Released in July 2021, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G aimed to shake up the mid-range smartphone market with flagship-level features at a competitive price. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s delve into its strengths, weaknesses, and whether it deserves a spot in your pocket.
Design and Display:
The Nord 2 boasts a sleek and stylish design with a glass front and back, available in a variety of eye-catching colors like Gray Sierra and Green Woods. It’s lightweight and comfortable to hold, despite its 6.43-inch AMOLED display. This display is vibrant, sharp (2400 x 1080 pixels), and offers a smooth 90Hz refresh rate for a more fluid user experience. However, some might miss the 120Hz refresh rate found in some higher-end phones.
Performance and Battery:
Under the hood, the Nord 2 packs the MediaTek Dimensity 1200-AI chipset, which delivers capable performance for everyday tasks and even some light gaming. It comes in configurations with 6GB, 8GB, or 12GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking. The phone runs OxygenOS 11.3, a near-stock Android experience known for its clean interface and customization options. An update to Android 12 is expected later in 2024.
The 4500mAh battery might seem small compared to some rivals, but it offers surprisingly good endurance thanks to efficient hardware and software optimization. The real star of the show is OnePlus’s Warp Charge 65 technology, which can refuel the phone from zero to 100% in a mere 30 minutes – perfect for those who are always on the go.
Cameras:
The camera system is one of the Nord 2’s biggest highlights. It features a triple-camera setup on the back, with a 50MP Sony IMX766 main sensor that captures excellent photos in most lighting conditions. The sensor is the same as the one found in the more expensive OnePlus 9, so you get flagship-level image quality at a mid-range price. The ultrawide and mono lenses are decent but don’t offer anything groundbreaking. The 32MP front-facing camera takes good selfies and supports video calls.
Value and Verdict:
The OnePlus Nord 2 starts at around $379 for the 6GB/128GB variant, making it a compelling proposition for those seeking a value-packed smartphone. It offers a beautiful design, a smooth and responsive display, capable performance, a long-lasting battery with lightning-fast charging, and an impressive camera system.
However, there are some trade-offs to consider. The phone lacks an IP rating for water and dust resistance, and the lack of a microSD card slot might be a dealbreaker for some users. Additionally, while the performance is decent, it won’t match the raw power of true flagship phones.
