Technologies
OnePlus Nord N30 5G Review: A $300 Phone Overachiever
There simply aren’t any other $300 phones with 50-watt charging, but the 108-megapixel camera doesn’t perform any miracles.
Like
- Truly fast charging
- Large 120Hz refresh rate screen
- NFC for contactless payments
Don’t like
- Mixed photography
- Short software update timeline
The OnePlus Nord N30 5G makes quite the first impression. OnePlus has stacked its $300 phone with features you simply don’t see at this price.
The phone’s 108-megapixel main camera is the headline feature as far as the spec list is concerned, but the real star is the phone’s included 50-watt SuperVooc charger. In multiple tests, I got the OnePlus Nord N30 5G to recharge its 5,000-mAh battery from near-zero to roughly 75% in 30 minutes. It’s ludicrously fast, and similarly priced phones that max out at 15-watt charging speeds don’t come close.
Advertiser Disclosure
Despite the N30’s high megapixel count, the camera is what gives away that this is a cheaper phone. It falls prey to many of the same issues as other phones that cost $300 or less: Its photos look nice in daytime settings but they struggle with scenes that include lots of movement or low light.
The other issue isn’t with OnePlus so much as Google and its Pixel 6A, which has an excellent camera and consistently goes on sale for $300. But if photography isn’t a high priority for you in a cheaper phone, the OnePlus N30 has many perks to consider that the Pixel doesn’t. The N30 is only being sold in the US and Canada, but the $300 price roughly converts to £240, AU$440.
The OnePlus Nord N30 5G costs $300.
OnePlus Nord N30 5G design, specs
The OnePlus Nord N30 5G has an eye-catching design out of the box, accentuated by its two large camera bumps, its glossy back and a simple OnePlus logo. The result is flashy, and a bit of a fingerprint magnet. While the phone only comes in one color, phones at this price often sacrifice style, so it’s good to see OnePlus ignore that trend.
The OnePlus Nord N30 5G has a bright 6.72-inch, 120Hz refresh rate display with a 1080p resolution. The screen makes videos, games, apps and websites look great and animate smoothly. It runs on a midrange Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor which pairs up nicely with the phone’s 8GB of memory to run most apps and games while allowing for multitasking.
Geekbench 6 testing
- Single-core
- Multicore
In our benchmark tests, the OnePlus’ score compares favorably to the Moto G Power. In real-world use, this isn’t a speedy phone, but it gets the job done.
The N30’s OxygenOS is a light customization on top of Android 13, which adds in a game mode that automatically disables notifications and shifts some resources for games. Like last year’s OnePlus N300, you aren’t going to crank out power-intensive graphics with this phone.
A game mode can be turned on in OxygenOS, letting you turn off notifications and divert your phone’s resources toward powering a game.
The N30 will only receive one software update to Android 14, along with three years of security updates. While this timeline matches what Motorola offers its Moto G phones, it’s still disappointing that budget phones often get shorter update timelines, especially when Samsung’s A-series phones often get longer support. Plus Google’s Pixel 6A, despite being a year old, has two more years of software updates and four more years of security updates remaining.
The OnePlus Nord N30 5G supports 50-watt charging.
OnePlus Nord N30 5G charging speed, battery
As I mentioned in the introduction, the N30’s 50-watt charging speed is easily the best feature of this phone. These are speeds that we typically see in Android phones that cost $650 or more. And there aren’t any Apple iPhone models that even come close to 50 watts right now.
A full recharge from near zero typically takes just 45 minutes, and with that you could completely forego overnight phone charging. The phone’s 5,000-mAh battery lasted me between a day and a half to two days of use on a single charge, depending on how heavy my usage was. On my weekdays with the phone, for instance, I was primarily using it while commuting, for video calls and light gaming, I easily made two days. But on a weekend trip to Washington, DC, with frequent camera use and texting, the phone’s battery needed a recharge midway through the weekend.
The OnePlus Nord N30 5G has a main 108-megapixel camera, a 2-megapixel macro camera and a 2-megapixel depth-sensing camera.
OnePlus Nord N30 5G cameras
Around back the phone are two camera bumps that house the phone’s main 108-megapixel camera, a 2-megapixel macro camera and a 2-megapixel depth assist camera for portrait mode. There’s also a 16-megapixel front-facing camera housed in a punchout on the display.
The OnePlus Nord N30 5G’s 108-megapixel camera is simply not going to rival anything we see on more expensive phones. Despite that eye-popping resolution figure, software and processing power are a big reason why more-expensive phones capture great photos.
A scene from the Pride Parade in Washington, DC, taken on the OnePlus Nord N30 5G.
