OnePlus Nord N300 vs Nothing Phone (2a) Plus: A Detailed Comparison

The OnePlus Nord N300 and the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus both aim for the sweet spot of affordability, but approach it from different angles. The Nord N300 prioritizes endurance and a lower price point, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus focuses on a more modern chipset and faster charging, representing a step up in processing power. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which phone delivers the best experience for your money.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing all-day battery life and a lower upfront cost, the OnePlus Nord N300 is the better choice. However, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus justifies its higher price with a significantly faster processor and quicker charging, making it ideal for those who demand more performance.

PHONES
Phone Names OnePlus Nord N300 Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 711, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66
5G bands2, 25, 41, 66, 71, 77 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat13 390/150 Mbps, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2022, October 242024, July 31
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, November 03Available. Released 2024, August 03
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions163.8 x 75.1 x 8 mm (6.45 x 2.96 x 0.31 in)161.7 x 76.3 x 8.5 mm (6.37 x 3.00 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight190 g (6.70 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 107.5 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM, HDR10+, 700 nits (typ), 1100 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G610 MC4
OSAndroid 12, OxygenOSAndroid 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCNo
Internal64GB 4GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 2.2-
Main Camera
Dual48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.57", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)-
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)50 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.76"
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack Yes-
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes, 360˚
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired50W wired, 50% in 21 min, 100% in 56 min
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsMidnight JadeBlack, Grey
ModelsCPH2389A142P
PriceAbout 230 EUR€ 269.90 / ₹ 22,599
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 114h -
Display Contrast ratio: 1506:1 (nominal)-
Performance AnTuTu: 335440 (v9) GeekBench: 1780 (v5.1) GFXBench: 23fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)-

OnePlus Nord N300

  • Exceptional battery life (114h endurance)
  • Lower price point for budget-conscious buyers
  • Reliable performance for everyday tasks

  • Slower processor compared to the competition
  • Slower charging speeds (33W)

Nothing Phone (2a) Plus

  • Faster and more efficient Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset
  • Significantly faster charging (50W)
  • Brighter display for better outdoor visibility

  • Slightly shorter battery life compared to the Nord N300
  • Higher price tag

Display Comparison

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus boasts a brighter display, reaching 1097 nits compared to the Nord N300’s 623 nits. This translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both displays have a nominal contrast ratio exceeding 1500:1, the higher brightness of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus provides a more vibrant and engaging viewing experience. The Nord N300’s lower brightness may be sufficient for indoor use, but users who frequently consume content outdoors will appreciate the (2a) Plus’s advantage.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s positioning suggests a more advanced camera system. The Dimensity 7350 Pro typically supports more sophisticated image signal processors (ISPs), enabling better noise reduction and dynamic range. While both phones likely feature a standard primary sensor, the (2a) Plus’s ISP will likely deliver superior image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. We can assume the (2a) Plus will have better video recording capabilities as well.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro, built on a more efficient 4nm process, featuring Cortex-A715 cores clocked at 3.0 GHz. This is a substantial upgrade over the Nord N300’s Dimensity 810 (6nm) and its Cortex-A76 cores at 2.4 GHz. The 4nm node of the Dimensity 7350 Pro offers improved thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended gaming sessions. The (2a) Plus will deliver noticeably faster app launch times and smoother multitasking. While both phones feature 6GB of RAM (assumed based on market segment), the superior CPU architecture of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will provide a more responsive overall experience.

Battery Life

The OnePlus Nord N300 claims an impressive endurance rating of 114 hours, suggesting exceptional battery life. However, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus counters with significantly faster charging – 50W wired, achieving 50% charge in 21 minutes and 100% in 56 minutes. While the Nord N300’s 33W charging is adequate, it’s considerably slower. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s active use score of 16:34h indicates solid battery performance, though it doesn’t quite match the Nord N300’s theoretical endurance. The faster charging of the (2a) Plus mitigates the slightly shorter battery life, offering more convenience for users who need a quick top-up.

Buying Guide

Buy the OnePlus Nord N300 if you need exceptional battery life and a reliable, if not blazing-fast, experience for everyday tasks. It’s perfect for users who prioritize longevity and value over raw power. Buy the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus if you prefer a more responsive user experience, faster app loading times, and quicker charging, even if it means sacrificing some battery endurance. This phone caters to users who enjoy gaming or frequently use demanding applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Dimensity 7350 Pro in the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus get hot during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 7350 Pro’s 4nm process is designed for improved thermal efficiency. While some heat generation is inevitable during intensive gaming, it’s less prone to significant throttling compared to the 6nm Dimensity 810 in the Nord N300, allowing for more sustained performance.
❓ How much faster is the 50W charging on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus compared to the Nord N300’s 33W charging in real-world use?
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus can reach 50% charge in just 21 minutes and 100% in 56 minutes. The Nord N300’s 33W charging will take considerably longer – likely exceeding 90 minutes for a full charge. This difference is significant for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Is the difference in display brightness between the two phones noticeable in everyday use?
The difference is most noticeable outdoors in direct sunlight. The Nord N300’s 623 nits may appear washed out, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s 1097 nits will remain clearly visible. Indoors, the difference is less pronounced, but the (2a) Plus still offers a more vibrant and dynamic image.