In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, OnePlus has once again made waves with its latest offering, the OnePlus Nord 2T.
This new device, which hit the market on May 24, 2022, represents a subtle yet meaningful evolution of the popular Nord series.
While it may not be a revolutionary upgrade, the Nord 2T brings several refinements that solidify its position as a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market.
Design and Display: Familiar Yet Refined
The OnePlus Nord 2T maintains the design language of its predecessor, the Nord 2, with some minor tweaks.
The device sports a 6.43-inch AMOLED display, offering a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate.
While not pushing any boundaries, the screen provides a pleasant viewing experience with accurate colors and sufficient brightness for most situations.
One notable change is the redesigned camera module, which now features larger circular sensor frames, giving the phone a slightly more distinctive look.
The device is available in two colors: Jade Fog and Grey Shadow, both of which offer a premium feel thanks to the Gorilla Glass front and rear surfaces.
Performance: A Step Up
Under the hood, the Nord 2T sees a modest upgrade with the MediaTek Dimensity 1300 chipset, a step up from the Dimensity 1200 found in its predecessor.
This new processor promises improved performance and efficiency, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and capable gaming performance.
The device comes in two configurations:
- 8GB RAM with 128GB storage, priced at £369 (approximately $460/AU$655)
- 12GB RAM with 256GB storage, priced at £469 (approximately $580/AU$830)
These prices represent a slight decrease from the Nord 2’s launch prices, making the Nord 2T an even more attractive proposition in the competitive mid-range market.
Camera System: Tried and Tested
OnePlus has chosen to stick with the same camera setup as the Nord 2, which is not necessarily a bad thing given its solid performance. The triple camera system includes:
- A 50MP main sensor (Sony IMX766) with optical image stabilization
- An 8MP ultra-wide lens
- A 2MP depth sensor
On the front, a 32MP selfie camera handles self-portraits and video calls.
While not groundbreaking, this camera system has proven capable of producing good quality images in various lighting conditions.
The main 50MP sensor, in particular, continues to impress with its ability to capture detailed and well-exposed shots.
Battery and Charging: Speed Demon
Perhaps the most significant upgrade in the Nord 2T is its charging capability.
OnePlus has brought over the 80W SUPERVOOC charging technology from its flagship OnePlus 10 Pro.
This allows the Nord 2T to charge its 4,500mAh battery from 0 to 100% in just about 30 minutes, a remarkable feat for a mid-range device.
The battery capacity remains the same as the Nord 2, which should provide all-day battery life for most users.
The improved charging speed, however, means that even heavy users can quickly top up their device during short breaks.
Software: OxygenOS Goodness
The Nord 2T comes with OxygenOS 12.1 based on Android 12 out of the box.
OnePlus’s custom skin continues to offer a clean, near-stock Android experience with useful additions and optimizations.
The company has promised two major Android updates and three years of security patches for the Nord 2T, ensuring the device stays current for years to come.
Connectivity and Other Features
The Nord 2T is 5G-capable, supporting multiple 5G bands to ensure compatibility across various regions.
It also features Wi-Fi 6 for fast wireless connectivity and Bluetooth 5.2 for improved wireless audio experiences.
One omission that might disappoint some users is the lack of an official IP rating for water and dust resistance.
While OnePlus claims the device can withstand everyday splashes, it’s not officially certified for water resistance.
Market Position and Competition
The OnePlus Nord 2T enters a crowded mid-range market, competing directly with devices like the Realme 9 Pro Plus and the Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G.
Its combination of solid performance, fast charging, and competitive pricing makes it a compelling option for users looking for a near-flagship experience without breaking the bank.
However, the Nord 2T’s similarities to its predecessor raise questions about its necessity in the lineup.
With the Nord 3 reportedly still in the pipeline, the 2T’s position seems somewhat precarious.
OnePlus Nord 2T : A Solid, If Incremental, Upgrade
The OnePlus Nord 2T is undoubtedly a capable mid-range smartphone that offers excellent value for money.
Its improved processor, blazing-fast charging, and slight price decrease make it an attractive option for new buyers in the mid-range segment.
For existing Nord 2 owners, however, the upgrade might be harder to justify.
The improvements, while welcome, are incremental at best. The Nord 2T feels more like a refinement of an already good formula rather than a significant leap forward.
Ultimately, the OnePlus Nord 2T continues the Nord series’ tradition of offering a near-flagship experience at a mid-range price point.
While it may not be revolutionary, it remains a solid choice for users looking for a well-rounded smartphone without breaking the bank.
As OnePlus continues to navigate the competitive mid-range market, it will be interesting to see how the Nord series evolves in future iterations.