OnePlus Nord 2 5G vs Oppo Reno6 Z: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Performance

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G and Oppo Reno6 Z represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. Both leverage MediaTek's Dimensity series, but target slightly different priorities. The Nord 2 5G aims for raw performance, while the Reno6 Z focuses on a balanced experience with a focus on aesthetics. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G is the superior choice. Its significantly more powerful Dimensity 1200 chipset, coupled with 65W SuperVOOC charging, provides a noticeable performance and convenience advantage. While the Reno6 Z is a capable device, it can't match the Nord 2 5G's overall speed and efficiency.

PHONES
Phone Names Oppo Reno6 Z OnePlus Nord 2 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - EU
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 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 / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2021, July 202021, July 22
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, August 14Available. Released 2021, July 28
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame
Dimensions160.2 x 73.4 x 7.9 mm (6.31 x 2.89 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-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight173 g (6.10 oz)189 g (6.67 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HDM), 800 nits (peak)Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC3Mali-G77 MC9
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 12, ColorOS 12Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple64 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 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@30/120fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRAuto HDR
Single32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide)32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, SBAS, NavIC
RadioUnspecifiedNo
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
Charging30W wired 5W reverse wired65W wired, PD, 100% in 30 min
TypeLi-Po 4310 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, AuroraGray Sierra, Blue Haze, Green Wood, Pac-Man Edition
ModelsCPH2237DN2101, DN2103
PriceAbout 350 EUR€ 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 Reno6 Z

  • Sleek and stylish design
  • 5W Reverse Wired Charging
  • Balanced overall experience

  • Less powerful Dimensity 800U chipset
  • Slower 30W charging

OnePlus Nord 2 5G

  • Significantly faster Dimensity 1200 chipset
  • 65W SuperVOOC charging (30 min full charge)
  • Likely superior display brightness and color accuracy

  • No reverse wireless charging
  • Potentially less refined design (subjective)

Display Comparison

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 633 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Reno6 Z. While both likely utilize AMOLED panels for vibrant colors, the Nord 2 5G’s higher peak brightness translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. Contrast ratios are nominally infinite on both, typical of AMOLED technology. Bezels are comparable, but the Nord 2 5G’s display is likely to be more color accurate due to OnePlus’s historical focus on display calibration.

Camera Comparison

Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is limited. The OnePlus Nord 2 5G likely benefits from MediaTek’s Imagiq 760 ISP, offering enhanced image processing. While both phones likely have a primary camera, the Nord 2 5G’s chipset allows for faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance. The Reno6 Z’s camera system is likely tuned for a more saturated, social-media-friendly look, while OnePlus typically aims for more natural color reproduction. The presence or absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the primary sensor is a critical factor, but not specified in the provided data.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord 2 5G’s MediaTek Dimensity 1200 (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Oppo Reno6 Z’s Dimensity 800U (7nm). The Dimensity 1200 features a more powerful CPU configuration – a 1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 core alongside 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 cores, versus the Reno6 Z’s 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 setup. This translates to significantly faster processing speeds and improved multitasking capabilities. The 6nm process node of the Dimensity 1200 also offers better power efficiency, potentially mitigating thermal throttling during sustained workloads. While both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations, the Nord 2 5G’s superior chipset will deliver a smoother and more responsive user experience.

Battery Life

Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 102 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life despite differing charging speeds. However, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G’s 65W SuperVOOC charging is a game-changer, capable of fully charging the device in just 30 minutes. The Oppo Reno6 Z’s 30W charging, while respectable, is significantly slower. This difference in charging speed dramatically impacts convenience, allowing Nord 2 5G users to quickly top up their battery when needed. The Reno6 Z also offers 5W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Nord 2 5G, allowing it to charge accessories.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo Reno6 Z if you prioritize a sleek design and don't heavily rely on demanding applications or extended gaming sessions. Its 30W charging is adequate for everyday use. Buy the OnePlus Nord 2 5G if you need a phone that can handle multitasking, gaming, and content creation without compromise. The faster processor and significantly faster charging are worth the slight price premium for power users.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Dimensity 1200 in the OnePlus Nord 2 5G get noticeably warmer during extended gaming sessions compared to the Reno6 Z's Dimensity 800U?
While the Dimensity 1200 is more powerful, its 6nm process node is more efficient. However, the increased performance *can* generate more heat under sustained load. OnePlus typically implements effective thermal management solutions, but prolonged gaming at maximum settings may result in some warming. The Reno6 Z’s Dimensity 800U will likely run cooler, but at the cost of performance.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 30W and 65W truly significant in everyday use for the OnePlus Nord 2 5G?
Absolutely. While 30W charging is adequate, 65W charging dramatically reduces downtime. Going from near-empty to 100% in 30 minutes is a significant convenience, especially for users who frequently find themselves with low battery levels. It allows for quick top-ups during short breaks, making the Nord 2 5G much more forgiving in terms of battery anxiety.
❓ Given both phones have a 102-hour endurance rating, does that mean their battery life is identical in real-world scenarios?
Not necessarily. Endurance ratings are based on standardized tests. The OnePlus Nord 2 5G’s more efficient Dimensity 1200 chipset *could* translate to slightly better real-world battery life, especially with moderate usage. However, the difference is likely to be marginal. The primary benefit of the Nord 2 5G is the ability to quickly replenish the battery when needed.