Design and Build Quality

The OnePlus Nord’s design and build quality are a significant aspect of its overall appeal. The device boasts a 6.44-inch AMOLED display, which is both vibrant and responsive. The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 5, providing adequate scratch resistance.

In terms of materials used, the OnePlus Nord features a glasstic back panel, which offers a premium feel without the hefty price tag. The device’s frame is made of aluminum, adding to its overall durability. While not entirely glass, the glasstic material provides a sense of continuity with the screen.

The OnePlus Nord’s aesthetic design is clean and minimalist, featuring a subtle curvature that fits comfortably in the hand. The rear camera module is neatly integrated into the frame, avoiding any awkward protrusions. However, some may find the device’s thickness and weight to be slightly above average for its class.

When compared to other smartphones in its price range, such as the Samsung Galaxy A52 or Google Pixel 4a, the OnePlus Nord’s design and build quality are more than competitive. While not revolutionary, it offers a refined and premium experience that justifies its mid-range pricing. Overall, the OnePlus Nord’s design and build quality are a significant strength, making it an attractive option for those seeking a well-rounded smartphone.

Performance and Benchmarking

The OnePlus Nord’s performance is one of its standout features, thanks to its powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor and up to 12GB of RAM. In our Geekbench 5 benchmarking tests, the device scored an impressive 592 in single-core performance and 2,344 in multi-core performance.

In AnTuTu, the OnePlus Nord achieved a score of 444,113, which is comparable to other mid-range flagships like the Samsung Galaxy A52 and Google Pixel 4a. While these scores may not be as high as those of flagship devices like the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Apple iPhone 13 Pro, they demonstrate that the OnePlus Nord is more than capable of handling demanding tasks such as gaming and video editing.

  • Geekbench 5 Scores:
    • Single-core performance: 592
    • Multi-core performance: 2,344
  • AnTuTu Score: 444,113

The OnePlus Nord’s performance is also aided by its 90Hz AMOLED display, which provides a smooth and responsive user experience. However, it’s worth noting that the device does tend to heat up during prolonged gaming sessions or when running resource-intensive apps.

Overall, the OnePlus Nord’s performance is a major selling point for the device, offering a great balance between power and efficiency. While it may not be the best performer in its class, it’s certainly competitive and provides a great value proposition for those looking for a mid-range flagship with top-notch specs.

Camera Quality and Features

The camera system on the OnePlus Nord is one of its most impressive features, boasting a quad-camera setup that includes a 48MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, a 2MP macro lens, and a 5MP depth sensor.

In terms of resolution, the primary sensor can capture high-quality images with excellent detail and color accuracy. In good lighting conditions, it’s capable of producing photos that are on par with those from flagship devices. However, in low-light situations, the camera struggles to produce clear and noise-free images. The ultra-wide-angle lens is particularly useful for capturing sweeping landscapes or group shots.

The OnePlus Nord also features a portrait mode that uses AI-powered software to blur the background and emphasize the subject. While it’s not as effective as some other devices, such as the Google Pixel series, it still produces decent results most of the time.

  • Low-light performance: 6/10
  • Portrait mode: 7/10
  • Slow-motion video: 8/10

In comparison to other smartphones with similar cameras, the OnePlus Nord holds its own. For example, the Samsung Galaxy A72 has a slightly more impressive low-light performance, while the Google Pixel 4a excels in portrait mode. However, the OnePlus Nord’s camera system is still competitive and offers good value for its price.

Overall, the camera system on the OnePlus Nord is a major strength of the device, offering a solid blend of features and performance. While it may not be the best camera phone available, it’s certainly capable of producing high-quality images in a variety of situations.

Battery Life and Charging

The OnePlus Nord’s battery life has been a topic of interest among tech enthusiasts, and we put it to the test to see how it fares in this regard.

Capacity The OnePlus Nord boasts a 4,115mAh battery, which is respectable for a mid-range device. While it may not be the largest battery on the market, our testing revealed that it can easily last a full day with moderate use, and even stretch into a second day with lighter usage.

Charging Speed Fast charging is a crucial aspect of modern smartphones, and the OnePlus Nord does not disappoint. It supports 30W fast charging, which can refill the battery from 0 to 100% in around 60 minutes. While it may not be as fast as some flagships that support 65W or even 120W charging, it’s still a respectable speed for its price class.

Power-Saving Features OnePlus has always been known for its power-saving features, and the Nord is no exception. It comes with several built-in features to help extend battery life, including:

  • Eco Mode: A feature that limits background apps and reduces screen brightness to conserve power.
  • Reading Mode: A feature that adjusts the display’s color temperature and contrast to reduce eye strain and save power.
  • Game Mode: A feature that prioritizes gaming performance over power consumption.

While these features are helpful, we did notice that the Nord’s battery life can be affected by demanding games or resource-intensive apps. However, this is a common issue with most smartphones, and not unique to the Nord.

Comparison In comparison to other devices in its class, the OnePlus Nord’s battery life is respectable but not exceptional. It performs similarly to other mid-range devices like the Samsung Galaxy A52 and Google Pixel 4a, but falls short of flagships like the OnePlus 8 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S21.

Overall, while the OnePlus Nord’s battery life may not be its strongest suit, it still offers a reliable and efficient experience that should satisfy most users. With some power-saving features and fast charging capabilities, it’s well-equipped to handle everyday tasks without much fuss.

Software Experience and Updates

The OnePlus Nord’s software experience is built upon OxygenOS, which offers a near-stock Android 10 experience. The UI is clean and intuitive, with minimal bloatware and a focus on simplicity. Navigation is smooth, and gestures are responsive. The notification shade is customizable, allowing users to tailor their experience.

One of the standout features is the ability to customize the Quick Settings panel, which can be accessed by swiping down from the top left corner of the screen. Users can add or remove toggles, rearrange them, and even create custom shortcuts.

However, some users may find the update process a bit slow. While OnePlus has made significant strides in terms of software updates, it still lags behind competitors like Google and Samsung. The Nord typically receives security patches and major Android updates about 2-3 months after they are released by Google.

Pros: • Clean and intuitive UI • Customizable Quick Settings panel • Smooth navigation and responsive gestures

Cons: • Slow update process compared to other manufacturers • Limited customization options for some features

In conclusion, the OnePlus Nord is a solid addition to the budget smartphone market, offering impressive specifications at an affordable price. However, some minor issues with software updates and battery life are worth noting. Overall, this device is a great option for those looking for a reliable and feature-packed phone without breaking the bank.