The new OnePlus Nord 2 is the first OnePlus (flagship) handset to eschew Qualcomm’s mobile platforms which run instead on a MediaTek Dimensity 1200-AI system-on-chip (SoC). It’s the first device to appear the following announcement of ‘further integration’ between OnePlus and Oppo. In fact, both of these are owned by BBK Electronics.
There are two versions of the Nord 2 5G available, one providing 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage whereas the other one provides 12 GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Nord 2 is available in Europe and India, however, it is unavailable in the US or Australia.
OnePlus Nord 2 is a reasonable (flagship) priced phone and makes a confident marketing claim that it’s “everything you could ask for.” So, the OnePlus ensure an amazing mid-range device and has done its best to make Nord 2 look like a premium handset.
So, today we have a full review of the new OnePlus Nord 2 in this article.
Table of Contents
OnePlus Nord 2 Launch Date
The release date of the OnePlus Nord 2 is on July 28, 2021.
OnePlus Nord 2 Price and Availability
OnePlus Nord 2 isn’t available everywhere as it is unavailable in the US or Australia. If you live in Europe (including the UK) and India, there is the availability of this phone.
OnePlus Nord 2 costs £399 with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage in the UK and Rs 29,999 in India. In the case of 128GB RAM and 256GB internal storage, you’ll be able to find it in the range of £469 in the UK and Rs 34,999 in India.
OnePlus Nord 2 Design
The design of Oneplus Nord 2 looks kind of neat and clean. It gives a premium look a little bit at that price range.
The handset is made up of glass and feels smooth under your finger which is protected by Gorilla Glass 5. The overall device weighs is 189 grams, and 8.2mm thick so it fits perfectly in your hand even though you have small hands.
There is a USB-C charge slot, a SIM caddy ad one of the phone’s two speakers on the bottom side of the phone. The SIM caddy will fit in with two 5G Sims.
My £469 review unit having 12GB RAM and 256GB internal storage has used 10GB leaving 246GB free. The left edge has a volume rocker whereas the right edge houses the power button and the useful Alert Sider.
More, the Alert Sider itself does a significant disservice when it leaves out. This makes the reason why I notice the irritation factor in switching ring status on another device.
OnePlus Nord 2 Display
OnePlus Nord 2 features 6.43 inches (16.33 cm) having screen resolution 1080*2400 pixels. It includes the aspects ratio of 20:9 and a 90Hz refresh rate which means the image will be much smoother than that of other phones around the price of Node 2.
The display on OnePlus Nord 2 includes AMOLED with a good in-screen fingerprint scanner which is not usually a feature that you will find on phones at this price. On the top left, you also get the camera cutout which blends nicely as well as the viewing angle is good.
OnePlus Nord 2 Camera
OnePlus Nord 2 has a capable main camera that performs excellently in the low light with night mode too. It features three camera elements having the main focus on resolution of 50 MP primary camera, 8 MP, Wide Angle, Ultra-Wide-Angle Camera, 2 MP Mono Camera. Plus, it has auto-focus and an LED flashlight.
Having an image resolution of 8500*6500 Pixel, it captures good quality photos. Likewise, the front camera resolution has a 32 MP Primary Camera. Besides, the front camera pinhole is relatively discreet on the top left corner of the phone’s screen.
So, the overall camera experience is quite good based on that price range.
OnePlus Nord 2 Software
The device comes with a new OxygenOS 11.3 which is said to be good for OnePlus Nord 2. It won’t have any bugs or glitches in the new software and runs smoothly. Plus, it can also handle heavy apps and games without a problem.
However, OnePlus this time compromises the clean Oxygen UI on this device which we always expect.
Other than this, you will have an Android 11 OS in the new OnePlus Nord 2.
OnePlus Nord 2 Battery Life
For the first time, OnePlus has to initiate Wrap Charge 65 solutions to its Nord series which can top-up your phone’s battery from 0 to 100 under 35 minutes. Having a capacity of 4500 mAh, it can last a day’s worth of usage.
So, if you love playing games all the time or watching videos on YouTube, Netflix then Nord 2 will be your best friend.
