OnePlus Nord 3 Review: After a two-year hiatus, OnePlus has introduced its next iteration in the Nord series, the Nord 3. While it has impressive upgrades in most aspects, some argue the camera could have been better. With fierce competition in the sub-Rs 40,000 category, let’s delve into whether this new entrant stands out.
Design:
The Nord 3 sports a sleek glossy finish with prominent dual camera apertures at the back. While the design promises ergonomic comfort, its slippery nature necessitates the use of the bundled silicone case. The Misty Green variant might not be for everyone; it felt underwhelming to me. However, the Tempest Gray option offers a timeless, understated look. Notably, while it features OnePlus’s iconic alert slider, the 3.5 mm headphone jack is disappointingly absent. Although it’s not the most flamboyant design, it does exude a certain understated luxury.
Display:
The smartphone boasts a 6.74-inch Super Fluid AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring fluidity in navigation. With a peak brightness of 1450 nits, visibility isn’t an issue even outdoors. The vivid color representation and wide viewing angles enhance content consumption, and the dual speakers elevate the auditory experience.
Camera:
Featuring a triple camera array, the Nord 3 houses a 50MP Sony IMX890 primary camera, complemented by an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP macro shooter. While daylight photos are commendable in terms of detail, color accuracy, and dynamic range, low-light performance sees some noise. Though it doesn’t top the charts in camera performance when compared to contenders like the Vivo V27 Pro, it delivers consistent results.
Performance and Battery:
Equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chipset and configurations going up to 16GB RAM and 256GB storage, it guarantees fluid multitasking. Operating on Android 13 with OxygenOS UI 13.1, there aren’t any groundbreaking changes. The 5,000 mAh battery lasts a solid 9-10 hours under normal usage, and the 80W fast charging is a welcome feature.
Competition:
While competitors like the Motorola Edge 40, Poco F5, and Samsung Galaxy A54 5G offer unique features such as IP68 rating and 120W fast charging, the OnePlus Nord 3 has an appeal of its own. It strikes a balance between performance, camera quality, display clarity, and battery longevity.
Verdict:
When comparing the value offered for its price, OnePlus Nord 3 definitely makes a strong case in the under-Rs 35,000 segment. Despite a few misses, its holistic package makes it a top contender and a worthy successor in the Nord series. If you’re seeking a phone that offers a balanced performance in every aspect, the OnePlus Nord 3 might be the one to consider.
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