OnePlus Nord N30 5G Review (Unlocked, Dual-SIM)
A Mid-Range Marvel with Flagship Touches
Overview
The OnePlus Nord N30 5G is a powerful mid-range Android smartphone that offers an impressive blend of performance, features, and affordability. With a 6.7-inch LCD display, 108MP primary camera, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, dual SIM support, a 5000mAh battery, and 50W SUPERVOOC fast charging, it provides excellent value for users who want a modern smartphone without breaking the bank.
Let’s explore this device in detail — from display and camera quality to software, performance, and how it stacks up against the competition.
1. Unboxing and First Impressions
The OnePlus Nord N30 5G comes in a sleek black and blue box with minimalist branding. Inside the box, you’ll find:
- The Nord N30 5G handset
- A transparent protective case
- A pre-applied screen protector
- 50W SUPERVOOC charger + USB Type-C cable
- SIM ejector tool
- User manuals
First Impression: The phone feels premium for its price. The finish is clean and solid with a slightly matte texture, minimizing fingerprints. The large display and camera module immediately draw attention.
2. Design and Build Quality
- Dimensions: 165.5 x 76 x 8.3 mm
- Weight: 195g
- Material: Polycarbonate back and frame
The OnePlus Nord N30 5G may not use metal or glass like flagship phones, but it doesn’t feel cheap. Its ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold, even for extended use. The rear panel features a shimmering finish with subtle OnePlus branding and a prominent dual camera bump.
Color Options:
- Chromatic Gray
- Pastel Lime (available in limited markets)
The placement of buttons is intuitive: volume rockers and power button with fingerprint sensor on the side, USB-C port at the bottom, and a 3.5mm headphone jack — a welcome inclusion for wired audio lovers.
3. Display Quality
- Type: IPS LCD
- Size: 6.72 inches
- Resolution: FHD+ (2400 x 1080 pixels)
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
While AMOLED is usually preferred, the IPS LCD on the Nord N30 5G is bright, colorful, and surprisingly fluid thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate. Whether you’re gaming, browsing, or watching Netflix, the visuals are smooth and responsive.
Peak Brightness: 680 nits
Aspect Ratio: 20:9
Screen-to-body Ratio: ~87%
Color reproduction is accurate, and brightness levels are sufficient for most lighting conditions, though it may struggle a bit in direct sunlight.
4. Performance and Hardware
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G
- GPU: Adreno 619
- RAM: 8GB LPDDR4X
- Storage: 128GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable up to 1TB via microSD)
This hardware combo ensures that the Nord N30 5G performs smoothly for most daily tasks — web browsing, app usage, multitasking, and even casual gaming. It’s not a gaming powerhouse like flagship phones, but for most users, it offers more than enough speed and fluidity.
Key Features:
- RAM Expansion: Virtual RAM support up to 16GB total (8GB RAM + 8GB virtual)
- Dual SIM Support: Perfect for travelers or those managing work and personal lines
- microSD Slot: Expandable storage is a huge plus in this price range
Benchmark Scores:
- Geekbench (Single-core): ~880
- Geekbench (Multi-core): ~2000
- AnTuTu: ~390,000
5. Camera System
Rear Camera (Dual Setup):
- Primary Sensor: 108MP, f/1.7, 1/1.67″, PDAF
- Depth Sensor: 2MP, f/2.4
Front Camera:
- Selfie Sensor: 16MP, f/2.4
The headline-grabbing 108MP main sensor captures crisp, high-resolution images with ample detail and vibrant colors. In daylight, photos are excellent, with good contrast and depth. The AI scene optimization helps with automatic tuning based on the environment.
Portrait Mode: Thanks to the 2MP depth sensor, portrait shots offer decent edge detection and soft background blur, though it’s software-based and not always perfect.
Night Mode: While not as strong as in flagship phones, Night mode offers enhanced low-light performance by reducing noise and improving brightness.
