AMOLED screen with slim bezels and a punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera. The display has a 120Hz refresh rate and supports HDR10 for enhanced viewing on platforms like Amazon, Netflix, and YouTube.

In terms of software, the OnePlus Nord CE 5 runs on Android 15 with OxygenOS 15, promising four years of OS upgrades and six years of security updates. A recent update, OxygenOS 15.0.2.601, has rolled out in India, bringing smoother animations, a new map album feature, improved privacy settings, and the September 2025 Android security patch. The phone also includes an IR blaster, allowing users to control TVs, fans, and ACs.

For photography, it features a 50MP primary camera and an 8MP ultrawide lens. While the camera performance is not exceptional, it delivers good images, portraits, and selfies, along with decent 4K video recording capabilities.

The OnePlus Nord CE 5 is available in multiple colors, including Marble Mist, which has a distinctive pearl-like finish. It has a plastic rear panel and edges but still feels firm and reassuringly weighty.

Realme P4 Pro 5G

The Realme P4 Pro 5G is another strong contender in this price segment, offering a blend of performance and endurance. It features a slim and premium quad-curved design. It is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor and a dedicated HyperVision AI chip. The phone also has UFS 3.1 storage, which is faster than the UFS 2.2 found in some higher-priced phones.

The device sports a large 6.8-inch 1.5K 4D curved AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and up to 6500 nits peak brightness. Realme claims the 144Hz refresh rate works in some stock apps, but it mostly stays at 120Hz. The display also has HDR 10 support, but it doesn't work with Netflix.

The Realme P4 Pro 5G runs on Android 15 with Realme UI 6.0, offering a clean and smooth interface with customization options. The device packs a massive 7,000mAh battery with 80W SuperVOOC fast charging.

In terms of camera capabilities, the Realme P4 Pro 5G features a 50MP front camera for excellent selfies and a 50MP main rear camera with a Sony IMX896 sensor and OIS. It also has an 8MP ultrawide lens.

The Realme P4 Pro 5G is priced starting at Rs 24,999 for the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage variant.

Infinix GT 30 Pro 5G

The Infinix GT 30 Pro 5G is marketed towards gamers, with a focus on performance and aesthetics. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Ultimate processor. The phone includes shoulder triggers that operate at a 520Hz response rate, mimicking console gaming controls.

The device sports a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 4,500 nits peak brightness. It also features a Cyber Mecha 2.0 design with customizable LED light panels on the rear.

The Infinix GT 30 Pro 5G runs on Android 15 with Infinix's XOS 15 interface. It packs a 5,500mAh battery with 45W wired charging and 30W wireless charging.

For photography, the Infinix GT 30 Pro 5G features a 108MP main sensor with optical image stabilization and an 8MP ultrawide lens. It also has a 13MP front-facing camera.

MPL PH talents have praised the Infinix GT 30 Pro for its fast response, smooth gameplay, and futuristic design.

Conclusion

All three smartphones offer a compelling set of features for under Rs 25,000. The OnePlus Nord CE 5 5G stands out as a balanced all-rounder with a focus on software and battery life. The Realme P4 Pro 5G impresses with its performance, display, and large battery. The Infinix GT 30 Pro 5G caters specifically to gamers with its powerful processor, gaming-centric features, and unique design. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual priorities and preferences.