OnePlus Nord 2 5G vs. vivo V23e: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Contenders

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the OnePlus Nord 2 5G and vivo V23e represent compelling options for users seeking 5G connectivity without a flagship price tag. However, beneath the similar price points lie significant differences in chipset architecture and overall performance, making a direct comparison crucial for informed buyers.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G emerges as the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 1200 chipset delivers substantially faster processing power and a more responsive experience, justifying the slight price premium. While the V23e offers respectable performance for everyday tasks, the Nord 2 is the clear winner for demanding users and gamers.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo V23e OnePlus Nord 2 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 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 bands-1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA - EU
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA 800 -
Launch
Announced2021, November 092021, July 22
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, November 09Available. Released 2021, July 28
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame
Dimensions160.9 x 74.3 x 7.4 mm (6.33 x 2.93 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
Weight172 g (6.07 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 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLEDFluid AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-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)
ChipsetMediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G77 MC9
OSAndroid 11, Funtouch 12Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF-
Triple64 MP, f/1.8, 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
FeaturesHDRAuto HDR
Single50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF32 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 wired, 69% in 30 min65W wired, PD, 100% in 30 min
Type4050 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, AuroraGray Sierra, Blue Haze, Green Wood, Pac-Man Edition
Models-DN2101, DN2103
PriceAbout 330 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 V23e

  • Sleek and lightweight design
  • Respectable performance for everyday tasks
  • 44W fast charging

  • Less powerful chipset compared to the Nord 2 5G
  • Potentially limited gaming performance
  • Less advanced ISP for camera processing

OnePlus Nord 2 5G

  • Powerful Mediatek Dimensity 1200 chipset
  • 65W SuperVOOC charging for rapid top-ups
  • Superior gaming performance and multitasking

  • May be slightly more expensive than the V23e
  • Design may be less visually striking to some
  • No official IP rating for water/dust resistance

Display Comparison

The provided data only gives us the peak brightness of the OnePlus Nord 2 5G at 633 nits. While respectable, this figure doesn't tell the whole story. Without comparable data for the V23e, it's difficult to definitively declare a winner. However, OnePlus typically employs high-quality AMOLED panels with excellent color accuracy. Both devices likely feature similar resolutions, but the Nord 2’s potentially superior panel quality and brightness will provide a more vibrant viewing experience, especially outdoors. The 'Infinite' contrast ratio on the Nord 2 is a typical marketing claim for AMOLED displays.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but the specifics are lacking. Without sensor size or aperture information, a detailed comparison is limited. However, the chipset plays a role; the Dimensity 1200’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is more advanced, enabling faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance on the Nord 2 5G. The V23e likely relies on software processing to compensate for a potentially less capable ISP. We can assume both phones will include standard features like HDR and portrait modes, but the Nord 2 is likely to deliver more detailed and dynamic images.

Performance

This is where the Nord 2 5G truly shines. The Mediatek Dimensity 1200, built on a 6nm process, is a significant leap ahead of the V23e’s Helio G96 (12nm). The Dimensity 1200’s octa-core configuration, featuring a prime Cortex-A78 core clocked at 3.0 GHz, alongside three additional A78 cores at 2.6 GHz, provides substantially more processing power than the V23e’s dual A76 cores at 2.05 GHz. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a far superior gaming experience. The 6nm node also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. The V23e’s Helio G96 is adequate for everyday tasks, but will struggle with demanding games and applications.

Battery Life

Both devices boast an endurance rating of 102 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite differing internal capacities (not provided). However, the charging speeds are a key differentiator. The Nord 2 5G’s 65W wired charging with PD support can fully charge the device in 30 minutes, while the V23e’s 44W charging reaches 69% in the same timeframe. This means the Nord 2 5G offers significantly faster top-ups, a crucial advantage for users who frequently need to recharge quickly.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo V23e if you prioritize a sleek design and are primarily focused on social media, light web browsing, and casual photography. It’s a solid option for users who don’t push their phones to the limit. Buy the OnePlus Nord 2 5G if you value performance, gaming capabilities, and faster charging. It’s the better choice for power users, mobile gamers, and those who want a phone that will remain responsive for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 1200 in the OnePlus Nord 2 5G get hot during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 1200 is a powerful chip, its 6nm manufacturing process and OnePlus’s thermal management solutions help mitigate overheating. Users report manageable temperatures during prolonged gaming, though some throttling may occur during the most demanding titles. It's significantly better in this regard than the 12nm Helio G96.
❓ Is the 44W charging on the vivo V23e fast enough for daily use?
44W charging is reasonably fast, but it's noticeably slower than the 65W SuperVOOC charging on the Nord 2 5G. While it can get you to 69% in 30 minutes, a full charge will take considerably longer. Users who prioritize quick top-ups will find the Nord 2 5G more convenient.
❓ Will the OnePlus Nord 2 5G receive long-term software support and updates?
OnePlus has a good track record of providing software updates for its Nord series. The Nord 2 5G is expected to receive at least two major Android updates and three years of security patches, ensuring a relatively long software lifespan.