OnePlus Nord N20 SE Review: A Budget-Friendly Phone with Style and Substance

The OnePlus Nord N20 SE may not be the most powerful smartphone on the market, but it shines in its own right by offering a compelling combination of style, functionality, and affordability. Having spent time with this device, I was pleasantly surprised by its strengths and am happy to share my insights.

Design & Build: A Sleek and Modern Aesthetic

The Nord N20 SE boasts a sleek and modern design that feels surprisingly premium for a budget phone. Its flat edges, reminiscent of higher-end models, combined with a glossy plastic back, give it an attractive look and comfortable feel. The phone is thin and lightweight, making it easy to hold and use for extended periods.

Display: A Decent Visual Experience

The Nord N20 SE sports a 6.56-inch IPS LCD display with an HD+ resolution. While it’s not the sharpest or most vibrant display on the market, it’s still perfectly adequate for everyday use. Colors are decent, and brightness levels are sufficient for most indoor and outdoor scenarios. The 720p resolution might be a drawback for some, but it’s a compromise that helps keep the price down.

Performance: Adequate for Everyday Tasks

Under the hood, the Nord N20 SE is powered by the MediaTek Helio G35 chipset, which is designed for everyday tasks rather than demanding games or heavy multitasking. It handles basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging without any issues. However, don’t expect it to run graphics-intensive games smoothly or handle multiple demanding apps simultaneously.

Camera: Surprising Versatility

The Nord N20 SE’s dual rear camera system, featuring a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor, is surprisingly capable for a budget phone. In good lighting, the main camera captures decent photos with good detail and color accuracy. The depth sensor assists in creating bokeh effects for portrait shots. However, low-light performance is a noticeable weakness, and the lack of an ultrawide lens limits versatility.

Battery Life: A Marathon Runner

The Nord N20 SE’s standout feature is its massive 5000mAh battery. With moderate usage, you can easily get through two full days on a single charge. Even with heavier use, the phone will comfortably last you a full day. The 33W SuperVOOC charging is another plus, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed.

Software & User Experience: OxygenOS Goodness

The Nord N20 SE runs on OxygenOS 12.1, based on Android 12. It’s a clean and user-friendly interface that’s known for its smooth performance and thoughtful features. While OnePlus hasn’t committed to long-term software updates for this device, the current software experience is still enjoyable and reliable.

Connectivity & Additional Features: Essentials Covered

The Nord N20 SE supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS. It also features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is fast and accurate. One downside is the lack of NFC, which means you won’t be able to use this phone for contactless payments.

Buying Recommendation

Who’s It For? The OnePlus Nord N20 SE is an excellent choice for budget-minded users who prioritize a sleek design, long battery life, and a decent camera for everyday use. It’s also a good option for those who prefer a clean and user-friendly software experience.

Pros:

• Sleek and modern design
• Large 5000mAh battery
• Fast 33W charging
• Clean and intuitive OxygenOS
• Decent camera performance in daylight

Cons:

• HD+ IPS LCD display
• Limited software update policy
• Mediocre low-light camera performance
• No NFC

Overall: The OnePlus Nord N20 SE is a solid budget smartphone that offers a good balance of style, functionality, and affordability. While it’s not without its compromises, it’s a compelling option for those who want a reliable and stylish phone without breaking the bank.