A scene from the Pride Parade in Washington, DC, taken on the OnePlus Nord N30 5G.
I took the N30 to the DC Pride Parade, and while the camera did a nice job capturing the colorful floats and people, it struggled keeping things in focus. Many of my photos have motion blur, while other more stable scenes retain detail.
During the nighttime drag show, a photo of a queen who was sitting directly in front of me still had trouble processing on the OnePlus Nord N30 5G.
A wider shot of the stage at Metrobar fared better, possibly due to the improved lighting for the performer.
Things took a turn for the worse when I tried to photograph an evening drag show at Metrobar. Even the phone’s night mode only offered a few additional enhancements to the festivities.
I had better success using night mode on an empty dance floor, capturing the chairs and the decor of the room.
Suns Cinema’s dance floor and cocktail area taken without night mode turned on. Shot with the OnePlus Nord N30 5G.
Suns Cinema’s dance floor and cocktail area taken with night mode turned on. Shot with the OnePlus Nord N30 5G.
The N30 shines the most with food photography and portrait mode photos. My meals from Purple Patch look as tasty as they actually were. Portraits taken with both the front and rear camera had a good bokeh effect.
Pancit Bihon with pulled chicken adobo at Purple Patch, taken on the OnePlus Nord N30 5G.
Biscuits taken in a low-light environment at St. Anselm.
A portrait mode photo taken on the OnePlus Nord N30 5G.
Compared to photos shot on the $300 Moto G Power 5G, the OnePlus does a good job capturing detail. But the problem for the OnePlus is that the Pixel 6A — again, often discounted to $300 — runs circles around it. The Pixel 6A’s Tensor chip allows for better color depth, Real Tone for more accurate skin tones and a slew of photo enhancement options.
In my photo test using a grass wall in CNET’s office, both the Moto G Power 5G and the Pixel 6A captured the various shades of green on the wall, while the OnePlus seemed to struggle with sensing those differences.
The grass wall taken on the OnePlus Nord N30 5G.
Grass wall photo taken on the Moto G Power 5G.
Grass wall test photo taken on Pixel 6A.
When I tested the night mode on both the OnePlus and the Pixel using CNET’s dark TV lab area, the Pixel brightened up a lot of the image. By comparison, the OnePlus appears substantially darker.
A section of the dark TV lab, taken using night mode on the OnePlus Nord N30 5G.
A section of the dark TV lab, taken using night mode on the Pixel 6A.
Photos of my colleague Joseph Kaminski both look nice, but the Pixel version captures substantially more detail when zooming into the photo.
Joseph Kaminski at CNET’s office, taken using the OnePlus Nord N30 5G.
Joseph again, taken on the Pixel 6A.
Zoom in general is better on the Pixel. This photo of a plant taken using the 2x zoom option on the Pixel heartily outperforms the 3x zoom on the OnePlus.
A zoomed-in flower, taken on the OnePlus Nord N30 5G.
A zoomed-in flower, taken on the Pixel 6A.
Overall the OnePlus N30’s camera system performs well compared to other new phones in the $200 to $300 price range. But with the Pixel 6A’s price often dipping into that range, it’s now a competitive option that the OnePlus has to contend with, and the 108-megapixel camera isn’t yet enough.
OnePlus Nord N30 5G and its powerful 50-watt charger.
OnePlus Nord N30 5G bottom line
OnePlus deserves some serious credit for bringing specs to the Nord N30 5G that are unheard of at its price range. The fast charging speed is something that can be universally appreciated, and the effort to offer a 108-megapixel camera at this low of a price is impressive.
However the phone’s tradeoffs ultimately mean you should seriously compare it with the competition before buying. If you want more storage and care less about the camera, then the 256GB Moto G Power 5G (also $300) might be a better option. Or if you want a phone that takes better photos with more years of software and security support, then snag a Google Pixel 6A whenever it’s discounted to $300 from its $349 price.
But if the Pixel 6A isn’t on sale, and if a two-day battery life and a ludicrously fast recharge time are appealing, the OnePlus Nord N30 5G is a respectable option among its $300 peers.
