The OnePlus Nord N30 SE is an affordable 5G smartphone that brings solid performance, a large display, and a long-lasting battery to the budget segment. With its competitive pricing, it aims to offer a smooth OnePlus experience for users who want 5G connectivity without breaking the bank. But does it stand out in the crowded budget segment? Let’s find out.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.72-inch IPS LCD, FHD+ (2400 x 1080), 120Hz |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 6020 |
| RAM & Storage | 4GB/6GB RAM, 128GB Storage (Expandable) |
| Cameras | 50MP Main, 2MP Depth Sensor |
| Front Camera | 8MP Selfie Camera |
| Battery | 5000mAh, 33W Wired Charging |
| OS | OxygenOS 13.1 (Android 13) |
| Price | Starting at NPR 27,999 |
Design & Build Quality
The OnePlus Nord N30 SE features a plastic frame and plastic back, which is expected at this price point. It has a minimalist design with a matte finish, making it resistant to fingerprints and smudges. The phone is available in Black Satin and Cyan, offering stylish options for different tastes.
At 193g and 8.0mm thick, it is lightweight and comfortable to hold. Despite lacking an official IP rating, it can handle minor splashes, but users should be cautious around water.
Display
The 6.72-inch IPS LCD panel provides a Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels) and a 120Hz refresh rate, which is great for smooth scrolling and gaming.
- 120Hz refresh rate: Ensures fluid animations and better responsiveness.
- 600 nits peak brightness: Decent outdoor visibility but struggles under direct sunlight.
- No AMOLED panel: Lacks deep blacks and high contrast seen in higher-end displays.
While it lacks AMOLED’s vibrancy, it remains one of the better LCD screens in the budget range.
Performance
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6020 (7nm), the OnePlus Nord N30 SE offers decent performance for daily use.
- 4GB/6GB LPDDR4X RAM ensures moderate multitasking capability.
- Mali-G57 MC2 GPU can handle casual gaming well.
- Benchmark Scores:
- AnTuTu Score: ~380,000
- Geekbench 6: Single-core: 700 | Multi-core: 1900
While it handles everyday tasks smoothly, demanding games like Genshin Impact and PUBG Mobile run best at lower settings to maintain stable performance.
Camera
The 50MP primary sensor delivers good photos in daylight but struggles in low-light conditions.
- 2MP depth sensor helps with portrait shots but adds little value.
- 8MP front camera is decent for selfies but lacks sharpness in low light.
Video Capabilities:
- 1080p at 30fps: No 4K recording, but decent stabilization.
- Night Mode is present but not very effective in extreme low light.
- AI enhancements help with colors but can sometimes oversaturate images.
Battery & Charging
Equipped with a 5000mAh battery, the OnePlus Nord N30 SE ensures solid battery life:
- 9-10 hours of screen-on time with moderate usage.
- 33W fast charging takes 0-50% in 30 minutes.
- No wireless charging, but that’s expected at this price range.
Software & Features
Running on OxygenOS 13.1 (Android 13), the user experience is smooth and clean with minimal bloatware.
- Optimized UI for smooth performance.
- 2 years of OS updates and 3 years of security patches.
- Customization features like Always-On Display, Dark Mode, and Zen Mode.
Connectivity & Extras
- 5G support with dual SIM capability.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick unlocking.
- Dual stereo speakers for enhanced sound experience.
- 3.5mm headphone jack included for wired audio lovers.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Affordable 5G smartphone with decent specs.
- 120Hz LCD display provides smooth visuals.
- Large 5000mAh battery ensures all-day usage.
- OxygenOS offers a clean and fast experience.
- Expandable storage and 3.5mm headphone jack.
Cons:
- Plastic build doesn’t feel premium.
- No ultra-wide or macro lens.
- Lacks an AMOLED display.
- Low-light camera performance is average.
- Only 33W charging when competitors offer faster speeds.
Conclusion
The OnePlus Nord N30 SE is a solid budget-friendly 5G smartphone with a 120Hz display, large battery, and clean software experience. While it lacks premium features like an AMOLED display and an ultra-wide camera, it makes up for it with smooth performance and long-lasting battery life. If you are looking for an affordable 5G phone with OxygenOS, the Nord N30 SE is a good choice in Nepal.