Review: OnePlus Nord 2 5G Euro – High-performing chipset with rapid charging

Explore the impressive features of the OnePlus Nord 2 5G in this detailed review... Read more

Specifications

Unboxing the New OnePlus North 2 5G: First Impressions

There’s something inexplicably thrilling about unboxing a new phone and the OnePlus Nord 2 5G is no exception.

Exploring the Cascading Content of the Box

On first glance, the packaging doesn’t stray far from the minimalist aesthetic we’ve come to associate with OnePlus, a company renowned for their attention to detail. The box opens smoothly to reveal the device itself: a striking blue hazel variant with a memory capacity of 8GB RAM and 128GB storage.

Further exploration of the box reveals the standard fare of accessories: the SIM card ejector tool (a lifeline for us multi-SIM users), quick start user guide, and those ever-adorable OnePlus stickers. No unboxing experience would be complete without the branded type-c OnePlus cable and a generous 65W warp charger, both nestled comfortably at the base.

The Appeal of a Strong Design Upgrade: Comparing Nord 1 and Nord 2

Akin to unearthing a treasure, right at the top is the device itself, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G. Initial impressions suggest a serious design upgrade compared to the previous Nord model. The full-glass design not only gives it a more premium feel but also seems to do a commendable job at reducing unsightly fingerprint smudges (a win for people like me with overly active hands).

It’s pretty clear here that OnePlus has put in a solid effort to make this device not just functional, but enjoyable to look at and hold. They’ve managed to keep the size, weight and shape similar to the previous model, a move that will surely let Nord 1 fans transition seamlessly to the new device without feeling estranged.

At the end of this initial exploration, there’s no denying that the OnePlus Nord 2 5G has made a strong first impression. It’s a well-presented package, with a marked upgrade in design that shows great promise. But as we all know, there’s more to a phone than just its surface, and it’s the specifications and user experience that will truly make or break this device. With that, we move on to unraveling the performance of the OnePlus Nord 2 5G.

Unveiling the Build & Design: A Blend of Stability, Aesthetic, and Usability

• OnePlus Nord 2 is durable and aesthetically pleasing
• Intuitive button and port placement
• Lack of IP rating disappoints

In exploring the OnePlus Nord 2 5G, it becomes clear that the build and design is at the heart of its appeal. Offering a good balance between aesthetics, usability, and structural integrity, the design justifies its ‘flagship killer’ title.

The Device’s Build: Exploring the Material and Weight

Unveiling the OnePlus Nord 2, you will notice that, despite its strikingly similar size and shape to the previous Nord, the device comes with wonderful upgrades. The back panel is now reinforced with Gorilla Glass 5, giving this device a rather royal feel. It does a good job of covering up fingerprints, maintaining a clean look even after extended use. Unlike what we see with many smartphones, Nord 2 effectively marries style with durability.

Evaluating the Positioning of Ports and Buttons: A Layout Overview

Onto the placement of buttons and ports, another key aspect of this device’s design. At the bottom, the device houses a USB Type-C and a bottom-facing speaker – a typical but effective layout. Yet, OnePlus breaks the norm in the placement of the power button and the classic notification slider – these are on the right side.

The device seems intuitive to use. The buttons are conveniently located, and you rarely find yourself scrambling to find the right button.

Critical Evaluation

While the design does incorporate a lot of thoughtfulness, there is one area where it might have done better. Unfortunately, unlike its high-end siblings, the Nord 2 lacks an IP rating. An IP rating is crucial for any phone claiming flagship status. While the Gorilla Glass 5 provides strong protection, it’s admittedly disappointing that OnePlus chose to forgo an IP rating for enhanced water and dust resistance.

On the whole, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G offers a compelling blend of stability, aesthetics, and user-friendly design. With slight tweaks on the durability end, it can easily compete with flagships twice its price.

