OnePlus Nord 2 5G vs Motorola Moto G55 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date July 28, 2021 September 6, 2024
Release Year 2021 2024

Physical

Volume 96.79 cm³ 96.6 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.4 "/g 3.63 "/g
Weight 189 g 179 g
Height 159.1 mm 161.6 mm
Width 73.3 mm 73.8 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 8.1 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Gray Sierra
  • Blue Haze
  • Green Wood
  • Pac-Man Edition
  • Forest Grey
  • Smoky Green
  • Twilight Purple

Display

Screen Size 6.43 " 6.49 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 85.6 % 85.3 %
Pixel Density 409 PPI 405 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 108.84 mAh/in² 118.71 mAh/in²
Battery Density 46.49 mAh/cm³ 51.76 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm) Mediatek Dimensity 7025 (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Mali-G77 MC9 IMG BXM-8-256

Connectivity

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

Software

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

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's dive deep into the OnePlus Nord 2 5G versus the Motorola Moto G55. I'm going to break this down like I'm explaining it to a friend who wants the best bang for their buck without getting lost in tech jargon.

OnePlus Nord 2 5G vs. Motorola Moto G55: A Detailed Comparison

Here's a breakdown of the key differences, what they mean for you, and which phone might be the better fit.

1. Specifications Breakdown

FeatureOnePlus Nord 2 5GMotorola Moto G55Real-World Implications
Design
Dimensions159.1 × 73.3 × 8.3 mm161.6 × 73.8 × 8.1 mmNord 2 5G is slightly shorter and thicker. G55 is taller and thinner. G55 is slightly lighter by 10g, potentially more comfortable for extended use.
Weight189g179gLighter phone might be preferred for prolonged one-handed use.
Display
Size6.43"6.49"Negligible difference in screen size.
Resolution1080x24001080x2400Identical sharpness on both screens.
PPI409405Almost indistinguishable pixel density.
TechnologyAMOLEDIPS LCDHuge difference: AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and potentially better battery life, especially with dark mode.
Refresh Rate90Hz120HzG55 offers smoother scrolling and animations, which is noticeable in daily use.
Performance
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 7025 (6 nm)Significant performance gap: Dimensity 1200 is a much more powerful chip. Expect faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Nord 2 5G.
AnTuTu Score714,400470,000Confirms the performance advantage of the Nord 2 5G; it will feel noticeably snappier.
GPUMali-G77 MC9IMG BXM-8-256Nord 2 5G has a significantly better GPU which translates to better gaming performance.
RAM6GB/8GB/12GB8GBMore RAM on some Nord 2 5G variants allows for better multitasking capabilities.
Camera
Main Sensor50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" Sony IMX76650MP, f/1.8Both have similar main sensors but the Nord 2 5G utilizes the Sony IMX766 sensor which is known for good quality.
Ultrawide8MP, f/2.25, 1/2.8" Sony IMX3558MP, f/2.2Ultrawide lenses are similar, but the Nord 2 5G utilizes the Sony IMX355 sensor.
Selfie32MP, f/2.45, 1/2.74" Sony IMX61516MP, f/2.4Nord 2 5G selfie camera captures more detailed photos.
VideoUp to 4K@30fpsUp to 1080p@60fpsNord 2 5G captures higher quality videos.
Additional Cameras2MP B&W lensNoneNord 2 5G has an additional B&W lens.
FeaturesOIS, PDAF, EISOIS, Ultra stable videoBoth have OIS and EIS. The G55 has Ultra Stable Video, but the Nord 2 5G has PDAF.
Battery Life
Capacity4500mAh5000mAhG55 should offer longer battery life due to the higher capacity.
Charging65W30WNord 2 5G charges much faster. This can be a significant time-saver.
Software
OSAndroid 11 (upgradable to 13)Android 14G55 has newer software out of the box and may receive updates for longer.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 5Nord 2 5G supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi 6 standard.
Bluetooth5.25.3G55 has newer Bluetooth version.
SIMNano SIM + Nano SIMNano SIM + eSIMG55 has eSIM Support.
Audio
SpeakersStereoStereo, Dolby AtmosG55 is slightly better with Dolby Atmos support.
Other
SecurityFingerprint sensorSide-mounted fingerprint sensorSide-mounted fingerprint sensor is faster and more ergonomic.

