OnePlus Nord 2: The Affordable Flagship Killer with a Twist

The OnePlus Nord 2 is the latest addition to the popular OnePlus Nord series, and it’s clear that the company has made significant improvements in various areas. As an affordable flagship smartphone, the Nord 2 offers an impressive combination of performance, camera capabilities, and features, making it a strong contender in the mid-range market.

Design and Display

The OnePlus Nord 2 boasts a sleek and premium design language, reminiscent of its more expensive siblings. The device is available in two color options: Gray Mirror and Blue Marble, both of which feature an attractive gradient effect that shimmers in different lighting conditions. The phone’s dimensions are relatively compact, measuring 6.45 inches in length, 2.94 inches in width, and 0.36 inches in thickness.

The display on the Nord 2 is one of its standout features. The 6.43-inch AMOLED panel boasts a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, providing crisp and vibrant visuals. Colors are accurate, and the screen’s brightness is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, even in direct sunlight.

Performance

The OnePlus Nord 2 is powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 1200-AI processor, which provides a significant boost in performance compared to its predecessor. The device comes with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, ensuring seamless multitasking and responsive app loading.

For gaming enthusiasts, the Nord 2 features a dedicated cooling system, which helps maintain optimal temperatures during extended gameplay sessions. Additionally, the phone supports 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2 for fast data transfer and wireless connectivity.

Camera

The OnePlus Nord 2 boasts an impressive camera setup, featuring a 50-megapixel primary sensor with an f/1.88 aperture, a 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2-megapixel macro shooter. The device also features a dedicated portrait mode, which provides excellent bokeh effects and subject isolation.

For video recording, the Nord 2 supports up to 4K resolution at 60fps, as well as slow-motion capture at 960fps. The phone’s camera software is intuitive and easy to use, with features like Nightscape mode, UltraShot, and Pro Mode for advanced manual controls.

Battery Life

One of the key selling points of the OnePlus Nord 2 is its impressive battery life. According to OnePlus, users can expect up to 30 hours of talk time or 12 days of standby time on a single charge. In our testing, we achieved around 18-20 hours of mixed usage, which is still quite respectable.

Charging and Fast Charging

The Nord 2 supports fast charging at up to 65W, which can replenish the battery from 0 to 100% in just under 30 minutes. This feature is particularly useful for heavy users who need a quick top-up during the day.

Software

The OnePlus Nord 2 runs on Android 11 out of the box, with OxygenOS 11.3 custom skin. The interface is clean and intuitive, with features like dark mode, customizable always-on display, and advanced gesture controls.

Conclusion

The OnePlus Nord 2 is a formidable mid-range smartphone that offers an impressive combination of performance, camera capabilities, and features. While it may not be the cheapest option in its class, the Nord 2 provides excellent value for money, with a starting price of $499 (base model) and going up to $599 (high-end configuration).

For those seeking a reliable and feature-packed smartphone without breaking the bank, the OnePlus Nord 2 is definitely worth considering. Its competitive pricing, impressive camera capabilities, and fast charging support make it an attractive option for users who want a premium smartphone experience at an affordable price point.

Technical Specifications:

  • Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 1200-AI
  • RAM: Up to 12GB
  • Storage: Up to 256GB UFS 3.1
  • Display: 6.43-inch AMOLED, 2400 x 1080 pixels, HDR10+
  • Battery Life: Up to 30 hours talk time or 12 days standby time
  • Charging: Fast charging at up to 65W
  • Camera: Triple camera setup with 50-megapixel primary sensor, 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and 2-megapixel macro shooter
  • Software: Android 11 with OxygenOS 11.3 custom skin