The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the OnePlus Nord 2 5G and Tecno Camon 18 Premier represent compelling options. The Nord 2 5G aims for a balanced experience with a powerful chipset, while the Camon 18 Premier prioritizes battery endurance and a potentially strong camera experience. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G emerges as the stronger choice. Its Dimensity 1200 chipset delivers significantly superior performance, and its 65W charging is a game-changer. While the Tecno Camon 18 Premier boasts impressive battery endurance, the performance gap is too substantial to ignore.
| 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 | LTE | 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, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA - EU |
| 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 | 2021, October 04 | 2021, July 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 11 | Available. Released 2021, July 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.9 x 8.2 mm (6.45 x 2.99 x 0.32 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 | 200.6 g (7.09 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ) | Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 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 MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 8.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/3.5, 135mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, 5x optical zoom
12 MP, (ultrawide), gimbal OIS | 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@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | Auto HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.5, (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 |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, SBAS, NavIC |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 64% in 30 min | 65W wired, PD, 100% in 30 min |
| Type | 4750 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Polar night, Vast sky | Gray Sierra, Blue Haze, Green Wood, Pac-Man Edition |
| Models | CH9, CH9n | DN2101, DN2103 |
| Price | About 390 EUR | € 189.00 / $ 219.99 / £ 148.00 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 112h
|
Endurance rating 102h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-26.2 LUFS (Good)
|
-24.3 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 293517 (v8), 346389 (v9)
GeekBench: 1758 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 512164 (v8) | 598022 (v9)
GeekBench: 2792 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 38fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Tecno Camon 18 Premier
- Exceptional battery endurance (112h)
- Potentially strong camera system (details unknown)
- More affordable price point (likely)
- Less powerful processor (Helio G96)
- Slower charging speed (33W)
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
- Powerful Dimensity 1200 chipset
- Significantly faster 65W charging
- Brighter display for outdoor visibility
- Slightly lower battery endurance (102h)
- Potentially higher price
Display Comparison
The OnePlus Nord 2 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 633 nits compared to the Tecno Camon 18 Premier’s 422 nits. This translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. Both displays share an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting standard OLED performance. The brightness difference is the key differentiator; users who spend considerable time outdoors will greatly benefit from the Nord 2 5G’s superior luminance.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking. However, the chipset advantage of the Nord 2 5G likely translates to superior image signal processing (ISP) performance. While the Camon 18 Premier may have a higher megapixel count (not specified in the data), the Dimensity 1200’s ISP is likely more efficient at noise reduction, dynamic range optimization, and overall image quality. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the Nord 2 5G’s processing power gives it an edge.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord 2 5G’s MediaTek Dimensity 1200 (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Tecno Camon 18 Premier’s Helio G96 (12nm). The Dimensity 1200 features a more advanced CPU configuration – a 1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 core alongside 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 cores, versus the Camon’s 2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 setup. The 6nm process node of the Dimensity 1200 also provides better power efficiency and thermal management, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended use. This translates to a noticeably faster and smoother experience for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications on the Nord 2 5G.
Battery Life
The Tecno Camon 18 Premier claims an endurance rating of 112 hours, slightly exceeding the OnePlus Nord 2 5G’s 102 hours. However, the Nord 2 5G compensates with significantly faster charging – 65W wired with full charge in 30 minutes, compared to the Camon 18 Premier’s 33W charging, reaching 64% in 30 minutes. This means the Nord 2 5G can quickly top up its battery, mitigating the slightly lower endurance rating. The faster charging is a significant convenience factor for users who don't want to wait hours for a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Camon 18 Premier if you prioritize maximizing battery life above all else and frequently find yourself away from a power outlet. Its 112-hour endurance rating is a significant advantage. Buy the OnePlus Nord 2 5G if you value a smoother, more responsive user experience, faster charging, and a more capable processor for gaming and demanding applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the MediaTek Dimensity 1200 in the OnePlus Nord 2 5G get hot during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 1200 is built on a 6nm process, which offers improved thermal efficiency compared to the 12nm Helio G96 in the Camon 18 Premier. While some heat generation is inevitable during intensive gaming, the Nord 2 5G is less prone to significant throttling, maintaining higher frame rates for longer periods.
❓ How much faster is the 65W charging on the OnePlus Nord 2 5G compared to the 33W charging on the Tecno Camon 18 Premier in real-world use?
The Nord 2 5G can fully charge from 0-100% in approximately 30 minutes, while the Camon 18 Premier only reaches 64% in the same timeframe. This means you can add a substantial amount of battery life to the Nord 2 5G in a very short period, making it ideal for users who need a quick top-up before heading out.
❓ Is the difference in display brightness between the two phones noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the 211-nit difference in peak brightness is quite noticeable, especially when using the phones outdoors. The Nord 2 5G's brighter display will be much easier to see in direct sunlight, while the Camon 18 Premier's screen may appear washed out in the same conditions.
