OnePlus Nord 2 5G: A Comprehensive Deep Dive into Features, Performance, and Value under ₹30,000

by

The OnePlus Nord 2, released in 2021, continues to be a compelling choice in the mid-range smartphone market. Combining premium features with an accessible price tag, this device strikes a balance between performance, design, and innovation. Here’s a deep dive into what makes the Nord 2 stand out—and where it falls short.

OnePlus Nord 2 mobile under 30,000

Key Specifications at a Glance

  • Display: 6.43-inch Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz refresh rate, FHD+ (1080×2400 pixels)

  • Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 1200-AI (Octa-core, 6nm)

  • RAM/Storage: 6GB/8GB/12GB RAM; 128GB/256GB storage (non-expandable)

  • Rear Cameras: 50MP main (Sony IMX766, OIS), 8MP ultrawide, 2MP mono sensor

  • Front Camera: 32MP selfie (Sony IMX615)

  • Battery: 4,500mAh with 65W Warp Charge (0–100% in ~30 minutes)

  • OS: OxygenOS 11.3 (Android 11), upgradable to Android 13

Design and Build: Sleek but Understated

The Nord 2 sports a minimalist design with a plastic frame and Gorilla Glass 5 protection on the front and back. While it lacks the glass-like finish of its predecessor, it offers a premium feel with colors like Blue Haze and Gray Sierra that resist fingerprints. The phone is lightweight at 189g and features a rectangular camera module inspired by the OnePlus 9 series. However, it lacks an official IP rating for water resistance, so caution is advised around liquids.

Display: Smooth and Vibrant

The 6.43-inch AMOLED display delivers rich colors and deep contrasts, ideal for streaming and gaming. The 90Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling, though it’s fixed (not adaptive), requiring manual switching between 60Hz and 90Hz modes to save battery. Features like AI Color Boost and HDR10+ enhance video playback on platforms like YouTube and Netflix, though outdoor visibility is average in bright sunlight.

Performance: MediaTek’s Hidden Gem

The Dimensity 1200-AI chipset, a departure from OnePlus’ usual Snapdragon lineup, shines in daily use. Paired with up to 12GB RAM, it handles multitasking, gaming, and 5G connectivity effortlessly. Benchmark scores like GeekBench Multi-Core 2762 place it ahead of rivals like the Snapdragon 695, making it a strong performer for its price.

Camera: Daylight Star, Low-Light Struggles

The 50MP main camera, borrowed from the OnePlus 9’s ultrawide lens, captures detailed and vibrant shots in daylight. Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) ensures sharpness, while Nightscape Ultra brightens low-light scenes—though results can appear overly processed or noisy. The 8MP ultrawide lens is serviceable for landscapes but lacks detail in dim conditions. The 2MP mono sensor aids black-and-white photography but feels redundant for most users. Selfies from the 32MP front camera are crisp, with adjustable bokeh effects, though the removal of the original Nord’s ultrawide selfie lens is a downgrade for group shots. 

Battery and Charging: Speed Demon

The 4,500mAh battery lasts a full day with moderate use, but heavy users may need a top-up. The standout feature is 65W Warp Charge, which refuels the phone to 100% in just 30 minutes—a rarity in this segment.

Software: Clean and Customizable

OxygenOS 11.3 offers a near-stock Android experience with useful additions like a three-stage alert slider and gesture controls. OnePlus promises two years of Android updates and three years of security patches, though the phone ships with Android 11, which may disappoint some users.

Pricing and Availability

  • India: Starts at ₹25,999 (6GB/128GB)

  • Europe: £399 (8GB/128GB), £469 (12GB/256GB)

  • US: Not officially sold; international models work on GSM networks like T-Mobile.

   Conclusion 

The OnePlus Nord 2 excels as a mid-range all-rounder, particularly for its display, charging speed, and clean software. While its camera inconsistencies and lack of IP rating hold it back, it remains a top pick for budget-conscious users seeking flagship-like features. If you’re in Europe or India and prioritize value over perfection, the Nord 2 is worth every penny.

