Let me start by saying that I switched to the OnePlus Nord 3 from the distant 2017 and the OnePlus 5T, which was a flawless phone for heavy daily use until this year (2023), with the only downside being its battery life, which was expected to decline after 5 years of good use.
I should also mention that for the first year, I tried more than 10 custom ROMs on the phone and it was in a constant cycle of flashing and cleaning. So, from me, the 5T gets 15 stars.
Now, let's talk about the Nord 3. The evaluation is based on the most crucial aspects of a smartphone after using it for over a month, and it refers to the 16/256 version.
The build quality is quite good, considering today's standards and what you're paying for.
The screen quality, in my opinion, is impeccable and matches its price.
User experience is a 10/10. The phone doesn't lag in any function, no matter how many tasks are open simultaneously. I have to mention that I wasn't a fan of the UI change from the orthodox OxygenOS, but it's something that can be customized according to your preferences.
Sound quality is quite good, although I'm not an expert on the subject. Whether it's for music or watching videos/movies, I had no issues with the sound produced. However, the vibration is mediocre compared to the OnePlus 5T, and there were times when I couldn't even feel it in my pocket.
Camera-wise, as a photographer who deals with camera equipment (photo/video) on a daily basis, I have to say that most of the negative comments are irrelevant. The camera on this device, considering its price point and category, is more than sufficient for 90% of cases with proper lighting, whether it's for photography or video. For the more enthusiastic users who take the trouble to install GCam, the camera performance improves by 1 level. But for the money you're paying for a device under 500 euros, the camera is exactly what it should be, and with proper usage, the results are flawless.
Battery-wise, it easily lasts a day for me, with usage involving social media, calls, using other apps throughout the day, browsing, and having data on. I expected something slightly better with a 5,000mAh battery, but I'll leave room for improvement with future updates. I should mention that the phone starts working at 6 in the morning, and by the evening, I have around 20-25% battery left, which can last me another morning with moderate usage. The charging speed is ridiculously fast, so I don't think anyone will easily find themselves without battery.
For someone who wants a workhorse that does its job easily and doesn't have the desire to spend a monthly salary on a smartphone, this is a very good choice that will make them happy every day.
The purchase was made from the Drele store. The communication was excellent, and the shipping was surprisingly fast.