OnePlus recently sent out its Nord N10 5G for a hands-on preview and here, we’re digging into what sets this phone apart. Specifically, that’s what sets the FullHD+ 6.59-inch display panel-enabled device apart from its global counterpart. Now, that’s still a high-refresh-rate, 90Hz screen. And just about every other spec is going to be the same too, as is the user experience.
Because, of course, we’ve already taken a deep dive into the global version and all aspects of the experience remain the same with the US variant. The 6GB RAM and Snapdragon 690 easily take on just about any task I could throw at it. That’s with some latency and loading delay when multitasking with dozens of apps opened. But otherwise, this phone held its own. Battery life follows that same trend with more than 14-hours on a single charge and under an hour to a full charge.
The quad-camera lived up to expectations too, led by a 64-megapixel main snapper. And there were very few disappointments to speak of and no deal-breakers at all. But you can read the full review for more details about those aspects of this handset.
This smartphone already released globally, so what’s different here?
Now, as noted above, we’ve already taken a deep dive into the OnePlus Nord N10 5G globally. And there aren’t a lot of differences between that variant and this one. The OnePlus Nord N10 5G sent to Android Headlines for this hands-on preview is even the same color as the one we received for our review. Namely, a brilliant Midnight Ice coloration that’s shines with a deep blue, almost silver, or a near-black hue depending on the lighting.
In fact, just about everything under the hood, in terms of experience, and on the software side was identical for this hands-on preview of the OnePlus Nord N10 5G. With two major exceptions. First, the bands in this phone are more well-suited for the US and for 5G in that region. So, although my experience with that other handset was great on connectivity — from 5G to Wi-Fi 5, NFC, and Bluetooth 5.1 — the mobile-side connections are even better with this variant.
The other big exception stems from the fact that users in the US won’t need a second SIM if they travel. Or at least not if they travel around in the states. So this phone doesn’t come with a dual-SIM slot. Instead, there’s a single SIM slot on the drawer and a second slot designated for expanding the storage. So this configuration allows users to expand on the already generous 128GB of internal storage.
That’s a fairly big difference for those who might want those features. But by no means changes the score we gave it for its earlier review. This is still a great device. Especially for its price.
When can you pick up the OnePlus Nord N10 5G in the US …and should you?
The OnePlus Nord N10 5G — as configured for this hands-on preview — will go on sale for $299 in the US on January 15. And it will be available in Canada too — priced at $389 CAD. Those who want to get in an order early can opt to pre-order the device starting January 8 at 10 AM ET. It’ll become available generally on January 15 at the same time.
Now, there is one drawback to all of this though, for those who plan to buy a carrier variant for monthly payments. Namely, only T-Mobile and its Metro by T-Mobile will have the devices, in terms of carriers who offer the gadget.
With that said, for this device $299 is a bargain based on our hands-on time and full review. OnePlus Nord N10 5G is easily among the best handsets available in the budget segment and likely the best available at under $300.