OnePlus Nord 2T 5G: In the ever-evolving landscape of smartphones, OnePlus has consistently positioned itself as a brand that delivers premium features at competitive prices.
The OnePlus Nord 2T 5G continues this tradition, offering an impressive combination of performance, camera capabilities, and charging speeds that challenge devices at much higher price points.
This comprehensive review explores what makes the Nord 2T 5G one of the most compelling mid-range smartphones available today.
OnePlus Nord 2T 5G: Design and Build Quality
The OnePlus Nord 2T 5G features a sleek and sophisticated design that belies its mid-range status. Available in two striking color options – Gray Shadow with a shimmery matte finish and Jade Fog with a glossy back panel – the phone caters to different aesthetic preferences.
The device measures 73.2 x 159.1 x 8.2 mm and weighs a comfortable 190g, making it substantial enough to feel premium while remaining comfortable for extended use.
The phone’s front and back are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, providing reasonable protection against scratches and minor drops.
While the Nord 2T doesn’t have an official IP rating for water and dust resistance (a common omission in this price range), the build quality feels solid and dependable.
A standout design feature inherited from OnePlus flagships is the alert slider – a physical switch on the side that allows you to quickly toggle between silent, vibrate, and ring modes.
This seemingly small addition provides significant everyday convenience that many competing devices lack.
Display Excellence
The Nord 2T 5G comes equipped with a 6.43-inch Fluid AMOLED display that delivers a visually stunning experience. With a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels (409 ppi) and support for HDR10+, content appears sharp, vibrant, and immersive.
The 90Hz refresh rate, while not as high as the 120Hz found on some competitors, strikes a good balance between smoothness and battery efficiency.
The display offers excellent color accuracy with support for both sRGB and DCI-P3 color spaces, allowing users to choose between natural or more vivid color profiles based on their preferences.
With a peak brightness of approximately 633 nits when auto-brightness is enabled, the screen remains readable even in challenging outdoor lighting conditions.
The minimal bezels and small punch-hole camera in the top-left corner maximize the screen real estate, resulting in an immersive viewing experience for media consumption, gaming, and everyday tasks.
Performance Powerhouse
At the heart of the Nord 2T 5G lies the MediaTek Dimensity 1300 chipset – an upgrade from the Dimensity 1200 found in its predecessor.
This 6nm octa-core processor features a configuration of one Cortex-A78 core running at 3.0GHz, three Cortex-A78 cores at 2.6GHz, and four efficiency-focused Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0GHz, paired with a Mali-G77 MC9 GPU.
Available in two configurations – 8GB RAM with 128GB storage or 12GB RAM with 256GB storage – the Nord 2T 5G handles multitasking with ease.
The UFS 3.1 storage ensures quick app launches and speedy file transfers, though the lack of expandable storage might be a limitation for some users.
In real-world use, the Nord 2T 5G delivers a smooth, responsive experience across a variety of tasks.
From social media browsing to productivity applications, the device handles day-to-day activities without noticeable lag. Gaming performance is commendable as well, with most titles running at high settings, though the most demanding games might require some graphical adjustments for optimal frame rates.
OxygenOS: Clean and Efficient
The Nord 2T 5G ships with OxygenOS 12.1 based on Android 12, offering a clean, minimalist interface that many users prefer over more heavily skinned alternatives.
OnePlus has committed to providing two major Android version updates and three years of security patches for the device, ensuring reasonable longevity in terms of software support.
OxygenOS retains its reputation for speed and efficiency, with thoughtful features that enhance the user experience without overwhelming with bloatware.
The system includes useful additions like Zen Mode (which helps minimize distractions), a comprehensive customization suite, and various optimization tools to maintain performance over time.
Camera System: Versatile Photography
The camera setup on the Nord 2T 5G is one of its strongest selling points, especially considering its price category. The triple rear camera system includes:
50MP Sony IMX766 main sensor (f/1.88) with optical image stabilization (OIS)
8MP ultra-wide camera (f/2.25) with a 120-degree field of view
- 2MP monochrome sensor (f/2.4) for depth information
On the front, a 32MP Sony IMX615 sensor (f/2.4) handles selfie duties with impressive detail.
The main 50MP camera is the star performer, capturing detailed, well-exposed images in good lighting conditions.
The inclusion of OIS helps maintain sharpness in challenging lighting and reduces blur in handheld shots. Night mode performance is particularly impressive for a mid-range device, capturing usable images even in dimly lit environments.
The ultra-wide camera, while not matching the main sensor in quality, provides good versatility for landscape photography and group shots.
The 2MP monochrome sensor has limited practical utility but can assist with portrait mode effects.
