Oppo K9s vs OnePlus Nord 2 5G: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Power

The Oppo K9s and OnePlus Nord 2 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. While both devices aim for a sweet spot of performance and affordability, they take different approaches, particularly in chipset choice and charging technology. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which phone best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G emerges as the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 1200 offers a noticeable performance edge, and the 65W SuperVOOC charging is significantly faster than the K9s’ 30W charging, reaching 100% in just 30 minutes. While the K9s is a capable device, the Nord 2’s overall package provides a more premium experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Oppo K9s OnePlus Nord 2 5G
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, 19, 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 - EU
5G bands1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA - EU
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, October 202021, July 22
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, November 01Available. Released 2021, July 28
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame
Dimensions164.4 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.99 x 0.33 in)159.1 x 73.3 x 8.3 mm (6.26 x 2.89 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight199 g (7.02 oz)189 g (6.67 oz)
Display
ProtectionPanda GlassCorning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.59 inches, 104.5 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 642LMali-G77 MC9
OSAndroid 11, ColorOS 11.2Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 2.2-
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide)-
Triple64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (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
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps; gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesPanoramaAuto HDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide)32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, SBAS, NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging30W wired 5W reverse wired65W wired, PD, 100% in 30 min
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Silver, AuroraGray Sierra, Blue Haze, Green Wood, Pac-Man Edition
ModelsPERM10DN2101, DN2103
Price-€ 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)

Oppo K9s

  • More power-efficient chipset (Snapdragon 778G)
  • 5W Reverse Wired Charging
  • Potentially more affordable price point

  • Slower 30W charging
  • Less powerful CPU and GPU compared to Dimensity 1200
  • Limited display brightness information

OnePlus Nord 2 5G

  • Faster 65W SuperVOOC charging (0-100% in 30 mins)
  • More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 1200 chipset
  • Brighter display (633 nits)

  • No reverse wireless charging
  • Potentially higher price
  • Dimensity 1200 may run slightly warmer under sustained load

Display Comparison

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 633 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the K9s. While both utilize 6nm chipsets, the display brightness impacts outdoor visibility. The Nord 2’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio (nominal) suggests a strong OLED panel, likely offering deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. The K9s’ display specifications are less detailed, making a direct comparison difficult, but it likely targets a similar OLED experience, albeit potentially less bright.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specs are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the market positioning of OnePlus suggests a greater emphasis on image processing and potentially more advanced features. The K9s likely focuses on delivering solid, reliable images, while the Nord 2 may aim for a more refined and feature-rich camera experience. The absence of details on OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device makes it difficult to assess low-light performance.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Oppo K9s features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, while the OnePlus Nord 2 5G utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 1200. The Dimensity 1200, with its 3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 prime core and higher clock speeds on its A78 performance cores (2.6 GHz vs 2.4/2.2 GHz on the K9s), delivers superior CPU performance. This translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. While both are 6nm chips, the Dimensity 1200’s more powerful GPU will provide a more substantial gaming advantage. The K9s’ Snapdragon 778G remains a capable performer, but the Nord 2 has a clear edge.

Battery Life

Both devices share an endurance rating of 102 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite unspecified battery capacities. However, the charging speeds are drastically different. The OnePlus Nord 2 5G’s 65W SuperVOOC charging can fully charge the device in just 30 minutes, a significant advantage for users who need a quick power boost. The Oppo K9s’ 30W charging is considerably slower, requiring more time to reach a full charge. The K9s also offers 5W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Nord 2, allowing it to top up accessories.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo K9s if you prioritize a slightly more conservative, power-efficient chipset and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. It’s ideal for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Buy the OnePlus Nord 2 5G if you demand higher performance for demanding apps and games, and value incredibly fast charging – a boon for users constantly on the go. The Nord 2 is the better pick for power users and mobile gamers.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 1200 in the Nord 2 5G tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 1200 is a powerful chip, it can generate more heat than the Snapdragon 778G. However, OnePlus typically implements effective thermal management solutions. Expect some warmth during extended gaming, but significant throttling is unlikely with moderate settings. The K9s, with its more efficient chipset, will likely remain cooler.
❓ Is the 30W charging on the Oppo K9s slow enough to be a major inconvenience for daily use?
30W charging is still reasonably fast, but it pales in comparison to the Nord 2’s 65W SuperVOOC. Expect a full charge to take around 60-90 minutes, whereas the Nord 2 achieves it in 30. If you frequently find yourself needing to quickly top up your phone, the slower charging speed of the K9s could be a drawback.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 778G in the K9s handle graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Snapdragon 778G is capable of running these games, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. Expect playable performance at medium settings, but don't anticipate the same level of visual fidelity or frame rates as you'd get on the Nord 2 5G with its Dimensity 1200.