OnePlus Nord 3 5G Review

The wait is over, as the OnePlus Nord 3 is now unveiled! After a gap of over two years since the Nord 2’s debut, the third Nord iteration has arrived and it seems the anticipation was justified.

This latest release of the Nord 3 5G features a flagship-level Fluid AMOLED screen, the high-end Dimensity 9000 5G chipset, and an upgraded primary camera equipped with the premium 50 MP sensor.

Although we can’t overlook the minor Nord 2T update, which primarily introduced faster 80W Super VOOC charging without many other enhancements, this charging innovation has luckily made its way to the Nord 3. To delve deeper into what the Nord 3 offers, let’s explore the details below!

[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-o-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-o-down” show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” button_icon=”icon icon-link-3″ link_text=”Buy from Amazon UK” link=”https://amzn.to/3DYad9M” ][i2pros]Outstanding AMOLED 120Hz Display

80W Super-Fast Charging

Good for Multitasking and Gaming

Up to Snuff Performance [/i2pros][i2cons]Macro Lens is Not Up to Mark

There is No Audio Jack[/i2cons][/i2pc]

Release Date and Price

Mark your calendars for the anticipated launch of the OnePlus Nord 3 5G in the UK which is scheduled for August 17, 2023. But the excitement doesn’t end there as the official OnePlus UK website is currently offering the option to pre-order this model.

When it comes to pricing, the OnePlus Nord 3 5G comes in at £499, offering users two distinct models to cater to their preferences.

The entry-level variant boasts 8GB of RAM coupled with 128GB of storage, while the second model steps up the game with an impressive 16GB of RAM and a spacious 256GB storage capacity.

Looks and Functionality

The Nord 3 bears a striking resemblance to the CE 3 Lite, with minor differences like the presence of two flash rings instead of one, along with a distinct colour variation. Its glass back exudes a seamless elegance, but in keeping with this design choice, it easily accumulates fingerprint smudges with every touch.

Taking a look at the display, the device boasts an exceptionally luminous 120Hz AMOLED display, sufficiently bright even for outdoor usage. The phone’s taller and top-heavy build might pose a challenge for those with smaller hands, struggling with one-handed maneuvering.

Moreover, OnePlus has traded the side-mounted fingerprint scanner of the CE 3 Lite for an under-display sensor in the Nord 3.

While this switch is common in many mid-range phones for a more premium feel, the under-display sensor falls slightly short in terms of speed and reliability compared to its side-mounted counterpart.

On the left side rests the volume rocker, while the right side accommodates the power button and a physical alert slider – a small yet delightful feature that personally appeals to me and has been thoughtfully retained by the brand. Positioned at the top is the IR blaster and at the bottom, you’ll find the SIM tray.

Camera Details

In terms of camera configuration, the rear of the device hosts a triple camera setup, with the primary camera employing a 50MP sensor accompanied by OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation), while the second lens features an 8MP ultrawide configuration.

Assessing the camera setup on the Nord 3, it can be succinctly described as moderately average. Considering its price tag, it neither significantly excels nor disappoints, capable of capturing satisfactory shots under favourable lighting conditions.

Undoubtedly, the device can effortlessly produce sharp and vibrant photographs, even when indoors. However, its performance in low-light scenarios is somewhat underwhelming, occasionally necessitating a few attempts to obtain a desirable shot.

Much like its counterpart, the OnePlus 11, which also utilises the same Sony sensor, the Nord 3 grapples with light-blooming challenges when dealing with intense light sources during nocturnal photography.

Most important of all, the macro lens incorporated into this model can be regarded as more of a token addition rather than a substantive feature. The images captured by this particular camera exhibit a notable presence of noise, rendering them barely usable.

Performance & Battery

The OnePlus Nord 3 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 SoC, which delivers a notable enhancement in performance when compared to its forerunner.

Although the SoC isn’t the most cutting-edge version, it remains a solid chip despite its originating in 2021. Impressively, it achieves peak performance in the Sling Shot Extreme test within 3DMark and garners a commendable high score during stress testing, boasting a respectable stability rating of 76%.

As for its up to 16GB of RAM, the phone exhibits seamless multitasking capabilities, effortlessly handling the swift transition between multiple applications. Importantly, the device remains free from overheating concerns during regular usage.

Very much like other smartphones that sport a 5000mAh battery, the Nord 3 confidently extends its battery life to a day and a half with the same capacity, or even potentially two days, with normal use.

Interestingly, with the battery charged beyond the 40% mark, there’s no need to fret about the phone running out of power during a full day’s activities. Furthermore, the 80W charging functionality proves invaluable, providing rapid top-ups that can effectively sustain the device until day’s end.