OnePlus Nord 2 5G vs Realme Narzo 30 Pro 5G: Which Mid-Range 5G Phone Reigns Supreme?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G is the superior choice. Its Dimensity 1200 chipset provides a significant performance uplift, translating to smoother multitasking and gaming. While the Narzo 30 Pro 5G offers competitive charging speeds, the Nord 2’s overall refinement and processing power justify the price difference.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Realme Narzo 30 Pro 5G | OnePlus Nord 2 5G |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - EU |
| 5G bands | 1, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA - EU |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, February 24 | 2021, July 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 04 | Available. Released 2021, July 28 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 75.1 x 9.1 mm (6.39 x 2.96 x 0.36 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-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz , 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak) | Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-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) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| UFS 2.1 | - | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | - |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.3, 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 |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | Auto HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 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, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, SBAS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, PD, 50% in 25 min, 100% in 65 min | 65W wired, PD, 100% in 30 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Sword Black, Blade Silver | Gray Sierra, Blue Haze, Green Wood, Pac-Man Edition |
| Models | RMX2117 | DN2101, DN2103 |
| Price | About 200 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) |
Realme Narzo 30 Pro 5G
- Faster charging than many competitors (30W)
- Competitive price point
- 5G connectivity
- Less powerful chipset than the Nord 2 5G
- Limited camera information available
- Potentially more throttling under heavy load
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
- Significantly more powerful Dimensity 1200 chipset
- Faster 65W charging
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- Higher price than the Narzo 30 Pro 5G
- Similar battery endurance to the Narzo 30 Pro 5G
- Software experience may vary based on OxygenOS updates
Display Comparison
The OnePlus Nord 2 5G boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 633 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Narzo 30 Pro 5G. This higher peak brightness will be noticeable in direct sunlight. Both displays feature an 'infinite' contrast ratio, typical of AMOLED panels, but the Nord 2’s superior brightness provides a more vibrant and readable experience outdoors. While both likely utilize AMOLED technology, the Nord 2’s brightness advantage is a clear win for outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is limited for the Narzo 30 Pro 5G. The Nord 2 5G likely benefits from MediaTek’s Imagiq 760 ISP, offering improved image processing. Without specific sensor details for the Narzo, it’s difficult to make a definitive comparison, but the Nord 2’s chipset advantage suggests superior image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The absence of information regarding OIS on the Narzo 30 Pro 5G further favors the Nord 2, assuming it includes optical image stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord 2 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Realme Narzo 30 Pro 5G’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 Narzo’s 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 setup. This translates to approximately 25-30% faster CPU performance in benchmarks. The 6nm process node of the Dimensity 1200 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. The Nord 2 is the clear winner for demanding users.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 102 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite differing charging speeds. However, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G’s 65W charging significantly outperforms the Narzo 30 Pro 5G’s 30W charging. The Nord 2 can reach 100% charge in just 30 minutes, while the Narzo 30 Pro 5G takes 65 minutes. This faster charging is a significant convenience factor, especially for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Narzo 30 Pro 5G if your priority is maximizing value and you primarily use your phone for everyday tasks like social media, browsing, and light gaming. You'll appreciate the fast 30W charging. Buy the OnePlus Nord 2 5G if you demand a more responsive experience, enjoy mobile gaming, and value a more polished software experience. The Dimensity 1200’s extra horsepower and the Nord 2’s refined features make it worth the investment.