OnePlus Nord N20 5G review
The OnePlus Nord N20 5G is an intriguing addition to the budget smartphone market. This device boasts a sleek design, comfortable size, and an impressive AMOLED display, setting it apart from its competitors. With a quad-camera setup, fast charging capabilities, and a decent processor, this phone promises a great value for money. However, some drawbacks, such as the lack of software updates and a mediocre camera performance, might raise concerns among potential buyers. This review will delve into these aspects to help readers determine if the OnePlus Nord N20 5G is worth considering.
Build Quality and Design
The OnePlus Nord N25g's build quality and design are a mixed bag. On one hand, the device boasts a sleek and unique design that is comfortable to hold and use. The phone's size is well-suited for most hands, making it easy to navigate and operate. The AMOLED display is also a highlight of the device, offering vibrant colors and crisp visuals. However, the phone's build quality falls short in some areas. The plastic materials used in its construction feel cheap and flimsy, particularly around the edges and corners. This can make the device feel less premium than other smartphones on the market. Additionally, the camera bump on the back of the phone can be a bit awkward to handle, especially when using the camera app. OnePlus has always been known for its attention to detail, but in this case, it feels like they've skimped on some aspects of the design. The lack of attention to detail in the build quality and design is disappointing, especially considering the phone's mid-range price point. While the Nord N25g's design may not be perfect, it's still a solid effort from OnePlus. The phone's compact size and AMOLED display make it a great option for those looking for a reliable and feature-packed smartphone. However, potential buyers should temper their expectations regarding the build quality, as it may not live up to the standards set by other high-end devices. Overall, the Nord N25g's build quality and design are a mixed bag that both impresses and disappoints in equal measure. While the phone has some nice features, its construction feels a bit cheap at times, which is a shame considering OnePlus' usual commitment to excellence.
Battery Life
The battery life of the OnePlus Nord N20 5G is one aspect where the device excels. The combination of an AMOLED screen, a relatively new and efficient processor, and a 4500mAh battery size all contribute to solid longevity throughout the day. In my testing, I was able to get beyond 12 hours of screen on time with moderate usage, which should translate to even better results for more casual users. While it may not be impressive in terms of charging speed, the device's ability to go from zero to 100% in about an hour is still a notable feature. OnePlus has also included a 33W fast charger in the box, which is a welcome addition and puts the Nord N20 5G ahead of similarly priced Samsung and Motorola devices. While it may not be a two-day device, the battery life of the Nord N20 5G is more than capable of getting you through your daily needs. Overall, the battery life of the OnePlus Nord N20 5G is a strong point in its favor, making it a great option for those who want a phone that can keep up with their daily demands without needing to be recharged every night.
Display
The display on the OnePlus Nord N20 5G is one of its standout features. The device boasts an AMOLED screen that is vibrant and color accurate. The colors are rich and vivid, making it perfect for watching videos or browsing through photos. One of the notable aspects of the display is its brightness. Even in well-lit environments, the screen remains visible and easy to read. This is due to the high peak brightness levels, which make it suitable for use outdoors. The AMOLED panel also allows for deep blacks and crisp text rendering, making it a pleasure to read articles or scroll through social media feeds. The screen's responsiveness is also noteworthy, with fast touch response times that ensure seamless navigation. One of the minor drawbacks of the display is its lack of an always-on feature. This means that the screen will turn off when you're not using the device, which might be a slight inconvenience for some users. However, this can be mitigated by adjusting the power-saving settings to keep the screen on for longer periods. Overall, the display on the OnePlus Nord N20 5G is an excellent feature that adds significant value to the device. Its vibrant colors, high brightness levels, and crisp text rendering make it a joy to use, even in bright environments.
