OnePlus adds a new device in its kitty Nord CE 2. This time it is not some fancy high end technologically advanced device but a mid – range full equipped one. Will this be just another device in this heavily populated segment or does it have the element to make itself stand out. Let’s find out.
DESIGN& DISPLAY
Before we talk about the design of the device one thing that you all will observe is the ques of OPPO reflecting on OnePlus. The design does have some appreciable points but the look that distinct itself being OnePlus seems to be fading away. You will see more of Oppo orientation on the device than OnePlus which in no way am I saying is bad but just a point which would not go unnoticed.
Nord 2 CE has a glossy plastic back which will grab you attention instantly. With the camera setup getting a rectangular seamless rim around itself it merges well with the back and still gives it an edge.
The Bahama Blue which is my review unit has a pastel finish. It looks great indoors and when natural light falls on it does give you a light golden reflection which does look very appealing.
The body is all plastic, but it doesn’t feel cheap or plasticky. It has a sturdy feel and appeal.
As for ports and buttons, the CE 2 has all the basics and some old essentials. A 3.5mm port is built into the metallic plastic frame on the bottom edge. There’s also a dual SIM tray with space for microSD card expansion in addition. The one thing it doesn’t have – that other OnePlus models do – is the alert slider switch.
From the front, the CE 2 looks like pretty much any other mid-range device. It has a thin bezel all around except at the bottom where it is a bit chunky. It also features an in-display fingerprint sensor, rather than a physical one to the side button.
Nord CE 2 gets the same screen as it’s sibling. 6.43-inch AMOLED panel with Full HD resolution that’s capable of reaching up to 90Hz refresh rates and with HDR10+ brightness. The display gets a thumbs up from my end as the viewing experience was good. The 90Hz refresh rate makes the navigation experience delightful as well. What does hamper the media experience is the loudspeaker audio. It’s not stereo, so you don’t get that feeling of being immersed in sound.
SOFTWARE & PERFORMACE:
Nord CE 2 runs on Android 11-based OxygenOS 11. It’s very similar to what was on the Nord 2, except for a few tweaks. Most of the pre-installed apps are Google’s, not OnePlus’, with no duplicates.
Nord CE 2 runs on MediaTek Dimensity 900 processor is a known processor might not be the best in class and as its sibling ran on Dimensity 120 it might be a step down. When we are talking about mid-range device there are a few give ins. You know you would have a capable processor which might not be outstanding which is the case with MediaTek Dimensity 900. You will face a few lags, but your gaming experience will not really be hampered much. All in all, at this price you wouldn’t be left disappointed but would compare it with its sibling for sure for better performance.
CAMERA:
Nord CE 2 gets a triple lens system on the rear. Main, ultra-wide and Macro.
The primary features a 64-megapixel sensor that processes down to 16-megapixels output. The output of the primary sensor is decent under natural sunlight. Inside the images feel to be a bit darker and edges feel a bit burled. The ultra-wide lens helps get images which are better than its sibling in comparison. The macro mode works well for portraits.
The front camera is not really a win win for me as the images are heavily beautified which is a default mode. The camera does the work but it for sure not the best we would have wished for.
BATTERY:
As for battery life, the CE 2 will comfortably get through a busy day without too much effort. It’s got the same capacity 4,500mAh. You get a 65W Super VOOC charging and a charger included in the phone box. You can fast charge your phone in 30 mins.
VERDICT:
OnePlus Nord CE 2 is a fully rounded device. But the question I asked in the beginning of my rearview will it stand out maybe not. Priced at Rs 23,999 onwards this device does have a lot going for itself, a good display, great battery life, affordable. What it misses is a good camera and what is going to face is a lot of competition. But for someone who has its faith in the OnePlus brand this one is a good mid- segment device to buy.