OnePlus Nord N30 5G vs. Motorola Moto G Power 5G vs. Google Pixel 6A
| OnePlus Nord N30 5G | Moto G Power 5G (2023) | Google Pixel 6A | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display size, resolution, refresh rate | 6.72-inch; 2,400×1,080 pixels; 120Hz | 6.5-inch LCD; 2,400×1,080 pixels; 120Hz | 6.1-inch OLED; 2,400×1,080 pixels; 60Hz |
| Pixel density | 391 ppi | 405 ppi | 429 ppi |
| Dimensions (inches) | 6.51 x 2.99 x 0.32 in. | 6.41 x 2.94 x 0.33 in | 6.0 x 2.8 x 0.35 in |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 165.5 x 76 x 8.3mm | 163 x 75 x 8.45 mm | 152.2 x 7.18 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight (ounces, grams) | 6.97 oz, 195 g | 6.52 oz, 185 g | 6.3 oz, 178 g |
| Mobile software | Android 13 | Android 13 | Android 12 |
| Camera | 108-megapixel main, 2-megapixel macro, 2-megapixel depth sensing | 50-megapixel main, 2-megapixel macro, 2-megapixel depth sensing | 12.2-megapixel wide, 12-megapixel ultrawide |
| Front-facing camera | 16-megapixel | 16-megapixel | 8-megapixel |
| Video capture | 1080p at 30fps | 720p at 60 fps | 4K |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 | MediaTek Dimensity 930 | Google Tensor |
| RAM, storage | 8GB + 128GB | 4GB + 128GB; 6GB + 256GB | 6GB + 128GB |
| Expandable storage | Yes | Yes | None |
| Battery, charger | 5,000 mAh; 50W wired charging | 5,000 mAh; 15W wired charging speed, 10W adapter included | 4,410 mAh; 18W fast charging (adapter sold separately) |
| Fingerprint sensor | Side | Side | Under display |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C | USB C |
| Headphone jack | Yes | Yes | None |
| Special features | 50W SuperVooc fast charging, 108-megapixel main camera, game mode, dual stereo speakers | Estimated 38-hour battery life, Moto Gestures, stereo speakers | 5G-enabled, 18W fast charging, WiFi 6E, security updates for 5 years, Android OS updates for 3 years, dual SIM, IP67 water resistance |
| Price off-contract (USD) | $300 | $300 | $449 ($299 when on sale) |
| Price (GBP) | Converts to £240 | Converts to £240 | £399 |
| Price (AUD) | Converts to AU$445 | Converts to AU$445 | A$749 |
How we test phones
Every phone tested by CNET’s reviews team was actually used in the real world. We test a phone’s features, play games and take photos. We examine the display to see if it’s bright, sharp and vibrant. We analyze the design and build to see how it is to hold and whether it has an IP-rating for water resistance. We push the processor’s performance to the extremes using both standardized benchmark tools like GeekBench and 3DMark, along with our own anecdotal observations navigating the interface, recording high-resolution videos and playing graphically intense games at high refresh rates.
All the cameras are tested in a variety of conditions from bright sunlight to dark indoor scenes. We try out special features like night mode and portrait mode and compare our findings against similarly priced competing phones. We also check out the battery life by using it daily as well as running a series of battery drain tests.
We take into account additional features like support for 5G, satellite connectivity, fingerprint and face sensors, stylus support, fast charging speeds, foldable displays among others that can be useful. And we balance all of this against the price to give you the verdict on whether that phone, whatever price it is, actually represents good value.
Technologies
Bishop Takes Rook: You’ll Be Able to Learn Chess on Duolingo Soon
The course is in beta now but will be available to everyone in a few months.
«Hola, ajedrez» means «Hello, chess» in Spanish. You’ve always been able to learn Spanish on Duolingo. And you’ll be able to learn and practice chess on the language learning app soon. Duolingo announced on April 22 that beta testers can practice the centuries-old board game in Duolingo now, and others will be able to learn the game on the app in a few months.
Chess will be the first new Duolingo course since the app began offering math and music lessons in 2023. And Duolingo hopes that to bring the classic board game to more people of all experience levels.
Duolingo chess lessons aim to be friendly to beginners
I spoke with a Duolingo rep about the upcoming lessons. He said the company wants to continue expanding what people can learn through the app, and chess was an early contender.
Chess is «one of those things that … any age group can learn … but then also something that takes the 10,000-hour theory to really master,» Edwin Bodge, a senior product manager with Duolingo, said. «We thought it would fit with the Duolingo medium really well.»
When I asked why people would use Duolingo over other chess learning sites and tools, Bodge said a lot of other chess content is geared toward advanced users, not newcomers. «We really saw a great opportunity to try and cater to more of a beginner, medium (player) and try and increase access to the game,» he said.
The chess lessons are slightly different from others you might find on Duolingo, like Spanish and math, but the progression system is similar. And from what Duolingo showed me, the lessons really do start at square one, or A1 on a chessboard.
Chess lessons feel similar to other Duolingo lessons
When you start, Duolingo asks how much you already know about chess, like in other lessons on the app. Duolingo will then adjust the lessons according to your response. If you say you’re brand-new to chess and have no knowledge of the game, early lessons will focus on how each piece moves before moving on to capturing other pieces and checking the king. Other lessons are similar to mini-puzzles where you might be asked to capture different pieces using a single piece, like your knight or rook, in four moves or fewer.
