The "1-Minute" Review
Verdict
The One Plus Nord 2 makes a strong case for the mid-range phone market. With some high-end specs sprinkled in amongst valuable tools, whether it will stay at the top is debatable, but so far, it holds its place.What's good
- Great performance
- Vivid, sharp screen
- Insanely fast charging
- Long battery life
What's bad
- Boring design
- No IP rating
- Secondary camera lenses disappointing
The One Plus Nord 2 sits firmly in the middle of current mobile phone prices. It promises a smooth experience with some high-end specs tossed in for good measure. Does it offer a compelling experience for those looking to avoid the costs of top-end phones? Let’s take a look!
Design
The silence button on the phone’s side is the only design element that might help One Plus Nord 2 stand out in today’s market filled with small rectangular slabs. Despite the so-so design, reviewers called it comfortable in hand, with many noting that the Gorilla Glass 3 on the back feels premium.
Display
The OLED display has a lot to offer, pleasing reviewers with its smooth performance and ample customization options, including AI Color Boost and AI Resolution Boost. Some argued that a 90Hz refresh rate wasn’t enough for the market these days. However, compared with other phones in this price range, having a 90Hz refresh rate is average.
Performance
One Plus has opted to use a Mediatek chipset that is exclusive to the One Plus brand. When asked what was different from this chipset to the other similar Mediatek versions, One Plus stated that there are subtle but valuable tweaks to theirs to improve performance. In real-world use, reviewers agreed, finding no issues with hiccups or weirdness.
Software & Storage
If you’re looking for a stock Android experience, the One Plus Nord 2 isn’t it. Reviewers stated that OxygenOS 11.3, which this phone uses, is like a happy combination of the OxygenOS and ColorOS from Oppo. All of this runs on top of Android 11. The phone comes with either 128GB or 256GB of storage with no MicroSD option for expansion.
Cameras
Reviewers thought the primary lenses on the phone worked wonderfully. Even with zoom activated, images remained sharp and full of detail. The ultra-wide and chromatic lenses were disappointing, though. In bright lighting, these function great, but there’s a lot of grainy blotchiness to worry about in low-light situations.
Battery Life
The One Plus Nord 2 has plenty of battery to spare. Reviewers hit the end of the day with around 15% charge remaining. Reviewers noted that the super speedy charging offered by the 65W charger was fantastic. It often topped off the entire battery in less than 30 minutes.
Audio
Reviewers were pleasantly surprised to find the One Plus Nord 2 has stereo speakers at the bottom of the phone. While they won’t blow you away, it’s noticeably better than most phones with a single mono speaker. There is no headphone jack, though, so if you need some form of a headset, you will need to rely on Bluetooth.
Specs at a Glance
- Glass chassis
- 6.42-inch OLED display
- MediaTek MT6893 Dimensity 1200 5G processor
- 6,8, or 12GB of RAM
- Android 11
- 128 or 256GB of storage
- 50+MP camera
- 4,500mAh battery
Bottom Line
With people more mindful of how and where they spend money, the market for mid-range phones has blown up. The One Plus Nord 2 is a valuable asset to this group, offering a sprinkling of high-end specs and a 90Hz refresh rate. There are very few downsides to this phone.
Tech Advisor says, “The Nord 2 makes a strong case for itself. The Dimensity 1200-AI chipset is one of the most powerful you’ll find for the price, the understated design remains appealing, and the main camera will outclass most rivals.”
Tech Radar states, “The OnePlus Nord 2 is an exciting addition to the mid-range phone market, with some high-end specs and a great experience so far. Whether this will be the best phone at this price point remains to be seen, but so far, it seems like a top choice.”
What the Critics Are Saying...
- GSMArenaThe Nord 2 is an intriguing product that isn't quite like any of its competitors. It's better in some aspects and worse in others, and whether it might, in early 2022, be the one for you depends entirely on what you prioritize most in your phone use. We've enjoyed all aspects of our time with it exc...
- Garry Clark, CoolsmartphoneA fantastic option for those wanting a Flagship without having to break the bank. OnePlus has brought the "flagship killer" back.
- Ameya Dalvi, FirstpostThe OnePlus Nord 2 is a surprisingly powerful phone that not just offers better value for money than the OnePlus 9 series phones, but also flaunts a couple of extra features.
- James Smythe, Mighty GadgetThe OnePlus Nord 2 is an outstanding and well-rounded phone offering all the important bits I want from a flagship phone but for around half the price. For the time being, there is no other phone I'd opt for over this, at this price point.
- Jason England, Laptop MagThe Nord 2 takes OnePlus back to its flagship killer routes with a balanced mid-range phone that nails most of the essentials.
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
OnePlus backs up the Nord 2 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Nord 2 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact OnePlus support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find OnePlus's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
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