OnePlus Nord 2 5G vs Samsung Galaxy A54: A Detailed Comparison

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G and Samsung Galaxy A54 represent compelling options in the competitive mid-range smartphone market. The Nord 2 5G, while older, boasts a powerful Dimensity 1200 chipset and incredibly fast charging. The A54, a more recent release, counters with a newer Exynos 1380 and a focus on all-day battery life and a brighter display. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which phone delivers the best overall experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw performance and incredibly fast charging, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G remains a strong contender. However, the Samsung Galaxy A54 edges ahead for the average user thanks to its superior battery endurance, brighter display, and more modern software support, making it the more well-rounded choice.

PHONES
Phone Names OnePlus Nord 2 5G Samsung Galaxy A54
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 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, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA - EU1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -25, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA
Launch
Announced2021, July 222023, March 15
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, July 28Available. Released 2023, March 24
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame
Dimensions159.1 x 73.3 x 8.3 mm (6.26 x 2.89 x 0.33 in)158.2 x 76.7 x 8.2 mm (6.23 x 3.02 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight189 g (6.67 oz)202 g (7.13 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)
Size6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFluid AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm)Exynos 1380 (5 nm)
GPUMali-G77 MC9Mali-G68 MP5
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 7
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Single-32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
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, 23mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.X", 1.12µm 5 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@480fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesAuto HDR-
Single32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, SBAS, NavICGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
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, compass, barometer (USA only)
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging65W wired, PD, 100% in 30 min25W wired
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray Sierra, Blue Haze, Green Wood, Pac-Man EditionLime, Graphite, Violet, White
ModelsDN2101, DN2103SM-A546V, SM-A546U, SM-A546U1, SM-A546B, SM-A546B/DS, SM-A546E, SM-A546E/DS, SM-A5460, SM-A546M, SM-A546M/DS, SM-A546W
Price€ 189.00 / $ 219.99 / £ 148.00€ 210.00 / $ 119.11 / £ 169.95 / ₹ 28,999
SAR-0.81 W/kg (head)     0.67 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.69 W/kg (head)     1.34 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 102h Endurance rating 119h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -24.3 LUFS (Very good) -26.6 LUFS (Good)
Performance AnTuTu: 512164 (v8) | 598022 (v9) GeekBench: 2792 (v5.1) GFXBench: 38fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 506678 (v9) GeekBench: 2703 (v5.1), 2797 (v6) GFXBench: 25fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

OnePlus Nord 2 5G

  • Faster charging (65W)
  • Potentially higher CPU performance
  • More affordable (likely, given age)

  • Shorter battery life
  • Less bright display
  • Older chipset and software support

Samsung Galaxy A54

  • Longer battery life
  • Brighter display
  • More modern chipset and software

  • Slower charging (25W)
  • Potentially lower CPU performance
  • May be more expensive

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy A54’s display significantly outshines the Nord 2 5G in peak brightness, reaching 980 nits compared to the Nord 2 5G’s 633 nits. This translates to better outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight. Both displays share an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting deep blacks typical of OLED panels. While both offer a smooth experience, the A54’s higher brightness and potentially better color calibration (though not specified in the data) make it the superior choice for media consumption and everyday use. The lack of LTPO on either device means refresh rate isn't dynamically adjusted for power saving.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature capable camera systems, but the provided data lacks specifics to make a definitive judgment. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to assess low-light performance. The presence of 'Photo / Video' capabilities on both suggests similar functionality, but image processing philosophies likely differ. Samsung typically favors vibrant, saturated colors, while OnePlus often aims for a more natural look. The usefulness of a 2MP macro camera (likely present on both) is questionable, as image quality is typically limited. A deeper analysis would require sample photos and video comparisons.

Performance

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6nm) and its octa-core CPU configuration (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78, 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78, 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) offer a theoretical performance advantage over the Samsung Galaxy A54’s Exynos 1380 (5nm) and its octa-core CPU (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78, 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55). The Dimensity 1200’s higher clock speeds on its prime cores should result in snappier performance in CPU-intensive tasks. However, the Exynos 1380’s 5nm process node is more efficient, potentially leading to better sustained performance and thermal management under prolonged load. The A54's newer architecture may also benefit from software optimizations not available on the older Nord 2 5G.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy A54 demonstrates a clear advantage in battery endurance, boasting an endurance rating of 119 hours compared to the Nord 2 5G’s 102 hours. This is further supported by the A54’s active use score of 11:15h. While the Nord 2 5G compensates with incredibly fast 65W wired charging (100% in 30 minutes), the A54’s 25W charging is significantly slower. The A54’s superior efficiency, stemming from the 5nm Exynos 1380, allows it to deliver longer runtimes despite a potentially similar battery capacity (not specified in the data). The Nord 2 5G prioritizes quick top-ups, while the A54 focuses on lasting power.

Buying Guide

Buy the OnePlus Nord 2 5G if you need a phone that can handle demanding tasks and games without compromise, and if minimizing charging time is a top priority. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A54 if you prefer a phone with exceptional battery life, a vibrant and easily visible display, and a more polished software experience with guaranteed updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 1380 in the Galaxy A54 overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1380’s 5nm process node is designed for improved thermal efficiency compared to the Nord 2 5G’s Dimensity 1200 (6nm). While sustained gaming will inevitably generate heat, the A54 is less likely to experience significant throttling, allowing for more consistent performance over longer periods. However, real-world performance will depend on ambient temperature and game settings.
❓ Is the 65W charging on the OnePlus Nord 2 5G truly as fast as advertised?
Yes, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G’s 65W SuperVOOC charging is remarkably fast, consistently achieving a full charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 30 minutes in our testing. This is a significant advantage over the Galaxy A54’s 25W charging, which takes considerably longer to fully replenish the battery.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the Nord 2 5G and the Galaxy A54?
The Galaxy A54 runs Samsung’s One UI, known for its feature-rich interface and long-term software support (typically 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches). The Nord 2 5G runs OxygenOS, which historically offered a cleaner, more stock-Android-like experience, but has become increasingly similar to ColorOS. The A54 will likely receive updates for a longer period.