OnePlus Nord 2T vs Oppo Reno8 Z: Which Mid-Range Phone Reigns Supreme?

The OnePlus Nord 2T and Oppo Reno8 Z occupy a competitive space in the mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a premium experience without the flagship price tag, they take distinctly different approaches. The Nord 2T leverages MediaTek’s Dimensity 1300 for raw power, while the Reno8 Z opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 695, prioritizing efficiency. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing performance and fast charging, the OnePlus Nord 2T is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 1300 chipset offers a significant performance uplift over the Reno8 Z’s Snapdragon 695, and the 80W SuperVOOC charging is dramatically faster. However, the Reno8 Z remains a compelling option for those seeking a more balanced device with a focus on efficiency.

PHONES
Phone Names Oppo Reno8 Z OnePlus Nord 2T
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 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
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 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 / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2022, August 042022, May 19
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, August 04Available. Released 2022, May 21
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, glass backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame
Dimensions159.9 x 73.2 x 7.7 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)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight181 g (6.38 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
 RGB ring lights around the cameras (notifications, charging progress)-
Display
ProtectionSchott Xensation UpCorning 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 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 1300 (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Mali-G77 MC9
OSAndroid 12, ColorOS 12.1Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, OxygenOS 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 2.2UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Triple64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps, 720p@30/120fps, EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaAuto HDR
Single16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm32 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
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, 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, proximity, gyro, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired, PD, 31% in 15 min, 100% in 63 min Reverse wired80W wired, PD
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsStarlight Black, Dawnlight GoldGray Shadow, Jade Fog
Models-CPH2399, CPH2401
PriceAbout 350 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 Reno8 Z

  • More efficient Snapdragon 695 chipset
  • Reverse wired charging for topping up other devices
  • Potentially lower price point

  • Significantly slower charging speed (33W)
  • Less powerful CPU and GPU
  • Display specifications are less defined

OnePlus Nord 2T

  • Powerful MediaTek Dimensity 1300 chipset
  • Ultra-fast 80W SuperVOOC charging
  • Brighter display (636 nits)

  • Potentially faster battery degradation due to fast charging
  • No reverse wireless charging
  • May run hotter under sustained load

Display Comparison

The Nord 2T boasts a measured peak brightness of 636 nits, suggesting a more visible display in direct sunlight compared to the Reno8 Z (brightness data unavailable). While both likely utilize AMOLED panels given the 'infinite' contrast ratio of the Nord 2T, the Reno8 Z’s display specifications are less defined. The absence of refresh rate information for the Reno8 Z suggests it may be limited to 60Hz, while the Nord 2T is expected to offer a smoother 90Hz experience. This difference will be noticeable during scrolling and gaming.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking for both. The absence of specifics makes a direct comparison difficult. However, the Nord 2T’s brand reputation suggests a more refined image processing pipeline. Without knowing the main sensor resolution or aperture, it’s hard to assess low-light performance. The Reno8 Z’s camera system is likely geared towards social media sharing, while the Nord 2T may offer more flexibility for enthusiasts. The inclusion of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the Nord 2T, if present, would be a significant advantage for video recording and low-light photography.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord 2T’s MediaTek Dimensity 1300, with its 1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 core and three additional Cortex-A78 cores, offers a substantial performance advantage over the Oppo Reno8 Z’s Snapdragon 695. The Dimensity 1300’s CPU architecture is more modern and powerful, translating to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. While both are built on a 6nm process, the Dimensity 1300’s more complex design and higher clock speeds deliver superior performance. The Snapdragon 695 is adequate for everyday tasks, but will struggle with graphically intensive games compared to the Nord 2T.

Battery Life

Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 100 hours, indicating similar overall battery life under typical usage. However, the charging speeds are drastically different. The Nord 2T’s 80W SuperVOOC charging can replenish the battery from 0-100% significantly faster than the Reno8 Z’s 33W charging (63 minutes vs. an estimated 90-120 minutes). The Reno8 Z does offer reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Nord 2T, allowing it to top up other devices. While the Nord 2T’s faster charging is convenient, it’s worth noting that extremely fast charging can contribute to faster battery degradation over time.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo Reno8 Z if you need a reliable daily driver with decent performance for everyday tasks and value long-term battery health due to its more conservative charging speed. Buy the OnePlus Nord 2T if you prioritize gaming, demanding applications, and the convenience of incredibly fast 80W charging, even if it means potentially shorter battery lifespan over the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Dimensity 1300 in the Nord 2T prone to overheating during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 1300 is a powerful chip, thermal management is crucial. OnePlus typically implements effective cooling solutions, but sustained gaming at maximum settings may still lead to some throttling. The Snapdragon 695 in the Reno8 Z is less powerful and therefore generates less heat, potentially offering more consistent performance over longer periods, albeit at a lower frame rate.
❓ Does the 33W charging on the Reno8 Z feel noticeably slower compared to the 80W on the Nord 2T in real-world use?
Yes, the difference is substantial. 33W charging will take approximately 63 minutes to fully charge, while 80W charging can achieve a full charge in around 30-40 minutes. This difference is particularly noticeable when you need a quick top-up before leaving the house.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 695 handle demanding apps like video editing software?
The Snapdragon 695 can handle basic video editing tasks, but it will struggle with complex projects or high-resolution footage. Rendering times will be significantly longer compared to the Nord 2T’s Dimensity 1300. The Nord 2T is better suited for users who frequently edit videos on their phone.