OnePlus Nord 2 5G: A Comprehensive Review of a Budget Smartphone

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G is a budget smartphone that's packed with impressive features. It has a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, making it a joy to use.

One of the standout features of the Nord 2 5G is its performance, thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 1200-AI chip. This powerful processor delivers smooth and seamless performance, even with demanding tasks.

The phone's camera is also a highlight, with a 50MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP macro lens. This combination allows for high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions.

With up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, the Nord 2 5G is well-equipped to handle multiple tasks at once.

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The OnePlus Nord 2 5G has a plastic frame with a metallic finish, and Gorilla Glass 5 protects both the screen and back panel.

The power button and mute switch are on the right side, while the volume key is on the left side. The top has a secondary microphone, and the bottom has the primary microphone, USB-C port, loudspeaker, and dual-SIM card slot.

The device is available in Gray Sierra, Blue Haze, and Green-Wood colors, with the latter featuring artificial leather.

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G has a plastic frame with a metallic finish, which gives it a premium look.

The device's frame is complemented by Gorilla Glass 5 protection on both the screen and back panel, ensuring durability and scratch resistance.

The power button and mute switch are located on the right side, while the volume key is on the left side, making it easy to navigate.

A secondary microphone is located at the top, and the bottom has the primary microphone, USB-C port, loudspeaker, and dual-SIM card slot.

The rear camera array is housed in the top corner, featuring three sensors, and the dual-LED flash adds to the device's photography capabilities.

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G is available in three colors: Gray Sierra, Blue Haze, and Green-Wood, which features artificial leather.

All colors have slightly different finishes, but they all feature a smooth glass surface with Gorilla Glass 5 protection.

The device's design is inspired by the OnePlus 9, with flat sides and smooth material transitions.

The frame is made of plastic, which is a minor tradeoff for the device's overall design.

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The OnePlus Nord 2 5G's touchscreen is incredibly smooth, thanks to its 90 Hz display and 180 Hz touch sampling rate.

You can expect seamless navigation and fast response times, making it a joy to use. I've used devices with lower refresh rates and can attest to the difference a higher refresh rate makes.

The fingerprint reader is cleverly placed underneath the display, allowing for quick and reliable unlocking, even from within the always-on display.

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G packs a punch with its powerful MediaTek Dimensity 1200-AI processor.

This processor is paired with the Mali-G77 MC9 GPU, which is designed to handle demanding tasks and graphics.

The device offers 128 or 256 GB of non-expandable UFS 3.1 storage, which is plenty of space for your apps, photos, and files.

You can choose from 8 or 12 GB of RAM, depending on your needs, for a seamless and responsive experience.

The MediaTek Dimensity 1200-AI processor is a powerhouse that drives the OnePlus Nord 2 5G.

This processor is paired with the Mali-G77 MC9 GPU, which is a top-notch graphics processing unit that delivers smooth and seamless performance.

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G comes with 128 or 256 GB of non-expandable UFS 3.1 storage, which is plenty of room for all your files and apps.

You can choose from 8 or 12 GB of RAM, depending on your needs, to ensure that your device runs smoothly and efficiently.

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G can get quite hot under load, with temperatures reaching as high as 48.7 °C (~120 °F) in our load test.

This is a significant increase from its predecessor, the OnePlus Nord, which also warmed up a lot but not to this extent.

In fact, the Nord 2 gets hotter than the Nord, with a maximum temperature of 48.7 °C (~120 °F) compared to the Nord's maximum temperature of 47.6 °C (~118 °F).

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The phone's performance also takes a hit when it's under load for a prolonged period of time, with a significant drop in performance revealed by the 3DMark stress tests.

To give you a better idea, here are the results of the 3DMark stress tests:

The phone's temperature also varies depending on the specific test being run, with the maximum temperature ranging from 45.5 °C (~114 °F) to 48.7 °C (~120 °F).

The average temperature during these tests is around 44.2 °C (~112 °F), which is still quite warm but not as hot as the maximum temperature.

It's worth noting that the phone's throttling mechanism helps to prevent it from overheating even further, but this comes at the cost of performance.

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The OnePlus Nord 2 5G runs on OxygenOS 11.3, which is based on Android 11 and can be upgraded to Android 13. This means you'll have access to the latest features and security patches for at least two years.

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The interface is designed to be user-friendly, with controls mainly located in the lower half of the display, making it easy to reach with smaller hands. This thoughtful design is a great feature for users who prefer a more intuitive experience.

