OnePlus Nord 3 5G Review: Flagship Experience for Less!

OnePlus Nord 3 is one of the most anticipated smartphones this quarter with its best-value proposition. For one, the handset has a flagship-grade chipset, Sony IMX890 primary camera, and 5000 mAh battery with 80W fast charging. On top of that, the Nord line also brought back some iconic design cues like the Alert Slider, dual-ring camera module, and more. 

OnePlus says that the Nord 3 has "everything you could ask for" in a smartphone, and I'm genuinely intrigued to know the reasons behind this assertion. I know you're also eager to learn more about what this latest midrange smartphone has to offer on the table, so let's delve into the OnePlus Nord 3 5G in this review.

OnePlus Nord 3 5G Review

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Review Summary:

Pros

• Flagship-grade hardware
• Very capable main camera
• Smooth, clean and modern UI
• Ultra fast charging
• Trendy and ergonomic design

Cons

• No support for wide-angle selfie
• Fingerprint-prone backing
• No wireless charging

Verdict

The OnePlus Nord 3 5G emerges as an exceptional smartphone that combines a wide range of essential features and functions that users need in a modern smartphone. Its impressive reliability positions it as a top choice for individuals seeking a device that fulfills nearly every requirement on their smartphone checklist.

Design

The OnePlus Nord 3 continues the tradition of having a glossy back and shiny finish. In turn, this allows the phone to be a bit flashy when seen on the wild. Our review unit comes in Misty Green colorway which I personally find quite appealing. However, it's important to note that in the Philippines, this is the only color option available. The back panel is coated with Gorilla Glass 5, which protects the phone to some extent against shatters in case of accidental drops; it also guards the panel against scratches.

The device uses high-grade plastic material on its frame, but it's still important to handle it with care as the railings could easily get scratches, based on my personal experience. The ports and buttons are in their no non-sense placements, as described below:

• At the top edge you will find the secondary microphone, speaker, and IR blaster that can be used as a remote control for your TV and also control other smart devices. 
• The right side is where you can find the alert slider and power button. The slider functions as a three-point toggle which allows users to easily switch the phone into three modes: sound on, vibrate mode, or total muting of the device. It has a textured finish which gives your fingers a good amount of friction to slide this three-way toggle.
• The left side has the volume buttons.
• Lastly, the bottom houses the SIM tray, primary microphone, USB-C port, and speaker grille.

In my time testing this smartphone, I quickly got used to the unapologetic glass backing. In my opinion, this along with the color of the panel, grants the phone a stylish and trendy look especially when the light reflects off the surface. However, one drawback of this glossy glass design is that it easily attracts fingerprints, often requiring me to wipe the back to remove smudges. 

I genuinely enjoy using this phone without a case, but if you're like me, you need to be very careful to avoid potential damage. The phone is lightweight and features an ergonomic design, making it easy to carry around. It also comes with IP54 rating, which means it's protected from water splashes and dust. But remember, you can't immerse it in water as it will damage this phone.

Display

The OnePlus Nord 3 5G sports a large 6.74-inch 1240 x 2772 pixels Fluid AMOLED display. This surpasses the size of most of its higher-end competitors like the Galaxy S23+. The larger screen offers stunning visuals presenting vibrant colors, deep blacks, and bright whites, as well as great viewing angles. 

The device also sports slim bezels, measuring at only 1.46mm on the sides and comes with a 2.31mm chin, which further enhances the expansive display. In fact, this phone's generous screen real estate comes with an impressive 93.5% screen-to-body ratio. The screen no longer features Gorilla Glass 5 like in the Nord 2; instead, it's now safeguarded by the scratch-resistant Dragontrail Glass.

Notably, the Nord 3 has several improvements compared to its previous version. These include a bigger screen, higher resolution, and higher screen refresh rate. The adaptive screen refresh rate feature in the Nord 3 adjusts according to what you're doing on the display. When you're looking at still pages or reading news, the refresh rate is trickled down to save battery. But when you're playing intense games, the refresh rate goes up. The Nord 3 can go up to a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz.

