OnePlus Nord N300 5G Review: Budget 5G Champion with Surprising Perks

The OnePlus Nord N300 5G carves its niche as a budget-friendly smartphone that surprisingly doesn’t compromise on key features, especially in the realm of 5G connectivity. After spending time with this device, I’m pleased to share my insights on what makes it a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers.

Design & Build: Unassuming Yet Functional

The Nord N300 5G embraces a simple and unassuming design, predominantly constructed with plastic. While it might not exude the same premium feel as more expensive models, the matte finish helps minimize fingerprints and smudges. The phone feels solid in hand, and the flat edges provide a secure grip. It’s a utilitarian design that prioritizes functionality over extravagance.

Display: Smooth Scrolling on an HD+ Screen

The Nord N300 5G boasts a 6.56-inch IPS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate. While the HD+ resolution might not be the sharpest, the 90Hz refresh rate ensures smoother scrolling and animations, making for a pleasant user experience. Colors are reasonably accurate, and the brightness is sufficient for indoor use. However, under direct sunlight, visibility can be a challenge.

Performance: A Balanced Approach

Under the hood, the MediaTek Dimensity 810 chipset powers the Nord N300 5G. While it won’t break any speed records, it delivers a balanced performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, social media, and casual gaming. Don’t expect it to handle the most demanding games at high settings, but it’s more than capable for most users’ needs. The 4GB of RAM is sufficient for basic multitasking.

Camera: Good Enough for Everyday Snaps

The Nord N300 5G sports a dual rear camera system with a 48MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. The main camera performs surprisingly well in good lighting conditions, capturing detailed photos with decent dynamic range. The depth sensor helps with portrait mode, but low-light performance is a noticeable weakness. The 16MP front-facing camera is good enough for selfies and video calls.

Battery Life: A Marathon Runner

The Nord N300 5G shines in the battery department with its massive 5000mAh battery. With moderate usage, you can easily get through two full days on a single charge. Even with heavier usage, the phone will comfortably last you a full day. The 33W fast charging is a welcome addition, replenishing the battery quickly when needed.

Software & User Experience: OxygenOS with a Caveat

The Nord N300 5G runs on OxygenOS 12, based on Android 12. It’s a clean and user-friendly interface that OnePlus users will find familiar and easy to navigate. However, it’s important to note that OnePlus’ software update policy for this device is limited. While you’ll get security updates for a reasonable period, major Android upgrades might be less frequent.

Connectivity & Additional Features: 5G Ready

The Nord N300 5G is a 5G-enabled smartphone, which is a significant selling point at this price. It also supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1. One notable omission is NFC, which means you won’t be able to use this phone for contactless payments.

Buying Recommendation

Who’s It For? The OnePlus Nord N300 5G is a fantastic option for budget-conscious consumers who prioritize 5G connectivity, long battery life, and a smooth user experience. It’s also a good choice for those who don’t demand the absolute highest performance or camera capabilities from their smartphone.

Pros:

• Affordable 5G connectivity
• Impressive battery life
• Fast 33W charging
• Clean and intuitive OxygenOS
• Decent camera performance in daylight

Cons:

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

Overall: The OnePlus Nord N300 5G is a budget-friendly champion that delivers on its promise of accessible 5G connectivity and long-lasting battery life. While it makes some compromises in other areas, it’s a compelling option for those seeking a reliable and affordable smartphone that can keep up with their daily needs.