OnePlus Nord 2 5G vs Nokia C21 Plus - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date July 28, 2021 April 29, 2022
Release Year 2021 2022

Physical

Volume 96.79 cm³ 107.57 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.4 "/g 3.66 "/g
Weight 189 g 178 g
Height 159.1 mm 164.8 mm
Width 73.3 mm 75.9 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 8.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Gray Sierra
  • Blue Haze
  • Green Wood
  • Pac-Man Edition
  • Dark Cyan
  • Warm Gray

Display

Screen Size 6.43 " 6.52 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 85.6 % 82.1 %
Pixel Density 409 PPI 269 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 118.79 mAh/in²
Battery Density 46.49 mAh/cm³ 46.95 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 5050 mAh
NFC Support Yes No
Chipset Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm) Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Mali-G77 MC9 IMG8322

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 microUSB 2.0

Software

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

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's break down the OnePlus Nord 2 5G and the Nokia C21 Plus. I'll put on my tech journalist hat and give you the lowdown as if we're chatting over coffee. I'll make sure to translate all those specs into something you can actually use.

OnePlus Nord 2 5G vs. Nokia C21 Plus: A Detailed Comparison

Here's a head-to-head comparison of the OnePlus Nord 2 5G and the Nokia C21 Plus, breaking down the specs and what they mean for you.

1. Specifications Breakdown

FeatureOnePlus Nord 2 5GNokia C21 PlusReal-World Implications
Design
Launch Date2021-07-282022-04-29The Nokia C21 Plus is newer, meaning potentially longer software support.
Dimensions159.1 x 73.3 x 8.3 mm164.8 x 75.9 x 8.6 mmThe Nord 2 5G is more compact, which might make it easier to handle for some.
Weight189g178gThe Nokia C21 Plus is slightly lighter, which could be noticeable during extended use.
Display
Size6.43"6.52"Nearly identical screen sizes; negligible difference in daily use.
Resolution1080x2400720x1600Nord 2 5G has a significantly sharper and clearer display.
PPI409269Nord 2 5G's higher pixel density means text and images will look much crisper.
TechnologyAMOLEDIPS LCDNord 2 5G offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors.
Refresh Rate90Hz60HzNord 2 5G has smoother scrolling and animations.
Performance
ChipsetDimensity 1200 (6nm)Unisoc SC9863A (28nm)Nord 2 5G is much faster and more responsive, better for gaming and multitasking.
AnTuTu Score714,400109,200Nord 2 5G will handle demanding apps and games with ease.
GPUMali-G77 MC9IMG8322Nord 2 5G provides a better gaming experience with smoother graphics.
Battery Life
Capacity4500mAh4000mAhNord 2 5G likely offers longer battery life.
Charging65W Fast Charging10W Fast ChargingNord 2 5G charges much faster, saving you time.
Camera
Main Camera50MP13MPNord 2 5G captures more detailed and higher-quality photos, especially in low light.
Selfie Camera32MP5MPNord 2 5G takes much sharper and more detailed selfies.
Wide Angle LensYesNoNord 2 5G allows you to capture wider scenes and group photos.
Portrait ModeNoYesNokia C21 Plus allows you to take images with blurred backgrounds.
Video Recording4K@30fps1080p@30fpsNord 2 5G records higher-resolution and more detailed videos.
Software
OSAndroid 11 (Upgradable to 13)Android 11Nord 2 5G offers more up-to-date software.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 4Nord 2 5G supports faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connections.
Bluetooth5.24.2Nord 2 5G offers better Bluetooth connectivity and features.
Storage
Internal Storage128GB/256GB32GB/64GBNord 2 5G provides significantly more storage for apps, photos, and videos.
RAM6GB/8GB/12GB2GB/4GBNord 2 5G handles multitasking and demanding apps much better.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone allows you to add more storage.
Audio
Audio QualityStereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation MicrophoneBasic Audio FeaturesNord 2 5G provides clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion.
Security
FeaturesBasic fingerprint sensorRear-mounted fingerprint sensorBoth phones provide basic biometric security.
Build Quality
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5UnknownNord 2 5G uses superior screen protection.
SensorsFingerprint, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, AccelerometerProximity, AccelerometerNord 2 5G includes additional sensors suitable for advanced features and gaming.

2. Key Insights

  • OnePlus Nord 2 5G Strengths:

    • Display: Superior AMOLED display with a higher resolution and refresh rate.
    • Performance: Significantly faster processor and GPU, making it ideal for gaming and demanding apps.
    • Camera: High-resolution cameras capable of capturing detailed photos and videos, including 4K recording.
    • Battery: Larger battery with much faster charging capabilities.
    • Software: Access to newer versions of Android.
    • Connectivity: More advanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
  • Nokia C21 Plus Strengths:

    • Price: Likely to be a more budget-friendly option.
    • Newer Release Date: Released later, potentially offering longer software support initially.
  • Trade-offs and Limitations:

    • OnePlus Nord 2 5G: Higher price point.
    • Nokia C21 Plus: Significantly lower performance, inferior display and camera, limited storage and RAM.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • OnePlus Nord 2 5G:

    • Ideal for: Users who prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. Gamers, content creators, and those who multitask frequently.
    • Use Cases: Gaming, photography, video recording, streaming, and demanding productivity tasks.
  • Nokia C21 Plus:

    • Ideal for: Budget-conscious users with basic smartphone needs. First-time smartphone users or those who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, and light browsing.
    • Use Cases: Basic communication, light social media browsing, and simple tasks.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three questions to help you decide:

  1. What is your budget? If you're on a tight budget, the Nokia C21 Plus might be your only option.
  2. What do you use your phone for the most? If you primarily use your phone for basic tasks, the Nokia C21 Plus might suffice. However, if you plan on gaming, photography, or heavy multitasking, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G is the better choice.
  3. How important are display quality and performance? If you value a sharp, vibrant display and smooth performance, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G is the clear winner.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: You're a student on a budget who needs a phone for basic communication and occasional social media. Recommendation: Nokia C21 Plus.
  • Scenario 2: You're a casual gamer and enjoy taking photos and videos. Recommendation: OnePlus Nord 2 5G.
  • Scenario 3: You're a professional who needs a reliable phone for multitasking and productivity. Recommendation: OnePlus Nord 2 5G.

My Personal Choice

If I had to choose between these two, I'd pick the OnePlus Nord 2 5G without hesitation.

Here's why:

As a tech journalist, I rely on my smartphone for a multitude of tasks throughout the day, from capturing high-quality photos and videos to staying connected on social media and conducting research on the go. The OnePlus Nord 2 5G is simply the better tool for my day-to-day life.

The superior performance and camera capabilities are critical. The Dimensity 1200 processor ensures that I can seamlessly switch between apps and perform demanding tasks without any lag. The 50MP main camera captures stunningly detailed photos and videos, which I often use in my articles and social media content.

The higher quality display would make my entertainment better. The fast charging is a huge plus. I can quickly top up the battery when I'm on the move, ensuring that I'm always connected and productive.

I'm willing to spend the extra money because I know I'll be getting a device that not only meets my current needs but will also remain capable and relevant for years to come.

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.