OnePlus Nord 2T vs Google Pixel 6a: The Ultimate Showdown

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and two contenders stand out: the OnePlus Nord 2T and the Google Pixel 6a. Both offer compelling features at accessible prices, but cater to different user priorities. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Pixel 6a wins on camera quality and software experience, thanks to Google's Tensor chip and computational photography. However, the Nord 2T boasts significantly faster charging and a slightly brighter display. Ultimately, it depends on whether you prioritize photography or charging speed.

PHONES
Phone Names OnePlus Nord 2T Google Pixel 6a
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, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - GX7AS, GB62Z (USA/Canada)
5G bands1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GX7AS (USA/Canada)
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 40, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G1AZG (International)
Launch
Announced2022, May 192022, May 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, May 21Available. Released 2022, July 21
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions159.1 x 73.2 x 8.2 mm (6.26 x 2.88 x 0.32 in)152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight190 g (6.70 oz)178 g (6.28 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+OLED, HDR
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 1300 (6 nm)Google Tensor (5 nm)
GPUMali-G77 MC9Mali-G78 MP20
OSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 14, OxygenOS 14Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual-12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 17mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1.25µm
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesAuto HDRHDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
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, NavICGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging80W wired, PD18W wired, PD3.0
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 4410 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray Shadow, Jade FogChalk, Charcoal, Sage
ModelsCPH2399, CPH2401GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L
Price€ 144.39 / $ 169.99 / ₹ 31,490$ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 100h Endurance rating 94h
Camera Photo / Video-
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -25.6 LUFS (Very good) -
Performance AnTuTu: 490545 (v8) | 604467 (v9) GeekBench: 2790 (v5.1) GFXBench: 40fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)-

OnePlus Nord 2T

  • Blazing-fast 80W charging
  • Bright and vibrant AMOLED display
  • Smooth performance for everyday tasks
  • Competitive price

  • Camera not as good as Pixel 6a
  • Dimensity 1300 chipset less powerful than Tensor
  • Design is somewhat generic

Google Pixel 6a

  • Exceptional camera quality
  • Clean and bloatware-free Android experience
  • Guaranteed software updates
  • Powerful Google Tensor chip

  • Slow 18W charging
  • Display brightness not as high as Nord 2T
  • Design can be polarizing

Display Comparison

The OnePlus Nord 2T takes the lead in display brightness, measuring 636 nits compared to the Pixel 6a's 876 nits. While both offer excellent contrast ratios (infinite, nominally), the Nord 2T's slightly higher brightness can be beneficial in direct sunlight. Both displays are AMOLED, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks.

Camera Comparison

This is where the Pixel 6a truly shines. Google's computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor chip, consistently delivers superior image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The Nord 2T's camera is good, but it doesn't match the Pixel 6a's dynamic range, detail, and overall image processing.

Performance

The Google Pixel 6a's Google Tensor chip provides a noticeable performance edge over the Nord 2T's Mediatek Dimensity 1300. While the Nord 2T is perfectly capable for everyday tasks, the Tensor chip handles demanding games and multitasking with greater ease. The Tensor also enables advanced AI features.

Battery Life

The OnePlus Nord 2T secures a win in battery endurance, boasting an impressive 100h rating compared to the Pixel 6a's 94h. However, the Nord 2T's 80W wired charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast top-ups, while the Pixel 6a's 18W charging feels comparatively slow.

Buying Guide

The OnePlus Nord 2T is ideal for users who value fast charging, a vibrant display, and a smooth overall experience. The Google Pixel 6a is perfect for photography enthusiasts and those who prefer a clean, bloatware-free Android experience with guaranteed software updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone has better software support?
The Google Pixel 6a has a clear advantage with guaranteed software updates and a cleaner Android experience directly from Google.
❓ Is the OnePlus Nord 2T good for gaming?
The Nord 2T is capable of handling most games, but the Pixel 6a's Tensor chip offers a smoother and more consistent gaming experience, especially for demanding titles.