Huawei nova 10 vs OnePlus Nord 2T: A Detailed Comparison of Mid-Range Powerhouses

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Huawei nova 10 and OnePlus Nord 2T represent compelling options for users seeking premium features without the flagship price tag. This comparison dives deep into their specifications, focusing on performance, camera capabilities, and charging speeds to determine which device offers the best overall value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus Nord 2T is the stronger choice. While both phones offer similar endurance ratings (100h), the Nord 2T’s Mediatek Dimensity 1300 chipset provides a performance edge, and its 80W SuperVOOC charging significantly reduces downtime compared to the nova 10’s 66W charging.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei nova 10 OnePlus Nord 2T
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands-1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China-
Launch
Announced2022, July 042022, May 19
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, July 10Available. Released 2022, May 21
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame
Dimensions162.2 x 73.9 x 6.9 mm (6.39 x 2.91 x 0.27 in)159.1 x 73.2 x 8.2 mm (6.26 x 2.88 x 0.32 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight168 g (5.93 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 670 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 670)Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 1300 (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 642LMali-G77 MC9
OSHarmonyOS 2.0 (China), EMUI 12 (Europe), no Google Play ServicesAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 14, OxygenOS 14
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single60 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide)32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 112˚ (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens
Video4K, 1080p, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRAuto HDR
Single60 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide)32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/a/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 Virtual proximity sensing-
Battery
Charging66W wired 5W reverse wired80W wired, PD
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Silver, Green, VioletGray Shadow, Jade Fog
ModelsNCO-AL00, NCO-LX1, NCO-LX3CPH2399, CPH2401
PriceAbout 500 EUR€ 144.39 / $ 169.99 / ₹ 31,490
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 100h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -25.6 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 490545 (v8) | 604467 (v9) GeekBench: 2790 (v5.1) GFXBench: 40fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Huawei nova 10

  • Sleek and modern design (assumed based on Huawei's aesthetic)
  • 5W Reverse Wired Charging for accessory top-ups
  • Potentially more refined software experience (depending on user preference)

  • Limited to 4G connectivity with the Snapdragon 778G
  • Slower charging speed (66W vs 80W)
  • Lack of detailed camera specifications

OnePlus Nord 2T

  • More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 1300 chipset
  • Faster 80W SuperVOOC charging with PD
  • Higher peak display brightness (636 nits)

  • OxygenOS software may not appeal to all users
  • Camera performance relies heavily on software processing
  • No reverse wireless charging

Display Comparison

The OnePlus Nord 2T boasts a measured peak brightness of 636 nits, suggesting a more visible display in direct sunlight compared to the nova 10, for which brightness data is unavailable. Both displays feature an 'infinite' contrast ratio, a common marketing term that doesn't necessarily translate to superior real-world performance. Without knowing the panel technology used in the nova 10 (OLED vs LCD), it's difficult to assess color accuracy or viewing angles, but the Nord 2T’s brightness gives it a clear advantage for outdoor usability.

Camera Comparison

Both devices are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking. Without knowing megapixel counts, sensor sizes, or aperture values, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the absence of any mention of advanced features like OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device suggests a focus on computational photography rather than hardware prowess. The usefulness of a 2MP macro camera, often found in this price range, is questionable, as image quality is typically subpar. Image processing style will likely be a key differentiator, with Huawei historically favoring more saturated colors.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Huawei nova 10 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 4G (6nm), while the OnePlus Nord 2T features the Mediatek Dimensity 1300 (6nm). The Dimensity 1300’s CPU configuration – a 1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 and 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 – offers a higher peak clock speed and more powerful core architecture than the Snapdragon 778G’s 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 670 and 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 670. This translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Nord 2T. The Snapdragon 778G’s 4G limitation is a significant drawback for users in areas with robust 5G infrastructure.

Battery Life

Both the Huawei nova 10 and OnePlus Nord 2T achieve an endurance rating of 100 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the charging speeds are markedly different. The Nord 2T supports 80W wired charging with PD (Power Delivery), allowing for significantly faster top-ups compared to the nova 10’s 66W charging. This means the Nord 2T can go from 0-100% in less time, minimizing downtime. The nova 10 also offers 5W reverse wired charging, a niche feature for topping up accessories, which the Nord 2T lacks.

Buying Guide

Buy the Huawei nova 10 if you prioritize a sleek design and are comfortable with the limitations of the 4G Snapdragon 778G chipset, particularly if 5G connectivity isn't a necessity. Buy the OnePlus Nord 2T if you value faster performance for gaming and multitasking, coupled with significantly quicker charging speeds, making it ideal for power users and those constantly on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 1300 in the Nord 2T get noticeably warmer during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 1300 is a powerful chip, Mediatek has made strides in thermal efficiency. The Nord 2T’s cooling system, combined with the 6nm process node, should prevent significant overheating during typical gaming. However, prolonged, graphically intensive games may still lead to some warmth, which is common in this price segment.
❓ Is the 4G limitation of the Huawei nova 10 a dealbreaker if I live in an area with limited 5G coverage?
Not necessarily. If 5G isn't readily available in your area, the 4G limitation of the Snapdragon 778G won't be a significant drawback. However, consider that 4G networks are gradually being phased out in favor of 5G, so future-proofing is a concern.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the OnePlus Nord 2T with the 80W SuperVOOC charger?
OnePlus claims the Nord 2T can charge from 1-100% in approximately 32 minutes with the 80W SuperVOOC charger. Real-world results may vary slightly depending on usage and ambient temperature, but it's significantly faster than the nova 10's 66W charging.