The Xiaomi 12 Lite NE and OnePlus Nord 2T represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a premium experience without the flagship price tag, they take different approaches. The Xiaomi focuses on a sleek design and efficient Snapdragon 7 Gen 1, while the OnePlus prioritizes fast charging and a powerful Dimensity 1300. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord 2T emerges as the stronger all-rounder. Its Dimensity 1300 chipset provides a noticeable performance edge, and the 80W SuperVOOC charging significantly reduces downtime. While the Xiaomi 12 Lite NE boasts a more modern 4nm process, the Nord 2T’s overall package offers better value.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 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 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2022, May 19 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2022, May 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 72.7 x 7.2 mm (6.27 x 2.86 x 0.28 in) | 159.1 x 73.2 x 8.2 mm (6.26 x 2.88 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 171.8 g (6.07 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1000 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.36 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7450-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1300 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 644 | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, OxygenOS 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Color spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF
20 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.78", 1.0µm
2 MP (macro) | 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm, AF
32 MP, 100˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | - |
| Features | 2 Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Auto HDR |
| Single | - | 32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1) | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 67W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 40 min | 80W wired, PD |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Violet, Silver | Gray Shadow, Jade Fog |
| Models | 2210129SG | CPH2399, CPH2401 |
| Price | - | € 144.39 / $ 169.99 / ₹ 31,490 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 100h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.6 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 490545 (v8) | 604467 (v9)
GeekBench: 2790 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 40fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi 12 Lite NE
- Sleek and lightweight design
- Efficient 4nm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset
- Fast 67W wired charging
- Less powerful processor compared to Dimensity 1300
- Limited display brightness information
OnePlus Nord 2T
- Powerful MediaTek Dimensity 1300 chipset
- Ultra-fast 80W SuperVOOC charging
- Brighter display for outdoor visibility
- 6nm process may be less efficient than 4nm
- Potentially bulkier design
Display Comparison
The OnePlus Nord 2T boasts a measured peak brightness of 636 nits, providing superior visibility in direct sunlight compared to the Xiaomi 12 Lite NE (brightness data unavailable). While both feature an 'infinite' contrast ratio (nominal), the Nord 2T’s higher peak brightness is a tangible advantage. The Xiaomi 12 Lite NE’s display specifications are less detailed in the provided data, making a direct comparison of panel technology (e.g., AMOLED vs. LCD, refresh rate) impossible. However, the Nord 2T’s brightness advantage is a clear win for outdoor users.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking. Without specifics on sensor size, aperture, or OIS, a definitive camera comparison is difficult. However, the presence of a dedicated 2MP macro camera on both devices suggests limited utility; these sensors typically lack the resolution and dynamic range for truly compelling macro photography. The image processing style and overall image quality will likely be the differentiating factors, requiring real-world testing to determine a clear winner. The absence of detailed camera specs makes it difficult to assess a significant advantage for either device.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Xiaomi 12 Lite NE utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4nm), while the OnePlus Nord 2T features the MediaTek Dimensity 1300 (6nm). The Dimensity 1300, with its 1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 core and 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 cores, offers a higher clock speed and a more powerful core configuration than the Xiaomi’s 1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A710 and 3x2.36 GHz Cortex-A710. While the 4nm process of the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 *should* offer better efficiency, the Dimensity 1300’s raw processing power translates to a more responsive experience, particularly in gaming and multitasking. The Nord 2T is likely to exhibit less throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Both devices share an endurance rating of 100 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. However, the charging speeds are markedly different. The OnePlus Nord 2T’s 80W SuperVOOC charging is significantly faster than the Xiaomi 12 Lite NE’s 67W charging, promising a full charge in less time (estimated 30-35 minutes for the Nord 2T vs. 40 minutes for the 12 Lite NE). This faster charging is a substantial convenience factor, especially for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly. The difference in charging speed effectively mitigates any potential battery capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi 12 Lite NE if you prioritize a lighter, slimmer design and value the efficiency of a 4nm chipset for potentially longer sustained performance during lighter tasks. Buy the OnePlus Nord 2T if you demand faster charging speeds, a more powerful processor for gaming and demanding applications, and a consistently brighter display for outdoor visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Dimensity 1300 in the OnePlus Nord 2T get noticeably warmer than the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 during extended gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 benefits from a 4nm process, the Dimensity 1300’s more powerful CPU and GPU cores are likely to generate more heat under sustained load. However, OnePlus typically implements effective thermal management solutions, so overheating shouldn't be a major issue, though some throttling is possible. The 6nm process of the Dimensity 1300 may result in slightly higher temperatures compared to the Xiaomi.
❓ How much faster is the 80W charging on the OnePlus Nord 2T compared to the 67W charging on the Xiaomi 12 Lite NE in real-world use?
The 80W charging on the Nord 2T can typically charge from 0-100% in around 30-35 minutes, while the 67W charging on the 12 Lite NE takes approximately 40 minutes. This translates to roughly 5-10 minutes saved per charge, a significant convenience for users who prioritize quick top-ups.
❓ Are the 2MP macro cameras on either phone worth using, or should I focus on the main camera?
The 2MP macro cameras on both devices are largely a marketing feature. Their limited resolution and lack of optical image stabilization result in images that are often soft and lack detail. You'll achieve far better results using the main camera and utilizing digital zoom or cropping for close-up shots.