I also have no problem of using the Nord 3 on outdoor settings as it comes with ample amount of brightness that ensures clear screen visibility even under bright sunlight. Moreover, the Nord 3 offers a pleasant movie-watching experience for a mid-range smartphone. It's compatible with HDR content certifications on popular streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video, supporting HDR10+. The stunning visuals is complemented with dual stereo speakers with Dirac drivers, that deliver powerful sound. 

These speakers are Hi-Res Audio and Dolby Atmos-certified giving an enhanced audio experience. I was also surprised on the phone's balanced soundstage. There are no overpowering elements; and the bass also registers well. However, I think the loudness may need a few more notches; but that's just me being nitpicky.

OnePlus Nord 3 Camera Review

The OnePlus Nord 3 5G sports a triple camera setup which highlights the Sony IMX890 primary sensor. Remarkably, this is the same camera sensor used in the company's latest flagship device - the OnePlus 11 5G. For me, this inclusion is a significant leap in terms of the value that you can get out of this midrange smartphone as it adds flagship-level camera capability.

The main camera utilizes a 50MP 1/1.56" sensor with f/1.8 aperture and 1.0µm pixel size. It also has Optical Image Stabilization, which improves the camera's abilities. When it comes to recording videos, it can capture 4K videos at 60 frames per second. This is useful for filming fast-moving objects and dealing with challenging lighting or low-light conditions, resulting in brighter and smoother video playback. Moreover, the camera app has an Ultra Steady feature that helps stabilize recordings when your hands are a bit shaky.

The main camera takes stunning photos with vivid colors, clear details, high contrast, and good dynamic range, producing impressive outputs in different lighting conditions. Whether it's a brightly lit scene or a dimly lit area, this particular camera excels by capturing gorgeous and detailed images.

Sample Photo: Main Camera Daylight Shot

Sample Photo: Main Camera Daylight Shot

Sample Photo: Main Camera 1x 

Sample Photo: Main Camera 2x

One of the camera features of the OnePlus Nord 3 that shouldn't be missed is the TurboRAW HDR, an in-house developed algorithm that's employed within the main camera settings. It optimizes HDR photos to seamlessly adjust to different lighting scenarios, so you can capture scenes with great clarity and a wide dynamic range. In low-light, your shots will showcase enhanced details and vibrant colors, all while keeping noise to a minimum.

Sample Photo: TurboRAW HDR

The device also includes an 8MP 112° ultra-wide lens with an aperture of f/2.2 and Electronic Image Stabilization, as well as a 4cm macro lens. Accompanying the cameras are the LED flash and a separate ambient light sensor, which is a unique camera system arrangement that I have not seen before. 

Sample Photo: Wide-Angle

When it comes to capturing vast landscapes and expansive scenes, the wide-angle camera on the OnePlus Nord 3 is your go-to with its larger field of view. However, it's worth noting that while this camera delivers above-average image quality, it may not capture intricate details as precisely as the main camera does.

The Nord 3 also has a macro camera with 4cm fixed-focus lens. This means that in order to capture close-up shots with clearer details, you need to position the camera at 4cm distance from the subject. However, in my experience using this camera, I have to say that the performance was just passable; but still it's a useful addition to the Nord 3's camera setup to cater to users' creative needs. The native camera app also includes a dedicated Macro mode, which can be found in the "More" section.

Sample Photo: Macro

When it comes to the front camera, it's decent but not exceptional. The photos have good contrast, colors, and a satisfactory dynamic range. The details are just okay. One thing I truly appreciate is that the device doesn't apply excessive filters in its beautification mode, which keeps the images authentic. It's a nice departure from the heavily processed appearance, so users can present themselves as they truly are.

Sample Photos: Selfie Camera

The front camera doesn't have a wide-angle capability for taking selfies. This may not cater to users who enjoy capturing fun groupfies with their friends using the front camera. Lastly, both the main camera and selfie camera excel in capturing portraits with good subject and background separation.

