vivo S10 vs OnePlus Nord 2 5G: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Power

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the vivo S10 and OnePlus Nord 2 5G represent compelling options. Both leverage MediaTek's Dimensity series, but key differences in chipset implementation, charging speeds, and overall design cater to distinct user preferences. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which device offers the most complete package.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G emerges as the stronger contender. Its Dimensity 1200 chipset provides a noticeable performance edge, complemented by significantly faster 65W charging. While the vivo S10 is a capable device, the Nord 2’s superior processing power and charging speed justify its slight price premium.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo S10 OnePlus Nord 2 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - EU
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA - EU
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x -
Launch
Announced2021, July 152021, July 22
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, July 22Available. Released 2021, July 28
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame
Dimensions158.2 x 73.7 x 7.3 mm (6.23 x 2.90 x 0.29 in)159.1 x 73.3 x 8.3 mm (6.26 x 2.89 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight173 g (6.10 oz)189 g (6.67 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 1100 (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G77 MC9Mali-G77 MC9
OSAndroid 11, OriginOS 1.0Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1-
Main Camera
Dual44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF 8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide)-
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (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
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Dual44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF 8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide)-
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDRAuto HDR
Single-32 MP, f/2.5, (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
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, SBAS, NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C, 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging44W wired65W wired, PD, 100% in 30 min
Type4050 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, Gradient Blue, YellowGray Sierra, Blue Haze, Green Wood, Pac-Man Edition
ModelsV2121ADN2101, DN2103
PriceAbout 370 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)

vivo S10

  • Sleek and stylish design (assumed based on vivo’s design language)
  • Capable performance for everyday tasks
  • Competitive price point (likely)

  • Slower 44W charging
  • Less powerful Dimensity 1100 chipset

OnePlus Nord 2 5G

  • Faster Dimensity 1200 chipset for smoother performance
  • Blazing-fast 65W charging with PD
  • Brighter display for better outdoor visibility

  • Potentially higher price tag
  • Design may be less visually striking (subjective)

Display Comparison

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 633 nits, which translates to better visibility outdoors compared to the vivo S10 (brightness data unavailable). While both likely utilize AMOLED panels for vibrant colors, the Nord 2’s higher brightness is a tangible advantage. Both displays feature an infinite contrast ratio, typical of AMOLED technology, ensuring deep blacks and excellent image quality. The absence of refresh rate data for the S10 means the Nord 2 likely has a smoother experience if it supports a higher refresh rate.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are marketed with a focus on photography and videography, but detailed sensor information is lacking for the S10. The Nord 2 5G’s camera system likely benefits from MediaTek’s Imagiq 760 ISP, offering enhanced image processing capabilities. Without specific details on the S10’s sensor sizes and apertures, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Nord 2’s reputation for consistent image quality and reliable performance suggests it holds an edge in this category. The inclusion of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the Nord 2 would further enhance its low-light photography capabilities.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the vivo S10 utilizes the MediaTek Dimensity 1100, while the OnePlus Nord 2 5G features the Dimensity 1200. The 1200’s CPU configuration – a 1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 core alongside 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores – provides a clear advantage over the S10’s 4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 setup. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. Both are built on a 6nm process, but the architectural improvements in the Dimensity 1200 yield a noticeable performance uplift.

Battery Life

Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 102 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the charging speeds are drastically different. The OnePlus Nord 2 5G’s 65W wired charging, with PD support and a claimed 100% charge in 30 minutes, is significantly faster than the vivo S10’s 44W charging. This difference is crucial for users who prioritize quick top-ups. While the S10’s battery life is respectable, the Nord 2’s faster charging mitigates any potential concerns about battery drain.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo S10 if you prioritize a sleek design and are comfortable with slightly slower charging. It’s a good choice for users who primarily engage in social media, casual gaming, and everyday tasks. Buy the OnePlus Nord 2 5G if you demand smoother performance for demanding apps and games, and value the convenience of incredibly fast 65W charging. This phone is ideal for power users and mobile gamers.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Dimensity 1200 in the OnePlus Nord 2 5G get noticeably warmer during extended gaming sessions compared to the Dimensity 1100 in the vivo S10?
While both chipsets are built on a 6nm process, the Dimensity 1200’s higher performance ceiling means it *could* generate more heat under sustained load. However, OnePlus typically implements effective thermal management solutions, and the Nord 2’s larger chassis may provide better heat dissipation. Real-world testing would be needed to confirm, but the risk of significant throttling is likely similar between the two devices.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 44W and 65W truly significant in everyday use with the vivo S10 and OnePlus Nord 2 5G?
Absolutely. While 44W is still considered fast charging, 65W is in a different league. The Nord 2 5G can go from 0-100% in approximately 30 minutes, whereas the S10 will take considerably longer. This difference is particularly noticeable for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly before leaving the house or during short breaks.
❓ Given the similar endurance ratings, will I notice a real-world difference in battery life between the vivo S10 and OnePlus Nord 2 5G?
The endurance rating suggests similar battery life under standardized testing conditions. However, the Dimensity 1200 in the Nord 2 5G is more power-efficient when handling demanding tasks. Therefore, if you frequently play games or use resource-intensive apps, the Nord 2 5G may offer slightly longer battery life in those scenarios.