OnePlus has released the Nord 2 in the UK, Europe, and India following its 22 July launch event. The handset is the first OnePlus phone without a Snapdragon processor. Instead, the Nord 2 runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 1200-AI chip – a specially-built unit, distinguished with the “AI” at the end to mark the phone’s boost in artificial intelligence processing.
Pre-orders on the Nord 2 phones start 22 July while full sales begin on 28 July from OnePlus select retailers, all of which we’re tracking here.
The Nord 2’s release is scheduled just weeks after the budget Nord CE 5G’s UK arrival. The CE, which starts at £299/€329/₹24,999, went on sale on 21 June in the UK (though sales in India began 16 June). See where to buy the Nord CE 5G here. While the US didn’t receive the CE, it did get the budget-friendly Nord N200 instead.
The Nord 2 won’t be launching in North America, as neither did the first-gen Nord.
As for what you can expect? The dual-SIM Nord 2 packs a 6.43in Full HD 90Hz AMOLED display with additional AI-assisted boosts in resolution and colour. There’s also a 50Mp main camera featuring a Sony IMX766 sensor that promises to capture 56% more light for nighttime photography compared to the original Nord. As for juice, the Nord 2 has a 4500mAH battery which recharges fully in under 35 minutes, thanks to the 65 Warp charger (which comes included). We’re separately looking at everything there is to know about the Nord 2, if you want to read up on all specs and features.
The Nord 2 launched alongside the OnePlus Buds Pro with ANC to competing with premium devices from Apple, Sony, and Bose, but at a lower price of £139. The Buds Pro will become available to pre-order on 18 August and will go on sale on 25 August.
We’re tracking everything you need to know about buying the OnePlus Nord 2 right here.
How much does the OnePlus Nord 2 cost?
The Nord 2 is available in Grey Sierra or Blue Haze in the following configurations
12GB RAM + 256GB storage – £469/€499/₹34,999
8GB RAM + 128GB storage – £399/€399/₹29,999
6GB RAM + 128GB storage (India only) – ₹27,999
OnePlus is also launching an exclusive India-only option in a ‘Green Woods’ leather finish.
This places the Nord 2 in roughly the same price range as the original Nord, which started at £379 for 8GB RAM and 128GB storage or £469 for 12GB RAM and 256GB storage.
See our review of the original OnePlus Nord.
Where to buy the OnePlus Nord 2 SIM-free – Pre-order deals
The most obvious place to pick up the Nord 2 is directly from OnePlus, where the phones will be available to pre-order until midnight 27 July, ahead of full sales beginning on 28 July. You can also pre-order the Nord 2 phones from Amazon.
OnePlus is bundling a free Google Stadia Premiere Edition with purchase, and pre-orders also include 10% off a Nord 2 phone case and screen protector, along with 50% off the OnePlus Buds Z earphones.
The Nord 2 phones will also be available to buy from John Lewis. It’s also likely to sell at Laptops Direct (though the retailer hasn’t confirmed) as it currently offers the original Nord phone.
In India, the early access sale to the OnePlus Nord 2 starts on 26 July for Red Cable Club members via OnePlus India, OnePlus Experience Stores, and Amazon India. Full sales begin 28 July, where Indian customers will also be able to get a trade-in bonus and 3 months of Spotify Premium for free.
Where to buy the OnePlus Nord 2 on contract
Three and O2 will be the exclusive carriers offering the Nord 2, though only the 8GB/128GB option. We will confirm contract plans as soon as they’re announced.
If you want to see how the Nord 2 might compare against other mid-range flagships, see our round-up of the best mid-range phones. We’re also comparing the Best OnePlus phones here.
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