OnePlus Nord 2T vs. Infinix Zero 20: A Detailed Comparison

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the OnePlus Nord 2T and Infinix Zero 20 represent compelling options. The Nord 2T, a refinement of a popular formula, faces off against the Zero 20, which aims to disrupt with aggressive pricing and a focus on fast charging. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus Nord 2T emerges as the stronger contender. Its Dimensity 1300 chipset provides a noticeable performance advantage, and the 80W SuperVOOC charging is significantly faster than the Zero 20’s 45W solution. While the Zero 20 offers a competitive price, the Nord 2T’s superior processing power and charging speed justify the price difference.

PHONES
Phone Names Infinix Zero 20 OnePlus Nord 2T
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 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 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2022, October 052022, May 19
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, January 02Available. Released 2022, May 21
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame
Dimensions164.4 x 76.7 x 8 mm (6.47 x 3.02 x 0.31 in)159.1 x 73.2 x 8.2 mm (6.26 x 2.88 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight196 g (6.91 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 90HzAMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 1300 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G77 MC9
OSAndroid 12, XOS 12Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, OxygenOS 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesQuad-LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single60 MP, (wide), AF, OIS32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Triple108 MP, (wide), PDAF 13 MP, AF 2 MP50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens
Video1440p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDRAuto HDR
Single60 MP, (wide), AF, OIS32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1440p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
BluetoothYes5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging45W wired, 75% in 30 min80W wired, PD
Type4500 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsSpace Gray, Glitter Gold, Green FantasyGray Shadow, Jade Fog
ModelsX6821CPH2399, CPH2401
PriceAbout 200 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)

Infinix Zero 20

  • More affordable price point
  • Competitive 45W fast charging
  • Decent performance for everyday tasks

  • Helio G99 chipset is less powerful than Dimensity 1300
  • Limited information on display quality

OnePlus Nord 2T

  • Significantly faster 80W SuperVOOC charging
  • More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 1300 chipset
  • Brighter display for better outdoor visibility

  • Higher price compared to the Infinix Zero 20
  • Potential for thermal throttling under heavy load

Display Comparison

The OnePlus Nord 2T boasts a measured peak brightness of 636 nits, offering a visibly brighter experience than what we’d expect from the Zero 20, though specific brightness data for the Zero 20 is unavailable. While both likely utilize AMOLED panels for vibrant colors, the Nord 2T’s higher brightness translates to better outdoor visibility. The Nord 2T’s ‘infinite’ contrast ratio (nominal) is typical for AMOLED displays, providing deep blacks and excellent image quality. Without specific details on the Zero 20’s panel, it’s difficult to assess color accuracy or refresh rate, but the Nord 2T’s display is a clear strength.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature photo and video capabilities, but details are limited. Without sensor size information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the Nord 2T would be a significant advantage, particularly for low-light photography and video recording. The Zero 20 may rely on software stabilization, which is less effective. The aperture of the main lens is also a critical factor; a wider aperture (lower f-number) allows more light to enter the sensor, improving low-light performance. Ignoring the typical 2MP macro lenses found on both devices, the primary camera’s image processing algorithms will heavily influence the final image quality.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord 2T’s Mediatek Dimensity 1300, with its 1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 core and 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 cores, offers a substantial performance leap over the Infinix Zero 20’s Mediatek Helio G99. The Dimensity 1300’s more powerful CPU architecture and higher clock speeds will result in faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive gaming experience. The Helio G99, while efficient, is geared towards entry-level to mid-range performance. The Nord 2T’s likely use of faster LPDDR4X or LPDDR5 RAM further enhances its performance advantage. Thermal management will be crucial; the Dimensity 1300’s higher performance necessitates effective cooling to prevent throttling during sustained loads.

Battery Life

Both devices share an endurance rating of 100 hours, suggesting similar battery life under typical usage. However, the charging speeds are drastically different. The OnePlus Nord 2T’s 80W SuperVOOC charging, with PD support, can replenish the battery much faster than the Infinix Zero 20’s 45W wired charging. The Nord 2T can likely achieve a full charge in under 40 minutes, while the Zero 20 takes approximately 30 minutes to reach 75%, implying a longer total charge time. This difference in charging speed is a significant convenience factor for users who frequently need to top up their battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the Infinix Zero 20 if you prioritize affordability and are a casual user who primarily focuses on social media, light browsing, and occasional photography. Its 45W charging is still respectable, and the Helio G99 is adequate for everyday tasks. Buy the OnePlus Nord 2T if you demand smoother performance for gaming and multitasking, value significantly faster charging, and appreciate a more refined software experience. The Nord 2T is the better choice for power users and those who want a phone that will last longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 1300 in the OnePlus Nord 2T get hot during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 1300 is a powerful chip, and sustained gaming will generate heat. OnePlus has implemented thermal management solutions, but some throttling is possible during extended, graphically demanding games. However, the Nord 2T’s cooling system is generally effective at preventing overheating and maintaining stable performance.
❓ Is the 45W charging on the Infinix Zero 20 fast enough for daily use?
While 45W charging isn't as rapid as the Nord 2T's 80W SuperVOOC, it's still a respectable charging speed. It can charge the phone from 0% to 75% in approximately 30 minutes, which is sufficient for many users. However, those who frequently need a quick top-up will appreciate the Nord 2T’s faster charging.
❓ What kind of gaming performance can I expect from the Infinix Zero 20 with the Helio G99?
The Helio G99 is capable of running most popular mobile games at medium settings. Expect playable frame rates in titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you may need to lower graphics settings for smoother performance in more demanding games. It's not a dedicated gaming chipset, so don't expect flagship-level gaming experiences.
❓ Does the OnePlus Nord 2T support software updates for an extended period?
OnePlus generally provides good software support for its devices. The Nord 2T is expected to receive at least two major Android updates and three years of security patches, ensuring it remains secure and up-to-date for a reasonable lifespan.