OnePlus Nord 2 5G vs Nokia C31 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Nokia C31
Nokia C31
Nokia

General

Launch Date July 28, 2021 September 1, 2022
Release Year 2021 2022

Physical

Volume 96.79 cm³ 113.5 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.4 "/g 3.38 "/g
Weight 189 g 200 g
Height 159.1 mm 169.2 mm
Width 73.3 mm 78 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 8.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Gray Sierra
  • Blue Haze
  • Green Wood
  • Pac-Man Edition
  • Mint
  • Charcoal
  • Cyan

Display

Screen Size 6.43 " 6.75 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 85.6 % 83.4 %
Pixel Density 409 PPI 260 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 110.84 mAh/in²
Battery Density 46.49 mAh/cm³ 44.49 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 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG microUSB 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 Nokia C31. I'll get into the nitty-gritty, translate the tech speak into plain English, and help you figure out which one might be the better fit for you.

1. Specifications Breakdown

Here’s a detailed comparison, focusing on what the specs mean in the real world:

FeatureOnePlus Nord 2 5GNokia C31Real-World Implications
Design
Dimensions159.1 x 73.3 x 8.3 mm169.2 x 78 x 8.6 mmThe Nord 2 is more compact and pocketable. The C31 is larger, which some might prefer for viewing content.
Weight189g200gThe Nord 2 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use.
BuildGorilla Glass 5 frontUnknown front glassGorilla Glass 5 on the Nord 2 offers better scratch and drop resistance. The C31's screen durability is an unknown.
Display
Size6.43"6.75"The C31 offers a larger screen, which is nice for media consumption, but it can also make the phone feel bulkier.
Resolution1080x2400 (FHD+)720x1600 (HD+)The Nord 2's display is significantly sharper. Text and images will look much clearer and detailed.
Pixel Density409 PPI260 PPIThe higher PPI on the Nord 2 means less pixelation and a smoother visual experience.
TechnologyAMOLEDIPS LCDAMOLED displays have richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, providing a more immersive viewing experience. The Nord 2’s display is just better, period.
Refresh Rate90Hz60HzThe 90Hz refresh rate on the Nord 2 makes scrolling and animations smoother and more responsive.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsBoth phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits.
Performance
ChipsetMediaTek Dimensity 1200 (6nm)Unisoc SC9863A (28nm)The Dimensity 1200 is a much more powerful processor. It handles demanding apps, multitasking, and gaming far better than the Unisoc chip in the C31.
AnTuTu Score714,400109,200This benchmark difference is HUGE. The Nord 2 will feel significantly faster and more responsive in almost every task.
GPUMali-G77 MC9IMG8322The Nord 2's GPU is far more capable, making it suitable for graphics-intensive games and applications.
RAM6/8/12 GB4 GBMore RAM means smoother multitasking and the ability to keep more apps open in the background. The Nord 2 has a clear advantage here.
Storage128/256 GB64/128 GBThe Nord 2 offers more storage options. Neither phone supports expandable storage, so choose wisely.
Camera
Main Camera50MP (f/1.8, OIS)13MPThe Nord 2's main camera has higher resolution, a wider aperture, and optical image stabilization (OIS), resulting in better image quality, especially in low light.
Selfie Camera32MP (f/2.45)5MP (f/2.2)The Nord 2 takes much sharper and more detailed selfies.
Ultra-Wide Lens8MPNoneThe Nord 2 can capture wider scenes, fitting more into your photos.
Macro/Depth LensNone/None2MP/2MPThe Nokia C31 offers dedicated lenses for macro and depth sensing.
Video RecordingUp to 4K@30fpsUp to 1080p@30fpsThe Nord 2 can record higher-resolution videos, offering better detail and clarity.
Battery Life
Capacity4500 mAh5050 mAhThe C31 has a slightly larger battery, which might translate to longer battery life, but that depends on other factors (like the power-hungry processor in the Nord 2).
Charging65W Fast Charging10WThe Nord 2 charges much faster. You'll be back up and running in no time.
Software
OSAndroid 11 (upgradable to 13)Android 12 (upgradable to 13)The C31 comes with a slightly newer version of Android out of the box.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 4Wi-Fi 6 on the Nord 2 offers faster speeds and better performance on modern Wi-Fi networks.
Bluetooth5.24.2Bluetooth 5.2 is more efficient and offers better range and audio codec support.

2. Key Insights

  • OnePlus Nord 2 5G:

    • Strengths: Superior performance, significantly better display quality, faster charging, better camera system, and more modern connectivity options.
    • Competitive Advantages: The Dimensity 1200 chipset and AMOLED display put it in a completely different league compared to the C31.
    • Trade-offs: Potentially shorter battery life than the C31 (due to the more powerful chipset).
  • Nokia C31:

    • Strengths: Larger display (though lower quality), potentially longer battery life (but slower charging).
    • Competitive Advantages: The larger display can be a plus for some users, and potentially longer battery life at a lower price point.
    • Trade-offs: Significantly weaker performance, lower-resolution display, and outdated connectivity features.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • OnePlus Nord 2 5G:

    • Best For: Users who prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. Gamers, media consumers, and those who need a responsive and fast phone for everyday tasks.
    • Use Cases: Gaming, streaming high-resolution videos, photography, video calls, and demanding apps.
    • Price-to-Value: Offers excellent value for its performance and feature set.
  • Nokia C31:

    • Best For: Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for simple tasks, with a large display and potentially long battery life.
    • Use Cases: Basic web browsing, social media, calling, and texting.
    • Price-to-Value: A decent option if your budget is extremely tight and you value screen size and battery life over everything else.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three practical questions to help you decide:

  1. How important is performance to you? If you need a fast and responsive phone, the Nord 2 is the clear winner.
  2. What's your budget? The C31 is likely much cheaper, so if you're on a tight budget, it might be your only option.
  3. What do you value most in a smartphone? If you want a great display and camera, go for the Nord 2. If you want a larger screen and potentially longer battery life at the expense of everything else, the C31 might suffice.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Gamer on a Budget: Nord 2 (the C31 simply won't cut it)
  • Scenario 2: Basic User with Limited Budget: Nokia C31 (if price is the ONLY consideration)
  • Scenario 3: Media Consumer: Nord 2 (better display and performance)
  • Scenario 4: Photography Enthusiast: Nord 2 (significantly better camera system)

My Choice

If I had to choose between these two phones, I would go with the OnePlus Nord 2 5G without hesitation. The difference in performance is night and day, and the display quality is a game-changer. I value a smooth and responsive user experience, and the Nord 2 delivers that in spades. The camera is also significantly better, which is important to me for capturing everyday moments. While the Nokia C31 might offer slightly better battery life, the overall experience simply doesn't compare. In my opinion, the benefits of the OnePlus Nord 2 5G easily justify its higher price.

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.