OnePlus Nord N200 Review

The OnePlus Nord N200 packs a lot of phone for a little money. Just $269.99 gets you terrific 5G connectivity, a 90Hz refresh rate display, and an all-day battery. You'll even appreciate amenities like a headphone jack and microSD card slot, rarities on modern handsets. 

While the OnePlus N200 might not produce awe-inspiring pictures or run demanding games at high settings, it's a good 5G phone that won't break the bank. 

Decide if this is the right budget phone for you in our OnePlus N200 review.

Editor's Note: The OnePlus Nord N200 5G was originally released in June of 2021 and may no longer be available at all carriers. You can likely still purchase Nord N200 5G as a refurbished device or from online retailers. The following information has been reviewed for relevance and accuracy.

---

---

Why We Recommend
The OnePlus N200

Although you don't benefit from a beefy processor or DSLR-caliber camera, the OnePlus Nord N200 ticks all the boxes of a basic 5G phone.

What we like: Great value

Originally priced at $319.99 but frequently on sale for under $270, the OnePlus Nord N200 5G is a fantastic value. Although it's not currently being sold through any carriers, you can buy from an online retailer and then activate your new phone with a cheap month-to-month plan. Not sure where to start? Check out some of the most affordable plans below and find more through our round-up of the best cell phone plan deals in Canada.

What we like: microSD card slot and headphone jack

Features like a microSD card slot and headphone jack have all but gone the way of the dinosaur. Thankfully, the OnePlus Nord N200 retains both. MicroSD card expansion is particularly useful considering the phone's measly 64GB of onboard storage, which quickly fills up with apps, pictures, and music. Although Bluetooth wireless audio is convenient for listening to music or taking calls, simply plugging in a pair of headphones or an AUX cord is handy.

What we like: 90Hz refresh rate display

OnePlus graces the Nord N200 with an impressive 5000mAh battery capacity, which lasts over 10 hours and 20 minutes in both its 90Hz or 60Hz refresh rate display modes. Its fast response time ensures a spectacular experience for casual gaming, buttery smooth scrolling, and responsive tapping.

Whether immersed in Grand Theft Auto III for Android or reading an article on RogerEbert.com, I found the N200's screen peppy. Moreover, colors from its 66.49-inch 2400 x 1080 pixel screen look bright and punchy. Stranger Things was a treat to watch on the go, while games like Broken Sword and Batman: The Telltale Game were rich and colorful.

What we like: Long battery life

In our experience, the OnePlus Nord 200 5G's 5000mAh battery clocked over 10 hours and 30 minutes with the screen set at 60Hz, and more than 10 hours and 20 minutes at 90Hz. Because of the minor difference in battery drain, I suggest leaving the N200 locked at 90Hz to enjoy enhanced performance.  

Although you're limited to 18W wired fast charging, at least there's a charging cable and power brick in the box. I squeezed in loads of calling, texting, and Spotify streaming without needing to juice up until the evening. What's more, I even managed a spot of gaming.       

What we don't like: Middling camera

As a budget phone, the N200 takes adequate pictures. Whereas flagship OnePlus phones, like the 10 Pro, sport spectacular cameras, the N200 doesn't. At under $270, that's expected, but even Google's older Pixel 4a delivers better photo quality. Under most well-lit indoor or outside scenarios, the N200 delivers passable images, granted without accurate colors or contrast.

Overall, the N200's camera is alright, but it's nowhere near flagship or mid-range level. Low-light and fast-motion photography is particularly underwhelming. Likewise, video quality is simply average. Of course, you get what you pay for; in this case, the camera could be better.

OnePlus N200 Features

Now that we've looked at what we like (and don't) about the OnePlus N200, let's review its highlight features.

Slick OxygenOS 11 Android software

The OnePlus N200 runs Android 11 with the OxygenOS 11 launcher out-of-the-box. It's similar to the stock Android experience on my Google Pixel 6 Pro but features sweet customization options. OxygenOS 11 is snappy and engineered for one-hand use, something I found a breeze with the Nord N200. In my testing, I liked its user-friendly design that's great whether you're a seasoned Android pro or switching from iPhone.

Great build quality

Looking at and even holding the OnePlus Nord N200, its cheap price tag isn't readily apparent. The N200 features solid heft without being too heavy. There's a durable plastic backing, a gorgeous display, and a slew of physical buttons. A fingerprint sensor comes integrated with the power button for easy unlocking.

OnePlus N200 vs. Competitors

Let's see how the OnePlus stacks up against rivals from Motorola and Samsung.

OnePlus N200 vs. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G

Like the Nord N200, Motorola's Moto G Stylus 5G is a high-performing budget-priced handset. The Moto G Stylus 5G gets you a bigger screen with a faster refresh rate, more RAM, and an improved camera system. Additionally, the Motorola boasts a more powerful processor. However, the OnePlus Nord N200 is around $50 cheaper than the Moto G Stylus 5G. While the Moto G Stylus is a more capable Android phone, the N200 is a significantly better value. If you want a cheap but reliable Android, go with the Moto, or opt for the OnePlus for extreme savings.

OnePlus N200 vs. other competitors

The Samsung Galaxy A32 is one of the top budget 5G phones and best Samsung phones on the market. Compared with the Nord N200, the A32 offers a better camera, regular software updates, and slightly better 5G compatibility. However, the OnePlus N200 provides improved performance, connectivity (including enhanced Bluetooth support), and a higher-quality display. We recommend the Nord N200 over the Samsung A32, although both punch well above their weight class. 

Recap: Is The OnePlus N200
Right for You?

Among budget-priced phones, the OnePlus Nord N200 doesn't cut too many corners. While the N200 doesn't deliver a bleeding-edge processor, class-leading camera, or wireless charging, it marvelously masters the basics.

Here's what you get from the OnePlus N200:

• Reliable Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G processor
• Long-lasting 5000mAh battery
• Generously-sized 90Hz refresh rate display
• microSD card slot
• Headphone jack
• Exceptional 5G performance

We'd prefer an improved camera array and better software support. Nevertheless, the OnePlus Nord N200's affordability makes it a compelling option as a daily driver or secondary device.

Frequently Asked Questions

---

Is the OnePlus N200 worth buying?

How long does the OnePlus N200 battery last?

Does the OnePlus Nord N200 have Gorilla Glass?

Is the OnePlus Nord N200 waterproof?