You can access hints for each lesson, but if you get something wrong, your opponent will react to show you you’ve left a piece open for capture, like in a real match. And if you keep getting something incorrect, Duolingo will show you what to do. «If you get it wrong multiple times, eventually we’ll show you an arrow that shows you exactly where to move,» Sammi Siegel, a software engineer with Duolingo, said.
If you are subscribed to Duolingo Max and make a mistake in a language lesson, the app can explain the mistake — and what the right solution is — with a feature called Explain My Answer. However, that feature won’t be available with the chess lessons for now. It’s not always easy to explain why something is right or wrong in chess because there are so many millions of different moves.
«We want to get better at fuller explanations,» Siegel said. «There is some mix of AI and model training that we’re hoping to use to better explain why a certain move is wrong.» Because there are so many moves in chess, it’s possible to make moves that could be correct but aren’t the best options. In such instances, Duolingo will show a banner that lets you know that a move isn’t wrong but isn’t necessarily the best move.
Duolingo also said each section represents a range on the Elo rating system, the method by which a chess player’s skills are calculated. As you progress, your lessons will be tougher and more challenging. This is similar to the CEFR language proficiency levels attached to the different language sections in the app.
You’ll also have the opportunity to have «mini-matches» or full-on games against Duolingo’s chess coach, Oscar. These matches will scale in difficulty to challenge you as well, so you aren’t facing a grandmaster-level chess player after your first week of playing the game. But that doesn’t mean you can slack off and play sloppily. If you make a mistake, like leaving your queen open to capture, Oscar will take advantage and leave you scrambling to recover.
While playing against Oscar is good practice, you won’t be able to face off against other players when these chess lessons launch. But Duolingo said matches against other people are something they are looking into, so you might be able to play against a friend over the app in the future. «One of the big reasons why we’re doing this is we think we can get a whole generation of people interested in chess,» Bodge said.
Duolingo’s new chess lessons are now available in the beta version now and will start rolling out on iOS in English in May. Duolingo said it is working to bring these lessons to Android devices and more languages in the coming months.
For more on Duolingo, check out how well the free version prepared me for a trip to Italy and our review of the language learning app. You can also check out our best language learning apps.
Technologies
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Sunday, April 27
Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for April 27.
Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword isn’t too much of a stumper. A lot of words contain A and E, for some reason. Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: Outdoor spot to people-watch, maybe
Answer: STOOP
6A clue: Big name in health insurance
Answer: AETNA
7A clue: Broadway theater helper
Answer: USHER
8A clue: Easy to understand
Answer: CLEAR
9A clue: When many show up to a job interview
Answer: EARLY
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: What «salsa» literally means
Answer: SAUCE
2D clue: Electric car maker since 2003
Answer: TESLA
3D clue: «… in one ear and out the ___»
Answer: OTHER
4D clue: Tatum ___, youngest-ever Oscar winner (at age 10, for Best Supporting Actress)
Answer: ONEAL
5D clue: Defensive maneuver in fencing
Answer: PARRY
How to play more Mini Crosswords
The New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day’s Mini Crossword for free, but you’ll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.
Technologies
Today’s NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for April 27, #216
Hints and answers for the NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, No. 216, for April 27.
Looking for the most recent regular Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.
Connections: Sports Edition might be a breeze, as long as you know your sports-league commissioners. Read on for hints and the answers.
Connections: Sports Edition is out of beta now, making its debut on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9. That’s a sign that the game has earned enough loyal players that The Athletic, the subscription-based sports journalism site owned by the Times, will continue to publish it. It doesn’t show up in the NYT Games app but now appears in The Athletic’s own app. Or you can continue to play it free online.
Read more: NYT Connections: Sports Edition Puzzle Comes Out of Beta
Hints for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.
Yellow group hint: Dunk it.
Green group hint: Get it moving.
Blue group hint: They run the leagues.
Purple group hint: Like house, kind of.
Answers for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Yellow group: Parts of a basketball hoop.
Green group: Propel a ball.
Blue group: League commissioners.
Purple group: Home ____.
Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words
What are today’s Connections: Sports Edition answers?
The yellow words in today’s Connections
The theme is parts of a basketball hoop. The four answers are base, glass, net and rim.
The green words in today’s Connections
The theme is propel a ball. The four answers are bowl, fling, hurl and roll.
The blue words in today’s Connections
The theme is league commissioners.. The four answers are Bettman, Goodell, Manfred and Silver.
The purple words in today’s Connections
The theme is home ____. The four answers are field, plate, run and team.
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