OnePlus Nord 2 Color
The colors available in the market of OnePlus Nord 2 are Grey Sierra, Blue Haze, and Green Woods. So, you can have multiple choices for the handset if you like to purchase it.
OnePlus Nord 2 Multimedia
The OnePlus Nord comes with a 90hz Super AMOLED display which means the color experience while watching a video or playing games will be great.
Likewise, Nord 2 UI comes with a color boost and resolution boost feature that will automatically control the video resolution and color if you are watching high-quality video on YouTube. So, you can enjoy a spectacular video all the time.
Besides, the screen brightness of the device is also quite good which is helpful when you are watching videos in sunlight or daytime.
Furthermore, the device has a stereotype speaker which is quite loud and has a good quality. So, if you love listening to songs all the time while working or doing your other work then you won’t regret it.
However, it doesn’t have a 3.5mm jack so if you are an earphone lover then you will feel a little bit of disappointment.
OnePlus Nord 2 Additional Features
You will find most of the features on the new OnePlus Nord 2 such as Face unlock, in-display fingerprint sensor, ambient light sensor,
The device also supports HDR playback. Also, HD streaming on apps like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix are supportive of this phone.
The SIM caddy in OnePlus Nord 2 will fit in with two 5G sims.
However, OnePlus Nord 2 isn’t waterproof and would recommend not submerging in water. If you go in a pool or beach then look after your device.
OnePlus Nord 2 Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages of buying OnePlus Nord 2
- The onePlus Nord 2 is a more affordable in price alternative to the OnePlus 9.
- It has strong gaming performance as well as offers better selfies in night vision.
- Likely, the charging speed is epic as it has the capacity to get fully charged in around 30 minutes.
- The price is excellent and has beautiful color options.
- For daily usage, it seems to be one of the reliable phones having smooth performance.
Disadvantages of buying OnePlus Nord 2
- With its greater advantages, there are fewer disadvantages of the OnePlus Nord 2 as it has no water resistance.
- AI and HDR can overcook images as well as there is no wireless charging.
Why Should You Buy the OnePlus Nord 2?
The reason why you should buy Oneplus Nord 2
- You want your phone to get charged fast:
As OnePlus was the first company that offered fast charging and now, the company offers 65 W fast charge in Nord 2 which does the job in 30 minutes.
- You take pictures at night time:
The new Nightscape Ultra mode brings a lot of details which seems to be a good segment of the device.
The reason why you shouldn’t buy Oneplus Nord 2
- You want some more exciting features:
If you want something eye-catching phone, you may find it somewhere else, however, finding a qualitative phone with a good price is a bit difficult.
- You need wireless charging:
Unlike the OnePlus 9, the company didn’t find it suitable to include the feature of wireless charging feature here.
Is OnePlus Nord 2 Value for Money?
OnePlus Nord 2 is a budgeted smartphone that offers a wide range of good features. You will get a 90Hz AMOLED display and a triple camera setup for the best photography, good battery life as well as backup, excellent performance while gaming and running apps.
Other than this, it also has excellent connectivity that comes with 5G, an awesome video viewing experience, good quality of the speaker, and more.
So, if you are on a tight budget and want to hold a premium-looking phone which is also good in overall performance then you can definitely go with OnePlus Nord 2.
However, if you are looking for pure Oxygen UI experience then you may have to look for other devices. But it doesn’t mean that the UI is not good but at that price range, OnePlus can look a little bit at its UI on OnePlus Nord 2.
But remember it’s only my opinion regarding its features and the overall performance. So, it can be the perfect smartphone for you.
Final Word
OnePlus continues to cultivate the mid-range 5G smartphones plow with the Nord 2, to impressive effect which seems relevant to see two 5G sims supported. The fast-charging mode works well which seems to be impressive for the users.
Additionally, with its premium looks and powerful processor, it can support all generations. It stands strong against smartphones in the same price range as other brands.
So, do you think OnePlus Nord 2 is your next smartphone?
For more tech or new gadgets-related articles visit Fixing Guides.