Oneplus Nord 2 Vs Samsung M51 Is The Nord 2 Really Worth The Upgrade

Choosing between smartphones in the mid-range segment often comes down to balancing performance, battery life, camera quality, and long-term usability. The OnePlus Nord 2 and the Samsung Galaxy M51 represent two distinct philosophies in phone design—one focused on speed and software fluidity, the other on endurance and display size. For users currently on the M51 considering a switch, the question isn’t just about specs—it’s whether the upgrade delivers tangible improvements in daily use.

The Samsung M51 launched as a battery champion with a massive 7000mAh cell, appealing to heavy users who hate charging anxiety. The OnePlus Nord 2, released a year later, leaned into performance with a MediaTek Dimensity 1200-AI chipset, faster charging, and OxygenOS optimizations. But does raw power outweigh stamina? Let’s break it down.

Performance and Software Experience

At the heart of any upgrade decision is performance. The Nord 2 runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 1200-AI, a 6nm processor that competes closely with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 780G. Paired with up to 12GB of RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, it handles multitasking, gaming, and app launches with noticeable smoothness. In contrast, the M51 uses the older Snapdragon 730G—still capable for everyday tasks but visibly slower in sustained workloads and newer games.

OxygenOS on the Nord 2 is leaner and more responsive than Samsung’s One UI, especially in animations and system navigation. While One UI offers deeper customization and features like DeX and Knox security, it can feel bloated over time. The Nord 2 boots apps faster, records screen at higher bitrates, and supports smoother 90Hz scrolling thanks to better hardware-software synergy.

Tip: If you frequently use productivity apps or play mobile games like Genshin Impact, the Nord 2’s superior thermal management and GPU performance make a real difference.

Battery Life and Charging: Stamina vs Speed

This is where the M51 shines—and where the Nord 2 makes a controversial trade-off. The M51 packs a 7000mAh battery, one of the largest in its class, easily lasting two full days for moderate users. Even under heavy use, it rarely dips below 20% by bedtime. The Nord 2, meanwhile, has a 4500mAh cell—respectable, but not exceptional.

However, OnePlus counters with Warp Charge 65, which can refill the Nord 2 from 0 to 100% in just 32 minutes. The M51 supports only 25W fast charging, taking over 70 minutes for a full charge. So while the M51 wins on longevity, the Nord 2 wins on convenience. If your day includes frequent on-the-go usage and access to outlets is limited, the M51 may still be preferable. But if you value quick top-ups during short breaks, the Nord 2 excels.

“Battery capacity matters, but charging speed changes behavior. With 65W charging, users stop worrying about low battery.” — Arjun Mehta, Mobile Tech Analyst at Digit.in

Camera Comparison: Real-World Photography

The Nord 2 brings a significant leap in camera hardware and processing. Its triple rear setup includes a 50MP Sony IMX766 main sensor—the same found in premium OnePlus flagships—with OIS (optical image stabilization). This results in sharper daylight shots, better low-light performance, and more natural color reproduction. The M51’s 64MP main sensor lacks OIS and struggles with noise and dynamic range in dim conditions.

Both phones have ultra-wide and macro lenses, but the Nord 2’s are more consistent. Its AI algorithms enhance detail without oversharpening, and video recording reaches 4K at 60fps with decent stabilization. The M51 tops out at 4K/30fps and exhibits noticeable wobble in motion.

In practical terms, the Nord 2 captures more usable photos in varied lighting. Whether you’re shooting documents, nightscapes, or portraits, the improvement is noticeable. Selfies also benefit from the Nord 2’s 32MP front camera and improved skin tone rendering.

Camera Features at a Glance

Feature	OnePlus Nord 2	Samsung M51
Main Sensor	50MP, IMX766, OIS	64MP, no OIS
Front Camera	32MP	32MP
Video Recording	4K@60fps, EIS	4K@30fps, basic EIS
Night Mode	Advanced AI + OIS	Basic HDR enhancement
Zoom	Digital up to 20x	Digital up to 10x

Display and Build: Design Priorities

The M51 features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with FHD+ resolution and a 409 PPI density. It’s bright, vibrant, and excellent for media consumption. However, it’s capped at 60Hz refresh rate. The Nord 2’s 6.43-inch AMOLED screen also hits FHD+ but adds a 90Hz refresh rate, making scrolling through feeds, browsing, and gaming noticeably smoother.

Build-wise, the M51 feels bulkier due to its massive battery, weighing 214g. The Nord 2 is more compact at 190g and slimmer in hand, though both use plastic backs. OnePlus opts for a matte finish that resists fingerprints; Samsung’s glossy back attracts smudges. Both have in-display fingerprint sensors, but the Nord 2’s is faster and more reliable.

Tip: If you read e-books or watch videos daily, the M51’s larger screen may be more immersive—but the Nord 2’s 90Hz panel reduces eye strain during prolonged use.

Real-World Upgrade Scenario: Meet Priya

Priya used her Samsung M51 for nearly two years. She loved how it lasted through back-to-back Zoom calls and evening streaming without needing a recharge. But over time, she noticed lag when switching between WhatsApp, Instagram, and Google Sheets. Apps would reload frequently, and photo quality degraded in group chats.

After upgrading to the Nord 2, her workflow transformed. Messages loaded instantly, multitasking became seamless, and her social media photos looked sharper. Though she missed the two-day battery, she adapted quickly to 15-minute morning charges that gave her 70% battery. “It’s not that the M51 was bad,” she said, “but the Nord 2 feels like a modern phone. Everything responds faster.”

Should You Upgrade? A Practical Checklist

Before making the switch, consider these factors:

• Are you frustrated with slow app launches? → Nord 2 improves this significantly.
• Do you record videos or take photos regularly? → Nord 2 offers better stabilization and clarity.
• Is all-day battery non-negotiable? → M51 still leads here.
• Do you charge your phone overnight? → Fast charging on the Nord 2 becomes a luxury, not a necessity.
• Do you play mobile games? → Higher frame rates and better thermals favor the Nord 2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the OnePlus Nord 2 better than the Samsung M51 overall?

Yes, in terms of performance, software experience, camera quality, and charging speed. However, the M51 retains an edge in battery longevity and screen size. The \"better\" phone depends on your priorities.

Can the Nord 2 last a full day on a single charge?

For moderate users, yes. Heavy users may need a top-up by evening. The 4500mAh battery is efficient but can’t match the M51’s 7000mAh stamina.

Does the Nord 2 support expandable storage?

No, unlike the M51, the Nord 2 does not have a microSD slot. You must rely on internal storage (128GB or 256GB variants).

Conclusion: Making the Right Move

The OnePlus Nord 2 isn’t just an incremental upgrade over the Samsung M51—it represents a shift toward modern smartphone expectations: responsiveness, speed, and intelligent camera systems. While the M51 remains a strong contender for battery-first users, the Nord 2 delivers a more future-proof experience.

If you value quick interactions, high-quality photos, and the ability to recharge in minutes rather than hours, the Nord 2 is absolutely worth the upgrade. It trades sheer battery volume for smarter engineering and daily usability. For most users stepping up from older devices, that balance strikes just right.

🚀 Ready to upgrade? Assess your usage patterns, prioritize what matters most, and choose a device that enhances—not interrupts—your day.