OnePlus Nord N100 Review: A Budget-Friendly Smartphone with Surprising Perks

The OnePlus Nord N100, a budget-friendly offering from OnePlus, may not boast flagship specs, but it surprised me with its value and a few unexpected features. After several weeks of using it, here’s my honest assessment of its strengths and weaknesses.

Design & Build: Simple yet Functional

The Nord N100 features a plastic back with a subtle textured finish, which helps with grip. The phone feels surprisingly solid and well-built for its price point. It’s available in a single Midnight Frost color, which looks quite elegant. While the design is not flashy, it’s functional and comfortable to hold.

Display: A 90Hz Refresh Rate Surprise

One of the most unexpected features of the Nord N100 is its 6.52-inch IPS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate. This makes scrolling and animations noticeably smoother than typical 60Hz displays found in this price range. The resolution is 720 x 1600 pixels, which is not the sharpest, but it’s still adequate for everyday use. Colors are decent, and brightness is sufficient for indoor use, though it can be challenging to read in direct sunlight.

Performance: Adequate for Everyday Tasks

The Nord N100 is powered by the Snapdragon 460 chipset and 4GB of RAM. It handles basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging without much trouble. However, don’t expect it to handle demanding games or intensive multitasking smoothly. There can be occasional lag and stuttering, especially with heavier applications.

Camera: Decent for the Price

The triple rear camera setup includes a 13MP primary sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The camera captures decent photos in good lighting conditions, with acceptable detail and colors. The macro lens is a fun addition for close-up shots, but the low resolution limits its usefulness. Low-light performance is not great, but that’s to be expected at this price point.

Battery Life: A Marathon Runner

The 5000mAh battery is the star of the show here. It easily lasts for two full days with moderate use, and even with heavy use, you can expect to get through a full day without needing to recharge. This is a major advantage for users who value long battery life. However, there’s no fast charging support, so be prepared for longer charging times.

Software & User Experience: OxygenOS, But with Limitations

The Nord N100 runs OxygenOS based on Android 10. It’s a clean and intuitive interface with a near-stock Android experience. However, the lower-end processor means that animations and transitions may not be as smooth as on higher-end OnePlus devices. Also, the phone is only guaranteed one major Android update, which is a downside for long-term users.

Connectivity & Additional Features: The Essentials

The Nord N100 supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and a headphone jack. It has a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is fast and reliable. The phone lacks NFC, so you won’t be able to use it for contactless payments.

Buying Recommendation

Who’s it for?

The OnePlus Nord N100 is a great option for budget-minded users who prioritize battery life and a smooth display experience. It’s perfect for those who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging.

Pros:

• Exceptional battery life
• Smooth 90Hz refresh rate display
• Clean and intuitive OxygenOS software
• Headphone jack

Cons:

• Modest performance
• Average camera quality
• No NFC
• No fast charging

Overall:

The OnePlus Nord N100 won’t blow you away with its performance or camera capabilities, but it excels in battery life and offers a surprisingly smooth display for its price. If you’re on a tight budget and value these features, the Nord N100 is a solid choice.