Sample Photo: Main Camera Portrait

Internals and Performance

The OnePlus Nord 3 5G is powered by a 4nm Mediatek Dimensity 9000 chipset which is a flagship-grade chipset comparable to Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. Its octa-core CPU boasts an impressive burst speed of 3.05GHz, thanks to the inclusion of ARM Cortex-X2 processor. This is supported by a whopping 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage.

The handset also supports RAM-Vita feature which technically ramps up RAM management system that results in improved multitasking and smoother user experience. It does this by reallocating from phone's storage up to 12GB of virtual RAM. According to OnePlus, the phone's 16GB RAM, along with the RAM expansion feature, allows it to keep up to 44 apps running simultaneously. Although the built-in storage is already spacious enough for the needs of an average user, a storage expansion option via microSD could have been a valuable addition to this price point.

In terms of gaming, the Nord 3 has OnePlus' proprietary features, the GPA Frame Rate Stabilizer and HyperTouch engine, ensuring smooth gaming experience and fast response times. Playing the popular MOBA game title, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, is quite enjoyable as it runs smoothly on this device. Although the Nord 3 doesn't currently support the highest graphics settings (which is Ultra), I'm actually okay with using the second best settings on this smartphone.

Likewise, my Honkai Star Rail and Genshin Impact sessions ran without any issues on this smartphone. I didn't encounter any overheating problems while playing these games. In fact, the phone is equipped with an advanced cooling system that uses a combination of graphite materials and a larger vapor cooling area. This helps keep the device cool during gaming sessions, resulting in smoother frame rates and an improved gaming experience.

The OnePlus Nord 3 also features HyperBoost Gaming Engine which auto activates once you launch a gaming app or any supported app. It comes with various modes, including the new Championship Mode which is specifically designed for competitive gaming. This particular mode optimizes your phone's resources for the selected game, giving it a significant performance boost. Competitive gamers will appreciate the OnePlus Nord 3 5G as one of the top choices in the midrange segment.

When it comes to connecting to the internet, this smartphone uses WiFi 6, which provides fast, efficient, and secure connectivity. Additionally, the chipset has a 5G modem for advanced mobile connections. I didn't experience any problems whether I was using Wi-Fi at home or relying on cellular connectivity when I was outside.

I also ran some benchmarks, and the results confirm the Nord 3 5G's impressive hardware. It performs exceptionally well in various tasks, whether you're multitasking, creating content, or casual gaming. Here are the scores we've tallied:

AnTuTu Score: 928540
Geekbench 6:

• CPU Single-Core Score: 1077
• CPU Multi-Core Score: 3328
• GPU Vulkan Score: 5904
• GPU OpenCL Score: 5572

We also subjected this phone to 3DMark's stress test for long gaming sessions, and we've observed that the Nord 3 performed exceptionally well for the first 12 minutes of the test, maintaining peak performance with at least 90% stability. However, its performance started to decline after that, reaching only 60.21%. Throughout the remaining duration of the twenty-minute test, its performance became somewhat inconsistent, hovering between the range of 50% to 60% stability. Despite this result, during our actual gaming sessions, particularly when playing Mobile Legends, the phone consistently ran fast and smoothly using high frame rate and high graphics settings. 

Overall, with the Nord 3's impressive hardware, you can confidently tackle any task and enjoy the latest games, knowing it can handle everything effortlessly.

Software

Keeping your phone updated and secure is just as important as physically protecting it with a case. OnePlus is showing a strong commitment to this, even for their midrange smartphones. In fact, the OnePlus Nord 3 5G is promised to receive three major Android updates and four years of security patches. This means that OnePlus will continue supporting this phone until 2027. Undoubtedly, this is better than most of the other midrange phones available in the market. The Nord 3 runs on the latest OS version which is OxygenOS 13.1, based on Android 13.

When it comes to the user interface, I feel very satisfied when I navigate through the UI because it feels super smooth and the animations are buttery. The phone has passed the TÜV SÜD 48-Month Fluency test and received an A-rating. This means that the smooth performance of the phone is maintained consistently from the first day of use all the way up to the fourth year.

