OnePlus Nord

OnePlus Nord Review: A Nostalgic Nod to Value, But Does It Still Hold Up?

I've spent the better part of a week putting the OnePlus Nord through its paces, and it's been an interesting trip down memory lane. This phone, while not the latest and greatest from OnePlus, occupies a unique space in their history – a return to the mid-range with the ambition to disrupt. At its launch, the Nord aimed to deliver a flagship-esque experience without the flagship price tag, and even now, considering its price on the used market, it’s a device worth revisiting.

My testing involved everything from daily productivity tasks and media consumption to more demanding scenarios like gaming and photography excursions. I wanted to understand if the Nord still holds its own against the ever-evolving landscape of smartphones. My initial impression is one of well-roundedness, though time has inevitably revealed some of its limitations. Positioned squarely in the competitive mid-range at its release, the Nord’s current value proposition hinges on its secondary market price and the features it still manages to pack.

Market Context: A Pioneer in the Mid-Range Renaissance

The OnePlus Nord’s arrival was significant. It marked a strategic shift for OnePlus, a brand that had largely moved into the premium segment. By launching the Nord, they acknowledged a demand for quality smartphones that didn't break the bank. From my perspective, it was a smart move, re-engaging a segment of the market that appreciated the brand’s core values: fast performance and a clean software experience.

OnePlus’s strategy with the Nord felt like a deliberate effort to reclaim ground lost to competitors who were offering compelling mid-range devices. The price point was aggressive, undercutting many of the then-current flagships while still boasting features that felt decidedly premium for the category. Looking back, the Nord played a crucial role in popularizing the idea of a truly capable mid-range phone, influencing other manufacturers to step up their game in this segment. My personal take is that the Nord was a well-timed and well-executed move that broadened OnePlus’s appeal and solidified their understanding of different market needs.

Design & Hardware: Familiar and Functional

Picking up the OnePlus Nord, the design feels instantly familiar, echoing the aesthetic of its flagship siblings from that era. My Blue Marble review unit, in particular, has a distinctive shimmer that catches the light beautifully. It’s more visually interesting than a standard flat color and adds a touch of personality. The phone feels comfortable in hand, thanks to its well-balanced weight of 184 grams. It’s substantial enough to feel premium without being cumbersome.

The build quality is reassuring, although the plastic frame is a clear indicator of its mid-range positioning. However, it’s a well-executed plastic, and during my testing, it didn’t feel cheap or flimsy. The button placement is intuitive, and the in-display fingerprint sensor, while not the fastest I’ve used, is reliable and conveniently located. While it lacks the signature alert slider found on higher-end OnePlus devices, the overall design is practical and aesthetically pleasing for its class. For daily use, I found the Nord’s design to be a comfortable and visually appealing companion.

Display: Smoothness and Vibrancy Shine Through

The display is where the OnePlus Nord truly shines. The 6.44-inch Fluid AMOLED panel is a joy to behold. In my experience, the 90Hz refresh rate makes a noticeable difference in everyday scrolling and animations, providing a level of smoothness that was, and still is, a significant advantage in this price range. Brightness levels are adequate for most conditions, though direct sunlight can sometimes pose a challenge – a common trait for phones in this category.

Media consumption on the Nord is a delightful experience. The colors are vibrant and punchy, without being overly saturated, and the sharpness is excellent for watching videos and browsing photos. Gaming also benefits from the smooth display, making fast-paced action feel more responsive. Throughout my daily usage, the display consistently impressed me with its clarity and fluidity, proving to be one of the Nord's standout features.

Performance: A Capable Mid-Ranger Holding Its Own

Under the hood, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset powers the OnePlus Nord. In my real-world testing, this processor proved to be a capable workhorse for everyday tasks. Navigating through social media, browsing the web, and handling email were all smooth and lag-free. Even multitasking between several apps didn't present any significant issues.

