OnePlus has made official the second generation of its mid-range model, the OnePlus Nord 2. It comes with a MediaTek processor, 4,500 mAh battery, up to 50 megapixel camera and a 90 Hz screen, among other specifications. The Chinese company describes this Nord 2 as a mid-range mobile -by price and some features- that offers an experience similar to a high-end smartphone. They are right?
In part, yes. The new OnePlus Nord has features inherited from the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro, as well as some features worthy of a high-end model thatThey are not even present in the flagships of the brand yet, but will arrive in the future through a software update.
In design, the OnePlus Nord 2 It reminds me a lot of the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro, with a rectangular camera module and a glass back with a slight curvature on the edges, as well as a front with hardly any frames and with a camera integrated into the screen. There is no “Alert Slider”So characteristic of the brand, that it allows the device to be quickly silenced. Neither does the bluish tone of the back which debuted with the first generation. OnePlus has us used to a very careful design, and with this Nord 2 it was not going to be different.
OnePlus welcomes MediaTek
One of the aspects that most caught my attention about the OnePlus Nord 2 is its processor. The Chinese firm has opted for a MediaTek chipset. Specifically, the Dimensity 1200 model that receives an “IA” seal as the result of a collaboration between both companies, given that the chipset has features that help to optimize or add functions in some of the sections of the device. And, of course, it also has support for 5G networks.
According to OnePlus, this MediaTek 1200 IA offers up to 65% more CPU performance and higher energy efficiency compared to the Nord Original. In my experience, the terminal offers good performance in most situations, even in powerful games or somewhat more demanding tasks. The RAM and storage configuration is also very high, with 8 GB and 128 GB in the base version and 12 GB with 256 GB in the most powerful variant.
The good experience at the performance level is also noticeable in its customization layer, which is very fluid and is correctly optimized for this smartphone. In my opinion, OxygenOS is the envy of all mobile interfaces, with a multitude of options to customize the terminal to our liking, an excellent design and extra options that enhance the experience of using this smartphone
The OnePlus Nord 2 goes from 0 to 100 in 30 minutes
At the level of autonomy, the Nord 2 has the same specifications as the OnePlus 9. Except, yes, for wireless charging, which is not present in this model. The OnePlus Nord 2 therefore includes a 4,5000 mAh battery. The autonomy of the smartphone has been more than decent, reaching the end of the day without concern with average use.
The OnePlus Nord 2 has a fast charge of 65W, identical power to that of its older brothers that can charge 50% of the battery in just 11 minutes, reaching the full charge in just over half an hour. The charger, which is included in the smartphone box, can also supply a battery to other devices by adapting the power to 45W.
An AMOLED screen with new features
OnePlus has barely modified the screen of the Nord 2. We continue to see a 6.43-inch Fluid AMOLED panel, which includes a Full HD + resolution and a refresh rate of 90 Hz. The screen refresh rate is adaptive. That is, the terminal changes the refresh rate depending on different factors, such as the battery level or the application in which we are browsing.
The AI seal of the processor that I have previously commented on, we see it in a function that allows converting SDR content into HDR, as well as increasing the resolution of videos in applications such as YouTube or Instagram. The latter can be activated in the system settings. Basically upscale the quality of videos played at a resolution lower than 720p and converts them in HD quality. The final experience, yes, is not so noticeable.
On a quality level, the OnePlus Nord 2 screen it offers very good results, with vivid colors, excellent sharpness and a very good tactile response. The 90 Hz, in my opinion, is more than enough to have a smooth experience and thus avoid a higher battery consumption.
Triple camera with monochrome sensor
Regarding the photographic section, OnePlus has opted for a triple camera configuration very similar to that of the rest of the mid-range models, changing the depth of field sensor for a monochrome lens. The configuration, therefore, would be as follows.
- Primary sensor: 50-megapixel Sony IMX 766 with f / 1.8 aperture, capable of capturing 65% more light compared to the previous generation.
- Secondary camera: 8 megapixel wide angle and 119.7 ° angle.
- Tertiary sensor: 2 megapixel monochrome lens for black and white photos.
- Frontal camera: 32 MP Sony IMX 615 sensor.
The primary sensor, which by default takes photographs at a lower resolution and which allows activating a 50 MP mode to raise the quality if, for example, we plan to print or edit that image, it offers good results in most situations, with natural colors and correct detail.
The night photography In the OnePlus Nord 2 it is also very good, preserving colors and adapting the exposure of the illuminated areas very well. OnePlus allows you to apply a night mode that improves lighting, although sometimes it is not necessary. The processing, although sometimes it does not work as it should and makes it necessary to repeat the image. The latter will probably be fixed in a future software update.
The 2 megapixel monochrome camera it supports the main sensor, offering to match the black and white with greater precision, while respecting the good results of the primary sensor. The monochrome mode can be activated through the filters offered by the OnePlus camera app.
The wide angle is not lacking in the mid-range
The 8 megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera also performs well, especially in acceptable lighting conditions. The detail, yes, is somewhat lower than what we see in the primary sensor. The OnePlus Nord 2’s camera also allows zooming, although it is digital. The results, therefore, are somewhat poor in terms of quality, but it is appreciated that the brand includes shortcuts to the different increases.
I do not finish talking about the photographic section without highlighting some of the modes offered by the OnePlus Nord 2 camera app. One of them is the “Dual View Video” mode to record at the same time with the wide angle lens and the front camera. It also includes a professional mode to adjust some parameters (such as ISO, focal length, focal aperture …) manually. In addition, professional mode can be used when recording video.
Conclusions, is the OnePlus Nord 2 worth it?
OnePlus has kept the prices of its original version in this OnePlus Nord 2. The terminal, therefore, will be marketed for 399 euros for the 8 GB version and 128 GB of internal memory, and 499 euros for the variant with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage.
The OnePlus Nord 2 is a very interesting option for those users looking for a complete mobile for less than 500 euros. It offers a very good experience at the performance level, and the customization layer is wonderful. The battery is also very good, and fast charging is a very welcome extra. The camera, although it has some negative points, such as the lack of detail in the wide angle, manages to capture very good results. Finally, the screen, despite being conservative compared to the previous generation, will not leave anyone indifferent either.
OnePlus has not only kept the essence of the original Nord in this second generation, but it has delivered what it promised: offer experiences of a high-end model in a mid-range mobile. The terminal has everything you need to compete with other manufacturers, who are also offering alternatives at a similar price and with powerful specifications. One of its main competitors is the Realme GT, which for 450 euros offers performance at the level of the most powerful mobiles, as well as a battery and interface to match.