OnePlus Nord 2 5G vs OnePlus 10R: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G and the OnePlus 10R represent different approaches within OnePlus’s mid-range strategy. The Nord 2 5G, released earlier, aimed for a well-rounded experience, while the 10R arrived later focusing on raw speed and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus 10R emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 8100 Max chipset, built on a more efficient 5nm process, delivers noticeably improved performance. While the Nord 2 5G boasts respectable endurance, the 10R’s faster 80W charging mitigates any battery capacity concerns.

PHONES
Phone Names OnePlus Nord 2 5G OnePlus 10R
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - EU1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA - EU1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA), Cat12 600/150 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2021, July 222022, April 28
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, July 28Available. Released 2022, May 04
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions159.1 x 73.3 x 8.3 mm (6.26 x 2.89 x 0.33 in)163.3 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm (6.43 x 2.97 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight189 g (6.67 oz)186 g (6.56 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density)
Size6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFluid AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+Fluid AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 8100 Max (5 nm)
GPUMali-G77 MC9Mali-G610 MC6
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.3, 120˚ (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 15mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesAuto HDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm16 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm
Video1080p@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, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, SBAS, NavICGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/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, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging65W wired, PD, 100% in 30 min80W wired, 100% in 32 min
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray Sierra, Blue Haze, Green Wood, Pac-Man EditionSierra Black, Forest Green, Prime Blue
ModelsDN2101, DN2103CPH2411
Price€ 189.00 / $ 219.99 / £ 148.00₹ 34,999
SAR-0.95 W/kg (head)     0.96 W/kg (body)
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)-

OnePlus Nord 2 5G

  • Excellent battery endurance (102h)
  • Reliable and consistent performance
  • Proven track record of software support

  • Older chipset (Dimensity 1200)
  • Slower charging compared to the 10R

OnePlus 10R

  • Significantly faster performance (Dimensity 8100 Max)
  • Ultra-fast 80W charging (32 minutes to full)
  • More efficient 5nm chipset

  • Battery endurance likely lower than Nord 2 5G
  • Potentially higher price point

Display Comparison

Both phones lack detailed display specifications in the provided data, but we can infer some differences. The Nord 2 5G’s 633 nits of measured peak brightness is respectable for outdoor visibility. The 10R, positioned as a more premium device, likely offers similar or slightly improved brightness. Without refresh rate or panel type information, it’s difficult to assess further. However, the 10R’s positioning suggests a potentially higher-quality display experience.

Camera Comparison

The provided data only indicates both phones have photo and video capabilities. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing details, a direct comparison is impossible. However, given the 10R’s higher positioning, it’s reasonable to expect a more advanced camera system, potentially with a larger main sensor and improved low-light performance. The absence of any mention of OIS on either device suggests a reliance on software stabilization.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus 10R’s Mediatek Dimensity 8100 Max (5nm) is a significant upgrade over the Nord 2 5G’s Dimensity 1200 (6nm). The 5nm fabrication process inherently offers better power efficiency and thermal performance, translating to sustained performance under load. While the Nord 2 5G’s CPU configuration includes a higher clock speed on its primary Cortex-A78 core (3.0 GHz vs 2.85 GHz), the architectural improvements and efficiency of the 8100 Max will likely result in a more responsive and fluid user experience, especially in demanding tasks. The 10R’s CPU configuration of 4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 cores suggests a focus on sustained multi-core performance.

Battery Life

The Nord 2 5G boasts an endurance rating of 102 hours, indicating solid battery life. The 10R’s battery capacity is not specified, but its 80W charging (100% in 32 minutes) is significantly faster than the Nord 2 5G’s 65W charging (100% in 30 minutes). This faster charging speed is a major advantage for users who prioritize convenience and quick top-ups. While the Nord 2 5G’s longer endurance is appealing, the 10R’s charging speed effectively addresses any potential battery life concerns.

Buying Guide

Buy the OnePlus Nord 2 5G if you prioritize a balanced experience with proven endurance and are less concerned with having the absolute fastest processor. It’s ideal for everyday users who value reliability and a smooth, consistent performance. Buy the OnePlus 10R if you demand quicker app loading, smoother gaming, and significantly faster charging. This phone is geared towards power users and those who frequently find themselves needing to top up their battery quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Dimensity 8100 Max in the OnePlus 10R get noticeably warmer during extended gaming sessions compared to the Dimensity 1200 in the Nord 2 5G?
The Dimensity 8100 Max’s 5nm process is inherently more thermally efficient than the Dimensity 1200’s 6nm process. This means the 10R is likely to generate less heat under sustained load, resulting in less throttling and more consistent performance during long gaming sessions. While both phones will warm up, the 10R should manage heat more effectively.
❓ If I frequently travel and need long battery life, is the OnePlus Nord 2 5G still a viable option despite the 10R’s faster charging?
Yes, the Nord 2 5G’s 102-hour endurance rating makes it a strong contender for travelers. While the 10R’s faster charging is convenient, the Nord 2 5G’s longer battery life reduces the frequency of needing to find a power outlet. If minimizing charging opportunities is a priority, the Nord 2 5G remains a compelling choice.
❓ How much of a real-world performance difference will I notice between the two phones during everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and video streaming?
For basic tasks, the difference will be minimal. Both phones are capable of handling everyday usage smoothly. However, the 10R’s Dimensity 8100 Max will provide snappier app launches, faster webpage loading, and a more responsive overall experience, especially when multitasking or switching between demanding applications.