OnePlus Nord

Into Droid Hardware

The OnePlus Nord marked OnePlus’s return to the more affordable segment after their main series started inching towards the premium price range. Here’s an in-depth review of the OnePlus Nord:

Overview:

Introduced in 2020, the OnePlus Nord was a significant release for OnePlus, aiming to capture the mid-range market while offering a near-flagship experience. It was seen as a return to the company’s “flagship killer” roots, providing excellent value for its price.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, overlaid with OnePlus’s OxygenOS 10.
  2. Display: 6.44-inch Fluid AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, supporting a 90Hz refresh rate.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, ensuring 5G connectivity and decent performance.
  4. Memory: Options of 6/8/12 GB RAM with 64/128/256 GB internal storage.
  5. Camera: Quad rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultrawide lens, 5 MP depth sensor, and a 2 MP macro sensor. Dual front camera setup with a 32 MP main sensor and an 8 MP ultrawide sensor.
  6. Battery: 4115 mAh non-removable battery with Warp Charge 30T fast charging.
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, 5G connectivity, and Gorilla Glass 5 protection.

Pros:

  1. Value for Money: The Nord offered a compelling package of features and performance for its price point.
  2. Display: The 90Hz Fluid AMOLED display provided a smooth experience, vibrant colors, and deep blacks.
  3. OxygenOS: OnePlus’s software experience continued to be a highlight, offering a clean, near-stock Android experience with added features and optimizations.
  4. 5G Connectivity: The Snapdragon 765G ensured that the device was future-proofed with 5G capabilities.
  5. Camera Capabilities: The versatile camera setup, especially the primary 48 MP sensor, delivered good results for its price range.

Cons:

  1. No IP Rating: While OnePlus claimed the device had some water resistance, it lacked an official IP rating.
  2. No Expandable Storage: The Nord did not feature a microSD card slot for storage expansion.
  3. Plastic Frame: While the device had a glass back and front, the frame was made of plastic, which felt less premium compared to metal frames.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2020, the OnePlus Nord faced competition from various mid-range devices:

  • Samsung Galaxy A51: Samsung’s mid-range offering with a Super AMOLED display and a versatile camera system.
  • Realme X50: Known for its performance, high-refresh-rate display, and competitive pricing.
  • Google Pixel 4a: Offering a clean software experience, consistent updates, and excellent camera capabilities at a similar price point.

Launch Date:

The OnePlus Nord was announced in July 2020 and released later that month.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Macro and Depth Sensors: Some users felt that the macro and depth sensors were not very useful and would have preferred other features or better primary camera hardware.
  2. Software Bugs: As with many devices, some users encountered occasional software glitches, but OnePlus was relatively quick with updates to address reported issues.
  3. Battery Life: While the battery life was generally decent, the combination of 5G and the 90Hz display could lead to faster drain under heavy use.

Conclusion:

The OnePlus Nord was a strategic move by OnePlus to capture a segment of the market that wanted a premium experience without the flagship price. It successfully combined many of the features and qualities that users loved about OnePlus devices, such as the display and software experience, while making necessary compromises to achieve its price point. Overall, the Nord was well-received and further solidified OnePlus’s reputation for delivering value-packed devices.