OnePlus Nord 2 Mobile The OnePlus Nord 2 is a mid-range smartphone launched by OnePlus in July 2021 as the successor to the original OnePlus Nord.
1. Display
- 6.43-inch Fluid AMOLED
- Full HD+ (2400 × 1080 pixels)
- 90Hz refresh rate
- HDR10+ support
- Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection
2. Performance:
- MediaTek DIMENSTY 1200-AI (6nm chipset, AI-enhanced performance)
- Mali-G77 MC9 GPU
- Up to 12GB LPDDR4X RAM
- Up to 256GB UFS 3.1 storage (non-expandable)
- 3. Software:
- Later updated to Android 12 (Oxygen OS 12)
- Eligible for Android 13 (final major update)
4. Cameras:
- Rear Triple Camera Setup:
- 50MP Sony IMX766 (main, f/1.88, OIS)
- 8MP ultra-wide (f/2.25, 119.7° FOV)
- 2MP monochrome (for depth sensing)
- Front Camera:
- 32MP Sony IMX615 (f/2.45)
5. Battery & Charging:
- 4,500mAh battery
- 65W Warp Charge (0-100% in ~30 mins)
- No wireless charging
6. Design & Build:
- Plastic frame with glass back (or vegan leather in special edition)
- Dual stereo speakers
- In-display fingerprint sensor
7. Connectivity:
- 5G support (Sub-6GHz)
- Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC
- USB Type-C (No 3.5mm headphone jack)
Variants & Pricing (At Launch):
- 8GB + 128GB – ₹27,999 (~$375)
- 12GB + 256GB – ₹34,999 (~$470)
Pros & Cons:
- Pros:
- Strong performance (DIMENSTY1200-AI)
- Great AMOLED display (90Hz)
- Excellent fast charging (65W)
- Good main camera (Sony IMX766 with OIS)
- Clean Oxygen OS experience
- Cons:
- No expandable storage
- No IP rating for water resistance
- No wireless charging
- Ultra-wide camera could be better
Performance & Gaming
- The MediaTek DIMEMSDSTY 1200-AI is a powerful 6nm chipset, optimized for AI tasks like camera processing and power efficiency.
- Benchmarks (An Tu Tu v9): ~600,000 (similar to Snapdragon 870)
- Gaming Performance:
- Gen shin Impact: ~45-50fps (Medium settings)
- BGMI/PUBG Mobile: Smooth at Ultra HD (60fps) or HDR (40fps)
- Call of Duty Mobile: Runs well at Max settings (60fps)
- Thermals: Stays cool under normal use but can warm up during heavy gaming.
- Verdict: Still holds up well in 2024 for casual and moderate gaming.
2. Camera Performance
- The 50MP Sony IMX766 (OIS) is the highlight—the same sensor used in flagship phones like the OnePlus 9 and OPPO Find X5.
- Daylight Photos:
- Sharp, vibrant colors
- Good dynamic range (HDR works well)
- OIS helps in low light
- Low-Light & Night Mode:
- Decent but not flagship-level (No Hasselblad tuning like OnePlus 9)
Nightscape mode improves details but can overexpose lights
- Decent but not flagship-level (No Hasselblad tuning like OnePlus 9)
- Ultra-Wide & Selfie Camera:
- 8MP ultra-wide – Usable but lacks detail in low light.
- 2MP selfie – Good for social media, slightly smoothens skin.
- Verdict: One of the best cameras in its price range (at launch), but newer mid-range phones like the Nothing Phone (2a) or Pixel 7a outperform it now.
3. Software & Updates
- Launched with Android 11 (Oxygen OS 11.3)
- Updated to Android 12 (Oxygen OS 12)
- Final major update: Android 13 (No Android 14)
- Security patches: Last update was likely in 2023/early 2024
- Verdict: Still usable, but no further major updates. Custom ROMs (Lineage OS, Pixel Experience) are an option for extended support.
4. Battery Life & Charging
- 4,500mAh battery → 5-6 HRS SOT (moderate use)
- 65W Warp Charge → 0-100% in ~30 mins (still among the fastest in 2024)
- No wireless charging
- Verdict: Battery life is decent, but fast charging is a major plus.
Buy if:
- You get it under ₹20,000 ($250)
- You prioritize fast charging (65W)
- You don’t need the latest Android updates
- You want a good mid-range camera
- Avoid if:
- You want long-term software support
- You need flagship-level gaming performance
- You prefer water resistance (IP rating)
1. Hidden Features & Lesser-Known Tricks
- AI Enhancements (DIMENSTY 1200-AI)
- AI Photo Enhancement: Automatically adjusts saturation & sharpness in photos.