Competitive Analysis

Key Rivals

  1. OnePlus Nord 2T 5G: Upgraded Dimensity 1300 chipset and 80W charging but costs ~₹28,199.

  2. Samsung Galaxy A52 5G: IP67 rating and microSD slot but slower Snapdragon 750G.

  3. Google Pixel 4a 5G: Superior computational photography but weaker hardware and 60Hz display.

  4. Xiaomi Mi 11X: Snapdragon 870 for gaming but lacks OIS and fast charging.

Nord 2’s Advantages

  • Performance: Outperforms Snapdragon 695 rivals in benchmarks (Geekbench Multi-Core: 2762 vs. 2147).

  • Charging Speed: 65W charging eclipses most competitors’ 30–33W solutions.

  • Camera Sensor: Flagship-grade IMX766 main sensor with OIS for superior stills.

User Considerations

Who Should Buy It?

  • Content Creators: The 50MP OIS camera and 4K video cater to photography enthusiasts.

  • Multitaskers: 12GB RAM variant handles heavy apps effortlessly.

  • Budget-Conscious Users: Offers premium features at half the cost of flagships.

FAQs: OnePlus Nord 2 5G

  1. Q: Does the OnePlus Nord 2 5G support wireless charging?
    A: No, the Nord 2 lacks wireless charging but compensates with 65W Warp Charge, which fully charges the 4,500mAh battery in 30 minutes.

  2. Q: Is the OnePlus Nord 2 water-resistant?
    A: It has no official IP rating, so avoid exposing it to water. The Gorilla Glass 5 protection only guards against scratches.

  3. Q: How does the MediaTek Dimensity 1200-AI compare to Snapdragon processors?
    A: The Dimensity 1200-AI rivals the Snapdragon 870 in performance, excelling in AI tasks and gaming. Benchmarks show it outperforms mid-range Snapdragon chips like the 695.

  4. Q: Can the Nord 2 5G take good low-light photos?
    A: The 50MP main sensor with OIS captures decent low-light shots using Nightscape Ultra mode, but images may appear noisy or overprocessed.

  5. Q: Does the Nord 2 support expandable storage?
    A: No, it lacks a microSD slot. Storage options are capped at 256GB (non-expandable).

  6. Q: Will the Nord 2 receive Android 14?
    A: No. OnePlus guarantees 2 OS updates, so it stops at Android 13. Security patches are provided until mid-2024.

  7. Q: Is the Nord 2 available in the USA?
    A: It’s not officially sold in the US, but imported models work on GSM networks like T-Mobile.

  8. Q: How does the Nord 2 compare to the Nord 2T?
    A: The Nord 2T offers a faster Dimensity 1300 chip and 80W charging but costs more. The Nord 2 remains better value for most users.

  9. Q: Does the front camera support 4K video recording?
    A: No, the 32MP selfie camera maxes out at 1080p@30fps.

  10. Q: Is the display refresh rate adaptive?
    A: No, the 90Hz refresh rate is fixed. Users must manually switch to 60Hz to save battery.

  11. Q: Can the Nord 2 handle heavy gaming?
    A: Yes. The Dimensity 1200-AI and Mali-G77 GPU run demanding titles like Genshin Impact at medium-high settings (45–50fps).

  12. Q: Does it have a headphone jack?
    A: No, but it supports USB-C audio adapters and Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless headphones.

  13. Q: What 5G bands does it support?
    A: Sub-6GHz bands vary by region. In India, it supports n1, n3, n28, n78; in Europe, n1, n3, n7, n8, n20, n28, n38, n41, n78.

  14. Q: Why does the Nord 2 lack an ultrawide selfie camera?
    A: OnePlus removed it to cut costs. The 32MP front camera is sharp but less versatile for group selfies.

  15. Q: Is the plastic frame durable?
    A: The polycarbonate frame reduces weight (189g) and resists minor drops but feels less premium than metal frames.

  16. Q: What’s the starting price in India?
    A: The base 6GB+128GB variant starts at ₹25,999, undercutting rivals like the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G.

Leave a Comment