The Oppo F21 Pro and OnePlus Nord 2T occupy a competitive space in the mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a balanced experience, they diverge significantly in their core components, particularly in chipset and charging technology. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and fast charging, the OnePlus Nord 2T emerges as the stronger contender. Its Mediatek Dimensity 1300 chipset offers a substantial performance uplift over the Oppo F21 Pro’s Snapdragon 680, and the 80W SuperVOOC charging dramatically reduces downtime. However, the F21 Pro’s longer endurance rating is a notable advantage for those prioritizing battery longevity.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 12 | 2022, May 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 15 | Available. Released 2022, May 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.2 x 7.5 mm (6.30 x 2.88 x 0.30 in) | 159.1 x 73.2 x 8.2 mm (6.26 x 2.88 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | IPX4 water resistant
RGB ring light around the camera (notifications, charging progress) | - |
| 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 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM), 800 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1300 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, ColorOS 14 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, OxygenOS 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm | 32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF
2 MP, f/3.3, (microscope)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama, HDR | Auto HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm | 32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 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 | 33W wired, 100% in 60 min
Reverse wired | 80W wired, PD |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cosmic Black, Sunset Orange, Dawnlight Gold, Starlight Black | Gray Shadow, Jade Fog |
| Models | CPH2363, CPH2461 | CPH2399, CPH2401 |
| Price | About 280 EUR | € 144.39 / $ 169.99 / ₹ 31,490 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 127h
|
Endurance rating 100h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-29.7 LUFS (Average)
|
-25.6 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 289250 (v9)
GeekBench: 1653 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 7.2fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 490545 (v8) | 604467 (v9)
GeekBench: 2790 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 40fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Oppo F21 Pro
- Exceptional battery endurance (127h)
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Potentially more efficient chipset for basic tasks
- Significantly weaker processor performance
- Slower charging speed (33W)
- Likely less capable camera system
OnePlus Nord 2T
- Much faster processor (Dimensity 1300)
- Ultra-fast 80W charging
- Brighter display (636 nits)
- Shorter battery endurance (100h)
- Potentially more thermal throttling under sustained load
- Higher price point (likely)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature displays with an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, suggesting deep blacks, but the Nord 2T boasts a measured peak brightness of 636 nits, a significant advantage over the F21 Pro’s unspecified brightness. This translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both likely utilize AMOLED panels given the contrast ratio, the Nord 2T’s higher brightness suggests a more advanced panel capable of a wider color gamut and improved HDR performance. Bezels are likely comparable given the similar market positioning, but the lack of detailed data prevents a definitive assessment.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed sensor information is absent. However, given the market segment, it’s reasonable to assume the Nord 2T will feature a more sophisticated camera system. The Dimensity 1300’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is generally more capable than the Snapdragon 680’s, leading to better image processing, especially in low-light conditions. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment, but the Nord 2T’s chipset suggests a superior photographic experience. We can safely assume any 2MP macro sensors on either device offer limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord 2T’s Mediatek Dimensity 1300, built on a 6nm process, features a more powerful CPU configuration – a 1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 core alongside 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores – compared to the Oppo F21 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver). This architectural difference translates to a noticeable performance gap, particularly in demanding applications and gaming. The Dimensity 1300’s superior GPU will deliver a smoother gaming experience. While both are 6nm chips, the Dimensity 1300’s more advanced core design provides a clear advantage.
Battery Life
The Oppo F21 Pro holds a clear advantage in endurance, boasting a 127-hour rating compared to the Nord 2T’s 100-hour rating. This suggests the F21 Pro’s less powerful chipset and potentially more efficient software contribute to longer battery life. However, the Nord 2T compensates with significantly faster charging – 80W wired with PD, capable of a full charge in under 40 minutes, versus the F21 Pro’s 33W charging which takes 60 minutes. The Nord 2T’s charging speed mitigates the lower endurance, offering a quicker path to a full charge when needed. The inclusion of reverse wired charging on the F21 Pro is a niche feature that may appeal to some users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo F21 Pro if you prioritize maximizing battery life and are comfortable with a more modest processor for everyday tasks like social media and communication. Buy the OnePlus Nord 2T if you demand smoother multitasking, enjoy mobile gaming, and value the convenience of incredibly fast charging – even if it means slightly less overall endurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 1300 in the Nord 2T get noticeably hot during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 1300 is a powerful chip, it can generate heat under sustained load. OnePlus typically employs thermal management solutions, but prolonged gaming at maximum settings may lead to some throttling to prevent overheating. The Snapdragon 680 in the F21 Pro will likely run cooler, but at the cost of performance.
❓ Is the 33W charging on the Oppo F21 Pro slow compared to the 80W on the Nord 2T in real-world use?
Yes, the difference is substantial. 33W charging will take approximately 60 minutes for a full charge, while the Nord 2T’s 80W charging can achieve a full charge in under 40 minutes. This difference is particularly noticeable for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly.
❓ How does the image processing differ between the Oppo F21 Pro and the OnePlus Nord 2T, given the chipset differences?
The Nord 2T’s Dimensity 1300 features a more advanced Image Signal Processor (ISP). This translates to better noise reduction, dynamic range, and overall image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The F21 Pro’s Snapdragon 680 ISP is less capable, resulting in potentially softer images and less detail in low light.
❓ Will I notice a significant difference in app loading times and multitasking between these two phones?
Absolutely. The Dimensity 1300 in the Nord 2T offers a considerable performance advantage over the Snapdragon 680. You’ll experience faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Nord 2T.
