The mid-range smartphone market in India remains fiercely competitive in November 2025, and two popular contenders are the Samsung Galaxy M35 5G and the OnePlus Nord CE 4. Both phones promise fast performance, versatile cameras, and solid battery life — but they cater to slightly different audiences. Here’s a complete India-focused comparison covering design, performance, cameras, battery, software, and pricing to help you choose the best device for your needs.
Design and Display
The Samsung Galaxy M35 5G maintains Samsung’s signature minimalist design language. The back panel features a matte finish with vertically aligned cameras and clean edges that offer good grip. The device feels sturdy, with Gorilla Glass 5 protection on the front.
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 carries the familiar OnePlus design philosophy, featuring curved sides and a lightweight build. Its glossy rear panel houses dual cameras and a subtle gradient finish. While slightly slimmer than the Galaxy M35, it feels more premium in hand.
| Specification | Galaxy M35 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Type | 6.6-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Resolution | FHD+ (2400×1080) | FHD+ (2412×1080) |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 1100 nits |
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Weight | 198 g | 184 g |
Verdict: The Nord CE 4 feels lighter and more premium, while the Galaxy M35 offers a slightly more durable design with Samsung’s robust build quality.
Performance and Processor
Under the hood, the Galaxy M35 5G uses the Exynos 1380 chipset, built on a 5nm process. It’s efficient and handles multitasking well, but heavy gaming can occasionally push it to its thermal limits.
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 runs on the Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 processor, which outperforms the Exynos in both CPU and GPU benchmarks. It’s better optimised for gaming, high-refresh-rate apps, and long-term stability.
| Performance Metric | Galaxy M35 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Exynos 1380 | Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB | 8GB / 12GB |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB |
| Benchmark (Multi-core) | ~2800 | ~3600 |
| Gaming Performance | Medium-High | High-Ultra |
Verdict: The OnePlus Nord CE 4 is clearly ahead in raw power and gaming performance, while the Galaxy M35 5G remains ideal for stable day-to-day usage.
Camera Comparison
Both smartphones feature strong camera setups tailored for photography-focused users. However, their sensor tuning and processing styles differ.
| Camera Setup | Galaxy M35 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Main Sensor | 50MP (OIS, f/1.8) | 50MP Sony IMX890 (OIS, f/1.8) |
| Ultra-wide | 8MP | 8MP |
| Macro | 2MP | 2MP |
| Front Camera | 13MP | 16MP |
The Galaxy M35 5G delivers natural colours and accurate exposure in daylight. Samsung’s image processing provides consistent results, especially in portraits. The OnePlus Nord CE 4, on the other hand, produces more contrast-rich images with slightly sharper details due to its Sony sensor.
In low-light photography, Nord CE 4 performs better with cleaner details and less noise, while Samsung tends to brighten shadows more aggressively, sometimes reducing contrast.
Verdict: The Nord CE 4 takes the lead in low-light and detail, while the Galaxy M35’s camera delivers more neutral tones ideal for casual photographers.
Battery and Charging
Battery life remains a major strength for both these devices. The Galaxy M35 5G packs a 6000mAh battery — one of the largest in its segment — offering excellent endurance. It supports 25W fast charging.
The OnePlus Nord CE 4, meanwhile, comes with a 5500mAh battery but supports 100W SUPERVOOC charging, allowing it to charge from 0 to 100% in about 28 minutes.
| Battery Spec | Galaxy M35 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5500mAh |
| Charging Speed | 25W | 100W SUPERVOOC |
| Charging Time | ~90 mins | ~28 mins |
| Screen-on Time | 8–9 hours | 7–8 hours |
Verdict: Samsung wins for overall endurance, while OnePlus dominates with charging speed and balanced battery management.
Software and Features
As of November 2025, both smartphones run Android 15, but with different interfaces. The Galaxy M35 5G uses One UI 7.0, offering enhanced multitasking tools, better RAM management, and improved dark mode. Samsung also provides four years of OS updates and five years of security patches.
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 runs OxygenOS 14, delivering a cleaner interface with minimal pre-installed apps. It includes features like Smart AOD, AI-powered battery optimisation, and improved haptic feedback.
Both devices feature 5G dual SIM, Wi-Fi 6, Dolby Atmos support, and IP54 splash resistance.
Verdict: One UI 7.0 provides superior long-term support, while OxygenOS feels lighter and more responsive for daily use.
Pricing in India (November 2025)
| Variant | Galaxy M35 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| 8GB + 128GB | ₹19,999 | ₹23,999 |
| 12GB + 256GB | ₹22,999 | ₹26,999 |
Both smartphones are widely available in offline and online stores with festival offers and bank discounts throughout November 2025.
Verdict: Samsung provides unbeatable battery capacity and affordability, whereas the OnePlus Nord CE 4 commands a premium for faster charging and superior performance.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy M35 5G vs OnePlus Nord CE 4 battle highlights two very different priorities. The Galaxy M35 5G is built for endurance and reliability, making it an ideal daily driver for Indian users who value long battery life and stable software. The Nord CE 4, on the other hand, targets those who want premium performance, ultra-fast charging, and a sharper camera system.
For most users, the choice depends on whether they prioritise power or longevity.
Verdict Summary:
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Best for Battery & Daily Use: Samsung Galaxy M35 5G
-
Best for Performance & Gaming: OnePlus Nord CE 4
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Overall Winner (India, November 2025): OnePlus Nord CE 4
FAQs
Which phone has the better camera overall?
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 offers sharper images and better low-light performance, while the Galaxy M35 5G delivers more balanced colours.
Which phone has longer battery life?
The Galaxy M35 5G lasts longer thanks to its larger 6000mAh battery, ideal for heavy users.
Which charges faster?
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 wins easily with its 100W SUPERVOOC charging, fully charging in under 30 minutes.
Is the Galaxy M35 5G good for gaming?
Yes, it can handle most popular games at medium to high settings, but the Nord CE 4 provides smoother gameplay overall.
Which one is better value for money in India?
The Galaxy M35 5G is better for users focused on endurance and reliability, while the Nord CE 4 is better for those who want top-tier performance under ₹27,000.