The OnePlus Nord 2T 5G is the latest addition to the popular Nord series, arriving as a refresh of the well-received OnePlus Nord 2. While OnePlus has touted several upgrades in the new phone, its key features remain largely unchanged from its predecessor, leading to a rather familiar experience. This begs the question: is the Nord 2T 5G truly a significant upgrade, or merely a moderate refresh? Let’s delve deeper and explore the subtle enhancements, the unchanged aspects, and how the Nord 2T 5G stacks up against the competition in the mid-range segment.
Design and Display: Familiar Ground With Minor Refinements
The Nord 2T 5G doesn’t stray too far from the design aesthetics of its predecessor. It retains the familiar silhouette and overall dimensions, while incorporating a few subtle changes. Chief among these is the adoption of a matte-finished AG glass back panel which provides a more premium feel and improved grip. OnePlus also opted for Corning Gorilla Glass 5 over the display for better scratch resistance. Although the mid-frame continues to be made of polycarbonate, the phone still holds a respectable premium aesthetic.
Another notable change is the redesigned rear camera module. Instead of a rectangular housing, it now features two circular cutouts, one housing the 50-megapixel primary camera with the Sony IMX766 sensor and the other packing the 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera and a 2-megapixel monochrome camera. This brings the number of usable cameras down to two, similar to the Nord 2. The 32-megapixel front-facing camera remains unchanged.
The 6.43-inch AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate also returns, offering a smooth and vibrant visual experience. The in-display optical fingerprint reader, HDR10+ certification, and stereo speakers add further value to the multimedia experience.
Performance and Battery: Minor Upgrades, Similar Strengths
The most prominent upgrade in the Nord 2T 5G lies under the hood. OnePlus has opted for a MediaTek Dimensity 1300 SoC, a step up from the Dimensity 1200 in the Nord 2. This change promises a slight performance boost and improved imaging capabilities. Although the 4,500mAh battery remains the same, OnePlus has bumped up the charging speed to 80W, allowing the phone to charge from 0-100 percent in just 27 minutes. Thankfully, the company has included the compatible charger in the box, making it a more attractive proposition for potential buyers.
Software: A Consistent OnePlus Experience
The OnePlus Nord 2T 5G runs OxygenOS 12.1, based on Android 12. It offers the same user experience that has become synonymous with OnePlus: a clean, streamlined interface, intuitive navigation, and minimal bloatware. Initial impressions suggest a smooth experience without any notable hiccups, providing a familiar and reliable software experience for OnePlus fans.
Pricing and Competition: A Competitive But Not Necessarily Superior Offering
The OnePlus Nord 2T 5G is priced at Rs. 28,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant and Rs. 33,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant. This puts it in direct competition with several other compelling mid-range smartphones. Notably, the Realme 9 Pro+ 5G offers the same Sony IMX766 primary camera sensor at a much lower price, while the iQoo Neo 6 5G boasts a 120Hz display, a more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 SoC, and 80W fast charging at a similar price.
Conclusion: A Moderate Upgrade With Room for More
The OnePlus Nord 2T 5G delivers a refined experience over the Nord 2, offering a more premium feel, faster charging, and a slightly improved processor. However, these upgrades are largely incremental, and the overall experience remains largely unchanged. At this price point, the competition offers compelling alternatives that boast more significant upgrades and higher specs. For those looking for a straightforward, refined, and reliable smartphone with the OnePlus software experience, the Nord 2T 5G holds its own, but it does little to set itself apart or captivate in a competitive market.
While the Nord 2T 5G feels like a stepping stone rather than a game-changer, it remains to be seen if OnePlus plans to introduce more substantial upgrades in the upcoming Nord 3, potentially targeting a higher price point and aiming for a more premium position in the market.
