Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the OnePlus Nord 2T and the Nokia X30. As a tech journalist with a penchant for practical, real-world implications, I'll break down the specs and help you decide which phone might be a better fit for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specs, with a focus on what they mean for you, the user:
| Feature | OnePlus Nord 2T | Nokia X30 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.1 x 73.2 x 8.2 mm | 158.9 x 73.9 x 8 mm | Very similar size, pocketable, and comfortable in hand, a difference of less than a mm |
| Weight | 190g | 185g | Nokia is a tad lighter, potentially more comfortable during long use, a difference of 5g may be imperceptible for most people. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.43" | Both phones offer the same immersive screen size, great for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Sharp, clear visuals for both, no noticeable difference in daily viewing. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 409 | 409 | Both produce sharp images with the same pixel density |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks, both offer an exceptional visual experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Smooth scrolling and transitions on both, feels fluid during use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both lack advertised peak brightness, might be challenging under direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 1300 (6 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Nord 2T's Dimensity 1300 provides noticeably faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 699,576 | 410,072 | Nord 2T outperforms X30 significantly, providing a smoother and more responsive experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MC9 | Adreno 619 | Nord 2T is better for graphics-intensive tasks and gaming, better overall processing power. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.00 µm pixel size | Both offer solid main camera quality; sensor size is only mentioned for Nord 2T |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74", Sony IMX615 | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.00 µm pixel size | Nord 2T’s selfie cam is higher resolution, potentially captures more detailed self-portraits. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.4 | X30 has a slightly higher-res wide lens but a narrower aperture compared to Nord 2T, which might affect low-light performance. |
| Black & White Camera | 2MP, f/2.2 | N/A | Nord 2T has a dedicated monochrome camera for artsy black and white photos. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p options, Slo-mo 960fps | 1080p@30/60fps, Slow-mo 120fps | Nord 2T shoots higher-resolution videos, better slow-mo, with better image stabilization and video recording quality. |
| DXOMark Scores | Main: 114, Photo: 119, Video: 123 | N/A | Nord 2T boasts a tested camera with good scores, no results provided for Nokia X30, highlighting better video recording. |
| Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, OIS, Autofocus, Touch focus, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Digital zoom, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, OIS, Autofocus, Touch focus, CDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Nord 2T has 4K recording, while X30 offers a panorama mode. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4200mAh | Nord 2T has slightly more capacity, potentially offering a bit more screen time. |
| Charging | 80W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 33W fast charging, Lithium | Nord 2T charges significantly faster, great for those always on the go and needing a quick power up. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, max version 14 | Android 12, max version 13 | Nord 2T is slated to receive a longer update support window. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display | Nord 2T also features Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE, A2DP, EDR, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.1 LE, A2DP, EDR, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Nord 2T offers a slightly newer Bluetooth version. Both offer the same audio features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Nord 2T provides more navigation and location satellite features |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both provide Dual SIM capabilities |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer similar storage options, no expandable storage in either, so consider how much space you need. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 6GB/8GB | Nord 2T has more RAM options, which is advantageous for multitasking, gaming and smooth performance. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Nord 2T provides better sound capture and audio output with additional features |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both provide basic biometric security, no advanced features mentioned. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | X30 offers better scratch and impact resistance, with the higher tier Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint, Proximity: Proximity, Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint, Proximity: Proximity, Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Nord 2T provides Compass functionality on top of the usual sensors. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord 2T
- Strengths:
- Performance: The Dimensity 1300 chipset offers superior performance, as demonstrated by the Antutu scores. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience.
- Camera: Higher-resolution selfie camera, 4K video recording, and a tested camera, with higher DXOMark results, indicate a better overall imaging experience.
- Charging: The 80W fast charging is a game-changer for those who need a quick power-up.
- Software: Slated to receive an update to Android 14, providing more future support for the device.
- Audio: Provides better audio quality and features
- Trade-offs: It uses an older screen protection (Gorilla Glass 5)
Nokia X30
- Strengths:
- Build Quality: Superior screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus offers better durability.
- Wide-Angle Camera: Higher-resolution wide-angle lens.
- Trade-offs:
- Performance: Significantly weaker performance than the Nord 2T, which might be noticeable for heavy users.
- Camera: Lower resolution selfie camera, lower-quality video, and no DXOMark results.
- Charging: Slower charging speeds.
- Software: Slated to receive Android 13, which means less future software support.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- OnePlus Nord 2T:
- Best for: Gamers, heavy multitaskers, content creators (especially video), and users who need fast charging and a powerful all-around experience. If you are the type of person who plays the latest games, uses a lot of apps at once, or values a fast, smooth experience this is the phone for you.
- Nokia X30:
- Best for: Users who prioritize build quality and screen protection, casual photographers, or those who prefer a cleaner software experience. If you value a better camera, and battery life is not your top priority this might be the better choice.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is peak performance? If you need smooth performance for gaming, heavy app use, or multitasking, the Nord 2T is the better choice because of the better performance. If you just need a casual phone and don't mind the phone not being the fastest, the X30 will be suitable for you.
- How important is a high-quality camera and video? If you need sharp selfies, record a lot of 4K video, or want better image quality, the Nord 2T, with a higher DXO mark, and video recording capabilities, is more suited for you. If you are more of a casual user, and have a specific use for a wide-angle camera, the X30 might be the right one for you.
- What do you prioritize the most: a fast charging phone or battery? If you need to quickly power your phone, the Nord 2T's 80W charging is a game-changer. However, if you don't mind waiting a little longer to charge your phone, and want to extend your battery life a little, the X30 might be suitable for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- For the Power User: Choose the OnePlus Nord 2T. The superior performance, faster charging, and better camera features will match your needs.
- For the Casual User: If build quality and screen protection are more important to you, and you do not mind slower performance and slower charging, choose the Nokia X30.
- For the Photographer: If better camera quality is important, the OnePlus Nord 2T, with a higher DXO score is better. However, if you need a wide-angle lens, the Nokia X30 may be a better choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd pick the OnePlus Nord 2T.
Here's why:
As a tech journalist who uses my phone heavily for various tasks, performance is critical. I also find myself using the camera a lot for both photos and video, and the Nord 2T is clearly the better choice in these categories. While the Nokia X30 has its perks like the screen protection, the Nord 2T checks more of the critical boxes for me. The 80W fast charging is also incredibly convenient for my on-the-go lifestyle, ensuring I'm never caught with a low battery. The slightly bigger battery is also a big plus. While the X30 does offer more screen protection, I believe that the benefits of the Nord 2T outweigh this advantage.
