Launched in 2020, the OnePlus Nord entered the mid-range smartphone market with a bang, promising flagship-like features at a more accessible price point. While the initial hype has subsided, the Nord will remain a relevant choice for smartphone shoppers in 2024. Let’s delve into its key aspects to see if it still holds up.
Design and Display: The Nord boasts a sleek and premium design with a glass back and a plastic frame. It’s lightweight and comfortable to hold, available in several eye-catching colours. The 6.44-inch Fluid AMOLED display offers a vibrant viewing experience with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate for buttery-smooth visuals. While not the highest resolution, it’s sharp enough for most users.
Performance and Software:
The Nord is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor, which delivers capable performance for everyday tasks and even some light gaming. It comes in configurations with 6GB, 8GB, or 12GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking. The phone runs OxygenOS based on Android, known for its clean and bloatware-free interface. While not the latest Android version anymore, it’s still a user-friendly and customizable experience.
Camera:
The quad-camera system on the Nord features a 48MP main sensor, an ultrawide lens, a dedicated macro lens, and a depth sensor. The camera takes decent photos in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance is average. The ultrawide and macro lenses offer some creative options, but their quality isn’t stellar. The front-facing dual camera setup (48MP main and 8MP ultrawide) is a highlight, capturing detailed selfies and enabling wide-angle group shots.
Battery and Charging:
The 4115mAh battery provides good all-day stamina for most users. The impressive 30W Warp Charge technology tops up the battery quickly, a significant advantage over many competitors.
Value for Money:
Launched at a competitive price, the Nord offered excellent value in 2020. However, with newer mid-range options available, its price has become less attractive. Carefully compare its features and the current price with other options before making a decision.
Things to Consider: The Nord lacks an official IP rating for water and dust resistance, which might be a concern for some users. Additionally, it doesn’t have expandable storage, so choose the right storage option upfront. Finally, software updates might not be as frequent as with flagship devices, although it received Android 11 and is expected to get Android 12.
