The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Micromax In Note 2, with its MediaTek Helio G95, aims to deliver solid performance at an aggressive price. However, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G, enters the fray with a more efficient chipset and the backing of a well-established brand. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing 5G connectivity and long-term efficiency, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 695, built on a 6nm process, offers superior power efficiency and 5G capabilities compared to the Micromax In Note 2’s Helio G95. While the In Note 2 offers competitive charging, the Nord CE 2 Lite’s overall package is more compelling.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 25 | 2022, April 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 30 | Available. Released 2022, April 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 74.3 x 8.3 mm (6.30 x 2.93 x 0.33 in) | 164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.59 inches, 104.5 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 550 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | - |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 50% in 25 min
Reverse wired | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Oak | Black Dusk, Blue Tide |
| Models | E7446 | CPH2381, CPH2409 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | 1.01 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body) | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.71 W/kg (body) |
Micromax In note 2
- Potentially higher CPU performance in benchmarks
- Competitive 30W fast charging
- Aggressive pricing
- Less efficient 12nm Helio G95 chipset
- Likely inferior 5G performance
- Potentially less refined software experience
OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G
- More efficient 6nm Snapdragon 695 chipset
- Better 5G connectivity
- OxygenOS provides a smoother user experience
- Slightly lower peak CPU performance
- Marginally slower charging speed (33W vs 30W)
- Potentially higher price
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, a common choice in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood. While specific display specs are missing, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G benefits from Qualcomm’s display optimization features within the Snapdragon 695, potentially leading to slightly better color accuracy and power efficiency. The Micromax In Note 2’s display is likely tuned for vibrancy, but may lack the same level of refinement.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G likely benefits from Qualcomm’s Spectra ISP, offering improved image processing capabilities. The Snapdragon 695’s ISP is designed for efficient image capture and processing, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. The Micromax In Note 2’s camera performance will likely be adequate in good lighting conditions, but may struggle in challenging scenarios. We can assume both devices will include a standard array of lenses, but the image processing pipeline is where the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G will likely shine.
Performance
The performance gap is significant. The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 (6nm) is architecturally superior to the Micromax In Note 2’s MediaTek Helio G95 (12nm). The Snapdragon 695 utilizes Kryo 660 Gold and Silver cores clocked up to 2.2 GHz, while the Helio G95 features Cortex-A76 and A55 cores peaking at 2.05 GHz. The 6nm process node of the Snapdragon 695 translates to significantly better thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during sustained workloads like gaming. This means the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G will maintain higher frame rates for longer periods. The In Note 2’s Helio G95 will offer adequate performance for everyday tasks, but will struggle with demanding games and multitasking.
Battery Life
Both phones offer respectable battery life, but the Snapdragon 695’s efficiency gives the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G an edge. While the Micromax In Note 2 features 30W wired charging (50% in 25 minutes), the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G counters with 33W wired charging. The difference in charging speed is marginal, but the Snapdragon 695’s lower power consumption means the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G will likely require less frequent charging, offering a longer overall usage time between charges.
Buying Guide
Buy the Micromax In Note 2 if you need maximum CPU performance for demanding apps and don't heavily rely on 5G. Its Helio G95 provides a slight edge in raw processing power. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G if you prioritize 5G connectivity, all-day battery life, and a more refined software experience. The Snapdragon 695’s efficiency and OnePlus’ OxygenOS provide a smoother, more reliable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Micromax In Note 2 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The MediaTek Helio G95, built on a 12nm process, is prone to thermal throttling under sustained load. While it can handle casual gaming, expect performance drops and potential overheating during extended gaming sessions with demanding titles. The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G’s Snapdragon 695, with its 6nm process, manages heat much more effectively.
❓ How does the 5G performance differ between these two phones?
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G’s Snapdragon 695 is specifically designed for 5G connectivity, offering wider band support and improved signal reception. The Micromax In Note 2’s Helio G95 supports 5G, but its implementation is less optimized, potentially resulting in slower speeds and less reliable connections, especially in areas with weaker 5G coverage.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed (30W vs 33W) noticeable in real-world use?
The difference of 3W in charging wattage is minimal. Both phones will charge relatively quickly, but the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G might gain a slight edge, reaching full charge a few minutes faster. However, the overall charging experience is more influenced by battery capacity and charging protocols than the wattage difference.
