The Realme 9 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 approach to performance and charging. The Realme 9 prioritizes endurance and affordability, while the Nord 2T focuses on faster processing and quicker top-ups.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing long-lasting battery life and a lower price point, the Realme 9 is the better choice. However, those who demand faster performance for gaming or demanding applications and value rapid charging will find the OnePlus Nord 2T more compelling.
| 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 07 | 2022, May 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 12 | Available. Released 2022, May 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm (6.31 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) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 1000 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, Realme UI 5.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, OxygenOS 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 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, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Triple | 108 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, dual pixel PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (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/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | Auto HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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 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, 50% in 31 min, 100% in 75 min | 80W wired, PD |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Meteor Black, Sunburst Gold, Stargaze White | Gray Shadow, Jade Fog |
| Models | RMX3521 | CPH2399, CPH2401 |
| Price | About 660 EUR | € 144.39 / $ 169.99 / ₹ 31,490 |
| SAR | 1.16 W/kg (head) 0.59 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 156h
|
Endurance rating 100h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-30.4 LUFS (Below average)
|
-25.6 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 290097 (v9)
GeekBench: 1601 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 7.3fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 490545 (v8) | 604467 (v9)
GeekBench: 2790 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 40fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme 9
- Exceptional battery life (156h endurance)
- More affordable price point
- Efficient Snapdragon 680 processor for everyday tasks
- Slower processor compared to the Nord 2T
- Slower charging speed (33W)
OnePlus Nord 2T
- Significantly faster Dimensity 1300 processor
- Ultra-fast 80W SuperVOOC charging
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Shorter battery life (100h endurance)
- Higher price compared to the Realme 9
Display Comparison
Both the Realme 9 and OnePlus Nord 2T feature displays with an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting deep blacks. However, the Realme 9 edges out the Nord 2T in peak brightness, reaching 647 nits compared to the Nord 2T’s 636 nits. While the difference is subtle, it translates to slightly better visibility in direct sunlight. Neither display boasts high refresh rates or LTPO technology, meaning they are standard 60Hz panels, focusing on efficiency rather than fluid motion. Bezels appear comparable based on available imagery, suggesting a similar overall viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking. Without specifics on sensor size or aperture, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset difference suggests the Nord 2T will have a more powerful image signal processor (ISP), enabling faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance. The Realme 9’s camera will likely be adequate for casual photography, but the Nord 2T is expected to deliver more refined image quality and potentially better video stabilization. The presence of OIS on either device is unknown, but would be a significant advantage.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The Realme 9 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680, a 4G-only processor built on a 6nm process. Its octa-core configuration, with 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold and 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver cores, is geared towards efficient everyday performance. The OnePlus Nord 2T, however, packs the MediaTek Dimensity 1300, also on a 6nm node, but with a vastly different architecture: 1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78, 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78, and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55. This configuration delivers significantly higher CPU and GPU performance, making the Nord 2T the clear winner for gaming and demanding applications. The Nord 2T’s superior processing power will result in faster app loading times and smoother multitasking.
Battery Life
The Realme 9 boasts an endurance rating of 156 hours, significantly higher than the Nord 2T’s 100 hours. This indicates the Realme 9 will last considerably longer on a single charge under typical usage. However, the Nord 2T compensates with its 80W SuperVOOC charging, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 31 minutes and 100% in approximately 75 minutes. The Realme 9’s 33W charging takes 75 minutes to reach 100%. This means while the Nord 2T’s battery won’t last as long, it can be replenished much faster, minimizing downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme 9 if you need exceptional battery life and are comfortable with a more modest processor for everyday tasks. It’s ideal for users who prioritize value and don’t heavily rely on mobile gaming or intensive apps. Buy the OnePlus Nord 2T if you prefer a significantly faster processor for smoother multitasking, gaming, and a quicker charging experience, even if it means sacrificing some battery endurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Dimensity 1300 in the OnePlus Nord 2T get noticeably hot during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 1300 is a powerful chip, its thermal performance will depend on OnePlus’s cooling solution. Given the 6nm process, it should be relatively efficient, but prolonged gaming at maximum settings could lead to some heat buildup. Expect some throttling to occur to maintain stable performance.
❓ Is the 33W charging on the Realme 9 slow compared to other phones in this price range?
33W charging is becoming increasingly common in the mid-range, but it's significantly slower than the Nord 2T’s 80W. While it will still top up the battery overnight, users accustomed to faster charging will find it less convenient. The Realme 9 prioritizes battery longevity over charging speed.
❓ Can the Realme 9 handle graphically demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile at high settings?
The Snapdragon 680 is capable of running these games, but you'll likely need to compromise on graphics settings to maintain a smooth frame rate. Expect to play at medium settings for a more consistent experience. The Nord 2T, with its Dimensity 1300, will handle these games at higher settings with greater ease.
