OnePlus Nord N30 SE Review: Budget-Friendly 5G with Battery That Won’t Quit

The OnePlus Nord N30 SE is a testament to OnePlus’ commitment to delivering value in the budget segment. This phone may not break any records, but it offers a reliable 5G experience, impressive battery life, and a surprisingly capable camera for its price.

Design & Build:

The Nord N30 SE embraces a simple yet functional design with a plastic back and frame. While it doesn’t scream premium, it feels solid in the hand and comes in attractive finishes like Midnight Jade and Arctic Silver. The phone is relatively lightweight and comfortable to hold, even during long sessions of scrolling or gaming.

Display:

The 6.49-inch IPS LCD display is surprisingly decent for a budget phone. Colors are vibrant, and the screen gets bright enough for outdoor use. While it lacks the deep blacks of an AMOLED panel, the display offers good clarity and viewing angles. The absence of a high refresh rate is noticeable, but it’s understandable at this price point.

Performance:

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM, provides enough power for everyday tasks, social media, and even some casual gaming. Don’t expect flagship-level performance, but the Nord N30 SE handles most tasks smoothly. Multitasking might occasionally cause some minor hiccups, but overall, performance is satisfactory for daily use.

Camera:

The 50MP main camera captures surprisingly good photos in daylight, offering decent detail and vibrant colors. The 2MP depth sensor helps with portrait shots, but the lack of an ultrawide lens is a notable omission. Low-light performance is average, as expected at this price point. The 16MP front-facing camera is good enough for selfies and video calls.

Battery Life:

One of the Nord N30 SE’s strongest points is its battery life. The 5000mAh battery easily lasts a full day, even with heavy usage. You can comfortably stream videos, play games, and browse the web without constantly worrying about finding a charger. And when you do need to recharge, the 33W SUPERVOOC fast charging gets you back up to speed quickly.

Software & User Experience:

OxygenOS 13.1, based on Android 13, offers a clean and intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate. It’s fast and responsive, with minimal bloatware. OnePlus’ software optimization ensures a smooth experience for the most part. However, some occasional lag or stuttering can occur when multitasking or running demanding apps.

Connectivity & Additional Features:

The Nord N30 SE boasts 5G connectivity, making it future-proof for faster internet speeds. It also supports Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, and NFC. There’s a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and secure unlocking, and a headphone jack for those who prefer wired audio. The lack of stereo speakers and expandable storage are minor drawbacks.

Buying Recommendation:

• Who’s it for? Budget-minded users who prioritize battery life and a reliable 5G connection. It’s also a good option for those who prefer a clean Android experience.
• Pros: Excellent battery life, fast charging, decent camera performance in daylight, 5G connectivity, clean software.
• Cons: Average low-light camera performance, no ultrawide lens, no expandable storage, no stereo speakers.
• Overall: The OnePlus Nord N30 SE offers excellent value for its price. If you’re looking for a 5G phone with reliable performance, long battery life, and a good camera for everyday use, the Nord N30 SE is a strong contender. It may not have all the bells and whistles of a flagship phone, but it delivers on the essentials without breaking the bank.