When it comes to gaming, the Nord handles moderately demanding titles reasonably well. I ran a few extended gaming sessions, and while it’s not going to compete with flagship devices on the highest settings, it provided a playable and enjoyable experience with only occasional frame drops. Temperature management is also commendable; the phone didn’t get excessively hot even during prolonged gaming sessions. While it's not the bleeding edge of performance, the Snapdragon 765G in the Nord strikes a good balance between power efficiency and responsiveness, making it a reliable performer for most users. I did notice a slight stutter on a couple of occasions when pushing it with numerous background apps, but nothing that significantly impacted the overall experience.

Camera System: Versatility and Impressive Output

The OnePlus Nord boasts a versatile camera system, and my experience taking photos with it was generally positive. The 50MP main sensor captures detailed and vibrant images in good lighting conditions. That sunset picture I took the other day truly impressed me with its color accuracy and dynamic range. The inclusion of an 8MP ultrawide lens is useful for capturing wider scenes and group photos, though there's a noticeable drop in detail compared to the main sensor.

Video recording capabilities are also solid, with the Nord capable of shooting up to 4K at 30fps with electronic image stabilization (EIS) which helps to keep footage relatively smooth. The 2MP monochrome lens feels more like a novelty, but the 32MP front-facing camera is a standout, delivering sharp and detailed selfies, perfect for video calls. While it does apply some level of beautification by default, it can be adjusted. Compared to other phones in its price range at the time, the Nord’s camera system was certainly competitive, offering a good balance of features and image quality for everyday use.

Battery & Charging: Reliable Endurance and Speedy Top-Ups

The 4115 mAh battery in the OnePlus Nord provides reliable all-day battery life for moderate users. In my testing, a typical day of browsing, social media, and occasional photography left me with enough charge to comfortably make it to bedtime. On days with heavier usage, including GPS navigation and more intense gaming, I did find myself needing to top up the battery in the late afternoon.

One of the standout features is the Warp Charge 30T fast charging. This technology is a lifesaver, quickly replenishing the battery. In my tests, I was able to go from near empty to over 60% in about half an hour, which is incredibly convenient. Power management seems efficient, with the phone not exhibiting excessive drain in standby mode. For its class, the Nord’s battery performance and charging speed are definite strengths.

Software: Clean, Fast, and Familiar

The software experience on the OnePlus Nord, running OxygenOS (now integrating with ColorOS), is generally smooth and intuitive. During my daily usage, I appreciated the clean interface and the lack of unnecessary bloatware. The user interface is responsive, and navigation is fluid. While my review unit is running an upgraded version of Android, the core experience remains true to the original Nord's ethos of fast and efficient software.

The under-display fingerprint reader is quick and reliable, making unlocking the phone a seamless experience. OnePlus’s update policy, while it has evolved since the Nord’s launch, was generally commendable at the time. The features offered are useful without feeling overwhelming, striking a good balance between functionality and simplicity. My overall impression of the software is positive, contributing to the smooth and enjoyable user experience.

Value Analysis: Still a Compelling Option on the Secondary Market

Assessing the value of the OnePlus Nord today requires considering its current market position, primarily on the secondary market. At its original price point, it was a strong contender. Now, at potentially lower prices, it becomes an even more attractive option for those seeking a capable phone without a huge outlay.

This phone is ideal for users who prioritize a smooth display, a reliable camera, and fast charging. It’s a great choice for students, casual users, or anyone who appreciates a clean software experience. However, those who demand top-tier performance for intensive gaming or professional photography might need to look elsewhere. Compared to current budget and mid-range offerings, the Nord still holds its own in terms of overall experience, often offering a more refined feel than some of its newer, similarly priced competitors.

Conclusion: A Solid All-Rounder That Has Aged Gracefully

My time with the OnePlus Nord has been a positive one. It's a phone that delivered on its promise of bringing a premium-feeling experience to a more accessible price point. While it’s not without its limitations, particularly when compared to today's flagship devices, the Nord's strengths – its smooth display, capable camera, fast charging, and clean software – still make it a worthwhile consideration, especially on the secondary market.

For those looking for a reliable and enjoyable smartphone experience without breaking the bank, the OnePlus Nord remains a compelling option. It’s a testament to OnePlus's focus on delivering a balanced and user-centric device. If you can find a well-maintained OnePlus Nord at the right price, it’s a purchase you’re unlikely to regret.