Oneplus Nord N20 SE Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

Welcome to our comprehensive review of the OnePlus Nord N20 SE! Released in August 2022, this smartphone is a budget-friendly option for those looking for a mid-range device. With a Mediatek Helio G35 chipset, 4GB RAM, and a 5000mAh battery, it promises to deliver solid performance at an affordable price point.

Design and Build Quality

The OnePlus Nord N20 SE is a mid-range smartphone that boasts a sleek and modern design. With a glass front and plastic frame and back, the phone feels sturdy and well-built in the hand. The device measures 163.8 x 75 x 8 mm and weighs 187 g, making it relatively compact and easy to hold. The phone is available in two color options: Blue Oasis and Celestial Black.

One of the standout features of the Nord N20 SE's design is its display. The device features a 6.56-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio. While the resolution may not be as high as some of its competitors, the display is still bright and vibrant, with a peak brightness of 600 nits. The phone's screen-to-body ratio is 84.2%, which is impressive for a mid-range device.

In terms of ergonomics, the Nord N20 SE is comfortable to hold and use. The device has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, which is easy to reach and use with one hand. The phone's buttons are well-placed and have a satisfying click to them. However, the device is not water or dust resistant, which is a drawback for users who prioritize durability.

Overall, the OnePlus Nord N20 SE has a well-designed and sturdy build quality. While it may not have premium materials like some of its competitors, the device still looks and feels great in the hand. The phone's display is a standout feature and is sure to impress users who prioritize a high-quality screen.

Display

The OnePlus Nord N20 SE boasts a 6.56-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio. While this may not be the most impressive display on the market, it is still a decent size for streaming videos and browsing the web.

The screen supports a peak brightness of 600 nits, which is enough to make texts and images legible even under bright sunlight. It also offers a color gamut of 480 nits, making colors appear vibrant and true-to-life. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, which provides additional durability against accidental scratches and drops.

Touch sensitivity and responsiveness are also impressive, and users can expect smooth scrolling and quick response times when interacting with the display. However, the 269 pixels-per-inch density is slightly lower compared to other phones in the same price range, which may result in a slightly less sharp image quality.

Overall, while the display on the OnePlus Nord N20 SE may not be the most high-end, it is still a solid option for everyday use. It offers good brightness and color accuracy, and the touch response is smooth and snappy.

Performance

The OnePlus Nord N20 SE is powered by a MediaTek Helio G35 chipset, which is an entry-level processor that offers decent performance for everyday tasks. It is paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, which should be sufficient for most users. In terms of multitasking and app performance, the device performs well with no significant lag or stutters.

Gaming on this device is also a decent experience, thanks to the PowerVR GE8320 GPU. However, it may struggle with more demanding titles, and users may experience occasional frame drops or lag.

Benchmark scores for the OnePlus Nord N20 SE are average, with the device scoring around 100,000 in AnTuTu. Real-world usage is smooth, with apps opening quickly and running smoothly.

Overall, the OnePlus Nord N20 SE offers respectable performance for its price range. It may not be the most powerful device on the market, but it can handle most everyday tasks with ease. For users who prioritize high-end performance, there may be better options available, but for the average user, the OnePlus Nord N20 SE should suffice.

Software and User Interface

The OnePlus Nord N20 SE runs on the latest operating system, Android 12, with OxygenOS 12.1 on top. This combination provides a clean and user-friendly interface, with customizable options to suit your preferences. The phone comes with pre-installed apps, but they are not overwhelming and can be easily uninstalled if not needed.

The software is optimized for faster app launch and smooth multitasking, which is powered by the Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 chipset and 4GB of RAM. The phone can handle most apps with ease and can run multiple apps simultaneously without any lag or stutter.

OnePlus has included a few useful features in the software, such as Zen Mode and Game Space. Zen Mode helps you disconnect from your phone by disabling notifications and limiting app usage for a set period. Game Space optimizes the phone's performance during gaming sessions by boosting performance and blocking notifications.

The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, with a few useful gestures. The phone supports Dark Mode and has a few customization options to tweak the appearance of the interface.

OnePlus has a reputation for providing regular software updates, and the Nord N20 SE is no exception. The phone is expected to receive software updates for the next two years, ensuring that it remains up-to-date and secure.

Overall, the software and user interface of the OnePlus Nord N20 SE are top-notch, providing a fast and smooth user experience with useful features and customization options.

Camera

The OnePlus Nord N20 SE boasts a dual rear camera setup, consisting of a 50 MP primary camera with an f/1.8 aperture lens and a 2 MP depth sensor. The camera setup is capable of delivering sharp and detailed images in both daylight and low-light conditions. In terms of color accuracy and vibrancy, the camera captures realistic and natural tones. The camera app comes with a range of features including LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode.

The device also offers 1080p video recording at 30 frames per second, which is decent considering its price point. However, the absence of 4K video recording may be a disappointment for some users who prioritize video quality.

