OnePlus Nord 2 5G vs. Nord CE 2 5G: Which Mid-Range King Reigns Supreme?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing sustained performance and a slightly brighter display, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G is the superior choice. Its Dimensity 1200 chipset offers a noticeable advantage in demanding tasks. However, the Nord CE 2 5G provides a compelling alternative for those seeking a balanced experience at potentially a lower cost.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | OnePlus Nord 2 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - EU | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA - EU | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 22 | 2022, February 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 28 | Available. Released 2022, February 22 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 159.1 x 73.3 x 8.3 mm (6.26 x 2.89 x 0.33 in) | 160.6 x 73.2 x 7.8 mm (6.32 x 2.88 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 173 g (6.10 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| 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 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MC9 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| - | UFS 2.2 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.3, 120˚ (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Auto HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, SBAS, NavIC | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, 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 | 65W wired, PD, 100% in 30 min | 65W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Gray Sierra, Blue Haze, Green Wood, Pac-Man Edition | Gray Mirror, Bahama Blue |
| Models | DN2101, DN2103 | IV2201 |
| Price | € 189.00 / $ 219.99 / £ 148.00 | £ 99.00 / € 182.18 |
| 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
- Superior chipset performance with the Dimensity 1200
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- Longer battery endurance (102h rating)
- Potentially higher price point
- May experience more heat under sustained load (due to higher performance)
OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G
- Fast 65W charging
- Potentially more affordable price
- Efficient Dimensity 900 chipset for everyday tasks
- Less powerful chipset compared to the Nord 2 5G
- Likely shorter battery life
Display Comparison
The OnePlus Nord 2 5G boasts a display capable of reaching 633 nits of peak brightness, providing a more vibrant viewing experience in direct sunlight. While both phones likely utilize AMOLED panels (based on brand history), the Nord 2 5G’s higher peak brightness is a measurable advantage. Contrast ratios are nominally infinite for both, typical of AMOLED technology. Details regarding refresh rate and PWM dimming are missing, but these are crucial for discerning users sensitive to flicker or seeking smoother animations.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. However, the chipset difference suggests the Nord 2 5G has a more capable ISP (Image Signal Processor) for faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance. Without sensor size or aperture information, a definitive camera comparison is impossible. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is unlikely to be a significant selling point, as these sensors typically lack the detail and dynamic range of higher-resolution sensors. The Nord 2 5G’s more powerful chipset could also enable more advanced computational photography features.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nord 2 5G is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6nm), featuring an octa-core configuration with a prime Cortex-A78 core clocked at 3.0 GHz. This is a significant step up from the Nord CE 2 5G’s Dimensity 900 (6nm) and its 2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 cores. The Dimensity 1200’s more powerful CPU and GPU translate to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The Nord 2 5G’s CPU architecture, with three Cortex-A78 cores versus two in the CE 2 5G, further enhances its multi-core capabilities. While both are 6nm chips, the 1200’s superior design delivers more processing power.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Nord 2 5G achieves an impressive endurance rating of 102 hours, indicating excellent battery life. Both phones share the same 65W wired charging capability, allowing for a full charge in just 30 minutes. While the Nord CE 2 5G’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the Nord 2 5G’s longer endurance suggests a larger battery or more efficient power management. The fast charging mitigates any potential disadvantage the CE 2 5G might have with a smaller battery, providing a convenient top-up option for both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the OnePlus Nord 2 5G if you frequently engage in mobile gaming, video editing, or other resource-intensive activities and demand consistent, high-level performance. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G if you prioritize a streamlined experience with fast charging and are a more casual smartphone user who values efficiency over raw power.