OnePlus Nord 3: Pricing & Comprehensive Review
Price:
The OnePlus Nord 3 is positioned in the mid-range market, with pricing varying slightly by region:
- Base Model (8GB RAM / 128GB Storage): Approximately $555 USD
- Higher Model (16GB RAM / 256GB Storage): Approximately $650 USD
Where to Buy:
- Available on Amazon and OnePlus’s website in select regions.
- Not available for purchase in the US.
Review Summary:
The OnePlus Nord 3 delivers flagship-level performance and enhances the Nord series with key upgrades, keeping it competitive in the mid-range smartphone market. While it may not have standout features, its overall package is impressive, with a sleek design and strong performance. The phone does have some camera limitations, but it remains a solid choice for those seeking a quality mid-range Android device.
OnePlus Nord 3 Review: At a Glance
- What is it? The OnePlus Nord 3 is the latest addition to OnePlus’s mid-range Android lineup, available outside the US. It features a MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chipset, up to 16GB of RAM, and a 120Hz 6.74-inch display. It improves battery life with a 5,000mAh cell and offers fast 80W charging. Priced higher than the OnePlus Nord 2T, it provides better performance, a flagship-grade camera sensor, and a larger screen.
- Price: Starting at approximately $555 USD, with the higher model around $650 USD.
- Where can you buy it? Available on Amazon and OnePlus’s website in select regions but not sold in the US.
- How did we test it? The review unit was provided by OnePlus, and the phone was tested over a period of six days.
- Is it worth it? The OnePlus Nord 3 excels in performance, build quality, and camera capabilities for its price, offering a notable upgrade over the Nord 2T. While it may not lead the pack, it provides a reliable and consistent experience in the competitive mid-range smartphone market.
Should You Buy the OnePlus Nord 3?
The OnePlus Nord 3 is a significant upgrade from the Nord 2T, aligning well with the expectations of a 2023 mid-range phone. It features improvements across the board, including a flagship-level camera sensor and a robust build quality. Its design is more refined compared to its predecessor, with a simpler and more sophisticated look. It also retains useful features like the alert slider and an IR blaster, though it lacks some high-end features such as advanced waterproofing.
The display, now larger at 6.74 inches with a 120Hz refresh rate, provides an excellent visual experience. The MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chipset ensures strong performance, although there are minor bugs like typing latency that may be addressed in future updates. The camera system, while good, falls short in some areas like stabilization and macro photography.
Overall, the OnePlus Nord 3 offers solid performance and a premium mid-range experience. It may not stand out in every aspect, but its consistency and value make it a worthy consideration.
Alternatives to Consider:
- Google Pixel 7a: Priced around $477 USD, it offers a similar AI-driven camera experience with a Tensor G2 chipset, though with slightly less performance compared to the Nord 3.
- Samsung Galaxy A54 5G: At about $379.50 USD, it provides a great all-around experience with an IP67 rating and a high-quality 6.4-inch AMOLED display.
- Nothing Phone 1: Priced at approximately $490 USD, it features a distinctive design and wireless charging, though it has a less powerful Snapdragon 778G Plus chipset.
- Poco F5: Available for around $722 USD, it focuses on performance with a Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2 chipset and fast charging, but comes with MIUI bloatware.
OnePlus Nord 3 Specs:
- Display: 6.74-inch Fluid AMOLED, 2772 x 1240 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9000
- RAM: 8GB or 16GB
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 80W SUPERVOOC charging
- Cameras:
- Rear: 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro
- Front: 32MP
- Video: 4K at 60FPS, 1080p at 30/60FPS
- Software: Android 13 with Oxygen OS 13.1
- Dimensions: 162 x 75.1 x 8.2mm, 193g
- IP Rating: IP54
The OnePlus Nord 3 is a competitive option in the mid-range segment, balancing performance, design, and value effectively.
Conclusion:
The OnePlus Nord 3 is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that effectively balances performance, design, and value. It represents a notable step up from its predecessors, delivering robust hardware and a refined user experience. While it may not have the most eye-catching features or the best camera in its class, its consistent performance and reliable build make it a worthy contender in the mid-range market. If you’re looking for a dependable and high-performing device without breaking the bank, the OnePlus Nord 3 is a solid choice. For those who prioritize high-end features or advanced camera capabilities, exploring alternatives might be worthwhile, but for overall value and performance, the Nord 3 stands out as a strong contender.
