OnePlus 9 Pro vs OnePlus Nord 2 5G - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
OnePlus 9 Pro
OnePlus 9 Pro
Oneplus

General

Launch Date March 30, 2021 July 28, 2021
Release Year 2021 2021

Physical

Volume 104.5 cm³ 96.79 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.4 "/g 3.4 "/g
Weight 197 g 189 g
Height 163.2 mm 159.1 mm
Width 73.6 mm 73.3 mm
Thickness 8.7 mm 8.3 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Forest Green
  • Morning Mist
  • Stellar Black
  • Gray Sierra
  • Blue Haze
  • Green Wood
  • Pac-Man Edition

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.43 "
Resolution 1440 x 3216 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.9 % 85.6 %
Pixel Density 525 PPI 409 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness 1300 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 100.25 mAh/in² 108.84 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.06 mAh/cm³ 46.49 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 4500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 660 Mali-G77 MC9

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 2.0
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 11
Maximum OS Version 14 13

Comparison Summary

Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 Pro vs. OnePlus Nord 2 5G

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureOnePlus 9 ProOnePlus Nord 2 5GPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm159.1 x 73.3 x 8.3 mmOnePlus 9 Pro is slightly larger and thicker, may feel less comfortable for one-handed use; Nord 2 is more compact.
Weight197g189gOnePlus Nord 2 5G is slightly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying around.
Display
Size6.7"6.43"OnePlus 9 Pro offers a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking; Nord 2 is more pocketable.
Resolution1440x32161080x2400OnePlus 9 Pro has a significantly sharper display, better for reading small text and viewing detailed images.
Pixel Density525 ppi409 ppiOnePlus 9 Pro's higher pixel density results in a noticeably clearer, crisper screen compared to the Nord 2.
TechnologyAMOLEDOnePlus Nord 2 5G's AMOLED panel provides vibrant colors, deep blacks, and better energy efficiency for dark mode usage. The technology of the OnePlus 9 Pro is not specified.
Refresh Rate120Hz90HzOnePlus 9 Pro has smoother scrolling and animations, providing a more fluid user experience during gameplay.
Brightness1300 nits0 nitsOnePlus 9 Pro has dramatically better outdoor visibility, particularly in bright sunlight. The Nord 2 brightness is unknown.
Performance
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 888 5GMediatek Dimensity 1200OnePlus 9 Pro's Snapdragon 888 offers higher performance for demanding tasks and games.
AnTuTu Score877,600714,400OnePlus 9 Pro is noticeably faster for app loading, gaming, and overall system responsiveness.
GPUAdreno 660Mali-G77 MC9OnePlus 9 Pro's Adreno 660 is superior for graphics-intensive games and applications.
Camera
Main Camera48MP, 1/1.43" sensor50MP, 1/1.56" sensorOnePlus 9 Pro has a larger sensor which typically means better low-light performance. The Nord 2 has slightly higher resolution.
Front Camera16MP, 1/3.13" sensor32MP, 1/2.74" sensorOnePlus Nord 2 5G captures more detailed selfies due to higher resolution and a larger sensor.
Telephoto Lens8MPNoneOnePlus 9 Pro offers optical zoom, allowing closer shots without loss of quality, which the Nord 2 lacks.
Ultrawide Lens50MP, 1/1.56" sensor8MP, 1/2.8" sensorOnePlus 9 Pro has significantly better ultrawide capabilities with higher resolution and a larger sensor.
Black & White Lens2MP2MP, 1/5" sensorBoth have a 2MP black and white lens but the sensor size of the OnePlus 9 Pro is not specified.
Video RecordingUp to 8K@30fpsUp to 4K@30fpsOnePlus 9 Pro can record higher quality video, suitable for professional use; both have stabilization.
DXOMark Score122 (Mobile)Not TestedOnePlus 9 Pro's camera has received a benchmark score, suggesting better overall camera performance.
Camera FeaturesMore advanced features (8K video, Optical zoom, manual focus, RAW 12 bits).Basic feature set.OnePlus 9 Pro offers more advanced manual controls and features for photography enthusiasts.
Battery
Capacity4500mAh4500mAhBoth phones should provide similar battery life for typical usage patterns.
Charging65W Fast Charging65W Fast ChargingBoth phones charge rapidly, minimizing downtime.
Battery FeaturesWireless charging, Reverse chargingNoneOnePlus 9 Pro can wirelessly charge and reverse wireless charge other devices.
Software
OSAndroid 11, Upgradable to 14Android 11, Upgradable to 13OnePlus 9 Pro has potentially longer software support with update to Android 14.
Connectivity
WiFiWiFi 6WiFi 6Both have fast WiFi standards.
Bluetooth5.25.2Both have modern bluetooth features.
GPSL1+L5, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a)GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GalileoOnePlus 9 Pro has more precise GPS capabilities.
SIMDual Nano SIMDual Nano SIMBoth phones support dual SIM.
Storage
Internal128/256 GB128/256 GBBoth offer similar storage capacities
RAM8/12 GB6/8/12 GBBoth have adequate RAM.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone supports microSD cards.
Audio
QualityDolby Atmos, 3 MicrophonesStereo SpeakersOnePlus 9 Pro offers a better audio experience with Dolby Atmos and an extra microphone.
Security
Fingerprint SensorBasicBasicBoth phones offer similar fingerprint sensors
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5Both phones have the same screen protection.
Sensors
SensorsGravity, Proximity, Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, GyroscopeRGB, Proximity, Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, GyroscopeBoth phones have similar sensor capabilities with slight variations.