You can find all your apps in the app drawer by swiping up (with the option to opt out); access recent headlines with topics that might interest you based on your recent activity by swiping in from the left side; and, of course, access your control panel and notifications by swiping down from the top. I've noticed that the icons are easier to recognize now with their improved appearance, as most of them are filled rather than just mere outlines. The new launcher also includes support for Large Folders, and you can easily shrink it back whenever you want. Overall, the launcher gives a simple and modern appearance while being easy to use.

One of the first things I changed on this phone was the app icon style. I immediately set it to Material Style, which allows for more space between the icons by default. There are also other app icon styles available, such as Aquamorphic and Pebble. Additionally, you have the option to choose Custom and personalize your own app style with four different shapes: rounded square, octagonal, leaflet, squared circle, or squared oval. There is also an interesting feature that's still in beta version as of this writing, which is the ability to adopt system colors. This means that the app icons can match the colors of your wallpaper. However, not all apps support this type of customization. All in all, the app icons in any of the preset app styles have well-defined shapes, vibrant colors, and a classy appearance.

The home screen come with very minimal bloatware. This gives it a clean and clutter-free look, and it also provides you with more storage space that you can use more effectively. Speaking of storage, if you go to Settings > About device > Storage, you can see how much space is still occupied by recently deleted files. Unfortunately, there isn't a quick delete option here. Instead, you would need to go to the respective apps like Photos and My Files to clear those items that are still using up storage space.

The Dark mode now has three settings to choose from: Enhanced, Medium, and Gentle. There are also special features that are useful for users, such as the flexible window. To activate it, simply tap on an app in the smart sidebar, and it will float on your screen and you can easily resize according to your needs. You can also share files using this feature; like if you want to send photos via email, you can just drag and drop them into an open email app like Gmail. 

Additionally, there's the Split-Screen Mode, which allows you to multitask with two applications. By swiping up with three fingers inside an open app, you can enter this mode, then select another app. Finally, the Zen Space app helps you stay focused without distractions. You can activate modes like Deep Zen for intense concentration or Light Zen for work and study. You can also create your own mode.

I also enjoy being able to make my Always-On Display unique to me. I can use my own Bitmoji to add a personal touch. I can also turn on music playback, which lets me control basic functions without needing to open the music app. It even works with Spotify.

As mentioned before, the Nord 3 allows you to expand your RAM by using some of your storage. You can add either 4GB, 8GB, or a maximum of 12GB. The phone has an optical in-display scanner for unlocking, which works well but is not as impressive as the ultrasonic ones used in Samsung's high-end phones. However, considering its price range, the Nord 3's scanner is ideal and works quickly as long as your fingerprint is clean and dry. Additionally, there are various cool animation options to choose from. If you prefer a faster unlocking method, you can use face unlock, but it's not as secure as the fingerprint scanner. 

Furthermore, the latest OS come with enhanced security and privacy features. When you go to Settings > Security & privacy, there is a "Scan Device" button that lets you check for any security or privacy issues. Some important features include App security, which scans apps for harmful behavior; Google security checkup to keep your Google accounts safe; and privacy controls to limit certain access.

Battery

OnePlus has now equipped the OnePlus Nord 3 5G with an even bigger 5000 mAh battery; that's 10% bigger than that of its predecessor. After using the OnePlus Nord 3 5G for almost a month, I've noticed that this smartphone can actually last a whole day on a single charge if you're a typical average user. However, it's important to note that if you engage in demanding tasks like playing high-graphic games, streaming videos (especially on mobile data), recording videos, or using navigation apps that rely heavily on GPS, the battery life will be significantly reduced.

Of course, this phone is made for those activities which may require charging by mid to late afternoon. If needed, you can still optimize battery usage or activate battery-saving mode to extend the battery life. This is particularly useful when you're on-the-go and you need additional battery mileage. In our PCMark Work 3.0 battery life test, the Nord 3 5G scored a total runtime of 11 hours and 28 minutes.

