The Realme X9 and OnePlus Nord 2T 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 different approaches. The Nord 2T leverages the Mediatek Dimensity 1300 and a focus on fast charging, while the X9 offers a more streamlined experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord 2T emerges as the stronger choice. Its 80W SuperVOOC charging with PD support, coupled with a reported 100-hour endurance rating, provides a significant advantage in daily usability. While the Realme X9 offers a respectable 65W charging, the Nord 2T’s overall package is more compelling.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2022, May 19 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2022, May 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 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 | - | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | 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 | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, HDR10 | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek Dimensity 1300 (6 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, OxygenOS 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS | 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 | 64 MP, (wide), PDAF
13 MP, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | Auto HDR |
| Single | Unspecified | 32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Unspecified | No |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Unspecified | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | 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 | 65W wired | 80W wired, PD |
| Type | 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black; other colors | Gray Shadow, Jade Fog |
| Models | - | CPH2399, CPH2401 |
| Price | - | € 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) |
Realme X9
- Potentially more compact design (based on brand history)
- 65W fast charging is still respectable
- Realme UI offers a customizable experience
- Limited information on display quality
- Unclear camera specifications
- Likely less powerful chipset than the Nord 2T
OnePlus Nord 2T
- 80W SuperVOOC charging with PD for rapid refueling
- 100-hour endurance rating for all-day battery life
- Mediatek Dimensity 1300 delivers strong performance
- OxygenOS can be divisive among Android purists
- May be slightly larger and heavier than the X9
- No expandable storage
Display Comparison
The OnePlus Nord 2T boasts a measured peak brightness of 636 nits, suggesting a vibrant viewing experience in most lighting conditions. While the Realme X9’s display specifications are absent, the Nord 2T’s 'Infinite' contrast ratio (nominal) indicates a strong ability to render deep blacks. Without knowing the panel technology used in the X9 (e.g., AMOLED, LCD), it’s difficult to assess its color accuracy and viewing angles relative to the Nord 2T. The Nord 2T’s brightness is a clear advantage for outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Both the Realme X9 and OnePlus Nord 2T feature photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking for the X9. The Nord 2T’s camera system likely benefits from MediaTek’s Imagiq 790 ISP, offering enhanced image processing. Without knowing the main sensor resolution or aperture of the X9, it’s difficult to assess its low-light performance. The absence of specific camera details for the X9 makes a direct comparison challenging, but the Nord 2T’s established camera performance gives it an edge.
Performance
Both devices are powered by Mediatek Dimensity chips, but the Nord 2T’s Dimensity 1300 (6nm) represents a step up in processing power. Its octa-core configuration – 1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78, 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78, and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – promises faster application loading and smoother multitasking compared to any potential Dimensity chip in the X9 (assuming it's a lower tier). The 6nm process node also contributes to improved thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during extended gaming sessions. The Nord 2T is the clear winner for performance-demanding users.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Nord 2T’s endurance rating of 100 hours suggests excellent battery life, even with moderate to heavy usage. Crucially, it supports 80W SuperVOOC charging with Power Delivery (PD), enabling incredibly fast charging times – likely under 40 minutes for a full charge. The Realme X9’s 65W wired charging is still fast, but the 15W difference, combined with the Nord 2T’s superior endurance, makes the Nord 2T the more convenient option for users who prioritize minimizing downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme X9 if you prioritize a potentially more compact form factor (assuming it's smaller, based on brand trends) and are comfortable with slightly slower charging speeds. Buy the OnePlus Nord 2T if you value rapid charging, extended battery life, and a proven chipset capable of handling demanding tasks. The Nord 2T is ideal for power users and those frequently on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the OnePlus Nord 2T’s Dimensity 1300 chip get hot during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 1300’s 6nm process node and the Nord 2T’s thermal management system are designed to mitigate overheating. While some warmth is expected during intensive gaming, the Nord 2T should maintain stable performance for extended periods without significant throttling, offering a smoother gaming experience than devices with less efficient chipsets.
❓ How long does it *actually* take to fully charge the OnePlus Nord 2T with the 80W charger?
OnePlus claims the Nord 2T can charge from 1-100% in approximately 32 minutes with the 80W SuperVOOC charger. Real-world results may vary slightly depending on ambient temperature and background app activity, but it consistently delivers significantly faster charging speeds than standard charging methods.
❓ Is the Realme X9 a better option for users who prefer a smaller phone?
While specific dimensions aren't provided, Realme's X series historically leans towards more compact designs. If a smaller form factor is a priority, and you're willing to compromise on charging speed and potentially performance, the X9 *might* be a better fit, but this is speculative without concrete size data.
