OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G vs Nord 2 5G: The Ultimate Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The OnePlus Nord 2 5G generally edges out the CE 2 5G thanks to its superior chipset, brighter display, and slightly better camera performance. However, the CE 2 5G offers a more modern design and potentially better availability, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G | OnePlus Nord 2 5G |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - EU |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA - EU |
| 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 | 2022, February 17 | 2021, July 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 22 | Available. Released 2021, July 28 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 160.6 x 73.2 x 7.8 mm (6.32 x 2.88 x 0.31 in) | 159.1 x 73.3 x 8.3 mm (6.26 x 2.89 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 173 g (6.10 oz) | 189 g (6.67 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 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ | Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| UFS 2.2 | - | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm | - |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) | 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.3, 120˚ (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | Auto HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm | 32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, SBAS, NavIC |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| 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 | 65W wired, PD, 100% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Gray Mirror, Bahama Blue | Gray Sierra, Blue Haze, Green Wood, Pac-Man Edition |
| Models | IV2201 | DN2101, DN2103 |
| Price | £ 99.00 / € 182.18 | € 189.00 / $ 219.99 / £ 148.00 |
| 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 CE 2 5G
- Modern design
- Faster charging (potentially)
- More affordable
- Less powerful chipset
- Dimmer display
- Slightly less refined camera
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
- More powerful chipset
- Brighter display
- Better camera performance
- Excellent battery life
- Older design
- Potentially less availability
- Slightly higher price
Display Comparison
The Nord 2 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 633 nits, significantly brighter than the CE 2 5G, offering better visibility in sunlight. While the CE 2 5G's display is adequate, the Nord 2 5G's 'Infinite' contrast ratio (though nominal) suggests deeper blacks and richer colors. Both feature a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer capable camera systems, the Nord 2 5G generally produces slightly better image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Nord 2 5G's image processing tends to be more refined, resulting in more natural-looking photos. Both offer decent video recording capabilities.
Performance
The Nord 2 5G's Dimensity 1200 chipset is noticeably more powerful than the CE 2 5G's Dimensity 900. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better performance in demanding games. The Nord 2 5G's CPU configuration (with a higher-clocked Cortex-A78 core) further contributes to its performance advantage.
Battery Life
Both phones offer excellent battery life, with the Nord 2 5G achieving an endurance rating of 102 hours. The CE 2 5G's battery life is also impressive, though slightly less documented. Both support 65W fast charging, allowing for a quick top-up.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G? Those prioritizing a sleek, modern design and a slightly more affordable price point. Who should buy the OnePlus Nord 2 5G? Users seeking a more powerful processor, a brighter display for outdoor visibility, and a slightly more refined camera experience.