OnePlus Nord 2 5G vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro: Which Mid-Range Champion Reigns Supreme?

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the OnePlus Nord 2 5G and Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro represent compelling options for budget-conscious buyers. The Nord 2 5G arrives with a more powerful chipset, aiming for a premium experience, while the Redmi Note 10 Pro focuses on delivering a well-rounded package with a strong emphasis on value. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which phone best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G is the superior choice, thanks to its significantly faster 65W charging and more powerful Mediatek Dimensity 1200 chipset. However, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro remains a strong contender, particularly for those prioritizing affordability and long battery endurance.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro 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, 20, 28, 32, 38, 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 / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2021, March 042021, July 22
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, March 24Available. Released 2021, July 28
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame
Dimensions164 x 76.5 x 8.1 mm (6.46 x 3.01 x 0.32 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
Weight193 g (6.81 oz)189 g (6.67 oz)
 IP53, dust and splash resistant-
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning 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 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10, 450 nits (typ), 1200 nits (peak)Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver)Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7150 Snapdragon 732G (8 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 618Mali-G77 MC9
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 13, MIUI 14Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 2.2-
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 5 MP (macro), AF Auxiliary lens-
Triple-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@30/60fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesPanoramaAuto HDR
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYes-
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, SBAS, NavIC
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 Virtual proximity sensing-
Battery
Charging33W wired, 59% in 30 min65W wired, PD, 100% in 30 min
TypeLi-Po 5020 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsOnyx Gray, Glacier Blue, Gradient BronzeGray Sierra, Blue Haze, Green Wood, Pac-Man Edition
ModelsM2101K6G, M2101K6RDN2101, DN2103
Price$ 107.43 / £ 163.94 / € 144.87€ 189.00 / $ 219.99 / £ 148.00
SAR1.09 W/kg (head)     1.06 W/kg (body)-
SAR EU0.60 W/kg (head)     0.99 W/kg (body)-
Pricing
128GB 6GB RAM$ 189.99-
128GB 8GB RAM$ 209.99-
64GB 6GB RAM$ 221.00-
RENEWED£ 348.00-
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 118h Endurance rating 102h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -25.7 LUFS (Very good) -24.3 LUFS (Very good)
Performance AnTuTu: 295442 (v8) GeekBench: 1780 (v5.1) GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 512164 (v8) | 598022 (v9) GeekBench: 2792 (v5.1) GFXBench: 38fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro

  • Longer battery life (118h endurance)
  • Brighter display (725 nits)
  • More affordable price point

  • Less powerful processor (Snapdragon 732G)
  • Slower charging (33W)

OnePlus Nord 2 5G

  • Faster processor (Dimensity 1200)
  • Significantly faster charging (65W)
  • Potentially better image processing

  • Shorter battery life (102h endurance)
  • Dimmer display (633 nits)
  • Higher price

Display Comparison

The Redmi Note 10 Pro boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 725 nits, compared to the Nord 2 5G’s 633 nits. This translates to better visibility under direct sunlight. Both displays share an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, typical for AMOLED panels. While both offer a good viewing experience, the Redmi Note 10 Pro’s higher peak brightness provides a tangible advantage for outdoor use. The lack of high refresh rate information for both devices means the smoothness of scrolling and animations is likely standard 60Hz.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature capable camera systems, but detailed sensor information is limited. The focus should be on image processing and overall image quality, which are difficult to assess without sample images. The absence of specific sensor size data makes a direct comparison challenging. However, the Nord 2 5G’s more powerful processor likely enables more sophisticated image processing algorithms, potentially leading to better low-light performance and dynamic range. The Redmi Note 10 Pro's camera is likely tuned for vibrant, saturated colors, a common Xiaomi trait.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Redmi Note 10 Pro utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8nm), while the Nord 2 5G features the Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6nm). The Dimensity 1200, with its Cortex-A78 cores clocked up to 3.0 GHz, offers a substantial performance leap over the Snapdragon 732G’s Kryo 470 cores. The 6nm process node of the Dimensity 1200 also contributes to improved power efficiency. This means the Nord 2 5G will handle demanding tasks like gaming and video editing with greater ease and potentially less thermal throttling. The Nord 2's CPU configuration (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) is architecturally superior to the Redmi Note 10 Pro's (Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver)).

Battery Life

The Redmi Note 10 Pro achieves an endurance rating of 118 hours, while the Nord 2 5G manages 102 hours. This suggests the Redmi Note 10 Pro offers longer battery life on a single charge. However, the Nord 2 5G compensates with significantly faster 65W wired charging, achieving a full charge in just 30 minutes. The Redmi Note 10 Pro’s 33W charging takes longer, reaching 59% in 30 minutes. This difference in charging speed is a major convenience factor, making the Nord 2 5G more forgiving if you frequently run low on battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro if you need exceptional battery life and are on a strict budget, prioritizing longevity over raw performance. It’s ideal for users who primarily browse, use social media, and occasionally game. Buy the OnePlus Nord 2 5G if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience, faster charging, and don’t mind spending a bit more for a more capable processor – perfect for gamers and power users.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 1200 in the Nord 2 5G get noticeably hot during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 1200 is a powerful chip, the 6nm process node and OnePlus’s thermal management should prevent excessive overheating. However, sustained gaming at maximum settings will inevitably generate heat. Expect some throttling, but it shouldn't be severe enough to ruin the experience.
❓ Is the 33W charging on the Redmi Note 10 Pro slow compared to the Nord 2 5G's 65W, or is it still acceptable for daily use?
33W charging is certainly slower than 65W. While it's not unusable, the difference is significant. The Nord 2 5G can fully charge in 30 minutes, while the Redmi Note 10 Pro only reaches 59% in the same timeframe. If you frequently find yourself needing a quick top-up, the Nord 2 5G is the better choice.
❓ How does the image processing differ between the Redmi Note 10 Pro and the Nord 2 5G, and which phone produces more natural-looking photos?
Xiaomi typically tunes its cameras for vibrant, saturated colors, which can be appealing but less realistic. OnePlus generally aims for more natural color reproduction. The Nord 2 5G’s more powerful processor allows for more sophisticated image processing, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and detail, especially in challenging lighting conditions.