- AI Resolution Boost: Upscales low-res games (works in BGMI, COD Mobile).
- AI Color Boost: Enhances video colors in real-time (works in YouTube, Netflix).
- Oxygen OS Hidden Features
- Quick Launch: Draw “O” on locked screen to open camera.
- Gaming Tools: Pro Gaming Mode reduces notifications & optimizes RAM.
- Screen-Off Gestures: Custom gestures like “V” for flashlight.
- Google Discover Feed (Alternative to Shelf)
- Can replace OnePlus Shelf with Google Discover (Settings > Home Screen & Lock Screen > Home Screen Layout).
2. Long-Term Durability (2024 Check)
- Build Quality After 2+ Years
- Plastic Frame: Holds up well, no major discoloration.
- Display: AMOLED panels show minimal burn-in (if auto-brightness is used).
- Battery Health After Heavy Use
- Avg. Degradation: ~15-20% after 2 years (4,500mAh → ~3,700mAh real capacity).
- 65W Charging Impact: No major degradation if charged properly (avoid overnight charging).
- Tips to Extend Battery Life
- Use “Optimized Charging” (slows charging after 80%).
- Avoid fast charging while gaming (causes overheating).
3. MODDING & Custom ROM Support
- Bootloader Unlock & Root
- Unlockable Bootloader: Yes (via fast boot OEM unlock).
- TWRP Available: Yes (unofficial builds).
- MAGISK Root: Works perfectly.
- OnePlus Nord 2 Mobile Risks of MODDING
- Banking Apps: May require MAGISK Hide or Kitsune Mask.
4. Accessories Worth Buying in 2024
- Cases & Protection
- SPIGEN Rugged Armor (Best grip & drop protection).
- OnePlus Sandstone Case (Official, grippy texture).
- Chargers & Cables
- Official 65W Warp Charger (₹1,999) – Fastest charging.
- Anker 65W GAN Charger (More portable, works with laptops).
- Audio (No 3.5mm Jack?)
- OnePlus Buds Z2 (Good ANC, ₹3,999).
- Moon drop CHU II (Wired USB-C earphones, ₹2,500).
5. Is the Nord 2 Future-Proof? (2024-2025)
- What Still Holds Up
- Performance: DIMENSTY 1200-AI ≈ Snapdragon 778G (still smooth for daily use).
- 65W Charging: Faster than most 2024 mid-rangers.
- Main Camera: 50MP OIS still takes great shots.
- What’s Outdated
- Software: No Android 14, last patch in 2024.
- Should You Upgrade?
- If you’re a casual user → Keep it for 1 more year.
- **If you game/need updates → Switch to Nord 3/Pixel 7a.
6. Final Decision: Buy or Avoid in 2024?
- Worth Buying If:
- Found under ₹18,000 ($220) for a used unit.
- You don’t care about Android updates.
- You prioritize fast charging & camera.
- Avoid If:
- You want long-term software support.
- You play heavy games daily.
- You need water resistance.
. Hardware Deep Dive: What’s Inside?
- Motherboard Analysis (Teardown Insights):
- Layered cooling system: Graphite sheet + copper vapor chamber (uncommon in mid-range)
- Modular design: Easy battery replacement (score: 7/10 on i Fixit)
- Audio DAC: Realtek ALC5647 (better than average for USB-C audio)
- Power Delivery Secrets:
- 65W charging uses 6A current at 10.8V (vs industry-standard 5V/9V)
- Super VOOC protocol (modified OPPO tech) prevents overheating via 12 temperature sensors
- 5G Modem Oddity:
- OnePlus Nord 2 Mobile Uses MediaTek’s integrated 5G modem (not separate like Qualcomm)
- Supports only Sub-6GHz (no mm Wave) – affects US compatibility
2. Performance Hacks (Beyond Stock)
- Gaming Boost Tricks:
-
- (Forces PUBG to use VULKAN API)
- Thermal Throttling Adjust: Root users can modify /system/vendor/ETC/thermal-engine. CONF
- (Increases temp limits by 5°C)
- Battery Saving Secrets:
- Hidden Ultra Power Saver Mode:
- *#800# > OnePlus Log kit > Power > Ultra Power Saver
- 5G Disable Trick:
- *#*#4636#*#* > Phone Info > Set Preferred Network Type: “LTE only”
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