Look, I get it. New phones drop every week. Flashier specs, bigger numbers. But here’s the thing: I just spent two weeks re-testing the OnePlus Nord 2T 5G – the 8GB/128GB model you can snag for under ₹25k now – and honestly? It messed with my head. This phone launched in *2022*, people! Yet, using it day-to-day in mid-2025, it genuinely doesn’t feel like a relic. It feels… annoyingly competent. Is it perfect? Heck no. But the value? It’s making newer budget phones look a bit silly.
That Dimensity 1200-AI? Still Smooth AF
Not gonna lie, I booted this thing up expecting some lag, some stutter. MediaTek’s Dimensity 1200-AI chip was good back then, but time moves fast. Colour me surprised. Swiping through OxygenOS 13.1 (based on Android 13, still feels clean!), jumping between Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and even a decent session on COD Mobile? It held up. Seriously. No dramatic slowdowns, no overheating tantrums. Sure, it won’t bench like a ₹50k flagship today, but for the price? The fluidity is impressive. OnePlus tuned this thing well, and that 90Hz AMOLED display? Still buttery and vibrant. Makes scrolling feeds enjoyable.
The 80W Charging? Still Bonkers
This is where the Nord 2T punches way above its weight class even now. Plugging it in with that chunky Warp Charge 80W adapter is like a magic trick. Dead battery? Forget it. 1% to near-full in barely half an hour. I timed it. 32 minutes flat. In 2025, finding this speed anywhere near this price point is rare. It’s a game-changer if you’re always rushing. Battery life? The 4500mAh cell gets you through a solid day. Not two days, but reliably one. For most folks, that combo of decent endurance and ludicrous recharge speed is pure gold.
Cameras: Good Enough? Mostly.
Okay, let’s be real. The camera setup was always the Nord series’ “good, not great” area. The main 50MP Sony IMX766 sensor? Still pulls off surprisingly decent shots in good light. Colours are pleasant, detail is okay. Low light? It struggles. The 8MP ultrawide is… fine. For landscapes in daylight. The 2MP macro? Still basically useless, a checkbox spec. Selfies from the 32MP front cam are perfectly shareable. If you’re a casual snapper sharing on Insta or WhatsApp, it’s serviceable. Want Pixel-level magic or flagship night modes? Look elsewhere (and pay more).
Where It Stumbles (Because Nothing’s Perfect)
It’s not all sunshine. That plastic frame? Yeah, it feels a bit less premium than metal, though the back (matte finish on mine) hides fingerprints well. No official Android 14? Big bummer. OxygenOS 13.1 is fine, but knowing the update train has likely ended stings. Also, while stereo speakers exist, they’re just… okay. Loud enough, but lacks depth. And water resistance? IP rating? Nada. Keep it away from spills.
The Verdict? A Steal If You Get It Right
Honestly? Using the Nord 2T 5G again was a reality check. For ₹22k-₹25k? This phone is a steal. You get flagship-grade 80W charging, a smooth 90Hz AMOLED display, performance that still handles daily tasks and light gaming without breaking a sweat, and a main camera that’s decent in daylight. The lack of the latest Android and the plastic build are real trade-offs.
But here’s the kicker: What newer phone under ₹25k genuinely beats this whole package? Many cut corners, harder, slower charging, worse displays, weaker chips. If you find a clean unit (watch for refurbished sellers!), need reliable speed, hate waiting for your phone to charge, and can live without the absolute latest OS or top-tier low-light photos? The Nord 2T 5G, even now, is shockingly hard to ignore. It’s proof that sometimes, last year’s well-tuned mid-ranger can outshine this year’s budget compromises. Worth a serious look.
Hi, I’m Ricky, the founder of OKSociety.in. I’m a tech enthusiast with a deep passion for smartphones, mobile technology, and everything that makes our digital lives smarter. I started OKSociety to share honest reviews, the latest phone updates, and practical buying guides to help people make better choices in this fast-paced tech world.