2. Key Differences Analysis

OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:

  • Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution and pixel density, along with higher brightness, make for a noticeably better viewing experience, particularly outdoors.
  • Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset and Adreno 660 GPU offer a substantial performance advantage for gaming and demanding applications.
  • Better Camera System: Includes a telephoto lens for optical zoom, a higher-resolution ultrawide lens, and 8K video recording capabilities. DxOMark score also suggests superior camera quality.
  • Wireless Charging & Reverse Charging: Offers convenient wireless charging and the ability to wirelessly charge other devices.
  • Enhanced Audio: Provides a richer audio experience with Dolby Atmos and an additional microphone.
  • Potentially Longer Software Support: Update to Android 14

OnePlus Nord 2 5G Advantages:

  • More Compact and Lighter: Easier to handle and carry due to its smaller size and reduced weight.
  • Superior display technology: AMOLED offers vibrant colours, deep blacks and better power efficiency when using dark modes.
  • Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: More detailed selfies due to a higher resolution sensor.
  • More Affordable: Typically priced lower than the OnePlus 9 Pro, making it a more budget-friendly option.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • OnePlus 9 Pro: Sacrifices size and weight for advanced features, might be bulky for some users.
  • OnePlus Nord 2 5G: Lacks the top-tier performance, camera features, and display sharpness found in the OnePlus 9 Pro. It also has limited battery features.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

OnePlus 9 Pro - Ideal Users:

  • Power Users: Individuals who need maximum performance for gaming, video editing, or other intensive tasks.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want versatile camera capabilities, including telephoto zoom, high-resolution ultrawide, and 8K video.
  • Multimedia Consumers: Those who prioritize a high-quality display for watching videos, browsing photos, and reading.
  • Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest and greatest technology available in a smartphone, including wireless charging and advanced connectivity.
  • Users who need bright screen: The 1300 nits of brightness ensures the phone can be used in direct sunlight.

Specific Use Cases for OnePlus 9 Pro:

  • Professional photography and videography
  • Mobile gaming with demanding titles
  • Media consumption (streaming, movies) in bright conditions
  • Advanced multitasking with multiple apps
  • Productivity tasks that benefit from high performance

OnePlus Nord 2 5G - Ideal Users:

  • Budget-Conscious Consumers: Individuals seeking a well-rounded smartphone at a more affordable price point.
  • Everyday Users: Those who primarily use their phone for social media, communication, and light media consumption.
  • Users who prefer a more compact phone: A phone that is more portable and easier to use with one hand.
  • Users who prioritize selfie quality: Those who enjoy taking a lot of selfies and want the best resolution front-facing camera.

Specific Use Cases for OnePlus Nord 2 5G:

  • Everyday social media and messaging
  • General web browsing and email use
  • Casual gaming and entertainment
  • Taking selfies with higher detail
  • Users who want portability and affordability

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions to Consider:

  1. What is your budget? The OnePlus 9 Pro is significantly more expensive than the Nord 2. If budget is a primary concern, the Nord 2 is the better option.
  2. How important is display quality and performance? If you need a top-tier display and the best performance, the OnePlus 9 Pro is superior. If you are okay with a slightly less impressive screen and mid-range performance, the Nord 2 is adequate.
  3. What are your primary use cases for the phone? If you prioritize camera versatility, and demanding tasks, the OnePlus 9 Pro is the better choice. If you prefer a compact, well-rounded phone for daily tasks, the Nord 2 may be more suitable.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Professional Photographer/Videographer - Choose the OnePlus 9 Pro for its advanced camera features, including the telephoto lens, 8k video, better ultrawide capabilities and RAW 12-bit capabilities
  • Scenario 2: Gaming Enthusiast - Choose the OnePlus 9 Pro for its higher performance chipset, graphics and display refresh rate
  • Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious User - Choose the OnePlus Nord 2 5G for its balanced feature set at a lower price point.
  • Scenario 4: Everyday User with one handed use - Choose the OnePlus Nord 2 5G for its compact size, lightweight and great selfie quality.
  • Scenario 5: Outdoor use with lots of bright sunlight - Choose the OnePlus 9 Pro for its significantly brighter display

My Choice and Why:

If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the OnePlus 9 Pro. While the OnePlus Nord 2 5G is a very capable mid-range phone with a compact design and great selfie camera, the OnePlus 9 Pro excels in the areas that are most important to me, specifically a high quality display for reading and media consumption, significantly better performance and a high quality versatile camera system.

The 9 Pro's superior display resolution, brightness, and refresh rate would make my day-to-day use much more enjoyable and the vastly superior performance will ensure that the device does not slow down, regardless of the task at hand. I also greatly value the versatility of its camera system, including the telephoto lens and the ability to record high quality videos. These factors outweigh the Nord 2 5G's slightly more compact design and lower price point for my personal use case, making the OnePlus 9 Pro the clear winner for me.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
  • Technical storytelling
  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.