The smartphone market has grown intensely competitive in the mid-range segment, but few devices have managed to strike the perfect balance between premium features and affordability. The OnePlus Nord 2T 5G, launched in May 2022, is one such device. It doesn’t pretend to be a flagship, yet it brings many flagship-like features to the table: a stunning AMOLED display, an excellent main camera with optical image stabilization, blazing fast charging, and a clean software experience. Positioned as a successor to the popular Nord 2, the Nord 2T polishes what worked well before and offers incremental but meaningful upgrades.
OnePlus Nord 2T 5G Design and Build Quality
The OnePlus Nord 2T follows the brand’s design philosophy of delivering premium looks in an affordable package. The phone is built with Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back, framed by a sturdy plastic chassis. Its size is compact enough for one-handed use, measuring around 159 mm in height, 73 mm in width, and 8.2 mm in thickness. Weighing about 190 grams, it strikes a balance between durability and comfort.
The camera module on the back sports a refreshed design compared to its predecessor. Two large circular cutouts house the triple camera system, giving the phone a distinctive identity. With sleek finishes and subtle curves, the Nord 2T feels more premium than its price tag suggests.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | May 2022 |
| Build & Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 front & back, plastic frame |
| Display | 6.43-inch AMOLED, FHD+ (1080 × 2400), 90 Hz, HDR10+ |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 1300 (6 nm), Octa-core |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| RAM & Storage | 8 GB / 12 GB RAM, 128 GB / 256 GB UFS storage |
| Rear Camera Setup | 50 MP (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP monochrome |
| Front Camera | 32 MP |
| Battery | 4,500 mAh dual-cell |
| Charging | 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging |
| Operating System | OxygenOS 12.1 (Android 12, upgradable) |
| Software Updates | 2 years major Android updates, 3 years security patches |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C |
| Speakers | Dual stereo speakers |
| Special Features | Alert slider, in-display fingerprint scanner |
| Weight | ~190 grams |
| Colors | Gray Shadow, Jade Fog |
OnePlus Nord 2T 5G Display
The device features a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080×2400 pixels. This results in crisp visuals, deep blacks, and vibrant colors—ideal for streaming videos, gaming, or everyday browsing. A 90 Hz refresh rate ensures smoother scrolling and animations compared to the standard 60 Hz screens often seen in this price segment.
While some competitors have moved up to 120 Hz panels, OnePlus has chosen 90 Hz as the sweet spot to balance smooth performance with battery efficiency. The screen also supports HDR10+, enhancing video playback with richer contrast and a more immersive viewing experience.
OnePlus Nord 2T 5G Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the OnePlus Nord 2T is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 1300 chipset, a 6-nm octa-core processor designed to deliver solid mid-range performance. Paired with the Mali-G77 MC9 GPU, the phone handles multitasking, gaming, and heavy apps with ease.
It is available in configurations of 8 GB RAM with 128 GB storage or 12 GB RAM with 256 GB storage, both using fast UFS storage for quicker app loading and smoother overall responsiveness. In day-to-day use, the Nord 2T feels snappy, with no major slowdowns even during demanding tasks.
For gaming enthusiasts, the Dimensity 1300 proves reliable, handling popular titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at high settings without significant frame drops.
OnePlus Nord 2T 5G Battery and Charging
Battery life is another strong point of the Nord 2T. It houses a 4,500 mAh dual-cell battery that comfortably lasts a full day under moderate to heavy usage. The standout feature, however, is its 80 W SUPERVOOC fast charging. This charger, included in the box, can recharge the phone from 0 to 100% in around 30 minutes—a feature that even some premium flagships struggle to match.
For users always on the go, this eliminates battery anxiety, as even a quick 10-minute charge can provide hours of usage.
OnePlus Nord 2T 5G Camera Capabilities
The OnePlus Nord 2T’s camera system is one of the best in its price segment. The 50-megapixel Sony IMX766 primary sensor comes with optical image stabilization (OIS), ensuring sharp and steady shots even in low light conditions. Accompanying it is an 8-megapixel ultrawide sensor for capturing landscapes and group shots, and a 2-megapixel monochrome lens for depth information.
On the front, the phone sports a 32-megapixel selfie camera, producing detailed and vibrant selfies. Portrait mode is well-tuned, delivering natural background blur.
The camera excels in daytime photography, producing accurate colors and good dynamic range. Low-light performance is also impressive, with Night Mode producing clear and bright images thanks to the large sensor and OIS support. Video recording supports up to 4K resolution at 30 fps, with stabilization ensuring smoother footage.
Software Experience
The Nord 2T runs OxygenOS 12.1 based on Android 12 out of the box. OxygenOS has long been praised for its near-stock Android feel combined with useful customizations. It is lightweight, free of bloatware, and optimized for fluid performance.
OnePlus has promised two years of major Android updates and three years of security updates for the Nord 2T. While this is shorter than what some competitors offer, the clean and responsive software experience still makes the phone a pleasure to use daily.
Connectivity and Extras
The Nord 2T is a 5G-ready device, ensuring faster data speeds and future-proof connectivity. It also includes dual stereo speakers, producing balanced and loud audio for media consumption. OnePlus retains its signature alert slider, a small but highly appreciated hardware feature for quickly toggling between silent, vibrate, and ring modes.
However, some features are missing—such as an official IP rating for water resistance and wireless charging. These omissions are understandable considering the mid-range pricing.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Premium design with Gorilla Glass protection
- AMOLED display with 90 Hz refresh rate
- Dimensity 1300 delivers excellent performance
- 80 W fast charging is industry-leading in this segment
- 50 MP main camera with OIS produces great results
- OxygenOS provides clean and smooth software experience
- Affordable price compared to similar-spec competitors
Cons:
- Only 90 Hz refresh rate while rivals offer 120 Hz
- Limited to two major Android updates
- No official water resistance rating
- No wireless charging
- Upgrade feels modest compared to the Nord 2
Final Verdict
The OnePlus Nord 2T 5G may not revolutionize the mid-range space, but it polishes and refines what already worked in the Nord 2. Its combination of a bright AMOLED display, fast performance, excellent main camera, and industry-leading charging makes it one of the most well-rounded devices under its price bracket.
If you’re seeking a smartphone that delivers a near-flagship experience without burning a hole in your pocket, the OnePlus Nord 2T 5G remains a compelling choice. It is an ideal device for power users, gamers, and everyday consumers who value speed, reliability, and a clean software experience.