Video Recording:
- Rear Camera: 1080p @ 30fps
- Front Camera: 1080p @ 30fps
No 4K recording is available, which might be a dealbreaker for some, but it’s common in this price segment.
6. Software Experience
- Operating System: Android 13 (out of the box)
- UI: OxygenOS 13.1
OxygenOS is known for its smooth, clean, and user-friendly interface. It’s close to stock Android, but with useful customization options and features like:
- Zen Mode
- Dark Mode
- Private Safe
- Quick Launch
- OnePlus Shelf
- Floating Windows
Updates:
OnePlus promises 2 years of major Android updates and 3 years of security patches for this device — competitive for a mid-range smartphone.
7. Battery Life and Charging
- Battery Capacity: 5000mAh
- Charging: 50W SUPERVOOC Fast Charging
- Charger Included: Yes
With a 5000mAh battery, the Nord N30 5G easily lasts a full day — even with moderate to heavy usage. Streaming, browsing, social media, and casual gaming don’t drain the battery too quickly.
Charging Speed Test:
- 0% to 100% in about 45 minutes
- 0% to 50% in just 20 minutes
This is thanks to the 50W fast charging, which is one of the standout features at this price point. It makes topping up the battery quick and convenient.
8. Connectivity and Extras
- 5G Support: Sub-6GHz bands (No mmWave)
- Wi-Fi: 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5)
- Bluetooth: 5.1
- NFC: Yes
- GPS: Dual-band
- Audio Jack: Yes (3.5mm)
- Stereo Speakers: Yes (decent quality)
Security:
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
- Face unlock (software-based)
The device supports dual SIMs and microSD simultaneously, thanks to a triple-slot tray — very user-friendly for those who travel or switch carriers.
9. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large, fluid 120Hz display
- Long-lasting battery life
- Blazing fast 50W charging
- Excellent 108MP camera in daylight
- Clean OxygenOS with minimal bloat
- Dual SIM + microSD support
- Competitive pricing
Cons:
- No AMOLED panel
- No ultra-wide or macro lens
- No 4K video support
- Build is plastic (though durable)
- Limited software updates compared to flagships
10. Comparison with Competitors
vs Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
- Nord N30 has faster charging (50W vs. 15W)
- Better display refresh rate (120Hz vs 90Hz)
- Higher resolution main camera (108MP vs 50MP)
vs Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
- Similar performance and price
- Nord has faster charging and OxygenOS advantages
- Moto offers stylus support, which may appeal to a niche audience
11. Who Should Buy the OnePlus Nord N30 5G?
This phone is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users who want modern features
- Students and casual users looking for performance and camera strength
- Travelers needing dual-SIM and expandable storage
- Fans of OxygenOS and clean Android experience
It’s not for heavy gamers or those who prioritize 4K video or premium materials, but for most users, it’s a solid all-rounder.
Conclusion: A Value King in Its Class
The OnePlus Nord N30 5G proves that mid-range phones can offer flagship-worthy features at a fraction of the cost. From its 108MP camera and 120Hz display to the massive 5000mAh battery and blazing-fast 50W charging, it delivers in every essential area. OxygenOS 13.1 keeps the software experience fluid and modern, while the dual-SIM and microSD support make it future-proof for practical users.
At around $250–$300, it’s one of the best-value smartphones on the market in 2024–2025.
Tech Specs Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.72″ FHD+ LCD, 120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 695 |
| RAM/Storage | 8GB RAM, 128GB (expandable) |
| Camera | 108MP rear, 16MP front |
| Battery | 5000mAh, 50W charging |
| OS | Android 13, OxygenOS 13.1 |
| Connectivity | 5G, Dual SIM, Wi-Fi 5, NFC |
| Price Range | $250–$300 (varies by region) |
1. What is the price of the OnePlus Nord N30 5G?
Answer:
The OnePlus Nord N30 5G typically retails for around $250 to $300 in the U.S., depending on retailer, region, and any ongoing discounts. It’s considered an affordable mid-range phone with premium features.
