OnePlus Nord N10 5G Review: Budget-Friendly 5G with a Smooth Display

Having used the OnePlus Nord N10 5G extensively, I can confidently say it’s a compelling option for budget-minded consumers seeking a 5G-enabled smartphone with a smooth display. Let’s delve deeper into my experience with this phone.

Design & Build: A Sturdy and Stylish Companion

The Nord N10 5G sports a sleek design with a glossy plastic back and a sturdy plastic frame. It comes in a single Midnight Ice color, which looks quite elegant. The phone feels comfortable in hand, and its weight distribution is well-balanced, making it easy to use for extended periods. While it doesn’t have a premium glass back like some other OnePlus models, it still feels durable and well-made.

Display: 90Hz Smoothness on a Budget

The 6.49-inch IPS LCD display is a highlight, boasting a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. This is a rare find in this price range and makes the Nord N10 5G stand out from its competitors. The resolution is 1080 x 2400 pixels, which is sharp enough for most tasks. Colors are vibrant, and the display is bright enough for outdoor use, although it can be a bit challenging to read in direct sunlight.

Performance: Snapdragon 690 5G for Everyday Use

The Nord N10 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G chipset and 6GB of RAM. It handles everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging smoothly. While it can handle light gaming, don’t expect flagship-level performance. Demanding games might experience occasional lag and stutters.

Camera: Versatile Quad-Camera System

The quad-camera system on the back consists of a 64MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro lens. In good lighting, it captures decent photos with good detail and colors. The ultrawide lens is handy for landscape shots, and the macro lens is a fun addition for close-up photography. However, low-light performance is a bit lacking, as is the case with many budget phones.

Battery Life: All-Day Endurance

The 4300mAh battery easily lasts a full day with moderate use. With lighter usage, you can even stretch it to a day and a half. The phone supports Warp Charge 30T, which can charge the phone from 0% to 70% in about 30 minutes. Unfortunately, wireless charging is not supported.

Software & User Experience: OxygenOS, But with Bloatware

The Nord N10 5G runs OxygenOS based on Android 10, which is known for its clean and smooth interface. However, the phone comes pre-installed with some bloatware, which can be annoying. Despite this, the overall software experience is good, and the phone has been promised two years of software updates.

Connectivity & Additional Features: 5G and More

As the name suggests, the Nord N10 5G supports 5G connectivity, future-proofing your investment. It also features Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, and NFC for contactless payments. There’s a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is fast and accurate. Additionally, the phone boasts a headphone jack and a microSD card slot for expandable storage.

Buying Recommendation

Who’s it for?

The OnePlus Nord N10 5G is a great option for budget-minded users who want 5G connectivity and a smooth display experience. It’s perfect for those who primarily use their phone for everyday tasks and social media, and who value long battery life.

Pros:

• Affordable 5G smartphone
• Smooth 90Hz refresh rate display
• Long-lasting battery life
• Warp Charge 30T
• Headphone jack and expandable storage

Cons:

• Modest performance
• Average camera quality in low light
• Some bloatware
• No wireless charging

Overall:

The OnePlus Nord N10 5G is a solid budget smartphone that delivers excellent value for its price. Its 5G connectivity, smooth display, and long-lasting battery make it a compelling choice for budget-conscious users.