OnePlus Nord CE 6 Lite and Vivo T5x compared: which phone should you pick under Rs 25,000?

OnePlus Nord CE 6 Lite launched in India today alongside the Nord CE 6. The smartphone marks a comeback for the Nord’s ‘Lite’ model, which is also the brand’s most affordable smartphone. The Nord CE 6 Lite starts at Rs 20,999, giving users an option in the budget segment to experience a OnePlus phone that offers a well-rounded package. But it also sits in a competitive segment with rivals from several brands. 

To put things into perspective, we compare the OnePlus Nord CE 6 Lite with the Vivo T5x, a new contender in the sub-Rs 25,000 price segment. 

OnePlus Nord CE 6 Lite vs Vivo T5x: specs at a glance

SpecsOnePlus Nord 6Vivo T5x
Display6.72-inch FHD+ LCD display, 144Hz refresh rate6.76-inch FHD+ LCD display, 120Hz refresh rate
ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7400 ApexMediaTek Dimensity 7400 Turbo
Rear cameras50MP main + 2MP depth50MP primary + 2MP depth
Front camera8MP32MP
Battery7,000mAh, 45W fast charging7,200mAh battery, 44W fast charging

OnePlus Nord CE 6 Lite vs Vivo T5x: price

OnePlus Nord CE 6 Lite has a lower starting price than the Vivo T5x. It’s priced at Rs 20,999 for the base model with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. The Vivo T5x costs Rs 22,999 for the same storage configuration. Interestingly, the Vivo T5x was launched at Rs 18,999 in March, but it received a price hike of Rs 4,000. 

Here’s a breakdown of the prices of both phones. 

VariantOnePlus Nord CE6 Lite priceVivo T5x price
6GB + 128GBRs 20,999Rs 22,999
8GB + 128GB Rs 22,999Rs 24,999
8GB + 256GB Rs 25,999Rs 26,999

OnePlus Nord CE 6 Lite vs Vivo T5x: display, design

Both phones feature a flat display that’s similarly sized, but with some distinct differences. The OnePlus Nord CE6 Lite features a 6.72-inch FHD+ LCD display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 1,000 nits of high brightness mode. The Vivo T5x comes with a 6.76-inch FHD+ display with an LCD panel as well, and 1,300 nits peak brightness. Refresh rate is capped at 120Hz, though, but that may not make a big difference as 144Hz kicks in only for compatible gaming titles. So the display experience will most likely be largely the same on both phones. 

In terms of design, both phones give a similar overall feel with the flat display and edges, but the camera module differentiates them. The Nord CE6 Lite has a vertically mounted camera module on the top-left corner of the phone. In comparison, the Vivo T5x has a small square-shaped camera island. Both phones give off a clean and minimalist look. The Nord CE6 Lite comes in Vivid Mint and Hyper Black colours, while the Vivo T5x is available in Cyber Green and Star Silver colours. 

OnePlus Nord CE 6 Lite vs Vivo T5x: processor, battery

OnePlus Nord CE 6 Lite is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Apex chipset paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of onboard storage. This is a capable mid-range chipset, which should deliver good performance for regular to moderate usage. The Vivo T5x gets the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Turbo chipset, which is from the same model but a slightly tweaked version. So, you should get a largely similar performance experience from both phones. The differences might lie in how well the phone is optimised.

In terms of battery capacity, the Nord CE6 Lite offers 7,000mAh with 45W fast charging support. In comparison, the Vivo T5x offers a slightly bigger 7,200mAh battery with 44W charging support. Since the difference is very little, you should have a full day or more with either of the phones. In general, this battery capacity is also one of the best you can get in this segment. 

OnePlus Nord CE 6 Lite vs Vivo T5x: cameras

For optics, the OnePlus Nord CE 6 Lite offers a 50MP primary camera and a 2MP depth assist camera at the back with support for up to 4K video recording at 30 FPS. There’s an 8MP front camera for selfies. This camera setup is similar to what the Vivo T5x offers, which is a 50MP primary sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. However, the T5x has a superior 32MP selfie camera, so that could be a deal breaker if selfies are a priority for you. Otherwise, you can pick either phone for casual photography. 

OnePlus Nord CE 6 Lite vs Vivo T5x: software

OnePlus Nord CE 6 Lite runs Android 16-based OxygenOS 16 out of the box. This is the latest software version, offering a refined UI with smooth animations while packing several AI imaging features within the Photos app, such as AI Eraser, AI Reflection Remover, and more. OnePlus, however, hasn’t revealed the software update policy for the Nord CE 6 Lite yet.

Vivo T5x also runs on the latest Android 16 with OriginOS 6 layered on top. The smartphone is set to get two OS upgrades and four years of security patch updates. This software update policy is quite typical for phones in this segment. With OriginOS 6, Vivo gets the new UI, which succeeds the older FuntouchOS. Expect a more fluid software experience with a host of customisation and features like Origin Island. 

The ultimate decision might come down to user preference over which UI feels visually better and more comfortable to use. 

Summing up

The OnePlus Nord CE 6 Lite is the more affordable option of the two, offering a balanced set of specifications for a mid-range phone. Although more expensive, the Vivo T5x still offers a better selfie camera and a slightly larger battery. But if the budget is a constraint, then the Nord CE 6 Lite is recommended.