The reply as to whether you can purchase the $239 OnePlus Nord N200 5G relies upon loads on who your wi-fi provider is. If you’re on T-Mobile — and because of a beneficiant trade-in supply and a provider unique, you in all probability are if you happen to’re contemplating the N200 — then this can be a high-quality, primary gadget that can help you reap the benefits of the corporate’s good 5G community at a really low value. The N200 5G will solely work on Verizon and AT&T’s 4G networks, nevertheless, so if you happen to’re with both of these carriers, it’s not your best choice.

Why does your provider make such a distinction? Verizon and AT&T’s 5G networks aren’t nice in the meanwhile, so utilizing the N200 as a 4G-only gadget isn’t truly an enormous deal proper now. But they’ll begin getting significantly better over the following couple of years because of some newly acquired spectrum, and when that occurs, being caught on LTE may develop into an actual disadvantage.

The N200 5G has a number of issues going for it except for 5G connectivity, beginning with an enormous 5,000mAh battery. It has a big 6.5-inch show with a sooner refresh charge that’s probably the greatest out there on this class. You’ll additionally get three years of safety updates, which isn’t stellar, however is an enchancment over the 2 years extra widespread amongst sub-$300 telephones.

On the draw back, the digicam system is primary. While general cellphone efficiency is okay for day-to-day e mail and looking, it’s slightly gradual with extra processing-intensive duties. And whereas you will get by on the 64GB of built-in storage, most individuals might want to add in the price of a MicroSD card to their buy for expanded cupboard space.

The N200 is an appropriate, cheap 5G gadget, and it’s even a comparatively whole lot as a 4G gadget in the meanwhile. But your cell provider and your inclination towards protecting your cellphone for a couple of or two years makes recommending the N200 5G sophisticated.

OnePlus N200 5G display, battery, and efficiency

As far as screens on funds units go, the N200 5G has one of many nicest on the market. It’s an enormous 6.5-inch LCD panel with 1080p decision, which is an improve from 720p that’s extra typical on this class. It additionally stands out with a sooner 90Hz refresh charge, making scrolling and animations look just a bit smoother than typical. The display is usable even in very vivid, direct daylight.

The N200’s battery life is excellent, because of an enormous 5,000mAh cell. It additionally helps 18W charging with the included wired charger — not quick quick like OnePlus’ pricier units, however adequate to take it from 12 % to a full cost in about two hours. With average use I bought two days out of the N200 earlier than I dipped into low battery territory; a full day of heavy use ought to be no downside, and plenty of will see it final effectively into the second day, if not longer.

The N200 makes use of a Snapdragon 480 5G processor, which is a comparatively new chipset designed for funds 5G telephones like this one. It’s coupled with 4GB of RAM and retains up effectively in day-to-day use switching apps and scrolling social media. It doesn’t take loads to push it exterior of its consolation zone the place you’ll discover slight hesitations and stuttering, particularly with intensive duties like zooming out and in of Google Maps and beginning navigation. But contemplating the value, it feels appropriately outfitted to supply usable each day efficiency over the following few years.

While you may have the ability to get by on the N200’s 64GB of built-in storage, it’s on the decrease aspect and a wholesome chunk of that’s occupied by system recordsdata. Most folks might want to add a MicroSD card for more room, so take into account that additional $20 or so a part of the general value of the cellphone until you’re actually frugal along with your storage.

As famous above, the N200’s 5G connectivity works on T-Mobile, however on AT&T and Verizon the cellphone is 4G-only. It helps sub-6GHz 5G solely — no super-fast mmWave, however that’s not an enormous deal because it’s arduous to seek out and T-Mobile doesn’t supply a lot of it. There’s additionally no help for the C-band spectrum that shall be put to make use of for 5G beginning early subsequent yr, however that might be an even bigger deal if the cellphone may use AT&T and Verizon 5G. It can’t, so it’s not. What you do get entry to is T-Mobile’s 5G sub-6 5G community, which is nice and has broad protection, even when it’s not mind-bogglingly quick.

Android 11 is loaded on the N200 out of the field, and OnePlus says it’s going to present another main OS platform replace through the cellphone’s life span. It may also get the aforementioned three years of safety replace help, which is a better-than-average coverage for a funds Android cellphone. OnePlus’ implementation of Android is much less fussy than most and is mercifully low on muddle and pre-downloaded apps. It’s a grown-up-looking interface that’s about as shut as you’ll get to a “pure” Android expertise exterior of Google’s personal Pixel telephones.

OnePlus N200 5G digicam

The N200’s digicam efficiency is appropriate, if a bit disappointing even contemplating the cellphone’s value. Included are a 13-megapixel f/2.2 most important digicam, 2-megapixel f/2.4 macro, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. Around entrance there’s a 13-megapixel selfie digicam.

That 13-megapixel most important digicam will do high-quality for snapshots in good lighting, but it surely rapidly reaches its limits with high-contrast scenes, like landscapes with deep shadows and vivid highlights. Noise begins to creep into photographs taken in average lighting situations, like interiors, and darkish scenes present lots of smeared particulars and noise. Night mode works effectively sufficient to protect slightly extra element, but it surely’s solely appropriate for scenes with out shifting topics.

Grid View

The N200’s digicam system could also be extra of a disappointment contemplating that the higher-tier Nord N10 5G’s 64-megapixel digicam is surprisingly good. The N10 prices $60 greater than the N200 (a full 25 % greater) so it’s not a completely truthful comparability, however I can’t assist feeling that the N200 may have been slightly higher outfitted. Pixel rely isn’t every thing, however on this case, a more moderen, higher-resolution sensor would in all probability have made a major distinction intimately retention and its dealing with of high-contrast scenes.

If you’re contemplating the OnePlus N200 5G as a result of T-Mobile is providing you a superb deal on one, then I believe there’s a superb argument for this cellphone. It doesn’t supply loads in the best way of good extras and options, however you’ll get a superb display, lengthy battery life, and a 5G gadget that ought to final a number of years.

If you reside in an space with poor T-Mobile 5G protection, otherwise you’re with one other wi-fi provider, you then’ll be higher served by another choice. You may avoid wasting cash and go along with the $179 4G-only N100, which presents lots of the identical options. The display isn’t fairly as detailed (720p vs. 1080p) however you continue to get that 90Hz refresh charge, massive battery, and good OnePlus consumer interface.

On the opposite hand, if you happen to can spend slightly extra, then the $279 Samsung A32 5G is price contemplating. The interface is extra cluttered and its display isn’t as good with its 720p decision and commonplace 60Hz refresh charge, however nearly each different facet of the gadget is meaningfully upgraded, from the digicam to wider 5G compatibility to a stronger four-year safety help coverage.

All of that stated, if you happen to’re comfy with the N200’s shortcomings and also you’re tempted by a candy deal from T-Mobile, I gained’t be the one to face in your approach.

Photography by Allison Johnson / The Verge