The OnePlus Nord N100 launched in November 2020 as an ultra-budget smartphone focused on delivering essential features at an accessible price point. Built around the Snapdragon 460 processor, this device targets first-time smartphone buyers and users seeking basic functionality without premium costs. The phone features a 6.52-inch IPS LCD display with 90Hz refresh rate, triple camera system led by a 13MP main sensor, and a substantial 5000mAh battery designed for extended usage.
With its plastic frame, dual speakers, and traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, the Nord N100 emphasizes practical features over premium materials. The device ships with Android 10 and OxygenOS 10.5.9, offering a clean software experience typical of OnePlus devices. Available with 64GB storage and 4GB RAM with expandable storage support, this phone serves budget-conscious buyers who need reliable communication and basic smartphone capabilities.
What Makes the OnePlus Nord N100 Worth Buying?
The 5000mAh battery stands as the phone’s most compelling feature, providing exceptional runtime that easily outlasts most budget competitors. The large capacity combined with the efficient Snapdragon 460 processor and 720p display means users can comfortably get through a full day of heavy use or multiple days of light usage. For people who struggle with frequent charging or need a reliable device that lasts through long workdays, this battery capacity offers genuine peace of mind.
That 90Hz refresh rate display makes a noticeable difference in everyday use, especially at this price point. Scrolling through apps, browsing websites, and navigating menus feel smoother and more responsive compared to standard 60Hz screens common in budget phones. While the 720p resolution (approximately 269 pixels per inch) doesn’t match higher-end displays in sharpness, the increased refresh rate contributes more to perceived smoothness during normal usage. Gorilla Glass 3 provides basic protection against scratches and minor drops.
The inclusion of dual stereo speakers enhances the multimedia experience significantly compared to single-speaker phones. Watching videos, listening to music, or taking speakerphone calls benefits from better audio separation and slightly improved volume. Combined with the large 6.52-inch screen, the phone handles media consumption reasonably well for its segment.
Practical features include the retention of the 3.5mm headphone jack, which budget users particularly appreciate since it eliminates the need for adapters or wireless headphones. The FM radio functionality provides entertainment without using mobile data, useful for users with limited data plans. Expandable storage via microSDXC card lets users add space for photos, music, and apps beyond the 64GB internal storage.
The rear-mounted fingerprint sensor offers quick and reliable unlocking, positioned where the index finger naturally rests when holding the phone. This placement often proves faster and more intuitive than face unlock alone, especially when the phone is lying flat on a surface or in low light conditions.
Things to Know Before Choosing the OnePlus Nord N100
The Snapdragon 460 processor represents entry-level performance suitable for basic tasks but struggles with demanding applications. This chipset handles web browsing, social media, messaging, and video streaming adequately, but users should expect occasional lag when multitasking or using resource-intensive apps. The Adreno 610 GPU limits gaming to casual titles—graphically demanding games either won’t run smoothly or require significantly reduced graphics settings.
Limited RAM at 4GB means the phone can only keep a few apps active in memory simultaneously. Heavy multitaskers who frequently switch between many apps will notice applications reloading more often than they would on devices with 6GB or 8GB RAM. This limitation affects productivity workflows that involve juggling multiple apps at once.
The display resolution sits at 720 x 1600 pixels, lower than the 1080p standard common in mid-range phones. While the 90Hz refresh rate helps with perceived smoothness, the reduced pixel density means text and images appear less sharp, particularly noticeable when reading small text or viewing high-resolution photos. Users upgrading from higher-resolution displays might find the difference jarring initially.
Camera capabilities remain basic with the 13MP main sensor lacking optical image stabilization and using a modest sensor size. Photo quality suffices for social media sharing in good lighting but deteriorates quickly in low light or challenging conditions. The 2MP macro camera and auxiliary lens offer minimal practical value—they exist primarily to complete the triple-camera setup but rarely produce usable results. Video recording maxes out at 1080p 30fps without 4K support.
The 8MP front camera captures basic selfies adequate for video calls and casual photography, but the quality falls short of phones with higher megapixel counts or larger sensors. The fixed focus and modest hardware limit creative possibilities for front-facing photography and video content creation.
Charging speed tops out at 18W, which is notably slower than the 30W or faster charging found in many competing budget phones. The large 5000mAh battery takes considerably longer to fully charge—users should expect roughly two to three hours for a complete charge from empty. This means overnight charging becomes the most practical approach rather than quick top-ups during the day.
The phone completely lacks 5G connectivity, supporting only GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE networks. While 4G LTE remains widely available and functional, buyers seeking future-proof connectivity for faster network speeds might prefer 5G-capable alternatives, especially as 5G networks continue expanding.
Software support for budget devices typically receives fewer updates than flagship models. The Nord N100 launched with Android 10, and users shouldn’t expect the same extended update timeline that OnePlus provides for its premium devices. Security patches and minor updates may arrive, but major Android version upgrades remain limited.
Is the OnePlus Nord N100 Right for You?
First-time smartphone buyers or users switching from feature phones find the Nord N100 provides a gentle introduction to smartphones without overwhelming complexity or cost. The clean OxygenOS interface remains relatively simple to navigate, and the essential features work reliably for calls, texts, basic internet browsing, and social media. The long battery life means less worry about charging habits for users new to smartphones.
Senior users or those seeking simplicity appreciate the straightforward functionality and excellent battery life. The large 6.52-inch screen makes text and interface elements easier to see, while the rear fingerprint sensor provides quick access without remembering complex passwords. The FM radio and headphone jack offer familiar features that some users prefer over streaming services.
