Huawei nova 8 SE vs OnePlus Nord 2 5G: A Detailed Mid-Range Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G emerges as the stronger contender. Its Mediatek Dimensity 1200 chipset provides a significant performance advantage over both versions of the nova 8 SE, translating to smoother multitasking and gaming. While the nova 8 SE boasts impressive 66W charging, the Nord 2 5G’s overall package is more compelling.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Huawei nova 8 SE | OnePlus Nord 2 5G |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - EU |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA - EU |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | - | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 06. Released 2020, November 11 | 2021, July 22 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, July 28 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 161.1 x 74.8 x 7.5 mm (6.34 x 2.94 x 0.30 in) | 159.1 x 73.3 x 8.3 mm (6.26 x 2.89 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, HDR10 | Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - standard modelOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - premium model | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) - standard modelMediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) - premium model | Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| OS | Android 10, EMUI 10.1, no Google Play Services | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, Panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.4, 120˚, 17mm (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.3, 120˚ (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | Auto HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, SBAS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 66W wired, 60% in 15 min, 100% in 35 min | 65W wired, PD, 100% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 3800 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Deep Blue, Blue, Silver | Gray Sierra, Blue Haze, Green Wood, Pac-Man Edition |
| Models | JSC-AN00 | DN2101, DN2103 |
| Price | About 330 EUR | € 189.00 / $ 219.99 / £ 148.00 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 102h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - | -24.3 LUFS (Very good) |
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 512164 (v8) | 598022 (v9) GeekBench: 2792 (v5.1) GFXBench: 38fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Huawei nova 8 SE
- Extremely fast 66W charging
- Sleek and stylish design (assumed based on Huawei's design language)
- Potentially competitive price (depending on region)
- Less powerful chipset (Dimensity 720/800U)
- Potential lack of full Google Mobile Services
- Limited information on display quality
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
- Significantly more powerful Dimensity 1200 chipset
- Cleaner Android experience
- Bright and vibrant display (633 nits)
- Slightly slower charging than nova 8 SE
- May be more expensive than nova 8 SE
- Camera processing may not appeal to all users
Display Comparison
The OnePlus Nord 2 5G features a display capable of reaching 633 nits of peak brightness, ensuring good visibility even outdoors. While the nova 8 SE’s display specifications are not provided, Huawei typically focuses on color accuracy in this segment. The Nord 2 5G’s ‘infinite’ contrast ratio (nominal) suggests a strong OLED panel, offering deep blacks and vibrant colors. Without specific details on the nova 8 SE’s panel type, it’s difficult to assess its contrast performance, but the Nord 2 5G likely holds an advantage in overall visual quality.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but details are limited. The Nord 2 5G’s camera system likely benefits from the Dimensity 1200’s advanced image signal processor (ISP). Without sensor size or aperture information for either phone, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, OnePlus generally prioritizes image processing for natural-looking results, while Huawei often leans towards more saturated colors. The absence of details regarding OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device makes it hard to assess low-light performance. We can assume the Nord 2 5G’s more powerful chipset will provide better computational photography capabilities.
Performance
This is where the Nord 2 5G truly shines. Its Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core configuration with a prime Cortex-A78 core clocked at 3.0 GHz, significantly outperforms the nova 8 SE’s options. The nova 8 SE comes in two variants: the standard with the Dimensity 720 (7nm) and a premium version with the Dimensity 800U (7nm). The Dimensity 1200’s more advanced architecture and higher clock speeds deliver substantially improved CPU and GPU performance. The Nord 2 5G’s use of faster RAM (likely LPDDR5) further enhances responsiveness. Users engaging in demanding tasks like gaming or video editing will experience a noticeable difference with the Nord 2 5G.
Battery Life
Both phones boast an endurance rating of 102 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. The Nord 2 5G’s battery capacity is not specified, but its 65W wired charging with PD support achieves a full charge in 30 minutes. The nova 8 SE, with its 66W charging, claims 60% charge in 15 minutes and 100% in 35 minutes. While the nova 8 SE charges slightly faster initially, the Nord 2 5G’s PD support offers broader compatibility with chargers. The similar endurance ratings suggest that real-world battery life will depend more on individual usage patterns than raw capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei nova 8 SE if you prioritize extremely fast charging and a sleek design, and are comfortable navigating the Huawei ecosystem without full Google Mobile Services. Buy the OnePlus Nord 2 5G if you value raw performance, a cleaner Android experience, and a more versatile camera system, even if it means slightly slower charging speeds.