Ever since news of its leaks started going around, the OnePlus Nord 6 has been one of the most anticipated smartphone launches in its segment. And now, just weeks after launch, the price has jumped, and the phone you were eyeing at INR 38,999 now costs INR 41,999.
In fact, the Nord 6 12GB + 256GB variant took an even bigger hit. With a INR 5,000 jump from Rs 41,999 to Rs 46,999. And this isn’t an isolated case.
So, should you still buy the OnePlus Nord 6? And more importantly, will smartphone prices ever come down? Well, read on.
OnePlus Nord 6: What You’re Actually Getting
Before we talk value, let’s be clear about what the phone offers, because it does offer a lot.
Great Performance & Display Combo
The Nord 6 is built around the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, with a claimed AnTuTu score above 2.5 million.
At the same time, OnePlus’ mature tuning at both the chipset and software levels translates to extremely smooth performance. The OxygenOS 16 not only delivers smooth animations but also plenty of customisation options. Complementing the performance is an equally cool 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display that runs at 165Hz.
Big Battery
The 9,000mAh silicon-carbon battery is the Nord 6’s biggest flex, and rightfully so.
Even if you extensively use your phone, it should easily last more than 1.5 days.
Where the Nord 6 Falls Short
That said, it’s not without its share of issues. The Nord 6 has no telephoto lens. For a phone that will set you back by almost INR 40,000, it’s a big dealbreaker. And well, this is a gap that competitors like POCO and Vivo are happy to exploit. While the Nord 6’s camera system is capable and produces natural images, it leaves much to be desired.
Another tradeoff is the polycarbonate frame. On the bright side, it’s well-finished.
Why Did the OnePlus Nord 6’s Price Go Up?
Well, at this point, we all know about the current RAM and memory shortage, and it’s hitting every smartphone brand hard. Memory prices have surged nearly 90-120% since late 2025. In budget phones, memory now accounts for up to 40% of the total manufacturing cost. The continued demand for HBM memory (and the lack of new DRAM manufacturing capacity) means prices are not going to go down anytime soon.
In fact, even a giant like Apple has reportedly agreed to pay double the previous price for LPDDR5X memory chips supplied by Samsung Electronics. The 12GB LPDDR5X memory modules used in the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro models have already seen a sharp price jump since early 2025, climbing from roughly $30 to around $70 per unit.
Plus, the lack of domestic DRAM fabrication and the fall of the Indian rupee mean that the cost pressures are amplified.
And well, it’s not just OnePlus. Most of the smartphones released this year have launched at inflated prices. For instance, the OnePlus 15R has already received multiple price hikes within just months of launch. The base variant, which originally launched at Rs 47,999, now sells for Rs 54,999 after multiple revisions.
The “Worth-It” Assessment
So, coming back to the question — is the OnePlus Nord 6 worth your money? Well, let’s break it down.
At the launch price of Rs 38,999, it came as an easy recommendation at this time. The enormous battery and the strong performance made it easy for us to recommend. Even now, with the current base price of INR 41,999, it is still recommendable. But it has its share of catches. At the price bracket, you also get access to cool alternatives.
Top OnePlus Nord 6 Alternatives
POCO X8 Pro Max: This one comes with a flagship-grade MediaTek Dimensity 9500s processor. That said, it lacks OxygenOS’s polish.
Vivo V70: This one is a tad on the pricier side. However, if you are looking for competitive camera hardware, it’s a good pick. The OS is polished, but you may not get the battery endurance of the OnePlus Nord 6.
Should You Buy the OnePlus Nord 6 or Wait?
As per the folks at Counterpoint Research, smartphone prices are expected to rise continuously throughout 2026. That being said, there’s no reason to panic-buy. But the wishful thinking of Prices will drop soon may not hold up this year.
Bank discounts can still help. Axis Bank and HDFC Bank credit card offers bring the effective price down by Rs 3,000. At an effective Rs 38,999 with a bank offer, the OnePlus Nord 6 is an excellent value-for-money proposition.
