The OnePlus Nord 2 5G: A Worthy Successor or Just Another Mid-Range Contender?
The OnePlus Nord, launched in 2020, promised a compelling balance of performance and affordability. However, as OnePlus flagship phones climbed the price ladder, the original Nord’s position became less clear. Now, OnePlus has unveiled its successor, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G, equipped with a new camera system, a MediaTek Dimensity processor, and a more aggressive price tag. This begs the question: Does it live up to its predecessor’s promise or is it simply another mid-range smartphone vying for attention? Stepping beyond the technical specifications, let’s delve into the OnePlus Nord 2 5G to see if it delivers the OnePlus experience we’ve come to expect.
Pricing and Initial Impressions
The OnePlus Nord 2 5G arrives in India with a starting price of Rs. 27,999 for the base 6GB RAM, 128GB storage variant. Prices escalate to Rs. 29,999 for the 8GB/128GB model and Rs. 34,999 for the top-tier 12GB/256GB configuration. Our review unit is the latter, allowing for an in-depth exploration of its capabilities.
From the outset, the Nord 2 5G carries a familiar yet refined look, fitting seamlessly alongside the OnePlus 9 series and the Nord CE 5G. Holding the phone, you’re immediately greeted by a sense of premium quality. The 6.43-inch display features a camera hole in the top-left corner for its 32-megapixel selfie shooter, while an AMOLED panel with a 90Hz refresh rate and full-HD+ resolution ensures a smooth and vibrant visual experience. Corning Gorilla Glass 5 safeguards both the display and the rear panel.
The Nord 2 5G’s mid-frame is constructed from plastic. The right side houses the power button and the alert slider, a feature notably absent from the Nord CE 5G. The volume buttons reside on the left, providing a comfortable reach for one-handed use. The bottom edge houses the USB Type-C port, loudspeaker, SIM tray, and primary microphone. The top edge accommodates the secondary microphone. Adding to the audio experience, the Nord 2 5G boasts dual speakers, with the earpiece doubling up as the secondary speaker for stereo sound.
Flipping the device reveals a triple camera setup on the back, echoing the design cues of the OnePlus 9R. This setup comprises a 50-megapixel primary camera with an f/1.88 aperture and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization). An 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera with EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) and an f/2.25 aperture comes into play for capturing panoramic shots. A smaller 2-megapixel mono camera sits adjacent to the flash, rounding out the camera offerings. The OnePlus logo is prominently positioned in the center of the rear panel.
OnePlus offers three color options for the Nord 2 5G: Gray Sierra, Blue Haze, and the India-exclusive Green Wood. Our review unit, adorned in Blue Haze, resists smudging, making it a practical choice. A case is included in the box, ensuring added protection. Weighing in at 189g and with a thickness of 8.25mm, it strikes a balance between a comfortable grip and a streamlined design, making one-handed use feasible.
Harnessing the Power of Dimensity
OnePlus has opted for a MediaTek Dimensity 1200 processor with custom AI enhancements, resulting in the Dimensity 1200-AI. This is a departure from previous OnePlus devices, which relied on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors. The choice of MediaTek is both intriguing and potentially impactful as it holds the potential for improved performance at a competitive price point.
The Nord 2 5G offers three RAM options: 6GB, 8GB, and 12GB, with 128GB of storage for the lower two options and 256GB for the top variant. Storage is non-expandable, and the Nord 2 5G accommodates two Nano-SIM cards, supporting dual 5G. Additional connectivity features include WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, and support for five satellite navigation systems. The Nord 2 5G is powered by a 4,500mAh battery and comes bundled with a Warp Charge 65W charger.
OxygenOS 11.3: A Familiar Yet Refined Experience
The OnePlus Nord 2 5G runs on OxygenOS 11.3, based on Android 11. Our review unit shipped with the June Android security patch. The user interface maintains OnePlus’ signature clean and uncluttered design, with just a handful of pre-installed Google and OnePlus apps, along with Netflix. Navigation through the UI is smooth and intuitive, offering a familiar and unhindered user experience.
The in-display fingerprint scanner delivers swift unlocking, and with our 12GB RAM review unit, multitasking is a seamless experience. The “enhanced” MediaTek Dimensity 1200-AI, promises additional benefits in areas like camera, gaming, and display. Comparing it to other devices with the same SoC, such as the Realme X7 Max 5G and the Poco F3 GT, will be crucial to evaluate the impact of OnePlus’ customizations.
Unveiling the True Potential: Full Review on the Horizon
Based on its specifications alone, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G appears to be a substantial improvement over its predecessor. However, its increased price tag raises questions about its value proposition. Further scrutiny is necessary to determine whether it offers a compelling upgrade over the Nord CE 5G or if there are other mid-range contenders that provide better value.
Our rigorous testing will include benchmarks, camera evaluations, and a comprehensive assessment of its overall performance, battery life, and user experience. Stay tuned to Gadgets 360 for the full review, where we’ll shed light on the Nord 2 5G’s true potential and whether it ultimately delivers the OnePlus experience that users have come to expect.
