OnePlus Nord Review: A Budget Smartphone with Surprising Power

The OnePlus Nord is a budget smartphone that packs a punch. It has a 6.44-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, making it perfect for gaming and watching videos.

One of the standout features of the Nord is its camera setup, which includes a 48-megapixel primary sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 5-megapixel depth sensor. This combination allows for high-quality photos and videos.

The Nord is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor, which provides smooth performance and efficient battery life. It also comes with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, making it suitable for heavy users.

The OnePlus Nord has a premium flagship-like build with a polished chassis between the front, made of Gorilla Glass 5. The device measures 158.3 mm × 73.3 mm × 8.2 mm and weighs 184 grams.

One of the standout design features is the metallic coat applied to the plastic frame, giving it the appearance of real metal. The device has a raised plastic frame around the display and a glossy finish and iridescent back.

The Nord has a 6.44-inch touchscreen display, with a metallic power button located at the right side, the metallic alert slider just below it, and metallic volume up/down button at the left side. There is no 3.5 mm headphone jack, but a USB-C (USB 2.0) port, mono speaker, and plastic SIM card slot on the bottom.

The device has two color options: Blue Marble and Gray Onyx, with a potential third option, Gray Ash, for future carrier launches.

The OnePlus Nord's design is a premium flagship-like build, with a polished chassis made of Gorilla Glass 5 and aluminum buttons. The device measures 158.3 mm × 73.3 mm × 8.2 mm and weighs 184 grams.

The Nord has a plastic frame with a metallic coat, giving it the appearance of real metal. The smooth glass design can make the phone slippery, and it's not waterproof, so be careful not to drop it in water.

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The phone has a 6.44-inch touchscreen display, a metallic power button, and a metallic alert slider. The volume buttons are on the left side, and the USB-C port, mono speaker, and SIM card slot are on the bottom.

The Nord doesn't have a curved display, and there's a camera bump on the left corner that raises the phone a few millimeters from the surface. You can choose from two colors: Blue Marble and Gray Onyx, with a possible third option for future carrier launches.

Here are the key design specs:

The buttons and mute toggle on the Nord feel tight and tactile, with crisp feedback that adds to the device's overall quality. The phone's design is solid, with no creeks or rattles when applying pressure.

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The OnePlus Nord has some really cool special features that make it stand out from other phones. One of the standout features is the wallpapers with elements of the Scandinavian region, which adds a unique touch to the phone's design.

The phone also comes with ringtones inspired by famous Scandinavian electronic musicians, which is a nice bonus for music lovers.

One of the features that I find particularly useful is the app-by-app notification muting in profiles, which helps keep your notifications organized and clutter-free.

OnePlus was known for keeping prices low, but that's no longer the case.

The company's decision to raise prices has made its devices almost as expensive as the competition, such as the Samsung Galaxy S21 series.

The OnePlus 9 Pro is a prime example of this trend, with its high price making it barely cheaper than Samsung's top device.

OnePlus' attempt to regain its footing in the mid-range market is a welcome return to form.

The OnePlus Nord is a solid answer to the likes of the Pixel a series, the Galaxy A family, the realme X50, or the LG Velvet.

However, the Nord's downgraded processor makes it a less desirable option for some users.

The phone's reduced price is a major selling point, but it's worth considering whether the experience is watered down as a result.

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The OnePlus Nord's processor is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, which is a sub-flagship chipset that enables good performance and sub-6GHz 5G support.

This chipset is slower than the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 used in OnePlus 8, but it's still a capable chip that near enough matches the Snapdragon 845 in both CPU and GPU performance.

You can certainly feel that in the zippy user experience, and gaming with the Nord was a good experience, though don't mistake it for a gaming phone.

Some 2D and lower-end 3D titles can easily hit the 90fps mark, but heavier games like Real Racing 3 and Fortnite do show some performance issues, such as stutters and frame rate drops.

Here are the specs of the Snapdragon 765G:

The Nord also comes with 6/8/12GB RAM and 64/128/256GB storage, with no microSD card slot.

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The OnePlus Nord boasts a bright and colorful 6.44-inch AMOLED display with a 20:9 aspect ratio and Full HD+ resolution. This display is perfect for watching movies and TV shows, and it even supports HDR10+ for an enhanced viewing experience.

The display's 90Hz refresh rate ensures fluid scrolling performance, making it a joy to use. However, the screen's flat edges may make it feel a bit chunkier in the hand compared to other phones.

The Nord's display has a punch-hole cutout in the top-left corner for the dual selfie cameras, which can limit the number of notification icons displayed in the top bar. But don't worry, the cameras don't get in the way too much.

A fingerprint scanner is embedded in the screen, allowing for secure and convenient biometric authentication. You can even register multiple prints, such as both thumbs and forefingers, for added security.

The display's brightness and clarity are impressive, but the colors may not be as rich as some other handsets. However, the slightly muted tones are more natural and pleasant to look at.

