OnePlus Nord 2 5G vs Motorola Moto G72 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date July 28, 2021 October 3, 2022
Release Year 2021 2022

Physical

Volume 96.79 cm³ 94.34 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.4 "/g 3.98 "/g
Weight 189 g 166 g
Height 159.1 mm 160.5 mm
Width 73.3 mm 74.4 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 7.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Gray Sierra
  • Blue Haze
  • Green Wood
  • Pac-Man Edition
  • Meteorite Gray
  • Polar Blue
  • Mineral White

Display

Screen Size 6.43 " 6.6 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 85.6 % 88.1 %
Pixel Density 409 PPI 402 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 114.78 mAh/in²
Battery Density 46.49 mAh/cm³ 53 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm) Mediatek Helio G99 (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 Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Mali-G77 MC9 Mali-G57 MC2

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 12
Maximum OS Version 13

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's break down the OnePlus Nord 2 5G and the Motorola Moto G72. I'll put on my tech journalist hat and give you a comparison that’s both detailed and easy to understand. We'll focus on what matters in the real world, not just the spec sheet.

1. Specifications Breakdown

Here's a comprehensive comparison table, highlighting the key differences and their impact on everyday use:

FeatureOnePlus Nord 2 5GMotorola Moto G72Real-World Implications
Design
Dimensions159.1 × 73.3 × 8.3 mm160.5 × 74.4 × 7.9 mmThe Moto G72 is slightly taller and wider but thinner, which might feel more comfortable in some hands. The Nord 2 is a bit thicker but more compact overall.
Weight189g166gThe Moto G72 is significantly lighter, making it easier to hold for longer periods, especially during calls or while browsing.
Display
Size6.43"6.6"The Moto G72 has a slightly larger screen, which can be better for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking.
Resolution1080x24001080x2400Both offer the same sharpness; you won't notice a significant difference.
Refresh Rate90Hz120HzThe Moto G72's 120Hz display will feel smoother, especially when scrolling and playing games.
TechnologyAMOLEDP-OLEDBoth offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but the real-world difference is negligible for most users.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsBrightness is the measure of light emitted from a screen. The higher the nits, the brighter the screen.
Performance
ChipsetDimensity 1200 (6nm)Helio G99 (6nm)The Nord 2’s Dimensity 1200 is significantly more powerful. It handles demanding apps and games much better, offering smoother multitasking and faster performance overall.
AnTuTu Score714,400415,300This confirms the Dimensity 1200's superior performance. Expect a noticeable difference in responsiveness and overall speed.
GPUMali-G77 MC9Mali-G57 MC2The Nord 2 has a much more capable GPU, essential for smooth, high-fidelity gaming and graphically intensive applications.
Camera
Main Camera50MP108MPThe Moto G72's 108MP sensor allows for more detailed photos in good lighting conditions. However, sensor size and software processing also play a huge role.
Selfie Camera32MP16MPThe Nord 2 takes higher-resolution selfies, which could be useful if you frequently crop or enlarge your photos.
Wide Angle Lens8MP8MPWider aperture means more light can enter the lens, resulting in brighter photos, especially in low-light conditions.
Macro LensNone2MPThe Moto G72 includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, a feature missing in the Nord 2.
Black & White Lens2MPNoneThe Nord 2 includes a dedicated Black & white camera.
Video4K@30fps1080p@60fpsThe Nord 2 can record videos in 4K, offering higher resolution and more detail compared to the Moto G72.
StabilizationOIS, EISEISOptical image stabilization (OIS) on the Nord 2 provides better stability for photos and videos, reducing blur in shaky conditions.
Battery Life
Capacity4500mAh5000mAhThe Moto G72 has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life, especially for users who consume a lot of media or play games.
Charging65W33WThe Nord 2 charges much faster, allowing you to quickly top up the battery and get back to using your phone.
Software
OSAndroid 11 (up to 13)Android 12The Moto G72 ships with a newer version of Android, but the Nord 2 is upgradable to 13.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 6 on the Nord 2 offers faster speeds and better performance on compatible networks.
Bluetooth5.25.0Bluetooth 5.2 on the Nord 2 offers slightly improved efficiency and range.
Storage
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone supports expandable storage, so choose a model with enough internal storage for your needs.
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionGorilla Glass 5UnknownThe Nord 2’s Gorilla Glass 5 provides better protection against scratches and drops.

2. Key Insights

OnePlus Nord 2 5G:

  • Strengths:
    • Superior Performance: The Dimensity 1200 chipset offers significantly better performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
    • Faster Charging: 65W charging allows you to quickly top up the battery.
    • Better Video Recording: Supports 4K video recording with OIS for stable, high-quality videos.
    • Premium Features: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and Gorilla Glass 5 add to the premium experience.
  • Competitive Advantages: Ideal for users who prioritize performance, fast charging, and high-quality video recording.
  • Trade-offs: Smaller battery capacity and slightly heavier than the Moto G72.

Motorola Moto G72:

  • Strengths:
    • Lighter Design: More comfortable for extended use due to its lighter weight.
    • Larger Battery: Provides longer battery life, especially for media consumption and gaming.
    • Higher Resolution Camera: 108MP main camera for detailed photos in good lighting.
    • Macro Lens: Offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots.
    • Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 12 (but OnePlus is upgradeable to 13)
  • Competitive Advantages: Attractive to users who prioritize battery life, a lightweight design, and a high-resolution camera.
  • Trade-offs: Weaker performance compared to the Nord 2, slower charging, and lacks 4K video recording.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • OnePlus Nord 2 5G:

    • Ideal User: Gamers, content creators, and anyone who needs a phone that can handle demanding tasks smoothly.
    • Use Cases: Gaming, video editing, running multiple apps simultaneously, and capturing high-quality videos.
  • Motorola Moto G72:

    • Ideal User: Casual users, media consumers, and those who value long battery life and a lightweight design.
    • Use Cases: Watching videos, browsing the web, taking photos in good lighting conditions, and daily communication.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three practical questions to help users decide:

  1. How important is performance to you? If you need a phone for demanding games or tasks, the Nord 2 is the better choice.
  2. Do you prioritize battery life or charging speed? The Moto G72 offers longer battery life, while the Nord 2 charges much faster.
  3. What kind of photography do you enjoy? If you want 4k video and OIS, choose the Nord 2 5G; but if you want a higher resolution and macro lens, the Moto G72 might be better.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • For the Gamer: OnePlus Nord 2 5G is the clear winner due to its superior performance.
  • For the Media Junkie: Motorola Moto G72 offers a larger screen and longer battery life for extended viewing.
  • For the Casual User: Motorola Moto G72 is a solid choice with its lightweight design and reliable performance.

My Choice

If I had to pick one, I’d lean towards the OnePlus Nord 2 5G. While the Moto G72 has its merits, the Nord 2's superior performance thanks to the Dimensity 1200 chipset is just too compelling. As someone who often juggles multiple apps, edits photos on the go, and occasionally enjoys mobile gaming, the Nord 2 would be the smoother, more responsive experience overall. The faster charging is also a huge plus in my book, as I'm always on the move. It has a smaller battery but can fully charge from 0-100% in around 30 minutes compared to an hour and a half.

While the Moto G72's lighter design and larger battery are appealing, the performance gap is significant enough to outweigh those advantages for my personal use case. It is also a bit outdated in comparison to modern phones.

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.