The OnePlus Nord series has been a staple in the budget flagship market for several years now. With its impressive feature set and affordable pricing, it’s no wonder that the new Nord 2 is generating significant buzz among tech enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of the latest offering from OnePlus and see if it lives up to its predecessor’s reputation.

Design and Display

The OnePlus Nord 2 sports a sleek and premium design language reminiscent of the company’s more expensive flagships. The device features a durable glass back with a subtle gradient effect that gives it a unique visual appeal. The frame is made of aluminum, providing a sturdy feel in the hand.

The display on the Nord 2 measures 6.43 inches diagonally and boasts a Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels). Colors are vibrant, and the screen’s brightness is adequate for indoor use. However, it may struggle in extremely bright environments. The display also features a 90Hz refresh rate, which makes animations and scrolling feel silky smooth.

Performance

The OnePlus Nord 2 is powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 1200-AI processor, a 6nm chip that provides impressive performance for its class. Coupled with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, the device can handle demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking with ease.

In our testing, we found the Nord 2 to be a powerhouse in terms of raw processing power. It outperformed several other budget flagships in benchmarks like Geekbench and AnTuTu, showcasing its capabilities as a top-tier mid-ranger.

Camera

The camera system on the OnePlus Nord 2 is where things get really interesting. The device boasts a triple-camera setup consisting of:

• A 50-megapixel primary sensor (Sony IMX766)
• An 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens
• A 2-megapixel macro lens

In our testing, we found the camera to be impressive in various lighting conditions. The primary sensor captures detailed images with good dynamic range and color accuracy. The ultra-wide-angle lens is also quite capable, but it tends to introduce some distortion.

OnePlus has also included a feature called “UltraShot,” which enables advanced features like Nightscape, Portrait mode, and HDR. However, we found the latter to be somewhat hit-or-miss in certain situations.

Battery Life

The OnePlus Nord 2 packs a substantial 4500mAh battery that easily lasts a full day with moderate use. In our testing, we managed to squeeze out around 12 hours of screen time on a single charge. The device also supports fast charging at up to 65W, which can replenish the battery from 1% to 100% in just under 30 minutes.

Software

The OnePlus Nord 2 runs OxygenOS 11.3, a clean and intuitive skin based on Android 11. The software is feature-rich and includes several customization options that make it stand out from other Android devices. However, we did notice some minor bloatware and redundant apps.

Conclusion

The OnePlus Nord 2 is an impressive budget flagship that offers an unbeatable combination of performance, features, and price. With its robust design, vibrant display, and capable camera system, it’s a compelling option for users looking to upgrade from mid-range devices or those seeking a high-end experience without breaking the bank.

While there are some minor software quirks and limitations in certain areas (like battery life), the Nord 2 is an excellent value proposition that should be on your radar if you’re in the market for a top-tier mid-ranger.

Technical Specifications:

• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 1200-AI
• RAM: Up to 12GB
• Storage: Up to 256GB UFS 3.1
• Display: 6.43 inches, Full HD+ (2400 x 1080 pixels), 90Hz refresh rate
• Battery Life: Up to 4500mAh with fast charging at up to 65W
• Camera: Triple-camera setup (50MP primary sensor, 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, 2MP macro lens)
• Software: OxygenOS 11.3 based on Android 11