Camera
The camera setup on the OnePlus Nord N25G is somewhat underwhelming, given its mid-range positioning. The phone's primary 64-megapixel lens delivers decent shots in good lighting conditions, but lacks depth and detail when scrutinized closely. The images are often bright and colorful, yet lack a certain je ne sais quoi. One of the notable omissions is a wide-angle lens, which would have been beneficial for capturing broader vistas or group shots. Additionally, the device's digital zoom capabilities are limited to six times, making it difficult to get up close and personal with distant subjects. Macro and depth sensors are present, but their utility is limited by the relatively low 2-megapixel resolutions. The selfie camera fares slightly better at 16 megapixels, but the overall package feels more like a compromise than a deliberate design choice. When it comes to features, the Nord N25G's camera setup is relatively basic. There's no 4K video recording, and stabilization is lacking. HDR and AI enhancements are available, but these feel more like afterthoughts rather than key selling points. The phone does have some redeeming qualities when it comes to picture and video quality. In good lighting conditions, the Nord N25G can take pleasing shots that impress initially. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the camera is not particularly exceptional. Ultimately, the OnePlus Nord N25G's camera setup feels like an area where Oneplus could have pushed harder to deliver a more compelling experience. While it won't dissuade users from purchasing the phone outright, it does make the device feel less competitive in this regard. Considering its price point and competitors on the market, I wouldn't recommend the Nord N25G's camera setup as a primary selling point. The omission of key features and lower-than-expected image quality might lead me to suggest other options for those seeking an excellent smartphone camera experience.
Price and Value
The OnePlus Nord N20 5G is an impressive budget device that offers exceptional value for its price. With a sleek design, comfortable size, and AMOLED display, it's clear that OnePlus has prioritized the user experience in this device. Priced around $300, the Nord N20 5G is a steal considering what you get for your money. The phone's specs are well-rounded, with a decent processor, ample storage, and a good battery life. The inclusion of a 33W fast charger is also a welcome touch, making it one of the fastest charging phones in its class. OnePlus has managed to pack so much value into this device without breaking the bank. The AMOLED display is vibrant and colorful, while the phone's performance is snappy and responsive. Battery life is solid, with easy days on a single charge even for moderate users. While some may argue that the camera setup is somewhat lacking compared to other devices in its price range, it's hard to deny the overall value proposition of the Nord N20 5G. It's clear that OnePlus has made compromises elsewhere to keep costs down and make this device more affordable. Ultimately, the Nord N20 5G is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a budget phone without sacrificing too much on features or performance. Its price and value ratio are hard to beat, making it an excellent option for those on a tight budget.
Performance
OnePlus Nord N20 5G Review: Performance The performance of the OnePlus Nord N20 5G is a mixed bag. On one hand, the device boasts a decent 4nm processor and a generous 4,500mAh battery, which contribute to solid longevity through the day. With my moderate usage, I managed to squeeze over 12 hours of screen time from the phone, although more casual users may expect even better results. Charging speeds are also commendable, with the device reaching 0-100% in about an hour using the included 33W fast charger. This is a notable advantage over similar smartphones in its price range. However, when it comes to gaming performance, the Nord N20 5G falls short of expectations. While playing moderately complex games was relatively smooth, I encountered some frame drops and overheating issues during more demanding titles. The device's inability to maintain high graphics or FPS settings is also a drawback. OnePlus Gaming Mode widget remains an issue, with the pop-up refusing to close unless you exit and re-enter the app. This has been widely reported online and is quite frustrating. Despite this, in-game performance is generally acceptable, although not exceptional. Software updates are another concern, as the device lags behind with Android 12.1 installed, missing out on timely security patches. OnePlus should prioritize software support to ensure the Nord N20 5G remains relevant and secure over time. In summary, while the Nord N20 5G's performance is respectable, it falls short of expectations in gaming and software departments. The device excels in daily usage, battery life, and charging speeds, but its limitations may deter enthusiasts looking for a more immersive experience.
Pros
1. A sleek, unique design that is comfortable to hold
2. An AMOLED display that offers great value for money
3. Better than average specs, including a 64MP main lens and 16MP selfie camera
4. A 4500mAh battery that provides solid longevity through the day
5. A fast charging system with a 33W charger included in the box
6. Good performance for gaming, although not at the highest settings
7. A well-specced device overall, making it a great value for money
8. Comfortable size and AMOLED display make it a great mid-range option
Cons
1. No software updates or security patches have been released yet
2. The camera setup is not as impressive as the competition, lacking a wide-angle lens and 4K video recording
3. Limited zoom capabilities, with only six times digital zoom available
4. The selfie camera is better than average, but the rear camera lacks detail and has limited shooting modes
5. No stabilization or real-time video recording features are present
6. A weird gaming mode widget issue that hasn't been addressed by OnePlus
7. Lack of attention to camera tech on this device compared to other phones at a similar price point
8. The essentials of photography are there, but the experience is not as polished as competitors