• Build quality is aesthetically pleasing and durable with the Gorilla Glass 5 back
• Button and port placement is user-friendly and intuitive
• Lack of an IP rating is a disappointing omission

The Screen That Captures Attention: Dissecting the Display Quality

• OnePlus Nord 2 5G has full HD, 90Hz AMOLED display
• Provides vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and HDR 10+ support
• Features reliable under-display fingerprint sensor

When it comes to smartphones, the screen is one of the main factors that can make or break the experience. That’s why I was eager to take a closer look at the OnePlus Nord 2 5G’s display and put it through its paces.

A Detailed Look at the Screen Specs: Size, Resolution, and Refresh Rate

Let’s begin by going over the basic specifications. The Nord 2 is equipped with a 6.43 inch Fluid AMOLED full HD display with a satisfying 90Hz refresh rate. You also have the confidence of knowing that it’s protected by Gorilla Glass 5, which should keep accidental scratches and smudges at bay. But how do these impressive specs translate into the real world experience?

Actual User Experience: Brightness, Color Accuracy, and the Smoothness

Allow me to share my observations. This display won me over at first glance. With vibrant colors and excellent contrast, images leap off the screen. Whether you’re browsing through Instagram or catching up on Netflix, you’re in for a visual treat. That’s not even mentioning the impressive HDR 10+ support which promises better contrast and color accuracy.

Turning to the topic of brightness, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G performs admirably here as well. I had no trouble using the device under harsh sunlight, it lived up to the expectation in such tricky lighting conditions. Here, the automatic brightness control was trustworthy, accomplishing its task without any hiccups.

Another aspect that warrants appreciation is the 90Hz refresh rate. This might seem like a techie term, but in reality, it transforms the way you interact with your device by making scrolling and swiping feel more fluid. This element seems minor but significantly improves the entire user experience.

The under-display fingerprint sensor rounds off the remarkable screen feature set. During my testing, I found it to be both responsive and reliable—a quick and accurate method for unlocking the device. However, I must point out that the accuracy could vary for others depending on individual fingerprint shapes and sizes.

In conclusion, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G truly deserves its due credit for a stellar display performance. With this smartphone, every glance at your screen would be one to enjoy. However, keep in mind that these are observations from my personal experience and your mileage may vary.

A Deeper Dive into the Software: Unraveling the Mystery of Oxygen OS 11.3

• OnePlus Nord 2 5G runs on Oxygen OS 11.3.
• Oxygen OS 11.3 offers fluidity and enhanced customization.
• Fewer bloatware provides a clean interface.

Delving into the software of the OnePlus Nord 2 5G uncovers a significant shift from OnePlus’ usual operating systems. This device runs on Oxygen OS 11.3, based on Android 11, a different skin than what OnePlus devotees might be accustomed to.

Breaking Down the Interface: Fluidity, Customization, and Unwanted Bloatware

Despite the changes, Oxygen OS 11.3 impresses with its fluidity. Swiping and scrolling through various apps and settings is a breeze, with transitions as smooth as silk. This, coupled with the 90Hz refresh rate, offers an enhanced user experience that leaves little to be desired.

However, it’s no longer as close to stock Android as OnePlus traditionally was—an alteration that may disappoint some fans.

One positive aspect showing significant improvement is the reduced presence of bloatware. Oxygen OS 11.3 strikes a neat balance, providing a good level of customization while keeping a clean and minimal interface. Options for personalizing your device are ample, without overstuffing the UI.

I must say, navigating the interface of the OnePlus Nord 2 5G has been more pleasurable than anticipated. The clean design and fluid transitions certainly enhance the usability of this device. However, the departure from the familiar interface of previous OnePlus versions could irk some users.

Oxygen OS 11.3 may not have quite the same minimalist appeal as stock Android, but it’s effectively distanced from obtrusive android skins. Personally, it rates highly in my books when compared to the majority of android devices on the market.

Despite these changes, a relatively complaint-free user experience suggests OnePlus’s latest software exploration is performing fairly well. The minimal bloatware presence and enhanced customization possibilities make the device surprisingly intuitive to use.

Though the shift may take some getting used to, Oxygen OS 11.3 effectively delivers what a smartphone user seeks: a clean, easy-to-navigate experience with impressive fluidity. In terms of software, OnePlus Nord 2 5G stands a step ahead compared to its competition, creating an enjoyable user experience without becoming overly complicated.

