OnePlus Nord N30 SE

The OnePlus Nord N30 SE has made its way to Qatar, offering an affordable entry into the 5G smartphone market. The OnePlus Nord N30 SE price starts from 800 Qatari Riyal (QAR) for the 4GB RAM and 128GB storage variant.

This competitive pricing positions the Nord N30 SE as an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers looking to experience 5G technology without breaking the bank.

OnePlus Nord N30 SE Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	6.72″ LTPS LCD, 1080 x 2400 pixels
Refresh Rate	60Hz
Processor	MediaTek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm)
RAM	4GB
Storage	128GB UFS 2.2
Main Camera	50MP (f/1.8) + 2MP (depth)
Front Camera	8MP (f/2.0)
Battery	5000mAh
Charging	33W SUPERVOOC fast charging
Operating System	Android 13 with OxygenOS 13.1
5G	Yes
Fingerprint Sensor	Side-mounted
Colors	Cyan Sparkle, Black Satin

Release Date and Availability

The OnePlus Nord N30 SE was officially released on January 29, 2024, and became available for purchase in Qatar shortly after. This budget-friendly 5G smartphone aims to bring advanced connectivity and solid performance to a wider audience.

Design and Build

The OnePlus Nord N30 SE boasts a sleek and modern design that belies its affordable price tag. With dimensions of 165.6 x 76 x 7.99 mm and weighing 193 grams, it strikes a balance between screen size and comfort in hand. The phone features a plastic frame and back panel, which helps keep costs down while maintaining durability.

Available in two attractive colors – Cyan Sparkle and Black Satin – the Nord N30 SE offers options to suit different tastes. The Cyan Sparkle variant, in particular, stands out with its unique shimmering effect that catches the light beautifully.

Display

At the heart of the OnePlus Nord N30 SE is a spacious 6.72-inch LTPS LCD display. With a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio, it delivers crisp visuals and vibrant colors. The pixel density of 391 PPI ensures that text and images appear sharp and clear.

While the 60Hz refresh rate may not match the smoother scrolling experience of higher-end models, it’s a reasonable compromise at this price point and helps conserve battery life. The display also features a peak brightness of 500 nits, which should provide adequate visibility in most outdoor conditions.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the OnePlus Nord N30 SE is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6020 chipset. This 7nm octa-core processor, featuring two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz, delivers solid performance for everyday tasks and light gaming.

Paired with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage, the Nord N30 SE offers smooth multitasking and ample space for apps, photos, and videos. While power users might find the 4GB RAM limiting for heavy multitasking or demanding games, it’s sufficient for most everyday smartphone activities.

Camera System

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the OnePlus Nord N30 SE’s capable camera setup. The main rear camera boasts a 50MP sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, capable of capturing detailed and vibrant photos in various lighting conditions. It’s accompanied by a 2MP depth sensor, which aids in creating natural-looking bokeh effects in portrait mode shots.

On the front, an 8MP selfie camera with an f/2.0 aperture takes care of video calls and self-portraits. While not groundbreaking, these cameras perform well for a smartphone in this price range, offering features like HDR, panorama, and night mode to enhance your photography experience.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the standout features of the OnePlus Nord N30 SE is its large 5000mAh battery. This generous capacity ensures that the phone can easily last through a full day of moderate to heavy use, with many users likely to get into a second day before needing to recharge.

When it’s time to top up, the 33W SUPERVOOC fast charging technology comes into play. OnePlus claims that this system can charge the phone from 0 to 51% in just 30 minutes, which is impressive for a budget device. This quick charging capability means less time tethered to an outlet and more time using your phone.

Software and User Experience

The OnePlus Nord N30 SE runs on OxygenOS 13.1, based on Android 13. This custom skin from OnePlus is known for its clean, near-stock Android experience with useful additions and optimizations. Users can expect a smooth and intuitive interface with features like customizable always-on display, dark mode, and various gesture controls.

OnePlus has committed to providing two years of major Android updates and three years of security patches for the Nord N30 SE. This commitment to software support is commendable in the budget smartphone segment and helps ensure that your device stays up-to-date and secure for years to come.

Connectivity and Additional Features

As a 5G-capable device, the OnePlus Nord N30 SE is future-proofed for the next generation of mobile networks. This means faster download and upload speeds, lower latency, and improved overall network performance where 5G is available.

The phone also includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and secure unlocking, as well as face unlock for added convenience. Other notable features include dual stereo speakers for immersive audio, NFC for contactless payments, and a 3.5mm headphone jack – a rarity in modern smartphones that will be appreciated by users of wired headphones.

Comparison with Competitors

To put the OnePlus Nord N30 SE into perspective, let’s compare it with some of its main competitors in the Qatari market:

OnePlus Nord N20 SE: The Nord N30 SE’s predecessor offers a similar experience but with a slightly smaller 6.56-inch display and a less powerful Helio G35 processor. The N30 SE’s 5G capability and improved performance make it a worthy upgrade for most users.

Samsung Galaxy A14 5G: This Samsung offering competes closely with the Nord N30 SE, featuring a 6.6-inch display, a 50MP main camera, and 5G support. The Nord N30 SE edges ahead with its faster charging and OxygenOS software experience.

iPhone SE (2022): While more expensive, Apple’s budget iPhone offers top-tier performance with its A15 Bionic chip. However, the Nord N30 SE provides a larger display, better battery life, and more versatile camera setup at a significantly lower price point.

Google Pixel 6a: The Pixel 6a offers a superior camera experience and clean Android software but comes at a higher price. The Nord N30 SE counters with a larger display and battery, making it an attractive alternative for budget-conscious buyers.

Nothing Phone: This uniquely designed phone offers similar specs to the Nord N30 SE but with the addition of wireless charging and a distinctive LED glyph interface. The Nord N30 SE provides comparable performance at a lower price point.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G: Another strong competitor in the budget 5G segment, the Redmi Note 12 5G offers similar specifications to the Nord N30 SE. The choice between these two may come down to software preference and brand loyalty.

Who Should Buy the OnePlus Nord N30 SE?

The OnePlus Nord N30 SE is an excellent choice for several types of smartphone users:

1. Budget-conscious consumers: If you’re looking for a capable smartphone that won’t break the bank, the Nord N30 SE offers a great balance of features and affordability.
2. 5G early adopters: For those eager to experience 5G connectivity without investing in a flagship device, this phone provides an accessible entry point.
3. Battery life prioritizers: With its large 5000mAh battery and efficient processor, the Nord N30 SE is ideal for users who value long-lasting performance.
4. OnePlus fans: If you appreciate OnePlus’s approach to software and user experience but don’t want to spend on their higher-end models, the Nord N30 SE is a great option.
5. First-time smartphone buyers: The combination of user-friendly software, decent performance, and affordable price makes this an excellent choice for those new to smartphones.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, let’s look at the main advantages and disadvantages of the OnePlus Nord N30 SE:

Pros:

• Affordable 5G connectivity
• Large, vibrant display
• Excellent battery life with fast charging
• Clean and user-friendly OxygenOS
• Decent camera performance for the price
• 3.5mm headphone jack

Cons:

• Limited to 4GB of RAM
• 60Hz refresh rate may feel less smooth compared to higher-end models
• Plastic build might feel less premium
• No expandable storage option