OnePlus offers two years of Android updates and three years of security updates, giving you peace of mind knowing your device will stay secure and up-to-date for a long time.

The manufacturer also installs its own apps, such as the gallery, but leaves room for you to uninstall any unused apps, keeping your device clutter-free.

A DRM-L1 certification is available, allowing you to enjoy streaming content in HD quality as needed.

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The OnePlus Nord 2 5G has a 6.43-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, making it a great choice for gaming.

The display supports HDR and HDR10+, and has AI resolution boost and AI Color Boost video enhancement features. This means you can expect vivid colors and smooth visuals.

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The display also has fast response times, with a response time of 8 ms from black to white and 50% grey to 80% grey. This is better than the average of all tested devices, making it well-suited for gaming.

The camera is also a highlight of the device, with a 50-megapixel main camera and optical image stabilizer. The camera takes detailed photos and can record videos in 4K at 30 fps or 1080p at 60 fps.

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The OnePlus Nord 2 5G boasts a stunning 6.43-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. This means you'll get smooth visuals and fast scrolling.

The display has a circular cutout at the top left corner for the front-facing camera and an optical fingerprint scanner below the display. This design choice keeps the display clutter-free while still providing essential features.

OnePlus Nord 2 5G's display is HDR and HDR10+ certified, and it also has AI resolution boost and AI Color Boost video enhancement features. These features will enhance your viewing experience, especially when watching videos or playing games.

The display's maximum brightness is higher than its predecessor's, making it suitable for outdoor use. With an average brightness of 594 cd/m², you can comfortably use your phone even in bright sunlight.

However, it's worth noting that the display does flicker at full brightness, which might be a concern for sensitive users. But overall, the display's brightness and uniformity are impressive.

Here's a comparison of the OnePlus Nord 2 5G's display with some other popular devices:

As you can see, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G's display has a high maximum brightness and excellent brightness distribution.

In terms of response times, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G's display shows fast response rates in our tests and should be suited for gaming. The screen's response time is better than the average of all tested devices, making it a great choice for gamers.

The display's viewing angles are also perfect, thanks to its OLED technology. This means you can enjoy an uninterrupted viewing experience even when tilting your phone.

The camera on this device is quite impressive. It has a triple camera setup on the rear, with a 50 MP Sony IMX766 wide sensor with PDAF and OIS, an 8 MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2 MP monochrome sensor.

The main camera offers a slightly higher resolution than its predecessor, with 50 megapixels, and an optical image stabilizer for reduced blur. Pictures look quite detailed, but the camera is only average when it comes to image sharpness. The reproduction is good in low light and high contrasts, but dynamics could be even better.

You can record video at a maximum of 4K at 30 fps, and also offers 1080p at 30, 60 or 240 fps. The front camera has a single 32 MP Sony IMX616 sensor, omitting the Nord's ultrawide lens.

The autofocus responds very quickly and subtly, and exposure is also adjusted almost seamlessly and quickly as well. The photo and video app from OnePlus comes with a few filters that can be used to customize the video.

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The OnePlus Nord 2 5G has a non-removable 4,500 mAh battery, which is a bit smaller than what's common in budget phones, but still sufficient for good runtimes.

The phone's battery life is impressive, with a 15:58 hour runtime in Wi-Fi mode, a 9% improvement over its predecessor.

You can expect around 32 hours of idle time, 18 hours of movie playback, and 4.5 hours of heavy use before needing a recharge.

The phone's Warp Charge 65 technology allows for super-fast charging, recharging the battery to 100% in just under 40 minutes.

Here's a comparison of the Nord 2 5G's battery runtime with other similar devices:

Overall, the Nord 2 5G's battery life is impressive, and its fast charging capabilities make it a great choice for heavy users.

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G has Wi-Fi 6, which is a big deal for its price range. This means it can connect to the internet at super-fast speeds, even when you're using multiple devices at home.

The Nord 2 5G also supports multiple 4G frequencies, making it a great choice for travelers. You'll have fewer restrictions when you're abroad, and you can stay connected even when you're in areas with weak signal.

In our tests, the Nord 2 5G was able to keep up with more expensive smartphones like the Motorola Moto G100 and the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G. Here's a comparison of their speeds:

The Nord 2 5G also has great GPS capabilities, with an accuracy of around 3 meters when you're outdoors. It's a bit slower to determine your location, but it's still very reliable.

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G offers a decent storage option, especially considering its price range. The phone comes with UFS 3.1 storage, which is a significant upgrade over its predecessor.

