Is the OnePlus Nord 3 a Flagship Slayer? Or Would You Prefer the Nord CE 3?
The OnePlus Nord 3 is making waves with its impressive specs and larger AMOLED display, signaling a move towards flagship territory for the mid-range Nord series.
The standout feature of the Nord 3 is its 6.74" AMOLED display, which boasts a 1,240 x 2,772px resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate with 10-bit colors. This upgrade from the previous Nord 2 ensures a vibrant and immersive viewing experience.
Powering the Nord 3 is the Dimensity 9000 chipset, a flagship chip from two years ago. Though it may not compete with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 found in devices like the OnePlus 11R and 10T, it offers solid performance considering the price difference. The Nord 3 is available starting at €500/₹34,000 for the 8/128GB model, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
Key specifications of the Dimensity 9000 chipset include a 4nm architecture, a Cortex-X2 clocked at 3.05GHz, three Cortex-A710 cores at 2.85GHz, four A510 cores at 1.80GHz, and a powerful Mali-G710 MC10 GPU. In GPU benchmarks, the Dimensity 9000 outperforms rivals like the Tensor G2 found in the Pixel 7/7a phones.

Battery life is also impressive on the Nord 3, thanks to its 5,000mAh capacity. OnePlus has managed to optimize power consumption, allowing the device to achieve an endurance rating of over 100 hours. The device supports 80W fast charging, reaching 61% in just 15 minutes and 98% in 30 minutes, ensuring you spend less time waiting for your device to recharge.
Camera-wise, the Nord 3 features a 50MP main camera with a 1/1.56" IMX890 sensor, OIS, and f/1.9 lens, along with an 8MP 112° ultra-wide lens. The device inexplicably takes a step back with its selfie camera, dropping down to 16MP.
While the Nord 3 didn't receive an upgrade to a metal frame, it does boast an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance. Additionally, OnePlus pledges to deliver three OS updates for the Nord 3, matching the update commitment of Google.
OnePlus Nord 3

Now, let's compare the Nord 3 to its competitors. The OnePlus 10T and 11R offer a similar experience, but with faster Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chips. Both devices feature 6.7" 1080p-class and 1240p-class displays, respectively, with 10-bit panel quality and 120Hz refresh rates. While the cameras are largely the same as the Nord 3, the 10T and 11R come at a higher price point in Europe and India.
OnePlus 10T • OnePlus 11R
Another competitor to consider is the Samsung Galaxy A54. While it offers a smaller 6.4" display, it falls short in several areas compared to the Nord 3. The Exynos 1380 chipset can't match the performance of the Dimensity 9000, and the battery charging speed lags behind. Despite its slightly better ultra-wide camera, the A54 is priced similarly to the Nord 3.
The Pixel 7a is another alternative, boasting a smaller 6.1" 90Hz OLED display. While the hardware is comparable to the Nord 3, the Pixel relies on Google's software magic for camera optimization. However, the Pixel 7a falls short in terms of battery capacity and charging speed, though it does offer wireless charging. The pricing of the Pixel 7a is similar to the Nord 3.

Samsung Galaxy A54 • Google Pixel 7a
Realme 11 Pro+ offers a larger 6.7" FHD+ 120Hz display with 10-bit color support. The device features an impressive 200MP main camera with lossless zoom capabilities. However, the Dimensity 7050 chipset falls behind the flagship Dimensity 9000 sibling. Despite this, the Realme 11 Pro+ is priced similarly to the Nord 3, offering a generous 12/512GB configuration in Europe.
The Poco F5 and Poco F5 Pro are additional options to consider. These devices feature 6.67" displays with FHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rates. While the Poco F5 is equipped with the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chip, the Poco F5 Pro steps up with a QHD+ panel and the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. Both devices offer similar camera setups as the Nord 3 and have competitive battery capacities with fast charging capabilities.
Realme 11 Pro+ • Xiaomi Poco F5 • Xiaomi Poco F5 Pro

Now it's time for you to vote! Do you believe the OnePlus Nord 3 can slay the flagship competition?
While we're discussing OnePlus devices, it's worth mentioning the OnePlus Nord CE 3. This exclusive offering for the Indian market comes with a more affordable price tag. Starting at ₹27,000 for the 8/128GB model, the Nord CE 3 provides a similar experience to the Nord 3 but at a lower cost.
The Nord CE 3 features a 6.7" FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 782G chipset, the same 50+8MP camera setup, and a 5,000mAh battery with 80W fast charging. If affordability is your priority, the Nord CE 3 presents a compelling option.

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