Video capabilities include 4K recording at 30fps with the main camera, along with interesting additions like dual-view video mode and slow-motion options up to 960fps (though at lower resolutions).
Electronic image stabilization helps maintain steady footage during movement.
Battery Life and Charging: Industry-Leading Speed
The Nord 2T 5G houses a 4500mAh battery that provides solid all-day endurance for most users.
In typical usage scenarios, including social media, web browsing, messaging, and some camera use, the phone consistently delivers around 6 hours of screen-on time across a full day.
However, the true standout feature is the charging speed. The device supports 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging, a significant upgrade from its predecessor.
With the included charger, the Nord 2T 5G can go from 5% to 50% in just 10 minutes, and reach a full 100% charge in approximately 31 minutes. This extraordinary charging speed practically eliminates battery anxiety, as even a brief charging session can provide hours of usage.
While wireless charging is absent – a common omission in this price bracket – the blazing-fast wired charging largely compensates for this limitation.
Connectivity and Additional Features
The Nord 2T 5G offers comprehensive connectivity options, including:
5G support for future-proof networking
Wi-Fi 6 for high-speed wireless connections
Bluetooth 5.2 for reliable peripheral connectivity
NFC for contactless payments
In-display fingerprint scanner for convenient security
Dual stereo speakers for immersive audio
The dual stereo speaker setup delivers balanced sound with reasonable volume levels, though bass response is limited as expected in a smartphone form factor.
The under-display fingerprint scanner is both quick and reliable, providing convenient biometric authentication.
Price and Value Proposition
At its launch price point (starting around $390 USD equivalent), the OnePlus Nord 2T 5G positions itself as a compelling option in the mid-range segment.
When compared to competitors like the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G and various offerings from Xiaomi, Realme, and others, the Nord 2T stands out for its exceptional charging speed, capable main camera, and clean software experience.
The value proposition is particularly strong for users who prioritize fast charging, photography capabilities, and a balanced overall experience without stretching to flagship pricing.
Comparison Table: OnePlus Nord 2T vs. Competitors
| Feature | OnePlus Nord 2T 5G | Samsung Galaxy A53 5G | Xiaomi Poco F4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 1300 | Exynos 1280 | Snapdragon 870 |
| Display | 6.43″ AMOLED, 90Hz | 6.5″ AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.67″ AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Main Camera | 50MP OIS (Sony IMX766) | 64MP OIS | 64MP OIS |
| Charging | 80W SuperVOOC | 25W | 67W |
| Battery | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | 4700mAh |
| Software | OxygenOS 12.1 (Android 12) | One UI 4.1 (Android 12) | MIUI 13 (Android 12) |
| Price (approx.) | $390 | $450 | $380 |
Key Advantages of the OnePlus Nord 2T 5G
Industry-leading charging speed: The 80W fast charging capability outpaces virtually all competitors in this price range, providing a full charge in about 30 minutes.
Excellent main camera performance: The 50MP Sony IMX766 sensor with OIS delivers flagship-level image quality in many scenarios, especially considering the price point.
Clean, efficient software: OxygenOS provides a near-stock Android experience with thoughtful additions and minimal bloatware.
Premium design elements: The alert slider and glass construction give the device a more premium feel than many mid-range alternatives.
Balanced performance: The Dimensity 1300 chipset offers excellent everyday performance and good efficiency.
Areas for Improvement
No official IP rating: While common in this price segment, the lack of certified water and dust resistance remains a limitation.
90Hz rather than 120Hz display: While the 90Hz refresh rate is smooth, some competitors offer 120Hz panels at similar price points.
Limited utility of the 2MP monochrome sensor: The third camera provides minimal practical benefit compared to a dedicated telephoto or higher-resolution ultrawide.
No expandable storage: The lack of a microSD slot means users are limited to the built-in storage options.
OnePlus Nord 2T 5G: The Mid-Range Champion
The OnePlus Nord 2T 5G represents an impressive package that embodies the company’s “Never Settle” philosophy in the mid-range segment.
By focusing on key aspects that truly enhance the user experience – ultra-fast charging, a capable main camera, clean software, and solid overall performance – OnePlus has created a device that punches above its weight class.
For users seeking a balanced smartphone experience without flagship pricing, the Nord 2T 5G emerges as one of the most compelling options in the market.
It successfully bridges the gap between budget devices and premium flagships, offering many high-end features at a considerably more accessible price point.
Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a heavy smartphone user concerned about battery life, or simply someone who appreciates a clean, fast Android experience, the OnePlus Nord 2T 5G deserves serious consideration as your next smartphone purchase.