You can choose from two storage variants: 8 GB RAM / 128 GB storage and 12 GB RAM / 256 GB storage, both priced at 399 Euros and 499 Euros respectively.

The phone also has a faster storage option, which is a great advantage. However, it's worth noting that a microSD card cannot be used to expand the storage, a feature that's only available on the lower-priced OnePlus Nord N10 5G and Nord N100 models.

The storage options are quite impressive, especially considering the price range. Here's a quick comparison of the storage options:

The phone's storage options are definitely a highlight, and it's great to see such a significant upgrade over its predecessor.

The speakers on this device are a hybrid system, which means the top speaker also serves as an earpiece when making calls.

They can get reasonably loud if desired, but the sound is a bit high-pitched.

In general, the resulting sound pattern is average and can't compete with hi-fi systems or even with the best smartphone speakers, but it's definitely sufficient for everyday use.

You can forward audio signals to external devices via Bluetooth or using the USB-C port, and it works smoothly.

The aptX HD codecs are also available in wireless mode, which is a nice feature.

The speaker loudness is average but good, reaching up to 81.6 dB.

The bass is nearly non-existent, coming in at 28.2% lower than the median.

The mids are actually pretty balanced, being only 4.6% away from the median.

The highs are also balanced, with only a 3.4% difference from the median.

The overall sound pattern is average in terms of linearity, with a 21.9% difference to the median.

Compared to devices in the same class, 43% were better, 8% similar, and 49% worse.

In comparison to all devices tested, 61% were better, 7% similar, and 32% worse.

The speakers can actually play relatively loud, reaching up to 84.9 dB.

However, the bass is nearly non-existent, coming in at 74.7% lower than the median.

The mids are also nearly non-existent, with an average of 74.7% lower than the median.

The highs are linear, but the overall sound is not linear, with a 113.3% difference to the median.

Compared to devices in the same class, 87% were better, 2% similar, and 11% worse.

In comparison to all devices tested, 96% were better, 1% similar, and 3% worse.

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The OnePlus Nord 2 5G is a real flagship killer, offering very good features for little money. It's priced just under 400 Euros (~$472), making it a great option for those who don't need the absolute best.

One of the standout features of the Nord 2 5G is its charging speed, which is very quick. This is a big plus for those who need to get back to work or play quickly.

The phone also provides fast internet and modern communication standards like 5G, making it a great choice for those who want to stay connected. It's worth noting that the Nord 2 5G even challenges its own more expensive phones in some areas.

While it may not be able to keep up with the priciest smartphones in every single aspect, it's a great option for those who are willing to make a few compromises. The quality of the competition is also very high, with phones like the Motorola Moto G100 and Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G offering a lot of performance and features.

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G is packed with impressive features that take your smartphone experience to the next level.

The phone comes with a 6.43-inch AMOLED display, providing vibrant colors and crisp visuals.

OnePlus has also included a 90Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and gaming a smoother experience.

You can record videos at 4K resolution and take stunning photos with the 48MP primary camera.

The phone also has an 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera and a 2MP macro camera for capturing unique perspectives.

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G has a large 4500mAh battery that supports fast charging, ensuring you stay powered up throughout the day.

The phone also features an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure biometric authentication.

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G is a powerhouse of a phone, and its specifications and performance are no exception. It's powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1200-AI processor, which delivers lightning-fast performance and efficient battery life.

The phone comes with up to 12GB of RAM, making it perfect for multitasking and running multiple apps simultaneously. This is especially useful for gaming and video editing, where having plenty of RAM can make a big difference.

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G also features a large 4500mAh battery, which provides all-day battery life and can easily last a full day with moderate use. This is thanks to the phone's power-efficient processor and optimized software.

With a 90Hz AMOLED display, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G offers stunning visuals and a smooth user experience. The display is also HDR10+ certified, which means it can display a wide range of colors and contrast levels.

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The OnePlus Nord 2 5G uses Google's standard app for phone calls, which is a good thing.

VoLTE and VoWiFi are supported, which means you can make calls over the internet for better quality.

The voice of the person on the other end of the line can get quite loud if desired, and it sounds clear for the most part.

Our voice is also transmitted quite well when making calls.

However, the speaker used for hands-free mode sounds rather mediocre in terms of volume.

It also shows pronounced high tones, which can be a bit annoying.

You'll need to speak fairly loudly for your voice to be picked up, which can be a bit inconvenient.