Oppo K9 vs OnePlus Nord 2T: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Power

The Oppo K9 and OnePlus Nord 2T represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a premium experience without the flagship price tag, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving this goal – one leveraging Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 768G, the other MediaTek’s Dimensity 1300. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing raw processing power and faster charging, the OnePlus Nord 2T emerges as the winner. Its Dimensity 1300 chipset offers a noticeable performance edge, and the 80W SuperVOOC charging is significantly quicker than the K9’s 65W. However, the K9 remains a strong contender for budget-conscious gamers.

PHONES
Phone Names Oppo K9 OnePlus Nord 2T
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x -
Launch
Announced2021, May 062022, May 19
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, May 11Available. Released 2022, May 21
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame
Dimensions159.1 x 73.4 x 7.9 mm (6.26 x 2.89 x 0.31 in)159.1 x 73.2 x 8.2 mm (6.26 x 2.88 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight172 g (6.07 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 750 nits (peak)AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.8 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7250-AC Snapdragon 768G 5G (7 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 1300 (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 620Mali-G77 MC9
OSAndroid 11, ColorOS 11.1Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, OxygenOS 14
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.4, (wide)32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Triple64 MP, f/1.7, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)50 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@30/60/120fps; gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-Auto HDR
Single32 MP, f/2.4, (wide)32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 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, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging65W wired, 100% in 35 min80W wired, PD
TypeLi-Po 4300 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, AuroraGray Shadow, Jade Fog
ModelsPEXM00CPH2399, CPH2401
PriceAbout 260 EUR€ 144.39 / $ 169.99 / ₹ 31,490
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 100h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- 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)

Oppo K9

  • Potentially lower price point
  • Solid gaming performance for the price
  • 65W fast charging is still respectable

  • Older Snapdragon 768G chipset
  • Likely less refined camera system
  • Display brightness likely lower than Nord 2T

OnePlus Nord 2T

  • More powerful Dimensity 1300 chipset
  • Faster 80W SuperVOOC charging
  • Brighter display for better outdoor visibility

  • Generally higher price
  • OxygenOS can be divisive (software preference)
  • Potential for thermal throttling under sustained load

Display Comparison

The OnePlus Nord 2T boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 636 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Oppo K9. This difference is immediately noticeable in outdoor visibility. While both displays are likely to have an 'infinite' contrast ratio (typical for AMOLED panels), the Nord 2T’s higher peak brightness provides a more vibrant and engaging viewing experience. The lack of LTPO technology on either device means refresh rate scaling isn’t as efficient as on higher-end phones, but both likely offer a 120Hz panel.

Camera Comparison

Both devices feature photo and video capabilities, but specifics are limited. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the market positioning suggests the Nord 2T may have a slight edge. OnePlus typically invests more heavily in camera software and processing. The absence of details regarding OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either phone is concerning, suggesting reliance on electronic image stabilization, which can introduce artifacts. The usefulness of a 2MP macro camera on either device is questionable; image quality is typically subpar.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord 2T’s MediaTek Dimensity 1300, built on a 6nm process, offers a more modern architecture than the Oppo K9’s Snapdragon 768G (7nm). The Dimensity 1300’s octa-core configuration, featuring a Cortex-A78 prime core clocked at 3.0 GHz, provides a significant uplift in CPU performance compared to the Snapdragon 768G’s Kryo 475 Prime core at 2.8 GHz. This translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. While both phones likely feature ample RAM, the Dimensity 1300’s integrated GPU offers superior graphics performance, benefiting gaming and demanding applications. Thermal management will be key; the 6nm node of the Dimensity 1300 *should* offer better efficiency.

Battery Life

Both the Oppo K9 and OnePlus Nord 2T achieve an endurance rating of 100 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life despite potentially different battery capacities (not specified). However, the charging speeds are drastically different. The Nord 2T’s 80W SuperVOOC charging with PD support is significantly faster than the K9’s 65W wired charging, achieving a full charge in approximately 35 minutes for the K9 versus a faster time for the Nord 2T. This faster charging is a major convenience factor for users who frequently need to top up their battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo K9 if you need a capable gaming phone on a tighter budget and value a slightly more streamlined software experience. Its Snapdragon 768G provides solid performance for most titles. Buy the OnePlus Nord 2T if you prioritize overall performance, faster charging speeds, and a brighter display, even if it comes at a slightly higher price point. The Nord 2T is ideal for users who multitask heavily and demand a responsive experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the MediaTek Dimensity 1300 in the Nord 2T get excessively hot during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 1300 is a powerful chip, sustained gaming can generate heat. The 6nm process helps mitigate this, but throttling is possible. User reports will be crucial to determine the extent of thermal throttling in real-world scenarios. The Oppo K9's Snapdragon 768G, being a slightly older and less powerful chip, may exhibit less throttling but will also deliver lower peak performance.
❓ Is the 80W SuperVOOC charging on the Nord 2T compatible with standard USB-PD chargers?
Yes, the Nord 2T supports USB Power Delivery (PD) alongside SuperVOOC. However, to achieve the full 80W charging speed, you'll need a compatible SuperVOOC charger. Using a standard USB-PD charger will still charge the device, but at a slower rate.
❓ How does the software experience differ between OxygenOS on the Nord 2T and ColorOS on the Oppo K9?
OxygenOS (Nord 2T) is generally known for its cleaner, near-stock Android experience, while ColorOS (K9) offers more customization options and features. OxygenOS prioritizes speed and responsiveness, while ColorOS focuses on providing a feature-rich user interface. Preference is subjective, but OxygenOS is often favored by users who prefer a minimalist approach.