The camera system on the OnePlus Nord is good, but not flagship-quality. It features a 48 MP primary camera, an 8 MP ultrawide angle camera, a 5 MP depth sensor, and a 2 MP macro camera.

The OnePlus Nord's display is a real standout feature. It's a 6.44-inch AMOLED display with a 20:9 aspect ratio, Full HD+ (2400 x 1080) resolution, and a 90Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling performance.

The display is bright and clear, but it's worth noting that it's flat, rather than having curved edges like some other phones. This makes the Nord feel a bit chunkier in the hand.

The display's maximum brightness is rated at 1000 nits with HDR, and it can sustain close to 500 nits of brightness. This means it's great for watching movies and TV shows in bright environments.

The screen has an in-display fingerprint sensor, which works reasonably well and allows you to register multiple prints. It's not the quickest sensor we've used, but it gets the job done.

One way to speed up the unlocking process is to pair the fingerprint recognition with face unlock. This combination can produce a faster result.

The display also has HDR10+ support, making it great for streaming content from services like Netflix or Prime Video. However, the colors don't appear to be as rich as on some handsets, with slightly muted tones that are more natural but less visually arresting.

Here are some key specs of the OnePlus Nord's display:

The camera on the OnePlus Nord is a six-camera system, which is quite impressive, but not always better. It features a 48 MP primary camera, an 8 MP ultrawide angle camera, a 5 MP depth sensor, and a 2 MP macro camera.

The primary camera can shoot video up to 4K/30 fps and slow-motion video up to 1080p/240 fps. The front camera system has a 32 MP primary camera and an 8 MP ultrawide angle camera, which can shoot video up to 4K/60 fps and 4K/30 fps respectively.

Image quality from the rear camera is good in daylight, similar to the OnePlus 8, but low-light performance is only acceptable to good, not flagship-like quality. The macro camera's quality is average at best and poor at worst.

The camera app has many modes, including Portrait Mode, Cine Aspect Ratio, and Nightscape Mode, which is similar to other smartphones in its price range. The 2x zoom icon can zoom images in by 2x, and flicking it reveals a wheel that scrolls up to 10x.

However, the 10x zoom images have decent detail only in outdoor lighting, and the time it takes to switch from one camera to another is a problem. Nightscape Mode also doesn't work in the ultrawide camera.

The OnePlus Nord's battery life is a mixed bag. It has a non-removable 4115mAh Li-Po battery, which is a reasonable size and will give you a day of regular use from fully charged.

You can expect the phone to last a day with heavy use, but don't expect more than that. For example, if you watch a lot of video on your phone, enjoy extended gaming sessions, or play a lot of graphically intensive titles, the phone will need a top-up come mid-afternoon.

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The Warp Charge 30T support is a highlight, charging the phone from empty to 70% in just 30 minutes. This is super useful if you're about to head out on a long journey and need to juice-up the Nord quickly.

However, there's no wireless charging support, which is a shame. Charging from empty to 50% takes 25 minutes, and charging from empty to 100% takes around an hour.

Here are some specific battery life estimates:

The OnePlus Nord has 5G connectivity, just like the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro, with five 5G bands. However, it only supports sub-6 GHz 5G and does not support millimeter-wave 5G, which has faster speeds.

This means it won't work with carriers that use the millimeter-wave 5G bands used by Verizon Wireless in the US or Rogers in Canada. It also doesn't support some 5G bands used by other carriers in North America, such as Band 71.

In terms of other connectivity options, the OnePlus Nord supports dual band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac standards and NFC.

The OnePlus Nord also comes equipped with a range of sensors, including a Hall effect sensor, an in-display fingerprint scanner, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a proximity sensor.

The OnePlus Nord has 5G connectivity, just like the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro, with five 5G bands. It supports sub-6 GHz 5G but not millimeter-wave 5G, which limits its compatibility with certain carriers.

This means the Nord won't work with carriers that use millimeter-wave 5G bands, such as Verizon Wireless in the US or Rogers in Canada. It also can't work with 5G bands used by other carriers in North America, like Band 71.

The Nord also supports dual band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac standards, which should provide a stable internet connection in most areas.

The OnePlus Nord is equipped with a range of sensors that enhance its functionality.

The phone features a Hall effect sensor, which is a type of magnetic sensor that helps with navigation and orientation.

An in-display fingerprint scanner is also available, providing a convenient and secure way to unlock the device.

An accelerometer is present, allowing the phone to detect changes in movement and orientation.

A gyroscope is another sensor on board, helping to improve the phone's overall navigation and gaming experience.

A proximity sensor is also included, helping to conserve battery life by turning off the screen when not in use.

The OnePlus Nord has received several software updates since its release. The first update was released on 22 July 2020, which improved the camera experience, system stability, and video calling quality.

This update also patched security flaws and improved power efficiency when recording at 4K/60 fps. It's great to see OnePlus prioritizing security and performance.

On 23 July 2020, another update was released, which further optimized video calling performance and power efficiency. It also added support for 90 Hz on the Dailyhunt app in India.

