The OnePlus Nord N200 5G improves upon last year’s entry-level OnePlus Nord N100 by adding 5G connectivity and updated internals. As expected, OnePlus has released a new budget-friendly smartphone in an effort to capture a larger share of the market. However, it is somewhat perplexing that the company is only selling the OnePlus 5T in the United States and Canada at this time. There must be countries that would love the newest low-cost phone from OnePlus.
OnePlus Nord N200 5G: Description
The OnePlus Nord N200 is a powerful and stylish smartphone that looks and feels more expensive than its actual cost. This low-priced phone is an excellent option for those who only need a device with which to stream media and perform simple tasks. The phone’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G chipset and 4GB of RAM are adequate for playing games and media, but they aren’t particularly impressive, and they start to show their age when the occasional hiccup occurs.
The phone’s 64GB of storage is average for low-priced smartphones, but the limit of 256GB that can be added via microSD seems arbitrary. There is also a significant lack of quality in the cameras. The main 13MP camera can capture respectable images, but the secondary 2MP depth and 2MP macro cameras are underwhelming, especially in light of the fact that other budget phones are beginning to include ultra-wide cameras.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Cheap 5G phone for T-Mobile
- Solid screen for the price
- Excellent battery life
- Decent audio
Cons
- Mediocre cameras
- Occasional performance hiccups
- No mute switch like on more expensive OnePlus phones
OnePlus Nord N200 5G: Specifications
| Specifications | OnePlus Nord N200 5G |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.49-inch IPS LCD, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 90Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage | 64GB |
| Rear Camera | 13MP wide + 2MP macro + 2MP monochrome |
| Front Camera | 16MP |
| Battery | 5,000mAh, 18W fast charging |
| Operating System | Android 11, OxygenOS 11 |
| Dimensions | 163.1 x 74.9 x 8.3 mm |
| Weight | 189 g |
| Colors | Blue Quantum |
| Other Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC |
OnePlus Nord N200 5G: Design
The similarities between the Nord N200 and the Nord phones of 2020 are striking. It’s made entirely of plastic, but OP did a great job of making it look and feel expensive. There is a seamless transition between the matte plastic back and the glossy plastic frame. In a good way, it makes me think of the Galaxy S21’s base-model plastic. I’m starting to see the appeal of the “glastic” movement.
The camera module, consisting of three sensors and a flash inside the protruding rectangle, can be found in the top left corner of the device’s back. Despite the small size of the cameras’ sensors, OnePlus gave the lenses elaborate cutouts. It’s like putting a showy but inappropriately large exhaust on a Honda Civic LX.
A fingerprint reader is integrated into the power button on the right side. The sensor, though compact, is quick and fairly precise. The sensor is always on, even when the phone is asleep and the button is not pressed, which is my only complaint. The other half of the time, resting your finger on the button is enough to wake and unlock the phone. However, I frequently activate the sensor unintentionally while holding or transporting the phone. If you lightly touch the button, fingerprint unlock will be turned off. OP needs to fine-tune this function.
OnePlus Nord N200 5G: Display
There are many similarities between the N100 and the N200 5G. It has a (HWD) dimension of 6.40 x 2.90 x 0.30 inches and a mass of 6.60 ounces. It’s noticeably thinner, though the difference is barely perceptible. It has a large footprint, but is thin and light enough to use with just one hand for long periods of time.
A higher pixel density makes the 6.49-inch, 1,080-by-2,400-pixel 90Hz display darker than the N100’s display. The vantage points are superb. The color temperature is set to be on the cool side by default but can be changed in the preferences. It has a great screen for a phone in this price range, and it’s comfortable to look at even after long periods of time spent watching videos, browsing social media, or playing games.
Plastic is used for both the graduated blue backplate and the chassis, and its semi-glossy finish attracts fingerprints easily. The upper left corner houses a rectangular camera stack that, while larger and thicker than the N100’s, matches the backplate. In the exact middle of the backplate is a silver OnePlus logo.
