OnePlus Nord

This phone packs a potent octacore processor, a vibrant 6.44-inch display, an in-display fingerprint scanner and 5G connectivity for ultrafast data speeds. All of that's wrapped up in a great-looking blue body that feels anything but cheap. Add to that three rear cameras that take decent shots and two selfie cameras, and the Nord is as well-stacked as any of today's elite handsets.

OnePlus’ return to mid-range smartphones presents some strong competition to both older flagships and the current crop of budget devices. It has a big 6.4-inch screen that can run at 90Hz for a smoother software experience. OnePlus has also packed in enough camera tech to ensure the Nord takes decent photos, with all the flexibility of a four-sensor setup. With 5G and a just-about-good-enough processor, the price is right, even if this phone is unlikely to make it to the US.

The Nord is a really solid midrange phone, but it’s not perfect. It’s well-specced, with a wide array of cameras and a big high refresh rate display. But in reality, it doesn’t get the most out of all this hardware. Its processor can’t get the most out of its screen all of the time, and camera performance only ends up being okay rather than excellent. None of these are dealbreakers at this price, though, and I wouldn’t say the Nord outright underperforms in any one area.

In the market for a sub-$500 phone? Get the Nord and you won't be disappointed. Or hold out for Google's upcoming Pixel 4A, which likely won't be able to match the Nord on things like display and performance, but it might have a better camera. One thing is clear: It's getting harder and harder to justify the skyrocketing prices of flagships, and that includes the $899 OnePlus 8 Pro.

The OnePlus Nord is a great mid-range option, with a premium feel, smooth performance, and wonderful battery life. But its uneven rear-camera performance holds it back from being the ideal budget Android phone.

If you’re looking for a surprisingly high-quality smartphone from a reliable and quickly growing smartphone company, the OnePlus Nord might be the phone that best suits you.

The OnePlus Nord gets its priorities right, delivering flagship fundamentals without the fluff - all at an astonishing price.

We like the Nord’s beautiful screen, versatile cameras, flagship-worthy performance, solid battery life, and polished software -- not to mention the unrivaled value. Still, there’s room for improvement. That plastic mid-frame has absolutely no place in a OnePlus phone -- even the OnePlus X was metal and glass. We also really want OnePlus to bring wireless charging to its entire product line. It’s time.