OnePlus Nord 2 5G vs Motorola Moto G71 5G - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date July 28, 2021 January 19, 2022
Release Year 2021 2022

Physical

Volume 96.79 cm³ 101.26 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.4 "/g 3.58 "/g
Weight 189 g 179 g
Height 159.1 mm 161.2 mm
Width 73.3 mm 73.9 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 8.5 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Gray Sierra
  • Blue Haze
  • Green Wood
  • Pac-Man Edition
  • Neptune Green
  • Arctic Blue
  • Iron Black

Display

Screen Size 6.43 " 6.4 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 85.6 % 83 %
Pixel Density 409 PPI 411 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz N/A
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 122.07 mAh/in²
Battery Density 46.49 mAh/cm³ 49.38 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm) Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
GPU Mali-G77 MC9 Adreno 619

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 11
Maximum OS Version 13 12

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the OnePlus Nord 2 5G and the Motorola Moto G71 5G. I'll break down the specs, translate the jargon into real-world benefits, and help you figure out which phone is the right fit for you.

1. Specifications Breakdown

Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, along with what the specs actually mean for your daily usage:

FeatureOnePlus Nord 2 5GMotorola Moto G71 5GReal-World Implications
Design
Dimensions (mm)159.1 × 73.3 × 8.3161.2 × 73.9 × 8.5Nord 2 is slightly smaller, but the difference is negligible.
Weight (g)189g179gThe Moto G71 is a touch lighter, which might be noticeable during extended use.
Display
Size (inches)6.43"6.4"Virtually identical screen sizes.
Resolution1080x24001080x2400Both offer crisp, clear visuals.
Refresh Rate (Hz)90Hz60HzNord 2's higher refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel smoother and more responsive.
TechnologyAMOLEDAMOLEDVibrant colors and deep blacks on both.
Performance
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm)Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 (6 nm)The Dimensity 1200 is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
AnTuTu Score714,400396,564Nord 2 delivers significantly better performance (80% higher score).
GPUMali-G77 MC9Adreno 619Nord 2 has a more powerful GPU, which is especially beneficial for graphically intensive tasks and gaming.
Camera
Main Camera50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" Sony IMX76650MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1Nord 2's larger sensor size means better low-light performance and dynamic range.
Selfie Camera32MP, f/2.45, 1/2.74" Sony IMX61516MP, f/2.2Nord 2 captures more detailed selfies.
Wide Angle Lens8MP, f/2.25, 1/2.8" Sony IMX3558MP, f/2.2Similar performance, slight advantage for Motorola in aperture.
Macro LensNone2MP, f/2.4Moto G71 can take close-up shots, although 2MP is quite limited.
Black & White Camera2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" GalaxyCore GC02M1NoneNord 2 captures monochromatic photos.
Video RecordingUp to 4K@30fpsUp to 1080p@60fpsNord 2 records higher-resolution videos.
OISYesNoNord 2's OIS helps stabilize videos and reduce blur in photos, especially in low light.
Battery Life
Capacity (mAh)4500mAh5000mAhMoto G71 should offer longer battery life.
Charging65W Fast Charging33W Fast ChargingNord 2 charges much faster, getting you back up and running in less time.
Software
OSAndroid 11 (upgradable to 13)Android 11 (upgradable to 12)Nord 2 has a longer software support, which means more features and security updates over time.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 5Nord 2 supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, offering faster and more reliable connections.
Bluetooth5.25.0Nord 2 has a newer Bluetooth version for better efficiency and compatibility.
GPSQZSSSUPLBoth provide accurate location tracking.
Storage
Internal Storage128/256 GB128 GBNord 2 offers a larger storage option.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone allows for expandable storage.
RAM6/8/12 GB6/8 GBNord 2 offers a 12GB RAM option for smoother multitasking.
Audio
Audio FeaturesStereo Speakers, Noise CancellationDolby Atmos, 2 MicrophonesNord 2 offers stereo speakers, while Moto G71 offers Dolby Atmos tuning.
Security
BiometricsFingerprint SensorRear-Mounted Fingerprint SensorBoth have fingerprint sensors for security.

2. Key Insights

  • OnePlus Nord 2 5G:

    • Strengths: Significantly more powerful processor, higher refresh rate display, superior camera performance (especially in low light), faster charging, and longer software support.
    • Competitive Advantages: A smoother, more responsive user experience, better gaming performance, and higher-quality photos and videos.
    • Trade-offs: Smaller battery capacity (though fast charging mitigates this somewhat).
  • Motorola Moto G71 5G:

    • Strengths: Larger battery capacity and more affordable.
    • Competitive Advantages: Offers longer battery life and a decent set of features at a lower price point.
    • Trade-offs: Weaker performance, lower refresh rate display, inferior camera system, and shorter software support.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • OnePlus Nord 2 5G:

    • Ideal For: Users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and a smooth user experience. Gamers, photographers, and anyone who uses their phone for demanding tasks will benefit greatly.
    • Use Cases: Gaming, shooting high-quality photos and videos, running multiple apps simultaneously, and enjoying a fluid and responsive interface.
  • Motorola Moto G71 5G:

    • Ideal For: Budget-conscious users who need a reliable phone with long battery life for everyday tasks.
    • Use Cases: Casual browsing, social media, calling, texting, and basic photography.

4. Buying Decision Framework

To help you decide, ask yourself these questions:

  1. How important is performance to me? If you're a heavy user or gamer, the Nord 2 is the clear winner.
  2. What's my budget? The Moto G71 is more affordable, making it a good option if you're on a tight budget.
  3. How much do I value battery life versus charging speed? If you prioritize battery life above all else, the Moto G71 is better. If you don't mind a smaller battery but want super-fast charging, go for the Nord 2.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Budget Gamer: Go with the OnePlus Nord 2 5G. The Dimensity 1200 will provide a much better gaming experience.
  • Casual User on a Budget: The Motorola Moto G71 5G is a solid choice.
  • Photography Enthusiast: The OnePlus Nord 2 5G's superior camera hardware will deliver better results.

Which One Would I Choose?

Personally, I'd pick the OnePlus Nord 2 5G. While the Motorola Moto G71 5G offers a larger battery and a more budget-friendly price tag, the Nord 2 simply provides a more compelling overall experience.

Here's why:

  • Performance: The Dimensity 1200 chipset is a beast. It handles everything I throw at it with ease, from demanding games to heavy multitasking. The Moto G71's Snapdragon 695 is decent, but it just can't compete.
  • Camera: I take a lot of photos, and the Nord 2's camera is noticeably better, especially in low-light conditions. The larger sensor and OIS make a real difference.
  • Display: The 90Hz refresh rate is a game-changer. It makes scrolling and animations feel so much smoother, and once you get used to it, it's hard to go back.
  • Charging Speed: The 65W fast charging is incredibly convenient. I can top up the battery in minutes, which is great when I'm in a hurry.
  • Software Support: The Nord 2's longer software support means I'll get more updates and features over time, which is important for security and longevity.

While battery life is a concern, the Nord 2 still gets me through a full day of moderate use, and the super-fast charging makes it easy to top up when needed. For me, the performance, camera, display, and charging speed outweigh the slightly smaller battery.

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.