OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G review
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone that packs a punch in terms of features and performance. The device boasts a 6.4-inch AMOLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, up to 12GB of RAM, and a 4500mAh battery with fast charging support. In my testing, the phone delivered smooth performance, handling demanding tasks like gaming and streaming video without breaking a sweat. However, I did notice some frame drops during intense gameplay on the default high detail settings. The camera setup is impressive, featuring a 64MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP macro lens. While the phone's camera capabilities are decent, they may not be as outstanding as those found in higher-end models. The device also features a 16MP selfie camera with HDR functionality. OnePlus' claim that the camera output has improved due to the Mediatek Dimensity chipset's camera smarts is still to be tested, and I will provide more insight into this aspect of the phone in my full review. The battery life was satisfactory during my initial testing period, but I plan to conduct a more thorough examination over the next week. Overall, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G seems like an excellent value for those seeking a budget-friendly smartphone with impressive features and performance. However, its camera capabilities may not be as outstanding as those found in other devices. In conclusion, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G is a solid mid-range option that delivers impressive performance, decent cameras, and long battery life at an affordable price point. It's worth considering for anyone looking to upgrade their smartphone without breaking the bank.
Build Quality and Design
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G boasts an impressive build quality and design that justifies its premium pricing. The device's sleek and slender profile makes it easy to hold and maneuver, while the smooth matte finish provides a comfortable grip. OnePlus has opted for a more conventional design approach with the Nord CE 2 5G, featuring a rectangular camera module on the rear panel. However, this decision allows for a larger primary sensor and a slightly different aesthetic that sets the device apart from its predecessors. The use of Gorilla Glass 3 on both the front and back panels adds an extra layer of durability to the device, making it more resistant to scratches and drops. The overall construction is solid, with no discernible creaks or flexes when applying pressure. OnePlus' attention to detail is evident in the subtle branding elements, such as the discreet "Nord" logo on the bottom edge and the minimalist typography on the lock screen. These touches contribute to a refined, high-quality feel that's characteristic of OnePlus devices. While some may find the design conservative compared to previous flagships from OnePlus, the Nord CE 2 5G exudes a sense of maturity and refinement that suggests it's a device built for everyday use rather than just showmanship. Overall, the build quality and design of the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G make it a compelling choice for those seeking a reliable, high-performance smartphone with a premium feel.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G boasts a substantial 4500mAh battery, which is certainly impressive. However, my experience with this device has been somewhat underwhelming when it comes to battery life. During my testing period, I found that the battery didn't seem to drop too harshly when gaming or streaming video, but this was also accompanied by relatively low screen brightness and limited usage. I'm eager to see how the battery performs in more demanding scenarios, such as heavy gaming or extended video playback sessions. One redeeming feature of the Nord CE 2's battery is its support for fast charging, specifically the Supervooc 65W rapid charging standard. This means that you can quickly top up your device when it's running low, which is certainly a convenient feature to have. While I'm reserving final judgment on the battery life until my in-depth review is complete, my initial impressions suggest that the Nord CE 2 may not quite live up to its billing as a device with exceptional battery performance. Still, the fast charging capabilities are a definite plus, and I look forward to seeing how the battery holds up over time. Stay tuned for my full review of the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G, where I'll be providing more detailed insights into this device's performance and features.
Display
The display on the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G is a standout feature of this device. The phone boasts a 6.43-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, providing vibrant colors and crisp visuals. OnePlus has done a great job in optimizing the display for different lighting conditions. In bright sunlight, the screen remains visible and easy to read, while indoors or at night, it's equally impressive, displaying rich colors and deep blacks. The AMOLED panel also makes the experience of watching videos or browsing the web more enjoyable. The display is also quite responsive, with smooth touch input and minimal lag when scrolling through content. OnePlus has also included a feature called "Auto Brightness" which adjusts the screen's brightness based on the ambient light around you, making it easy to use in different environments. In terms of color accuracy, the Nord CE 2 5G's display does an excellent job, accurately reproducing colors and providing a more natural viewing experience. The phone also supports HDR10+, which means users can enjoy enhanced color and contrast when watching supported content. Overall, the display on the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G is one of its strongest features, offering a great combination of visuals, responsiveness, and brightness control. It's perfect for anyone looking to watch videos, browse the web, or enjoy gaming experiences with vibrant colors and crisp details.
