Okay, let's dive deep into this comparison. Here's a breakdown of the OnePlus 10 Pro and the Nothing Phone (2), focusing on what matters most to you – the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with an emphasis on what these specs mean in the real world:
| Feature | OnePlus 10 Pro | Nothing Phone (2) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 73.9 × 8.6 mm, 201g | 162.1 × 76.4 × 8.6 mm, 201.2g | Very similar size and weight; Nothing Phone (2) is a tad wider. Both feel substantial, with the Nothing Phone being slightly more ‘squarish’ |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone shapes. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen size; good for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 (525 ppi) | 1080x2412 (394 ppi) | OnePlus 10 Pro has a notably sharper display; text and images will look crisper with finer details |
| Technology | OLED | Nothing Phone (2) benefits from superior OLED technology, richer colours and deeper blacks | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1600 nits | Nothing Phone (2) is significantly brighter in direct sunlight, improving outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | Nothing Phone (2) has a newer, more efficient chip, leading to faster performance and smoother operation. |
| Antutu Score | 900,491 | 1,135,786 | The Nothing Phone (2) will handle heavy apps and games more fluidly due to its higher benchmark score. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Qualcomm Adreno 730 | Similar gaming experience, but the Nothing Phone (2)'s chipset will ensure smoother frame rates and faster loading. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43", Sony IMX789 | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", Sony IMX890 | The OnePlus 10 Pro main sensor has a larger sensor size, while the Nothing Phone (2) has slightly higher resolution, leading to a balanced performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.74", Sony IMX615 | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/2.74", Sony IMX615 | OnePlus 10 Pro's wider aperture will likely perform slightly better in low light, taking in more light |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 10 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities, which the Nothing Phone (2) lacks. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2 | None | OnePlus 10 Pro has dedicated ultrawide camera. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 50MP, f/2.2 | Nothing Phone (2) has ultrawide camera with macro functionality |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@120fps | 4K@60fps | OnePlus 10 Pro supports higher video resolutions and frame rates, more flexible video features, but both offer OIS and EIS for stable footage |
| Features | Optical zoom, Triple camera | Time-Lapse, Dual camera | Oneplus excels at camera options (optical zoom, etc); Nothing excels at timelapses |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700mAh | OnePlus 10 Pro has a slightly larger battery, but real-world usage will depend on how each phone manages power. |
| Charging | 80W fast charging, 50W wireless | 45W fast charging, 15W wireless | OnePlus 10 Pro charges faster with a higher wattage both wired and wirelessly. |
| Features | Reverse Wireless Charging, Li-Polymer | Reverse Wireless Charging, Li-Ion | Both offer reverse charging, but OnePlus offers faster wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 13 (Upgradable to 16) | Nothing Phone (2) has more recent software with future updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 7 support | Wi-Fi 6 support | OnePlus 10 Pro has Wi-Fi 7 for best performance |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.3 | Nothing Phone (2) has a more recent standard with better power efficiency and range |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1, B2), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS (L1+L5), QZSS, Galileo, NavIC System | Nothing Phone (2) benefits from newer satellite systems, slightly better location accuracy in various environments |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Standard Dual SIM function. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Same Storage options across models |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12 GB | Both phones offer similar RAM configurations, great for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone | Hi-Res Audio | Both phones are excellent for audio, Nothing is good for music fidelity, while Oneplus is better for calls and spatial audio |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Standard fingerprint technology, with both supporting basic biometric security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | OnePlus 10 Pro has superior protection, with very durable glass, |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, RGB, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, Proximity | Both phones have comprehensive sensor suite, with minor differences in features |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus 10 Pro Strengths:
- Display: Higher resolution (1440p) results in a much sharper and more detailed screen.
- Camera Flexibility: Offers a dedicated telephoto lens with optical zoom and ultrawide camera, for diverse shooting capabilities.
- Charging Speed: Much faster wired (80W) and wireless charging (50W), allowing less downtime.
- Video: More robust video recording capabilities, including 8k and 4k@120fps.
- Audio: Spatial audio and better voice capture, thanks to dolby atmos.
Nothing Phone (2) Strengths:
- Performance: Newer Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset provides better performance and efficiency.
- Display Brightness: Significantly brighter screen (1600 nits) for excellent outdoor visibility.
- Software: Newer Android version and future updates.
- Connectivity: Newer Bluetooth and GPS standards, and excellent location capabilities.
- Audio: Excellent Hi-res audio
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 10 Pro: Older chipset, lower outdoor visibility, lacks the unique Glyph Interface found on the Nothing Phone.
- Nothing Phone (2): Lacks telephoto capabilities, and lower resolution display, slower charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- OnePlus 10 Pro:
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize a high-resolution display, versatile camera system with optical zoom and a large ecosystem of camera features, and fastest charging speeds.
- Use Cases: Ideal for photographers, media consumers who value high visual fidelity, and power users who need quick top-ups throughout the day.
- Nothing Phone (2):
- Ideal For: Users who want the best performance, a brighter display for outdoor use, and a unique design.
- Use Cases: Excellent for gamers, people who spend a lot of time outdoors, and users who appreciate cutting-edge technology and unique design elements.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To decide between these phones, ask yourself:
- What do I value more: Screen sharpness or outdoor visibility? If screen sharpness and resolution is crucial for you, the OnePlus 10 Pro is superior, while for the brightest outdoors, the Nothing Phone 2 is the better pick.
- How important is the camera to me? If you want a camera with more options including telephoto lens, ultrawide and diverse video modes, the Oneplus excels. However, the Nothing Phone is better for timelapse photography.
- Am I willing to trade a higher resolution display and better wired charging for better performance and the latest software? If you want the latest tech, pick the Nothing, otherwise, the OnePlus offers best charging and screen resolutions.
Which one would I choose and why?
After carefully analyzing both devices, I would choose the Nothing Phone (2). While the OnePlus 10 Pro boasts a sharper display and versatile camera system, the Nothing Phone (2) edges ahead in areas that matter more to my personal use.
Here's why:
Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip offers a noticeable performance uplift, which translates to smoother daily usage and the ability to handle intensive apps and games more efficiently. I prioritize snappy performance above all else and the Nothing Phone 2 offers this.
Display Brightness: I frequently use my phone outdoors, and the higher brightness of the Nothing Phone (2) would make a real difference in visibility, a huge factor for me.
Software: I appreciate the clean and fluid experience of newer Android versions. It also offers future-proofed software support with 2 extra OS updates.
Uniqueness: The transparent design and Glyph interface on the Nothing Phone (2) are genuinely exciting and something I am curious to experience. I also enjoy how the Nothing Phone 2 pushes the boundaries in terms of design and features.
While the telephoto lens and higher resolution of the OnePlus 10 Pro are alluring, the overall package of the Nothing Phone (2)—faster performance, brighter screen, newer software, and a distinct design—aligns better with my priorities and provides the more holistic user experience for me. The telephoto on the OnePlus is alluring, but I do not use it frequently and will choose better overall performance over it.