Under the Hood: Analyzing the Performance of MediaTek Dimensity Processor

• Nord 2’s MediaTek Dimensity processor offers impressive performance
• Processor handles everyday tasks and high-graphics gaming smoothly
• Excellent heat management during intense usage

One aspect that has always intrigued me about smartphones is their performance durability. Simply put, how capable is a device when faced with heavy tasks, multitasking or simply rendering high graphic games. Does it have sufficient firepower to ward off unbearable lag or heat issues? I turned my attention to Nord 2’s performance components, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity processor.

A Look at the Chipset: The Powerhouse Behind Nord 2

Unlike the preceding model released by OnePlus, the Nord 2 surprisingly takes a detour from the Qualcomm Snapdragon, their typical choice, towards MediaTek, opting for a Dimensity 1200 processor coupled with 8GB RAM. On paper, this is indeed a top-tier chipset and can be deemed as an excellent performer that OnePlus optimisticly picked for their line of devices.

I noticed the phone didn’t falter with the everyday tasks, running them swiftly and smoothly. Regardless of the apps I opened, it seemed to handle well, both with load time and running them concurrently.

The Experience of Gaming: Graphics, Frame Rate, and Heat Management

While it handled everyday tasks with ease, how does it stand up to the ultimate test – gaming? I tested it with some of the most resource-intensive games available. Whether it’s heavy graphic rendering or need for a quick frame rate, the phone simply aced the test. Gaming felt seamless and immersive, with no noticeable frame drops or choppiness.

1. Max Graphics: The processor held up admirably under full gaming load, rendering graphics crisply and smoothly.
2. Max Frame Rate: Thanks to the 90Hz refresh rate of the screen, games never seemed jumpy and were pleasant to play at max frame rate.
3. Heat Management: A major concern for many gamers is a phone that heats up quickly. Thankfully, Nord 2 showcased an extremely capable heat management strategy during my gaming experience.

It is fair to say, the MediaTek Dimensity processor does more than just pay lip service to high performance claims. However, long term usage might slightly vary, and it remains crucial to optimise your device for elongated impressive performance.

Overall, OnePlus’s unusual shift to MediaTek’s Dimensity 1200 holds up quite well in delivering admirable performance. Whether you’re using it for everyday tasks or heavy gaming sessions, it manages to maintain the high expectations we are used to from the OnePlus brand.

Through the Lens: Evaluating the Camera Performance of OnePlus Nord 2 5G

• OnePlus Nord 2 5G features triple camera setup
• Main camera delivers good images, ultra-wide less impressive
• Camera’s photo and video quality depends on lighting conditions

A Look at the Triple Camera Setup: Specs and Real-Time Performance

What drew my attention towards the OnePlus Nord 2 5G is the triple camera setup that comprises a 50-megapixel f 1.9 main shooter, an 8-megapixel f 2.3 ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor on the rear. And, let’s not forget the 32-megapixel f 2.5 front camera for those selfie aficionados out there. Looks impressive on paper, right? But let’s get our hands dirty and see how these cameras truly perform.

Photo and Video Quality: Detailing the Strengths and Weaknesses

First thing’s first – let’s talk about the photos. The main shooter seemed quite promising with a generous 50 megapixel count. The images taken with the main camera were quite good , albeit a bit washed out and less contrasty than I’d like. The colours were accurate, which is a big plus; however, the ultra-wide lens seemed to lag behind a bit delivering less stellar images compared to the main camera. The portrait mode was satisfactory, but again, the wide-angle lens is where I felt a bit let down.

Now, let’s dive into video quality. Shooting at its default 4K at 30 fps, the Nord 2 produced decent footage with commendable stabilization and sharpness. HDR handling was impressive, but I noticed a bit of fluctuating exposure which wasn’t very pleasing. As for the front camera, it maxes out at 1080p at 30fps. The video performance was average in my experience, with changes in exposure at times detracting from the overall quality.

