OnePlus Nord 2 x PAC-MAN Edition Review

 

After introducing its second-generation Nord series smartphone in India, OnePlus has unveiled the OnePlus Nord 2 5G in a special edition designed for PAC-MAN lovers, this is OnePlus Nord 2 x PAC-MAN Edition featuring a PAC-MAN themed design, PAC-MAN case, and OxygenOS 11.3 customized specifically for the PAC-MAN fans. The Nord 2 has been upgraded with 5G capabilities and numerous improvements over its predecessor including the faster processor Dimensity 1200, 65W charging, new cameras, and more.

For those who don’t know about the name, PAC-MAN is a retro-style maze runner video game and the new OnePlus Nord 2 5G is based on it. Features include a glowing fluorescent neon back, 6.43-inch 90 Hz Fluid AMOLED display, 50 MP triple cameras, MediaTek Dimensity 1200 octa-core SoC, 12 GB RAM, 256 GB storage, and packs 4,500 mAh battery with a whopping 65W fast charging support

OnePlus Nord 2 x PAC-MAN Edition Specifications

  • Display: 6.43-inch Fluid AMOLED display, 90 Hz refresh rate, Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels, 441 ppi), 20:9 aspect ratio, sRGB, DCI-P3, Corning Gorilla Glass 5
  • Design: Glossy Fluorescent Neon Back with Corning Gorilla Glass 5
  • Software: OxygenOS 11.3, Android 11, PAC-MAN Themed
  • CPU: 6nm MediaTek Dimensity 1200 5G octa-core CPU up to 3.0 GHz frequency
  • GPU: Mali-G77 MC9 (9-core) Graphics
  • Memory: 12 GB RAM
  • Storage: 256 GB UFS 3.1 on-board, no microSD card support
  • Main Camera: Triple Cameras (50 MP f/1.9 primary Sony IMX766 + 8 MP ultra-wide-angle + 2 MP monochrome), dual-tone LED flash
  • Selfie Camera: 32 MP Sony IMX615
  • Connectivity: USB Type-C, 3.5 mm port (via adapter), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, GPS
  • Security: In-display fingerprint scanner, Face unlock
  • Cellular: Dual 5G network, nano SIMs
  • Battery: 4,500 mAh
  • Charging: 65W WarpCharge 65 fast charging (10V, 6.5A), 100% charge in 30 minutes
  • Price: ₹37,999 (12 GB RAM & 256 GB Storage)
  • Availability: 16th November onwards, OnePlus.in, Amazon India


Design, Display, & Build

The OnePlus Nord 2x PAC-MAN Edition is a special edition smartphone packed with PAC-MAN themes, wallpapers, PAC-MAN 256 game, and OxygenOS optimized with PAC-MAN’s stuff. What’s interesting is its back, the smartphone has a glossy fluorescent neon back protected by the Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and it glows literally in the dark. If you see in the daylight, the back has PAC-MAN eating dots connecting to the OnePlus logo at the end, but when you see it in the dark, you will find a glowing maze with NORD written inside along with a OnePlus symbol just above.

For the rest, it’s the same OnePlus Nord 2 5G, and since it has got some improvements over its predecessor, i.e. a larger battery, faster charging, and Stereo speakers, and a flagship-grade processor, this is a significant upgrade over its first-generation OnePlus Nord. The OnePlus Nord 2 5G comes in Green Woods (leather design), Gray Sierra, Blue Haze (glass design), and lastly the PAC-MAN Edition.

The back has two big camera housing in its triple camera setup, OnePlus has used a 50MP Sony IMX766 image sensor. The back also holds the OnePlus logo, not in the center, but at the end.

The sides are made of plastic, not metallic which describes minor tradeoffs in the material of the frame. Plus, there’s no IP certification, you can’t take it underwater or take it to the shower. The competition already offers dust and water resistance in this segment.

Flipping the phone and you will see a gorgeous 6.43-inch Fluid AMOLED display with a 90 Hz refresh rate, Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels, 441 ppi), 20:9 aspect ratio, and it supports sRGB and DCI-P3 color profiles. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and offers an in-display fingerprint scanner.



The box comes with a PAC-MAN themed protective hard case which looks amazing, other contents in the box include a 65W fast charger, USB Type-C to Type-C cable

You will find a USB Type-C port at the bottom side that doubles as the audio output, no 3.5 mm jack is available for earphones/headphones. You have the option to use a Type-C to 3.5mm converter, or use either Type-C enabled wired earphones or Bluetooth earphones. The bottom side also holds a SIM tray that carries dual 5G SIM slots with dual standby, a microphone, and loudspeakers, no slot for a microSD card in the tray. On the top side, a second microphone is available.

The right side has a power key and alert slider in theme whereas the left side has two separate volume keys. The smartphone has NFC, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2 onboard as well as comes with Stereo speakers, one at the bottom and one at the earpiece.


Verdict

OnePlus Nord 2 x PAC-MAN Edition is packed with PAC-MAN themes, wallpapers, retro-style app icons, charging animation, ringtones, and sounds from the game along with the original PAC-MAN 256 app pre-installed on the phone, and a protective case covering almost every bit of the PAC-MAN video game giving all that nostalgic feeling for its fans. It also bundles a special LEGO-styled building blocks DIY mobile holder if you purchase the phone from the OnePlus store.

What’s also interesting is its design, the glowing fluorescent neon back is impressive and unique, and it definitely grabs one’s attention. However, it carries the same hardware as the standard variant, the performance, the cameras, and fast charging capabilities are all from its standard variant, costing ₹3,000 additional compared to the top-end variant of the standard edition.

Aside from these, the OnePlus Nord 2 x PAC-MAN Edition offers exceptional performance, great cameras with OIS support, stereo sound experience, and super-fast 65W charging with incredible charging speeds. The OnePlus Nord 2 x PAC-MAN Edition is one great smartphone to be considered, it costs ₹37,999 on Amazon India and on the OnePlus store.

Strength

  • Glowing fluorescent design | PAC-MAN themed all over
  • 90 Hz Fluid AMOLED display
  • Fast 6nm Dimensity 1200 SoC | Good gaming performance
  • Fast storage performance (UFS 3.1)
  • Mind-boggling 65W charging | 100% in ~30 minutes
  • Impressive 50 MP camera
  • Stereo Speakers
  • Dual 5G SIM Support
  • Good battery performance