Xiaomi 11T vs OnePlus Nord 2 5G: A Deep Dive into Performance and Endurance

The Xiaomi 11T and OnePlus Nord 2 5G represent a sweet spot in the mid-range market, both powered by the capable MediaTek Dimensity 1200. However, subtle differences in display technology, battery optimization, and charging speeds create distinct user experiences. This comparison dissects these nuances to help you choose the right device.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G edges out the Xiaomi 11T. While both offer identical processing power, the Nord 2 5G’s slightly superior battery endurance (102h vs 98h) and marginally faster charging (30 mins vs 36 mins) provide a more convenient daily experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi 11T OnePlus Nord 2 5G
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, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 661, 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 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 / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2021, September 152021, July 22
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, October 05Available. Released 2021, July 28
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame, glass backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame
Dimensions164.1 x 76.9 x 8.8 mm (6.46 x 3.03 x 0.35 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
Weight203 g (7.16 oz)189 g (6.67 oz)
 IP53, dust and splash resistant-
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 800 nits (typ), 1000 nits (peak)Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 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 1200 (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G77 MC9Mali-G77 MC9
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 13, MIUI 14Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1-
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm-
Triple108 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 5 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (telephoto macro), 1/5.0", 1.12µm, AF50 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@30/60/120, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-Auto HDR
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, SBAS, NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, 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
Charging67W wired, 100% in 36 min65W wired, PD, 100% in 30 min
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsMeteorite Gray, Moonlight White, Celestial BlueGray Sierra, Blue Haze, Green Wood, Pac-Man Edition
Models21081111RGDN2101, DN2103
Price€ 119.00 / £ 275.00€ 189.00 / $ 219.99 / £ 148.00
SAR1.09 W/kg (head)     0.83 W/kg (body)-
SAR EU0.55 W/kg (head)     0.95 W/kg (body)-
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 98h Endurance rating 102h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -27.6 LUFS (Good) -24.3 LUFS (Very good)
Performance AnTuTu: 590837 (v9) GeekBench: 2834 (v5.1) GFXBench: 40fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 512164 (v8) | 598022 (v9) GeekBench: 2792 (v5.1) GFXBench: 38fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Xiaomi 11T

  • Brighter display for outdoor visibility (798 nits)
  • Fast 67W wired charging
  • Potentially more vibrant color profile (based on Xiaomi's typical image processing)

  • Slightly lower battery endurance (98h)
  • Longer charging time (36 mins)

OnePlus Nord 2 5G

  • Slightly better battery life (102h)
  • Faster charging (30 mins) with PD support
  • Potentially more natural image processing (based on OnePlus's typical image processing)

  • Dimmer display (633 nits)
  • May lack the same level of display vibrancy as the Xiaomi 11T

Display Comparison

Both the Xiaomi 11T and OnePlus Nord 2 5G feature displays with an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting excellent black levels. However, the Xiaomi 11T boasts a significantly brighter panel, reaching 798 nits compared to the Nord 2 5G’s 633 nits. This 25.8% difference in peak brightness translates to better readability under direct sunlight. While both likely utilize AMOLED technology (implied by contrast ratio), the Xiaomi 11T’s higher brightness makes it the superior choice for outdoor use and HDR video playback. The lack of refresh rate data prevents a full assessment of display smoothness.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are listed with 'Photo / Video' capabilities, offering limited insight. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing details, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given OnePlus’s historical focus on natural image processing and Xiaomi’s tendency towards more saturated colors, users can expect differing aesthetic preferences. The absence of information regarding OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is a significant omission; its presence would be a key differentiator for video recording stability. The lack of detail regarding the main camera sensor resolution prevents a meaningful comparison.

Performance

At the heart of both devices lies the MediaTek Dimensity 1200 (6nm). The CPU configuration is identical – an octa-core setup with 1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78, 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78, and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This means CPU performance will be virtually indistinguishable in everyday tasks and most gaming scenarios. The absence of RAM specifications prevents a detailed analysis of multitasking capabilities, but both are expected to offer sufficient RAM for smooth operation. Thermal performance will likely be similar, relying on the Dimensity 1200’s inherent efficiency and the phone’s cooling solutions (data not provided).

Battery Life

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G holds a slight edge in battery endurance, achieving a measured 102 hours compared to the Xiaomi 11T’s 98 hours. This 4% difference, while not massive, can be noticeable over extended use. Both devices support incredibly fast 65W/67W wired charging, with the Nord 2 5G completing a full charge in 30 minutes, slightly faster than the 11T’s 36 minutes. The Nord 2 5G also supports PD (Power Delivery), offering broader compatibility with chargers. The combination of slightly longer endurance and faster charging makes the Nord 2 5G the more convenient option for users who prioritize minimizing downtime.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi 11T if you prioritize a brighter display for outdoor visibility and frequently consume HDR content. Its 798 nits peak brightness offers a noticeable advantage in sunny conditions. Buy the OnePlus Nord 2 5G if you value all-day battery life and quick top-ups. The 102-hour endurance rating and 30-minute charging time minimize downtime, making it ideal for power users.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Dimensity 1200 in either phone struggle with sustained gaming performance?
The Dimensity 1200 is a capable chipset, but sustained gaming performance depends heavily on thermal management, which isn't detailed in the provided specs. Both phones *could* experience some throttling during extended gaming sessions, but the impact will likely be similar given the identical chipset and comparable cooling solutions (assumed).
❓ Is the difference in charging speed (30 mins vs 36 mins) noticeable in real-world use?
While 6 minutes doesn't sound like much, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G's faster charging can be convenient for quick top-ups throughout the day. If you frequently find yourself needing a boost, those extra few minutes saved can be valuable.
❓ How significant is the brightness difference between the two displays in practical scenarios?
The 165-nit difference is quite noticeable outdoors, especially in direct sunlight. The Xiaomi 11T will remain much more readable in these conditions. Indoors, the difference is less pronounced, but the 11T still offers more headroom for HDR content.