To sum up, the camera setup on the OnePlus Nord 2 5G serves its purpose for an average user, offering decent enough photo and video capabilities. However, it may leave photography enthusiasts wanting more, especially when it comes to the wide-angle lens performance and exposure management. Ultimately, the photo and video quality heavily hinges on lighting conditions and subject matter, like with most camera phones.

The Lifeline of a Device: Discussing the Battery Life and Charging Speed

• OnePlus Nord 2 5G has 65W Warp charger
• Charges from zero to 98% in 30 minutes
• Battery supports heavy usage in a single charge

Every great smartphone requires an equally great power source and, let’s face it, nobody wants to be tethered to a power outlet half the day. In this section, I’ll share my experience with the battery performance and charging speed of the OnePlus Nord 2 5G, in an unbiased and critical manner.

Impressive Charging Speed: A detailed look at Warp Charging

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G comes with a colossal 65W Warp charger. This is no small feat, as this feature isn’t usually seen in this range of smartphones. It packs a real punch and can take the device’s battery from zero to 98% in just about 30 minutes. Efficiency as its best!

Providing such high speed also demanded an innovative solution, which was accomplished by splitting up the battery cells. The battery is divided into two cells equalling a total capacity of 4500 mAh, which effectively cuts the charging time by simultaneously fuelling both cells. This isn’t necessarily a groundbreaking approach, but its adaptation in Nord 2 5G has certainly paid off.

Real-Time Battery Performance: Sustaining Multimedia Consumption and Gaming

Charging speed is significant, but battery life is where the true competition lies. Based on my experience, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G stands up pretty well. It gets you through most of the day with a single charge, even when you’re multitasking, streaming videos, or playing games. However, it’s important to note, your mileage may vary based on how heavy or light your usage is.

I observed that the phone didn’t even flinch during demanding tasks, like extended gaming sessions or streaming movies. The user interface is snappy, apps load up swiftly, and there’s zero lag, all with very minimal battery drain. The device strikes a good balance between performance and power efficiency, which is commendable.

All in all, when you’re on the move, or even just lounging around, it’s comfortable to know that you have the freedom to enjoy your device as you wish without constantly eyeing the battery icon. That being said, a more robust battery life would still have been appreciated for heavy users who loath the very thought of reaching for the charger.

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G brings some intriguing, quality features to the table, but with room for improvement. Nonetheless, in terms of battery life and charging speed, it does rank quite high on the charts.

Wrapping Up the OnePlus Gear: Summarizing the Nord 2 5G Experience

In my journey of dissecting OnePlus Nord 2 5G, I’ve rummaged through an array of its offerings and features. It has been a roller-coaster ride, with a fair share of impressive peaks and a few flat valleys.

Build Quality and Design

The plus points: OnePlus Nord 2 5G wins the case in the build quality and design. The gorilla glass 5 back panel is adept at masking fingerprints, keeping the device looking sleek. The port and button placements are pretty user-friendly and intuitive.

The minus points: However, it closely mimics the original Nord in design which is a bit disappointing as there is a lack of novelty.

Display

The plus points: The 6.43-inch fluid AMOLED display is a delight with its color accuracy and brightness, even under harsh outdoor lighting.

The minus points: A higher refresh rate, possibly 120Hz, would have been a significant upgrade.

Software

The plus points: Oxygen OS 11.3 offers an array of customization options sans any aggravating bloatware.

The minus points: The push towards a less stock-like Android experience can be a slight turn-off for some old-school OnePlus fans.

Performance

The plus points: Containing a MediaTek Dimensity 1200 AI chipset, the device delivers an incredible performance. Handling high-end games at maximum graphics was a breeze, while multitasking was extremely smooth.

The minus points: The switch from Qualcomm Snapdragon could be a risk, considering the reputation of MediaTek chipsets, and their capability to deliver a parallel performance in the long run is yet to be seen.

Camera Functionality

The plus points: The main camera sensor’s quality is decent for the price point.

The minus points: The ultra-wide lens, depth sensor, and the selfie camera could use some improvements. The pictures often lack contrast and the videos face exposure fluctuations.

