OnePlus has surprisingly unveiled the Nord 2 5G - and it uses an innovative new chipset that could give it seriously impressive photographic skills.

As reported by Techradar, the Nord 2 5G will be the first OnePlus phone to feature the MediaTek Dimensity 1200-AI. The phone was unannounced and OnePlus has yet to reveal a firm release date, but shares some specs that point to it being an interesting mid-range option.

The new chipset is the main thing we know about the phone so far: the Nord 2 5G will utilize AI to provide better photo, video, and potentially streaming capabilities, including automatic photo color and contrast adjustment and HDR boost. Meanwhile, the AI Resolution Boost feature improves video resolution in certain apps.

OnePlus has not revealed more about the Nord 2 5G, but like Apple's iPhone 13, there are many rumors about its possible specs.

In renderings based on various possible details, the Nord 2 design looks more or less identical to the original OnePlus Nord, with a 6.4-inch FHD AMOLED screen, a finger scanner under the display, and a rectangular camera bump on the back said to be included, all of which were present in the original phone. Nevertheless, the Nord 2 5G will apparently have fewer cameras, and new AI features could replace the depth and macro sensors.

OnePlus did not share battery specs in its press release; given that the Nord 2 is seemingly the same size as the Nord, we can assume it will have the same 4,115 mAh battery or something a bit better. Speedy charging speeds are also likely to return.

Nord 2 connectivity (5G) and the new AI enhancements brought by MediaTek's chipset will set it apart from last year's model. Especially if these improvements do not translate into a significant price increase at launch.

OnePlus typically offers budget-friendly phones without sacrificing practicality, and the Nord 2 5G could follow suit, offering solid features and a low price tag OnePlus will continue to provide information about this phone as its launch approaches. When the Nord 2 5G launches later this year, expect it to be a decent improvement over the 2020 Nord.