The front-facing camera is an 8 MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture lens. It is capable of capturing selfies with good detail and color accuracy. The camera also features a portrait mode, which allows users to capture stunning bokeh shots.

While the camera setup of the OnePlus Nord N20 SE is not the best in the market, it does offer good performance for its price range. The camera app is user-friendly and offers a range of features that make photography fun and creative. Overall, the camera performance of the OnePlus Nord N20 SE is a good value for money.

Battery Life

Connectivity and Networking

The OnePlus Nord N20 SE is a well-connected smartphone that offers a broad range of connectivity options to its users. It supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, allowing users to stay connected to the internet and make calls and send messages with ease.

In terms of wireless connectivity, the Nord N20 SE features Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and dual-band support, which ensures fast and reliable internet connections. It also supports Wi-Fi Direct, which is useful for transferring files between devices without the need for a router.

Bluetooth 5.3 is included in the device, which provides a stable and fast connection to other Bluetooth-enabled devices. The Nord N20 SE also supports A2DP, LE, and aptX HD, ensuring high-quality audio transmission to compatible devices.

When it comes to navigation, the phone supports GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, and QZSS, providing accurate location information to users. Unfortunately, the device does not support NFC technology, which means that contactless payments are not possible.

In terms of sensors, the Nord N20 SE features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, which is fast and accurate. It also includes an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass.

Overall, the OnePlus Nord N20 SE offers a good range of connectivity options, making it a reliable and efficient smartphone for users who need to stay connected on the go.

Additional Features

The OnePlus Nord N20 SE is packed with a range of additional features that make it stand out in the crowded smartphone market. First and foremost, the phone boasts a reliable and responsive fingerprint sensor that is conveniently placed on the side of the device. This allows for easy and secure access to the phone's contents.

In addition, the phone includes a headphone jack, which is becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones. This means that users can enjoy their favorite music and podcasts without the need for wireless headphones or adapters. The phone also features dual speakers, which deliver clear and crisp audio quality.

The OnePlus Nord N20 SE also includes a range of software features that enhance the user experience. This includes a customizable dark mode, which reduces eye strain and improves battery life. The phone also has a variety of gesture controls, which allow users to quickly access their favorite apps and functions.

Other notable features of the OnePlus Nord N20 SE include its expandable storage options, which allow users to easily store and access large amounts of data. The phone also includes water and dust resistance, which provides added protection against the elements.

Overall, the OnePlus Nord N20 SE is a feature-packed smartphone that offers a range of unique and useful features. From its responsive fingerprint sensor to its customizable software options, this phone is sure to impress even the most discerning smartphone users.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

When comparing the OnePlus Nord N20 SE with other related phones in the market, there are a few standout devices worth mentioning. The first device that comes to mind is the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S. Both devices are similarly priced and offer similar specifications, including a 6.5-inch display and a quad-camera setup. However, the OnePlus Nord N20 SE offers a slightly larger battery capacity and faster charging speeds compared to the Redmi Note 10S.

Another phone worth comparing is the Samsung Galaxy A22 5G. The Galaxy A22 5G offers 5G connectivity, which is not available on the OnePlus Nord N20 SE. However, the OnePlus device offers a more powerful processor and faster charging speeds compared to the Galaxy A22 5G. Additionally, the OnePlus Nord N20 SE features a higher resolution rear camera compared to the Galaxy A22 5G.

Finally, the Realme Narzo 50A is another device worth mentioning in comparison to the OnePlus Nord N20 SE. Both devices offer a similar display size and resolution, as well as a dual-camera setup. However, the OnePlus Nord N20 SE offers a more powerful processor and faster charging speeds compared to the Narzo 50A. Additionally, the OnePlus device features a higher resolution front-facing camera compared to the Narzo 50A.

Overall, while there are several devices in the market that offer similar specifications and pricing to the OnePlus Nord N20 SE, the device's faster charging speeds and powerful processor make it stand out from the competition.

Pros and Cons

XI. Pros and Cons

Conclusion

After thoroughly examining the OnePlus Nord N20 SE, we can confidently say that this smartphone is a great option for those who want a device that balances features, performance, and affordability. The phone's design and build quality are solid, and it feels comfortable in the hand. The display is large and bright, with good color accuracy and outdoor visibility.

Performance-wise, the MediaTek Helio G35 processor and 4GB of RAM provide adequate power for everyday use and light gaming. The camera setup is also impressive, with the 50MP main sensor producing sharp and vibrant images. Battery life is another highlight, with the 5000mAh battery easily lasting a full day of use, and the fast charging technology speeds up the charging process.

While there are a few downsides, such as the lack of NFC and water resistance, the OnePlus Nord N20 SE overall offers excellent value for money. We recommend it to anyone looking for a budget-friendly device that doesn't compromise on performance or features.

In conclusion, the OnePlus Nord N20 SE is a well-rounded smartphone that ticks all the right boxes. It's perfect for those who want a reliable and capable device without breaking the bank.