OnePlus Nord 3 Review: A New Standard in Mid-Range Excellence

OnePlus, known for its flagship killers, is back with the OnePlus Nord 3, a mid-range smartphone packed with exciting features. In this review, we’ll explore whether the Nord 3 lives up to its reputation and offers a premium experience without the hefty price tag.

OnePlus Nord 3 Specifications

Specifications	Details
Display	6.74-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
Processor	MediaTek Dimensity 9000
Storage	128GB / 256GB (non-expandable)
Operating System	Oxygen OS 13.1 (based on Android 13)
Main Camera	50MP (Sony IMX 890), 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro
Front Camera	16MP
Battery	5000mAh
Charging	80W Super Vogue charger
Biometrics	Under-display fingerprint reader
Speakers	Stereo speakers
Water Resistance	IP54

Design and Display

The design of the OnePlus Nord 3 follows the brand’s signature style, with a glossy, mirror-like glass back and a flat plastic frame. It sports separate camera bumps, which are in line with the current trend. The phone features a larger 6.74-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and drag-and-trail glass protection. The reduced bezel size gives it a more premium look, while the sharpness and contrast of the display, along with support for 10-bit color and HDR10 Plus video, offer an immersive viewing experience.

Also Read: OnePlus Nord N30 5G Review: Impressive Display and Battery Life

Performance and Battery Life

One of the highlights of the Nord 3 is its high-end MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chipset. With impressive benchmark scores and smooth performance, this phone stands out in its price range. It handles heavy gaming and multitasking with ease, providing a seamless user experience. The device comes with a 5000mAh battery, delivering good battery life and supporting fast charging thanks to the bundled 80W SuperVogue charger.

Camera Capabilities

The OnePlus Nord 3 boasts a versatile camera setup, featuring a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro camera. The main camera, equipped with a higher-end Sony IMX 890 sensor, produces excellent photos with detailed, noise-free, and well-balanced results.

The portrait mode delivers impressive subject separation and sharpness, while the 2x zoom toggle provides decent results. In low-light conditions, the phone applies night mode automatically, resulting in well-exposed photos with excellent color reproduction.

Video recording on the Nord 3 is impressive, with 4K at 60fps capturing detailed footage, realistic colors, and good dynamic range. The ultra-wide camera produces photos and videos with adequate detail, while the macro camera’s performance is limited due to its lower resolution.

Software and UI Experience

The Nord 3 runs on OnePlus’s Oxygen OS 13.1, which is based on Android 13. This interface offers a familiar and user-friendly experience, with some exclusive features, such as a 3-position slider for notification control and additional space for widgets on the home screen. OnePlus’s collaboration with Realme and Oppo ensures a similar software experience across their devices.

Also Read: Unveiling the OnePlus 11 5G Marble Odyssey Limited Edition

Conclusion

The OnePlus Nord 3 impresses with its powerful chipset, high-end display, and commendable camera capabilities. It strikes a balance between performance and affordability, living up to the company’s flagship-killing reputation. The phone’s battery life is reliable, and fast charging is an added advantage. While there are minor drawbacks like the lack of video stabilization in 4K, the Nord 3 remains a solid choice for those seeking a high-performance mid-range smartphone.

Alternatives to the OnePlus Nord 3 include the POCO F5 and Realme 11 Pro Plus, both of which offer competitive features and specifications.

As OnePlus continues to deliver impressive devices in the mid-range market, it’s evident that the Nord 3 is a strong contender worth considering. Whether you’re a power user or a photography enthusiast, this smartphone offers an excellent balance of performance, design, and affordability.