2. Does the OnePlus Nord N30 5G support 5G connectivity?
Answer:
Yes, it supports Sub-6GHz 5G networks, which are commonly used in many countries. However, it does not support mmWave 5G, which is available in select areas.
3. What operating system does it run on?
Answer:
The Nord N30 5G runs on Android 13 with OxygenOS 13.1, OnePlus’s own custom interface known for its clean, fast, and user-friendly experience.
4. Is the OnePlus Nord N30 5G dual-SIM?
Answer:
Yes, it comes with dual-SIM support, allowing users to use two SIM cards simultaneously — perfect for work/personal lines or frequent travelers.
5. How good is the camera on the OnePlus Nord N30 5G?
Answer:
The main highlight is its 108MP primary rear camera, which captures sharp and vibrant photos in good lighting. However, it lacks an ultra-wide or telephoto lens. The 16MP front camera takes clear selfies and supports beauty and portrait modes.
6. Can I record 4K videos on this phone?
Answer:
No, the OnePlus Nord N30 5G supports video recording at 1080p@30fps, but it does not support 4K recording.
7. Does the OnePlus Nord N30 5G have a good display?
Answer:
Yes, it features a 6.72-inch Full HD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and great viewing experience, though it is not AMOLED.
8. Is the battery life good on the OnePlus Nord N30 5G?
Answer:
Absolutely. The 5000mAh battery easily lasts a full day with normal use. Combined with 50W SUPERVOOC fast charging, it charges to 100% in under 45 minutes.
9. Can I expand the storage on this phone?
Answer:
Yes, the phone supports microSD cards up to 1TB, in addition to the internal 128GB storage.
10. Does the phone include a charger in the box?
Answer:
Yes, the OnePlus Nord N30 5G comes with a 50W SUPERVOOC charger and USB-C cable included in the box.
11. Is there a fingerprint sensor on the phone?
Answer:
Yes, it has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor embedded in the power button. It also supports face unlock using the front camera.
12. Is the phone suitable for gaming?
Answer:
With the Snapdragon 695 processor and Adreno 619 GPU, the phone can handle casual and moderately heavy games like PUBG, Call of Duty Mobile, and Asphalt 9 at decent settings, but it’s not built for high-end gaming performance.
13. Is the OnePlus Nord N30 5G water-resistant?
Answer:
No official IP rating is mentioned for water or dust resistance, so it’s advised to keep the phone protected from water exposure.
14. How many Android updates will the phone receive?
Answer:
OnePlus has promised 2 years of Android version updates and 3 years of security patches for the Nord N30 5G.
15. What accessories come with the phone?
Answer:
Inside the box, you get:
- OnePlus Nord N30 5G handset
- 50W SUPERVOOC fast charger
- USB Type-C charging cable
- SIM ejector tool
- Transparent silicone case
- Pre-applied screen protector
- Quick start guide & warranty card
16. Does it have stereo speakers?
Answer:
Yes, the Nord N30 5G features dual stereo speakers, providing a louder and clearer audio experience compared to single-speaker phones.
17. Is there a headphone jack?
Answer:
Yes! Unlike many modern phones, this device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is great for wired audio users.
18. Can I use this phone internationally?
Answer:
Yes, the unlocked dual-SIM version supports a variety of LTE and 5G bands, making it compatible with many international carriers. Always check band compatibility before traveling or importing.
19. What colors are available for the OnePlus Nord N30 5G?
Answer:
As of now, the most common color is Chromatic Gray. Some regions may offer Pastel Lime as well, depending on availability.
20. Is this phone worth buying in 2025?
Answer:
Absolutely. For users looking for a powerful mid-range phone with strong performance, good battery, excellent main camera, fast charging, and clean software — the OnePlus Nord N30 5G remains a top choice.
