Started as a brand that makes flagship killers, OnePlus now squarely competes against the flagships. But to deliver excellent value in the sub-Rs 30k band, the brand released the Nord lineup in 2020. The range has continued to expand, and the latest addition in the series comes in the form of the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G. The device takes everything that made its predecessor impressive and makes it better. Here’s why the MediaTek Dimensity 900-powered smartphone should be on your shortlist for your next smartphone.
Superb performance with MediaTek Dimensity 900 chipset
At the core of the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G is the powerful MediaTek Dimensity 900 processor. Based on 6nm fabrication, the chipset offers the perfect balance between performance and battery efficiency. The SoC comprises two Cortex-A78 cores running at 2.4GHz, while the six power-efficient cores are based on Cortex-A55 architecture with 2.0GHz clock speed. Supplementing the processor is 6GB or 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM that ensures that the Nord CE 2 can handle heavy apps and multitask effortlessly.
For smooth gaming, the processor offers a Mali-G68 MC4 GPU. MediaTek has also infused the processor with its MediaTek HyperEngine 3.0 technology that makes gaming more enjoyable with features like 5G Call and Data Concurrency, the ability to connect to the lowest latency cell tower, and more. The chipset is designed for better power efficiency, improved thermal control, system stability, and prolonged gaming sessions, so performance won’t be an issue here. It’s also worth highlighting that the Dimensity 900 processor – which started appearing in smartphones in Q3 last year – today powers a lot of devices. Considering that the chipset brings forth flagship-grade features such as 6nm fabrication, it isn’t surprising either.
The chipset carries forward the legacy of the MediaTek Dimensity series, which has managed to make a mark in the smartphone industry in a short span of time. While the pull factor of Dimensity range is the support for the next-gen 5G networks, the chipsets also boast powerful specs in all aspects, be it performance and AI capabilities, or aiding with superior camera and display experience. Of course, the processors also come with power-efficient fabrication, ensuring a good battery backup on the devices powered by them.
A vibrant 6.43-inch AMOLED display
Adding to the gaming experience is a vibrant 6.43-inch AMOLED panel with a 90Hz high refresh rate panel. The full HD+ screen also ensures that the visuals are sharp. The display is HDR 10+ certified, which means you can enjoy punchy colours and contrast while binge-watching your favourite TV series. The display also gets a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection against scratches.
Impressive 64MP triple-camera array
At the back of the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G resides a triple-camera array headlined by a 64MP f/1.79 shooter. Accompanying this are an 8MP ultra-wide snapper and a 2MP macro lens. So, whether you want to capture wide-angle shots or close-ups, the Nord CE 2 5G will do justice to all of them. Thanks to the ISP on the MediaTek Dimensity 900 processor, you also get some interesting AI functionality features. You get the famed Nightscape mode that ensures that low-light shots are grain-free and look punchy. The Portrait mode promises better edge detection and adjustable background blur, and you can also add effects with Bokeh Flare filter. Portrait mode also works with the 16MP front camera resulting in beautiful and artistic selfies.
There are a ton of video optimisations, such as AI background lighting, electronic image stabilisation, and colour optimisation technologies that improve the dynamic range of the captured footage. The phone can also detect differences in the highlights and shadows when shooting videos in low light and subtly compensate for it, leading to professional-looking shots.
Eye-catching design
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G manages to draw attention with its reflective finish at the back. Adding to the charm are drool-worthy Gray Mirror and Bahama Blue hues colourways. But what most people would appreciate is the return of the 3.5mm audio socket. Yes, while OnePlus was among the first Android phone makers to ditch the beloved port, the brand is offering that on the Nord CE 2 5G. Despite that, the device is quite sleek at 7.8mm, offering excellent ergonomics when held in hand. The device also comes with two dedicated SIM slots as well as a microSD card slot.
Big battery with support for 65W SuperVOOC charging
One of the biggest USPs of OnePlus smartphones has been the fast charging support. The OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G is no different. It comes with 65W SuperVOOC charging. Couple that with the beefy 4,500mAh dual-cell battery, and you know that you will not encounter any battery woes with this phone. The phone can offer up to a day’s backup with just 15 minutes of charging and can be fully juiced up in around 30 minutes. That’s not it, the phone also supports fast simultaneous charge-and-play functionality, allowing users to get extended gaming sessions without depleting the battery and heating the device.
Of course, these are just some of the features that make the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G worthy of your attention. You also get OxygenOS 11 running atop Android 11, which comes with a lot of customisations such as one-handed use, always-on display, and more. The smooth OS experience, combined with a fast MediaTek Dimensity 900 chipset, makes the device a delight to use. Add to it the fact that it’s future-ready, thanks to the support for 5G and promise of Android version updates for two years, and Android security patches for three years and the package becomes even more compelling.
As for pricing, the 6GB + 128GB option of the OnePlus Nord CE 2 is priced at Rs 23,999, while the 8GB + 128GB model is selling for Rs 24,999. The OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G is available to buy from the OnePlus online store, Amazon.in, and OnePlus stores offline.
