OnePlus Nord 2T vs Samsung Galaxy M53: Which Mid-Range Phone Reigns Supreme?

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the OnePlus Nord 2T and Samsung Galaxy M53 represent compelling options for budget-conscious buyers. While both devices utilize Mediatek Dimensity chipsets, they diverge significantly in charging speed, display brightness, and CPU architecture, creating distinct user experiences. This comparison dives deep into these differences to determine which phone offers the best overall package.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus Nord 2T emerges as the superior choice. Its significantly faster 80W charging and more powerful CPU configuration, featuring a higher-clocked Cortex-A78 core, provide a smoother and more convenient daily experience. While the M53 boasts slightly better battery endurance, the Nord 2T’s charging speed mitigates this difference.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy M53 OnePlus Nord 2T
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, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 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, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 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, April 072022, May 19
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, April 22Available. Released 2022, May 21
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame
Dimensions164.7 x 77 x 7.4 mm (6.48 x 3.03 x 0.29 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
Weight176 g (6.21 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.1 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED Plus, 120HzAMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 1300 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G68 MC4Mali-G77 MC9
OSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, OxygenOS 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Single-32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Triple-50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-Auto HDR
Single32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide)32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC
RadioNoNo
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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging25W wired80W wired, PD
TypeLi-Ion 5000 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsGreen, Blue, BrownGray Shadow, Jade Fog
ModelsSM-M536B, SM-M536B/DS, SM-M536B/DSNCPH2399, CPH2401
Price€ 249.98€ 144.39 / $ 169.99 / ₹ 31,490
SAR1.31 W/kg (head)-
SAR EU0.60 W/kg (head)     1.53 W/kg (body)-
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 114h Endurance rating 100h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -29.3 LUFS (Average) -25.6 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 490545 (v8) | 604467 (v9) GeekBench: 2790 (v5.1) GFXBench: 40fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Samsung Galaxy M53

  • Longer battery life (114h endurance)
  • Brighter display for outdoor visibility
  • Potentially lower price point

  • Slower charging speed (25W)
  • Less powerful CPU for demanding tasks

OnePlus Nord 2T

  • Significantly faster 80W charging with PD
  • More powerful CPU for smoother performance
  • Likely better image processing

  • Shorter battery life (100h endurance)
  • Dimmer display compared to the M53

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy M53 boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 802 nits, compared to the Nord 2T’s 636 nits. This translates to better visibility under direct sunlight. Both displays share an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, a marketing term indicating deep blacks, but the M53’s higher brightness provides a more vibrant and punchy image overall. While neither phone specifies refresh rate or panel type, the brightness difference is the key differentiator for outdoor use.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking. Without specifics, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given OnePlus’s generally strong image processing algorithms and the Nord 2T’s overall performance focus, it’s likely to deliver more consistent and refined image quality. The absence of details regarding OIS or sensor size makes a precise comparison impossible, but the Nord 2T’s faster processing power could aid in post-processing and noise reduction.

Performance

The OnePlus Nord 2T’s Mediatek Dimensity 1300 chipset represents a clear performance advantage over the M53’s Dimensity 900. The Nord 2T features a 1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 core alongside three additional 2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 cores, while the M53 has 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This architectural difference, coupled with the higher clock speeds, results in noticeably faster application loading and smoother multitasking on the Nord 2T. Both chipsets are fabricated on a 6nm process, but the Nord 2T’s CPU configuration provides a tangible performance boost.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy M53 holds a slight edge in endurance, achieving a 114-hour rating compared to the Nord 2T’s 100-hour rating. However, this difference is largely offset by the Nord 2T’s dramatically faster 80W wired charging, which supports Power Delivery (PD). The M53 is limited to 25W charging. This means the Nord 2T can replenish its battery from 0-100% in a fraction of the time, minimizing the impact of its slightly smaller battery capacity. The convenience of rapid charging significantly enhances the Nord 2T’s usability.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy M53 if you prioritize maximum battery life above all else and frequently engage in extended usage scenarios away from a power source. Buy the OnePlus Nord 2T if you value faster performance for multitasking and gaming, and appreciate the convenience of incredibly rapid 80W charging, minimizing downtime and maximizing usability.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 900 in the Galaxy M53 struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Dimensity 900 is a capable chipset, it may exhibit frame drops or require reduced graphics settings in graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact. The Nord 2T’s Dimensity 1300, with its more powerful CPU and GPU, will provide a smoother gaming experience.
❓ 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 27 minutes with the included 80W SuperVOOC charger. This is a significant advantage over the Galaxy M53, which will take considerably longer with its 25W charging.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specs on both phones a cause for concern?
Yes, the absence of sensor size, aperture, and OIS information makes it difficult to assess camera performance accurately. However, OnePlus generally prioritizes camera software and processing, which could give the Nord 2T an edge despite potentially similar hardware.
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy M53's battery life be noticeably better in real-world usage?
The 14-hour endurance difference is measurable, but the Nord 2T’s 80W charging mitigates this. If you can easily top up the Nord 2T throughout the day, the slightly smaller battery won’t be a significant drawback.