Here are the major updates received by the OnePlus Nord:

The updates have significantly improved the camera performance, system stability, and overall user experience. The Always On Display feature is a great addition, and the dark mode will definitely be a hit with users.

The OnePlus Nord comes with some nice accessories out of the box. A clear silicone case is included, as well as a red USB-C cable and a Warp Charge (30 W) charger.

In some regions, like France, you'll also get an earphone. This is a thoughtful touch, especially for those who want to start using their phone right away.

If you're looking to upgrade your audio experience, you can also consider the OnePlus Buds, which are available as an accessory.

The OnePlus Nord comes with a range of accessories that make it a great value for the price. A clear silicone case is included, which is a great way to protect your phone from scratches and drops.

A red USB-C cable is also included, making it easy to charge your phone.

The Warp Charge (30 W) charger is another useful accessory that can quickly top up your phone's battery.

In France, an earphone is also included, which is a nice bonus.

OnePlus also offers a range of accessories for the Nord, including the OnePlus Buds, which are a great affordable alternative to other wireless earbuds.

You can also choose from a variety of cases, including two Sandstone cases in different colors, a clear bumper case, and three creator cases with unique designs.

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The OnePlus Nord is priced to sell, with a starting price of £379 / €399 (around $480, AU$680). This is a competitive price point that undercuts rival phones from Apple, Google, and Samsung.

If you're looking for an even more affordable option, the 12GB / 256GB model comes in at £469 / €499 (around $590, AU$850). This is still a great value considering the specs and features you get.

The OnePlus Nord is available in the UK and 27 other European countries, plus India, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. You can buy it from the OnePlus website, John Lewis, Three, and Amazon in the UK.

Here are the key details:

If you're planning to buy the OnePlus Nord, here are some things to consider.

Don't buy it if you're looking for a phone with guaranteed dust- or water-resistance, as it doesn't carry an IP rating.

The phone's design may not be ideal for those with lots of notifications, as the dual front-facing cameras take up extra space on the front of the phone.

You'll only be able to display a handful of icons in the notifications bar, which might be a problem if you're extremely popular or have lots of game notifications switched on.

The OnePlus Nord's battery life is decent, but it's not the best we've seen, so you'll need to recharge it each night.

And, unfortunately, there's no wireless charging support to make recharging easier.

The OnePlus Nord is kind of a big deal, and it's not just OnePlus saying that. The company has been working hard to convey its significance, and the results are definitely showing.

One of the standout features of the Nord is its affordable price, which belies its impressive specs and capabilities. It's packed with features, including a great screen and plenty of power.

If the Nord really is "pretty much everything you could ask for", as OnePlus claims, it raises some interesting questions. Why should anyone pay more for the OnePlus 8 or OnePlus 8 Pro when the Nord seems to offer so much value?

The Nord has a great screen, which is a big deal for anyone who loves watching videos or playing games on their phone.

The camera on the OnePlus Nord is a mixed bag. It has a primary 48 MP camera with OIS, an 8 MP ultrawide angle camera, a 5 MP depth sensor, and a 2 MP macro camera, which is a lot of versatility in one phone.

The main camera takes acceptable images with a reasonable amount of sharpness, but the colors can be washed out and not always true to life. The 8 MP ultrawide camera displays a quality drop in every area, with a lack of sharpness, particularly at the edges of the frame.

Portrait mode shots aren't amazing, with some confusion in edge detection, but portrait selfies are more accurate and believable. The dedicated macro camera takes images of fairly poor quality, with soft focus and washed-out colors.

The front camera system has a 32 MP primary camera and an 8 MP ultrawide angle camera, which can shoot video up to 4K/60 fps with the primary camera and 4K/30 fps with the ultrawide angle camera.

The battery life on the OnePlus Nord is acceptable, but not great. It has a 4,115mAh battery that will last a day on a single charge, but you shouldn't expect more than that.

The Warp Charge 30T gets you from 0% to 70% in 30 minutes, which is useful for topping up the battery quickly. However, there's no wireless charging support, which is a drawback.

Here's a rough estimate of the battery life:

The OnePlus Nord is a phone that offers a lot of value for its price. It starts at £379 in the UK for the 8GB/128GB model, which is a significant £170 cheaper than the OnePlus 8T.

One of the main competitors of the Nord is the Google Pixel 4a, which is priced at £299. The Pixel 4a has a better camera and software experience, but falls behind in build materials and performance.

The Nord also competes with the realme X50 5G and the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G, both priced at £399. However, the Nord's main selling point is its Oxygen OS, which is worth considering for some users.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, the Nord N10 and Nord N100 are available in the US for $179 and $299, respectively. However, these phones compromise on their camera setups, performance, build quality, and displays.

Here's a summary of the Nord's main competitors:

Ultimately, the decision to buy the OnePlus Nord depends on your priorities. If you value Oxygen OS and a good value for money, the Nord might be the perfect choice for you. But if you're looking for a phone with better camera performance and software experience, you might want to consider the Google Pixel 4a.