The OnePlus Nord N20 5G is an ultra-stylish 5G phone that delivers with few compromises and superb value.
Today, we’re checking out the newest member of the Nord N series, the For better or for worse, OnePlus is changing. In the past year, the company has merged with Oppo, transitioned OxygenOS to Oppo’s ColorOS code base, and replaced Warp Charge with Oppo’s SuperVOOC. But here in the US, OnePlus also grew almost 3x thanks in no small part to its affordable Nord N series handsets. And while the OnePlus Nord N10 5G ($300) missed the mark somewhat, we really enjoyed the OnePlus Nord N200 5G ($240) Today, we’re checking out the newest member of the Nord N series, the OnePlus Nord N20 5G ($282), an ultra-stylish 5G phone that gains a Snapdragon 695 processor and an AMOLED screen, but otherwise splits the difference in price and specs between the N10 5G and the N200 5G. It’s coming to T-Mobile first, but will be available unlocked “at some later date”. We just spent a few days testing the N20 5G and here’s our full review. Sure, the N20 5G is primarily made of plastic, but upscale touches abound – from the While the OnePlus Nord N10 5G’s cheap, fingerprint-happy design left us feeling a little flat, the OnePlus Nord N200 5G’s blue gradient and Oppo Reno-inspired camera bump made it significantly more attractive. The OnePlus Nord N20 5G cranks things up to eleven with a sleek design that looks downright premium. At 159.9 x 73.2 x 7.5mm and 173g, our Blue Smoke review unit is slimmer and lighter than its predecessors. Sure, the N20 5G is primarily made of plastic, but upscale touches abound – from the iPhone 12/13 -like flat sides, to the sparkling dark blue faux-glass back, to the way the display appears to float above the handset’s frame, to the circular gold chamfer around two of the rear shooters. In addition, the contrast between the back cover’s overall satin finish and the glossy band along the bottom harkens to the iPhone 5,5S, and SE (first gen). There’s no camera pod here, only those two lenses protruding elegantly from the rear cover, with a third sensor and LED flash mounted flush between them. Like the Unlike its predecessors, which shipped with 90Hz LCD screens, the N20 5G comes with a 60Hz AMOLED panel. It features an optical in-display fingerprint sensor, reasonably small bezels, and a punch hole in the top left corner for the selfie camera. But there’s one detail that betrays the N20 5G’s affordable price: this screen exhibits a larger than usual chin for an AMOLED panel – presumably for the display connector. There’s no camera pod here, only those two lenses protruding elegantly from the rear cover, with a third sensor and LED flash mounted flush between them. Like the OnePlus 10 Pro we recently reviewed, the N20 5G’s design stands out by being unique and sophisticated, and while we expect this from a flagship, it’s a pleasant surprise on a phone costing only $282. The N20 5G is even rated IP52 for dust and water resistance. Unlike its predecessors, which shipped with 90Hz LCD screens, the N20 5G comes with a 60Hz AMOLED panel. It features an optical in-display fingerprint sensor, reasonably small bezels, and a punch hole in the top left corner for the selfie camera. But there’s one detail that betrays the N20 5G’s affordable price: this screen exhibits a larger than usual chin for an AMOLED panel – presumably for the display connector. As for the rest of the layout, it’s typical OnePlus. You’ll find the power/lock button on the right side, plus a mono speaker, USB Type-C port, primary mic, and headphone jack along the bottom edge. The left side is home to the volume rocker and combination SIM / microSD tray, and there’s a secondary mic on top. Unfortunately, the N20 5G lacks OnePlus’ excellent alert slider, just like the other Nord N series handsets.