Battery Life

The plus points: The 4,500mAh battery with Warp charging is quite impressive, charging from zero to nearly full in just half an hour!

The minus points: Despite the impressive charge rate, the actual battery life experienced during the testing period wasn’t extraordinary.

In a nutshell, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G does encapsulate some compelling features that might get a lot of mobile users excited. However, I did encounter a few bumps in terms of camera functionality and original design enhancements. As a reviewer, I stand somewhere in the middle ground regarding this device being a kingpin in the mid-range market.

That said, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G embodies a wholesome package overall. Its CPU performance, display, and fast charging capacity do make it a tough contender in the market. Yet, the camera performance calls for attention, making me slightly tentative about labelling it a complete ‘flagship killer’.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, while the OnePlus Nord 2 5G does have its highs and lows, it still manages to carve out its unique identity in the vast world of smartphones. Its offerings and trade-offs balance out to make it a product worthy of consideration for the mid-range buyers.

OnePlus Nord 2 5G Euro 4G Volte GSM Global 128GB + 8GB 50MP Triple Camera NFC Dual Sim International Version (w/Fast Car Charger Bundle) (Blue Haze)

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Should you buy the OnePlus Nord 2 5G Euro?

Buy it if…

Looking for a Power-Packed Performance

With a MediaTek Dimensity processor and 8GB RAM, OnePlus Nord 2 offers a smooth and fast user experience that can handle demanding tasks like gaming or multitasking effortlessly.

Quick Charging is a Priority

OnePlus Nord 2 comes with a 4,500 milliamp-hour battery supported by 65-watt Warp Charging. This means you can go from zero to nearly full charge in just half an hour.

You Appreciate High-Quality Display

Sporting a 6.43-inch fluid AMOLED display with a 90hz refresh rate, OnePlus Nord 2 offers colorful, contrasty, and smooth visuals, enhancing your multimedia consumption.

Don’t buy it if…

Top-quality Camera is a Must

While Nord 2’s camera setup is decent, it produces average results, with subpar ultra-wide and selfie cameras, and fluctuating video exposure.

If You Expect A Compact Phone

With its 6.43 inch display and fairly substantial weight, OnePlus Nord 2 may not suit those who prefer smaller, more compact devices.

You Miss Pure Stock Android Experience

Although OnePlus’ Oxygen OS is still user-friendly and efficient, it’s no longer as close to stock Android as it once was, which some longtime OnePlus users may find disconcerting.

FAQ

What are the contents of the box for the OnePlus North 2 5G?

The box contains the phone, a clear case, a SIM card ejector tool, some paperwork like messages and OnePlus stickers, a type-C OnePlus cable, and a 65 watt warp charger.

Has the design of the OnePlus North 2 5G changed from the previous model?

Yes, the OnePlus North 2 5G has a design upgrade that makes it look more premium than the previous Nord. The noticeable change is the camera bump.

What are the specifications of the OnePlus North 2 5G’s display?

The OnePlus North 2 5G has a 6.43 inch fluid AMOLED full HD display with a 90Hz refresh rate. The display is protected by Gorilla Glass 5.

What OS does the OnePlus Nord 2 5G run on?

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G runs on Oxygen OS 11.3 based on Android 11.

What processor does the OnePlus Nord 2 5G use?

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G uses the flagship MediaTek Dimensity 1200 processor.

What is the camera configuration of the OnePlus Nord 2 5G?

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G sports a triple camera set-up at the back, led by a 50-megapixel main shooter, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide angle camera, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. The selfie camera is a 32-megapixel lens.

How fast does the OnePlus Nord 2 5G charge?

Utilizing the included 65 watt warp charger, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G can charge from zero to 98% in just under 30 minutes.

What is the verdict about OnePlus Nord 2 5G as per the review?

According to the review, the OnePlus North 2 5G has a powerful chipset, a great interface, impressive battery life, and fast charging speed, all adding to the plus points. However, it has room for improvement in the camera performance and processing department. Ignoring the camera, it’s a worthy contender for a flagship killer title.