OnePlus has recently made its official entry into the Bangladeshi market, debuting with the launch of the OnePlus Nord N30 SE. We had the chance to review the first OnePlus device made in Bangladesh. After thorough testing and use over a two-week period, we are ready to share our detailed insights on this promising budget smartphone.

Design and display

One of the most striking aspects of the OnePlus Nord N30 SE is its design. The Nord N30 boasts a sleek and premium look, far from the typical plastic-bodied devices in this range. Available in two colours: Cyan Sparkle and Black Satin, the phone feels solid and well-built, with a thickness of 7.99mm and a weight of around 193g. It fits comfortably in the hand and is suitable for prolonged use.

The 6.72-inch FHD+ display impresses with its 2400 x 1080 resolution and a 91.4% screen-to-body ratio, delivering sharp and immersive visuals. The 90Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling, addressing a common issue in lower-end Android phones. With a peak brightness of 680 nits, the screen remains clear even under bright sunlight, and the 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut enhances colour vibrancy and accuracy.

Performance

Under the hood, the OnePlus Nord N30 SE is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6020 5G platform. This, combined with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, delivers solid performance for everyday tasks. We found the phone to be responsive and smooth, handling multitasking, browsing, streaming, and light gaming with ease. The option to manually enable RAM expansion is a welcome feature for users needing extra multitasking power. Running on Oxygen OS 13.1, the interface is intuitive and user-friendly, contributing to a seamless user experience.

Camera

The camera setup, featuring a 50MP AI rear camera, a 2MP depth camera, and an 8MP front camera, is a mixed bag. While the specifications are promising, the actual performance is somewhat underwhelming. The primary camera struggles considerably in low-light environments, and the depth camera adds minimal value. Selfies taken with the front camera are adequate but do not stand out. For casual photography, the camera setup may be sufficient, but it does not compete with higher-end models.

Battery life and charging

Equipped with a 5000mAh battery, the OnePlus Nord N30 SE provides a reasonable amount of usage time. However, during our testing, we noticed that the battery drains faster than expected, particularly during intensive use. This could be a concern for heavy users.

On the bright side, the 33W SUPERVOOC fast charging is highly efficient, bringing the battery to 51% in just 30 minutes and achieving a full charge in approximately 74 minutes. This fast-charging capability is a significant advantage, helping mitigate the quicker battery drain.

Additional features

The Nord N30 SE includes reliable biometric security features such as fingerprint unlock and face unlock, both of which work swiftly and accurately. These features enhance user convenience and security, adding to the phone's overall appeal.

Verdict

The OnePlus Nord N30 SE offers impressive value for its price. Its premium design, vibrant display, and smooth performance make it a compelling choice in the budget smartphone market. While the camera performance and battery life have room for improvement, these are relatively minor issues in the context of the overall package.

For consumers seeking an affordable yet capable smartphone, the OnePlus Nord N30 SE is a commendable no-nonsense option.

Photos: Zarif Faiaz