It's a great thing that OnePlus Nord 3 offers impressive fast charging capabilities, making it a standout feature. With the 80W SUPERVOOC wired charging, the phone can quickly go from 1 to 100% in just half an hour, according to OnePlus. It also includes a special charging management chip that ensures your phone charges very quickly while staying safe and cool.

In our actual charging test, it only took 15 minutes to recover 50% of the battery and 36 minutes to fully recharge it. However, it would have been even more impressive if the Nord 3 had wireless fast charging support as well, but that would be far-fetched knowing that the OnePlus 11 5G has none. Additionally, the device comes with a battery health engine feature. This feature helps increase the battery charging cycles, which in turn extends its lifespan, all while still enjoying the benefits of fast charging.

Here's a detailed result of our fast charging test:

• 10-min. charge: 30%
• 15-min. charge: 50%
• 25-min. charge: 75%
• 30-min. charge: 88%
• 36-min. charge: 100%

Frequently Asked Questions

Before we wrap up, here are some frequently asked questions about the OnePlus Nord 3 5G:

Is OnePlus Nord 3 5G waterproof?

• No, it's not waterproof. The Nord 3 won't survive if submerged in water; although, it can handle light water sprays to some extent.

Does OnePlus Nord 3 overheat?

• No, I did not encounter problems with overheating; the Nord 3 consistently maintained manageable temperatures during charging or gaming activities, even during extended gaming sessions.

What are the benefits of OnePlus Nord 3?

• The OnePlus Nord 3 5G boasts a high-end 50-megapixel Sony IMX890 that provides enhanced image quality and finer details, with remarkable portrait capabilities. Its performance is driven by the flagship-grade Dimensity 9000 chipset, all while maintaining its position within the midrange category.

Does OnePlus Nord 3 have eSIM?

• No, the Nord 3 doesn't have eSIM capability. It compensates by allowing you to use two physical nano SIM cards for convenience. Moreover, it fully supports Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and Wi-Fi calling features.

Does OnePlus Nord 3 have SD card slot?

• No, the Nord 3 does not have a dedicated memory card slot and expansion option.

Does OnePlus Nord 3 have headphone jack?

• No, the Nord 3 does not have a headphone jack.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the OnePlus Nord 3 5G?

The OnePlus Nord 3 5G's exceptional value-for-money proposition makes it an easy recommendation, especially for someone who wants to save money on purchasing a flagship smartphone. Most features you need in a flagship phone are here - high-quality screen, exceptional hardware for a midrange phone, ultra fast charging, and a highly capable camera.

With its seamless performance and versatile capabilities, the OnePlus Nord 3 5G effortlessly manages every task with ease. When you're looking for a highly dependable midrange smartphone offering flagship-level features, the OnePlus Nord 3 5G stands out as one of the best options.

Key Specifications:

• 6.74-inch 1240 x 2772p Fluid AMOLED display, 1B colors, 120Hz, 450 ppi, 1450 nits (peak) 
• Mediatek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm)
• 3.05GHz Octa-core CPU
• Mali-G710 MC10 GPU
• 16GB RAM + 256GB ROM, UFS 3.1
• 50MP Triple rear camera w/ PDAF, OIS
• 16MP front camera
• 5G, 4G LTE
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
• Bluetooth v5.2, GPS, NFC
• USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
• OxygenOS 13.1, based on Android 13
• 162 x 75.1 x 8.15 mm, 193.5 grams
• Li-Po 5000mAh w/ 80W wired charging
• Misty Green
  
• WATCH: OnePlus Nord 3 5G Unboxing Video

OnePlus Nord 3 5G Price and Availability

The OnePlus Nord 3 5G is strategically priced at Php 29,990, and is now available in the Philippines in 16GB+256GB Misty Green variant via OnePlus Official Shopee Brand Store. First Sale Exclusive Perks include ₱1,000 OFF voucher, FREE OnePlus Nord Buds 2r with every purchase, and 0% Interest, up to 3 months to pay with SpayLater from July 14 to 19.

It will also be available in OnePlus Official Lazada and TikTok Brand Stores starting July 20, as well as in OnePlus kiosks and authorized stores nationwide starting July 21.