Camera
The camera system on the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G is equipped with a 64-megapixel primary sensor, the same sensortech as used in the original Nord. While the hardware remains unchanged, OnePlus claims that the camera output has improved due to the Mediatek Dimensity's camera capabilities. I'll be fully testing out this camera tech for my review. In lower light ambient conditions, the 64-megapixel primary sensor managed to capture decent shots with good detail and minimal noise. However, when zooming in on specific areas of the image, I noticed some digital artifacts creeping in. The 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle shooter performed admirably in capturing a broader perspective of scenes, but struggled in low-light conditions. OnePlus's claim of improved camera performance is intriguing, and I'm eager to put it to the test with more extensive testing. For now, here are some sample shots taken around my home over the past 24 hours to give an initial impression of how the camera performs in different lighting conditions. The primary sensor handled everyday scenarios with ease, capturing sharp images with good dynamic range. However, when pushing the camera's limits, I observed some noticeable variations in exposure and color accuracy. The ultra-wide-angle lens delivered a wider field of view but struggled to maintain consistent quality in low-light situations. Bonus camera modes are available on the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G, including Night mode, Portrait mode with adjustable blur intensity, and other creative tools. However, accessing these features is not as seamless as on previous OnePlus devices, which I'll discuss further in my full review. Around front, a 16-megapixel selfie shooter boasts full HDR functionality and the ability to switch to Portrait mode for more flattering self-portraits. While it's too early to form a comprehensive opinion about the camera system, these initial impressions suggest that the Nord CE 2 5G has its strengths in everyday shooting but may struggle with low-light scenarios or when pushing the limits of its capabilities. Stay tuned for my full review, where I'll delve deeper into the camera performance and compare it with other devices in this price bracket.
Price and Value
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G is an enticing offering in the budget smartphone market, with a price tag that promises excellent value for money. Priced at £299 (or €349), this device is positioned to appeal to those seeking a high-performance smartphone without breaking the bank. The question on everyone's mind is: does it deliver? Upon closer inspection, the Nord CE 2 5G's pricing strategy appears to be focused on providing a premium smartphone experience at an affordable price point. By cutting costs on some of the frills, OnePlus has managed to maintain the core features that make their devices desirable. The device's specifications and performance capabilities suggest that it will hold its own against more established competitors in this segment. The inclusion of 5G support, Wi-Fi 6, and a quad-camera setup are notable features that address the needs of modern smartphone users. In terms of value, the Nord CE 2 5G seems to tick all the right boxes. With a large battery, fast charging capabilities, and a high-quality display, this phone appears to be a solid choice for those in search of an affordable flagship experience. While some may argue that compromises have been made to achieve such a competitive price point, it's hard to deny the allure of owning a feature-packed smartphone at under £300. The question remains: is the Nord CE 2 5G worth considering over other budget-friendly options?
Performance
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G boasts a respectable performance profile, driven by the Mediatek Dimensity 900 chipset. This mid-range processor delivers smooth and efficient execution of daily tasks, making it suitable for general users. In our tests, the device handled gaming with mixed results. While Gentian Impact struggled on high detail settings due to frame rate drops during intense sequences, Call of Duty Mobile performed flawlessly at the same setting. This inconsistency may be attributed to the game's optimization and the chipset's limitations. Overall, gaming performance is decent but not exceptional. The Dimensity 900 also enables full 5G support, which is a significant advantage over many budget rivals. Wi-Fi 6 connectivity is also available, ensuring seamless data transfer between devices. Battery life appears promising, with a 4500mAh cell that doesn't seem to dip drastically when gaming or streaming video. However, our in-depth review will provide a more comprehensive assessment of battery performance after a week-long test. One notable feature is the inclusion of SuperVOOC 65W fast charging support, which can replenish the battery from empty to full in under an hour. Trickle charging also ensures that overnight charging won't cause significant degradation over time. While not groundbreaking, the Mediatek Dimensity 900 chipset provides a solid foundation for daily use and occasional gaming. The device's performance is more than adequate for most users, but may not impress those seeking exceptional gaming capabilities or high-end processing power. Overall, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G delivers respectable performance that justifies its mid-range price tag.