Budget-conscious students or young people needing a backup phone get adequate performance for staying connected without significant investment. The device handles essential communication apps, web browsing for research, and video streaming for entertainment. The expandable storage accommodates downloaded content for offline access, useful for users with limited or expensive mobile data plans.
Light users who primarily use their phone for calls, messaging, social media browsing, and occasional photos find the Nord N100 meets their needs effectively. The exceptional battery life means the phone easily lasts between charges even with moderate daily use. The dual speakers and large screen make it pleasant for watching occasional videos or listening to music.
Parents buying phones for children appreciate the affordable price point that doesn’t require major investment if the device gets lost or damaged. The basic feature set covers communication needs without exposing children to overly expensive technology. The sturdy build with Gorilla Glass 3 provides some durability against the inevitable drops and rough handling.
Power users, mobile gamers, or photography enthusiasts should look elsewhere. The Snapdragon 460 processor and 4GB RAM simply can’t deliver the performance these users require. Gaming beyond casual titles results in poor frame rates and long loading times. Camera quality doesn’t satisfy users who want better low-light performance, optical zoom, or advanced photography features.
Content creators need more capable hardware—the lack of 4K video recording, limited processing power for editing apps, and basic camera quality make the Nord N100 unsuitable for serious content creation. The modest front camera doesn’t deliver the quality expected for regular vlogging or streaming.
Best Alternatives to the OnePlus Nord N100
The Motorola Moto G Power offers similar battery life with 5000mAh capacity but typically includes better cameras and a higher-resolution 1080p display. Motorola’s near-stock Android experience runs smoothly, and the phone often provides better value in terms of photography capabilities, though pricing varies by market.
The Samsung Galaxy A12 competes directly with a similar price point but offers a quad-camera system with a 48MP main sensor for improved photo quality. Samsung’s One UI provides extensive features and generally receives longer software support, though the interface includes more pre-installed apps than OxygenOS.
The Redmi 9 from Xiaomi provides better processing power with the MediaTek Helio G80 chipset, which delivers noticeably improved gaming and multitasking performance. The camera system also typically outperforms the Nord N100, though MIUI software includes more bloatware and advertisements compared to OxygenOS.
The Nokia G20 offers guaranteed Android updates for two years and security patches for three years, making it appealing for users who prioritize software support. The phone includes similar battery capacity and a comparable feature set, though performance remains in the same entry-level category.
OnePlus Nord N100 Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the OnePlus Nord N100 battery last?
The OnePlus Nord N100 features a substantial 5000mAh battery that delivers excellent endurance for an entry-level smartphone. With moderate use including calls, messaging, social media browsing, and occasional video streaming, users can expect the phone to last a full day and well into a second day before needing a recharge. Light users who primarily use the phone for basic communication might stretch battery life to two or even three days. Heavy users streaming video extensively, using GPS navigation, or gaming will still comfortably get through a full day. The efficient Snapdragon 460 processor and 720p display contribute to the extended battery life by consuming less power than higher-end components.
Can I expand the storage on the OnePlus Nord N100?
Yes, the OnePlus Nord N100 includes a microSDXC card slot that allows users to expand beyond the 64GB of internal storage. This feature is particularly valuable given the modest base storage, letting users add space for photos, videos, music, and apps without relying solely on cloud storage or constantly managing available space. The microSD card slot works alongside the dual nano-SIM slots, so users don’t need to sacrifice dual-SIM functionality to add storage. The UFS 2.1 internal storage provides faster read and write speeds than microSD cards for app installations and system functions, so it’s best to use the internal storage for apps and the microSD card for media files.
Does the OnePlus Nord N100 have a good display?
The OnePlus Nord N100 features a 6.52-inch IPS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling and animations smoother than standard 60Hz screens commonly found in budget phones. However, the resolution is 720 x 1600 pixels, resulting in approximately 269 pixels per inch—lower than the 1080p displays found in mid-range devices. This means text and images appear less sharp compared to higher-resolution screens, which may be noticeable when reading small text or viewing detailed photos. The display works well for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and video streaming, though users accustomed to higher-resolution displays might notice the difference. Gorilla Glass 3 provides basic scratch protection, and the IPS LCD technology offers decent viewing angles and outdoor visibility for its price range.
Is the OnePlus Nord N100 good for gaming?
The OnePlus Nord N100 is not designed for serious gaming. The Snapdragon 460 processor and Adreno 610 GPU represent entry-level performance suitable for casual games like puzzle games, basic arcade titles, and simple strategy games. Graphically demanding games like high-end racing games, battle royale titles, or graphics-intensive action games will either run poorly with significant lag and frame drops, or won’t run at all. The 4GB of RAM also limits multitasking while gaming. However, the 90Hz display does provide smoother motion for games that support higher refresh rates and can run on the hardware. The large battery ensures long gaming sessions for supported titles. Users primarily interested in mobile gaming should consider phones with more powerful processors like the Snapdragon 600 or 700 series.
Does the OnePlus Nord N100 support 5G networks?
No, the OnePlus Nord N100 does not support 5G connectivity. The device is limited to 4G LTE, 3G HSPA, 2G GSM, and CDMA networks. This is a common limitation in ultra-budget smartphones where manufacturers reduce costs by excluding 5G capability. For most users in 2020-2021 when the phone launched, 4G LTE provided sufficient speeds for streaming, browsing, and general internet use. However, users seeking future-proof connectivity as 5G networks continue expanding should consider 5G-capable alternatives like the OnePlus Nord N10 5G, which was released alongside the N100 specifically to address the 5G market segment at a slightly higher price point.