The N200 5G has no controls or ports on its top edge; the bottom panel houses the microphone hole, USB-C charging port, and speaker grille. The SIM card/microSD card slot and volume rocker are both located on the left side of the device. The fingerprint scanner is built into the phone’s Power button, which is located on the right side of the device. The fingerprint reader is quick to respond and is conveniently located for even the smallest of hands.
OnePlus Nord N200 5G: Camera
The Nord N200 has a 13-megapixel primary camera, a 2-megapixel macro lens, and a 2-megapixel depth lens. Neither wide-angle nor telephoto lenses are available. All zooming is done digitally, and the macro camera doesn’t have a wide-angle setting. The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G is one example of a T-Mobile or Metro PCS camera phone that costs around the same but offers both wide-angle and telephoto lenses.
The camera’s control panel is intuitive and simple to use. It’s accessible both from the main menu and the locked screen. Controls for things like high dynamic range and flash are located on the left side of the viewfinder, while the shutter button and shooting modes are on the right. Night, video, photo, portrait, slow-mo, time-lapse, pro, panorama, and macro are just some of the shooting modes available. All of these features are par for the course in a modern camera app, and they all functioned as advertised.
Software and Performance
When compared to other Android custom user interfaces, OnePlus’ OxygenOS is relatively streamlined, though it has become increasingly feature-rich in recent years. Native support for parallel apps or selective app encryption adds significant functionality, as do a wide variety of customization options and well-integrated features like Gaming Mode or rolling screenshots.
The N200’s internals are respectable but uninspiring, powered by a Snapdragon 480 SoC and a middling 4GB of RAM. The experience is fast and fluid generally, but there are occasional pauses for buffering. The SD480 has been shown to be competitive with other phones, but the device’s low RAM makes it unsuitable for anything beyond the most basic tasks.
The same can be said about games; most casual games (like Sonic Dash and Alto’s Odyssey) will run without a hitch. Dropped frames are more common in demanding games like Asphalt 9 Legends and other graphics-heavy titles. Medium users are likely to be pleased, but heavy users should look elsewhere.
OnePlus Nord N200 5G: Video Quality
Recording in 1080p at 30 frames per second is possible on the OnePlus Nord N200 5G. Those aren’t great specs, but at least a $240 phone can record Full HD video. In actual use, the N200 produces acceptable video quality. The final video has noticeable bouncing while I walk, so the stabilization could use some work. On the other hand, the video shot with the Pixel 4a I was using at the same time was noticeably steadier.
The Nord N200 has a passable microphone. The two microphones on the phone had trouble picking up my voice at normal volume when I was only half an arm’s length away. The Pixel 4a fared better, and it did a better job of canceling out background noises like cars and cicadas.
Price and Availability
The only configuration of the OnePlus Nord N200 5G is 64GB/4GB, and it costs $239.99. OnePlus sells them unlocked. T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile will also sell it. The Nord N200 is available for the same starting price of $239.99 from several other retailers, including Amazon, B&H, and Best Buy or you can buy this product directly from Oneplus’s store.
Final Words
The OnePlus Nord N200 presents a compelling argument for low-cost 5G mobile devices. Prior to its release, reasonably priced 5G was in the $250-$300 price range. OnePlus has made access to 5G technology even more affordable. However, 5G isn’t a panacea.
There is a good 90Hz display on the Nord N200. The massive 5,000mAh battery life is also an impressive feature. But the phone’s performance is hindered somewhat by the Snapdragon 480 processor, so the battery life isn’t quite as impressive. This phone is not designed to be a gaming machine. The camera’s lackluster performance is another drawback, though it’ll be hard to find a budget phone with a better camera.
FAQs
Is OnePlus N200 5G good?
Who it’s for: The OnePlus Nord N200 5G is ideal for a T-Mobile customer who prioritizes screen quality over camera quality and needs a phone primarily for basic communication and organization. However, the Nord N200’s mediocre overall performance will likely turn off consumers who aren’t already T-Mobile customers.
Is Nord N200 waterproof?
The N200 5G is water-resistant but not IP-rated, so it won’t survive a drop in the bathroom sink or shower. The plastic case and backplate are impervious to scratches and dings, but the Gorilla Glass 3 screen probably won’t survive a fall from any great height.
