The Micromax In Note 2 and Oppo F21 Pro 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive sub-$300 5G smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a modern experience, they take distinctly different approaches to processing power and efficiency. This comparison dissects their core components to reveal which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and battery efficiency, the Oppo F21 Pro 5G emerges as the stronger contender. Its Snapdragon 695, built on a 6nm process, offers a noticeable advantage over the Micromax In Note 2’s Helio G95 in terms of power management and consistent frame rates, despite a slightly lower peak CPU clock speed.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 25 | 2022, April 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 30 | Available. Released 2022, April 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 74.3 x 8.3 mm (6.30 x 2.93 x 0.33 in) | 159.9 x 73.2 x 7.5 mm (6.30 x 2.88 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 173 g (6.10 oz) |
| | - | IPX4, dust and water resistant
RGB ring lights around the cameras (notifications, charging progress) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Schott Xensation glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 550 nits (typ) | AMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| 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 14, ColorOS 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| 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 | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 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 | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 50% in 25 min
Reverse wired | 33W wired, PD, 31% in 15 min, 100% in 63 min
Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Oak | Rainbow Spectrum, Cosmic Black, Dawnlight Gold, Starlight Black |
| Models | E7446 | CPH2341, CPH2455 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 330 EUR |
| SAR | 1.01 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body) | - |
Micromax In note 2
- Potentially higher peak CPU performance for short tasks.
- 30W fast charging with reverse wired charging.
- Generally more affordable.
- Less efficient 12nm Helio G95 chipset.
- Likely more thermal throttling under sustained load.
- Potentially less refined image processing.
Oppo F21 Pro 5G
- More efficient 6nm Snapdragon 695 chipset.
- Better sustained performance and thermal management.
- Potentially superior camera image processing.
- Slightly slower peak charging speed.
- May be marginally more expensive.
- Reverse wired charging is present, but may be less optimized.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness in nits or color gamut coverage) are absent, the focus here is on the underlying processors. Display quality is likely similar, leaning towards adequate for the price point. Bezels are expected to be comparable, typical of this segment.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Snapdragon 695 typically pairs with more advanced image signal processors (ISPs), potentially leading to better image processing and noise reduction in the Oppo F21 Pro 5G. The absence of information regarding sensor sizes and OIS makes a definitive statement impossible, but the Oppo’s chipset suggests a more capable camera system overall. We can safely assume both phones will include standard features like HDR and portrait modes.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo F21 Pro 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 (6nm) is a significant step up from the Micromax In Note 2’s MediaTek Helio G95 (12nm). The 6nm process inherently provides better thermal efficiency, meaning the Snapdragon 695 will likely sustain peak performance for longer periods without throttling. While the Helio G95 has a slightly higher peak CPU clock speed (2.05 GHz vs 2.2 GHz), the Snapdragon 695’s Kryo 660 Gold cores offer a more modern architecture and improved IPC (Instructions Per Clock). This translates to better real-world responsiveness and smoother multitasking. The Snapdragon 695 also benefits from Qualcomm’s optimized 5G modem.
Battery Life
Both phones offer adequate battery capacity, but the charging speeds and chipset efficiency create a clear distinction. The Oppo F21 Pro 5G’s 33W charging, while not the fastest, is more efficient due to the Snapdragon 695’s lower power consumption. The Micromax In Note 2’s 30W charging can deliver a 50% charge in 25 minutes, but the Helio G95’s higher power draw means it will deplete the battery faster during intensive tasks. The Oppo F21 Pro 5G takes 63 minutes for a full charge, demonstrating a more measured and efficient charging profile.
Buying Guide
Buy the Micromax In Note 2 if you prioritize maximizing raw CPU performance for short bursts and value the inclusion of 30W fast charging with reverse wired capabilities. Buy the Oppo F21 Pro 5G if you prefer a more balanced experience with superior power efficiency, a more modern chipset architecture, and a smoother overall user experience, even if it means slightly slower peak charging speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G95 in the Micromax In Note 2 struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Helio G95 can run Genshin Impact, but expect to make significant compromises in graphics settings. The 12nm process and less efficient architecture will likely lead to noticeable frame drops and thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions. The Snapdragon 695 in the Oppo F21 Pro 5G offers a smoother, more consistent gaming experience.
❓ How much of a real-world difference will the 6nm process of the Snapdragon 695 make in daily use?
The 6nm process translates to significantly improved power efficiency. This means the Oppo F21 Pro 5G will likely last longer on a single charge with similar usage patterns compared to the Micromax In Note 2. You'll also experience less heat buildup during demanding tasks, leading to more consistent performance.
❓ Does the Oppo F21 Pro 5G support carrier aggregation for faster 5G speeds?
The Snapdragon 695 typically supports carrier aggregation, allowing it to combine multiple 5G bands for faster download and upload speeds, provided your carrier network supports it. The Micromax In Note 2's 5G capabilities are less well-defined, and carrier aggregation support is not explicitly stated.