2. Key Insights

  • OnePlus Nord 2 5G Strengths:

    • Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor and GPU, leading to a smoother, more responsive experience.
    • Better Display: AMOLED screen provides superior image quality compared to the IPS LCD on the Moto G55.
    • Faster Charging: 65W charging is substantially faster, which is a huge convenience.
    • Better Camera Capabilities: Captures higher quality videos, has a 32MP Selfie camera, and utilizes a higher quality Sony IMX766 sensor for its main camera.
    • Wi-Fi 6: Supports newer WiFi standard with faster speeds and lower latency.
  • Motorola Moto G55 Strengths:

    • Longer Battery Life: Larger battery means more screen-on time between charges.
    • Newer Software: Comes with Android 14, which is more up-to-date and likely to receive future updates longer.
    • Higher Refresh Rate: 120Hz display provides a smoother visual experience during scrolling and gaming.
    • eSIM support: Allows for digital carrier switching.
    • Dolby Atmos: Better audio separation and immersion, improved voice capture.
  • Trade-offs:

    • Nord 2 5G: Older software (though upgradable) and shorter battery life.
    • Moto G55: Significantly weaker performance and lower-quality display.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • OnePlus Nord 2 5G is best for:

    • Gamers: The superior processor and GPU handle demanding games with ease.
    • Multimedia Consumers: The AMOLED display makes watching videos and browsing photos a richer experience.
    • Power Users: Those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their daily tasks.
    • Photography enthusiasts: Those who prioritize image quality and higher video resolution.
  • Motorola Moto G55 is best for:

    • Budget-conscious Users: If price is the primary concern and you don't need top-tier performance.
    • Battery Life Prioritizers: If you need a phone that can last all day (or longer) on a single charge.
    • Those Seeking the Latest Software: If having the newest Android version is important to you.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three questions to help you decide:

  1. How important is performance to you? If you regularly play games, multitask heavily, or use demanding apps, the Nord 2 5G is the clear winner.
  2. What do you value more: display quality or battery life? The Nord 2 5G has a significantly better display, while the Moto G55 offers longer battery life.
  3. How much does software version matter? If having the absolute latest Android version is crucial, the Moto G55 has the edge.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Frequent Traveler: The Moto G55's longer battery life might be more appealing, especially if you're often away from a charger. The eSIM support can also be helpful for switching carriers abroad.
  • Scenario 2: Student on a Budget: If you're on a tight budget and mostly need a phone for basic communication and browsing, the Moto G55 is a reasonable choice.
  • Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer: The OnePlus Nord 2 5G is the obvious pick. The superior processor and GPU will provide a much smoother gaming experience.

Which One Would I Choose?

Personally, I'd go with the OnePlus Nord 2 5G.

Here's why:

  • Performance is King: As someone who uses their phone for everything from productivity tasks to gaming, the significantly faster performance of the Nord 2 5G is a must-have. The Dimensity 1200 is a powerhouse compared to the Dimensity 7025.
  • That AMOLED Display: Once you've experienced a good AMOLED display, it's hard to go back. The contrast, colors, and deep blacks make everything look better. The Nord 2 5G's display would provide a more immersive experience.
  • Fast Charging is a Game-Changer: The 65W charging is incredibly convenient. I'd rather have the ability to quickly top up my phone than have a slightly longer battery life.
  • Camera Quality Matters: The camera quality and higher video resolution are more important to me personally than battery life.

While the Moto G55 has its strengths – especially the newer software and longer battery life – the performance and display trade-offs are too significant for my needs. I'm willing to sacrifice some battery life for a smoother, more responsive experience and better image quality.

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.