OnePlus introduced the Nord N100 as an entry-level member of the Nord family aimed at buyers prioritizing battery life, a smooth 90Hz display and stereo sound over premium materials or flagship-level cameras. PCMag described it as OnePlus’s least expensive smartphone to date and singled out the display, performance for everyday tasks, and battery life as the phone’s strongest attributes. The hardware in reviews and benchmarks identifies it clearly as a budget device rather than a midrange contender.
This review synthesizes published test results and hands-on impressions: CPU and GPU scores from the Geekbench Browser (single-core 269, multi-core 952; Vulkan 304, OpenCL 207), UL/3DMark figures and device metadata (6.52–6.5" display, 1600–1620×720 resolution, Android 10, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage), and professional reviews from PCMag and Notebookcheck that describe build, display, audio and camera behavior.
High-level verdict: the Nord N100 delivers a genuinely usable 6.5" 90Hz display, stereo speakers and class-leading battery endurance for its segment, while remaining light at 6.6 ounces. Trade-offs are clear: a thin, plasticky back that collects smudges, a modest 13MP rear camera system that PCMag and Notebookcheck call mediocre, and low synthetic benchmark numbers that limit heavy gaming and intensive multitasking.
Everyday tasks are fine, heavy workloads are not
The N100 uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 running up to 1.8 GHz with an Adreno 610 GPU and 4 GB of RAM. Geekbench Browser submissions show a single-core score of 269 and multi-core 952, which aligns with UL’s median 3DMark Wild Life score of 238 and a Vulkan score of 304. Those numbers place the N100 well below modern midrange phones and show it struggles with CPU-bound tasks and graphically intensive games.
In practical terms, the phone handles web browsing, social apps and media playback without stutter, but expect slower app launches, longer load times and lower frame rates in 3D games compared with newer chipsets. Notebookcheck and UL note these results reflect real-world user submissions and that scores vary with thermal conditions and background apps.
A bright 90Hz HD+ screen and stereo speakers punch above class
PCMag highlights the 6.5-inch (reported as 6.52" by UL) 1620×720 or 1600×720 display running at 90Hz: colors are vivid and viewing angles are strong for the segment. Despite the 720p-class resolution, the 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations appear smoother than many sub‑flagship alternatives.
Audio is another area of strength: the phone ships with stereo speakers (Notebookcheck and PCMag both note the inclusion), which improve media playback compared with single-speaker budget models. Brightness and color are competitive for the price tier, but the lower pixel density of 720p means fine text and tiny UI elements are softer than on 1080p phones.
A basic 13MP setup that misses the mark for photography enthusiasts
The rear camera system is centered on a 13 MP sensor (listed by Notebookcheck and UL), and both PCMag and Notebookcheck describe imaging as mediocre. Expect acceptable daylight snaps for social sharing, but limited dynamic range, detail and low-light performance compared with midrange and flagship devices.
Notebookcheck’s testing and PCMag’s hands-on notes underline that camera compromises are common in this price bracket. If mobile photography is a priority, the N100’s 13MP system is an area where competing phones can offer clearer advantages.
Lightweight build with long battery life but a thin, plasticky shell
The N100 is thin and light at roughly 6.6 ounces and dimensions reported by PCMag of about 6.5 by 3.0 by 0.3 inches. The back uses a metallic-looking plastic that Notebookcheck and PCMag call thin; PCMag specifically notes the back accumulates smudges and produces a hollow sound when tapped.
Battery life is repeatedly called out as a strength: Notebookcheck notes a large battery and PCMag emphasizes that battery life is a major positive. UL’s benchmark pages caution that public battery-life submissions vary, but the median results and reviewer impressions both point to above-average endurance for day-to-day use.
Ships with Android 10 and 64 GB storage; modest specs for future-proofing
UL lists the device as running Android 10 with 64 GB of internal storage and 4 GB of RAM. That configuration is workable for basic multitasking and app storage at launch, but Android 10 is already older than current Android releases referenced in recent reviews.
Storage and OS choices highlight the N100’s budget positioning: 64 GB will fill up with apps and media unless the device supports expandable storage (not specified in the provided sources). Buyers who want multiple years of OS updates or larger app libraries should consider this limitation.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ 6.5-inch (6.52") HD+ display at 1620×720/1600×720 with a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling
- ✅ Stereo speakers for improved media playback over single-speaker budget phones
- ✅ Noted long battery life and a large battery pack according to Notebookcheck and PCMag
- ✅ Lightweight handset at about 6.6 ounces and thin dimensions (≈6.5 × 3.0 × 0.3 inches)
- ✅ Ships with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage suitable for basic multitasking and app storage
- ❌ Thin, plasticky back that smudges easily and produces a hollow sound when tapped (PCMag)
- ❌ Modest camera system centered on a 13 MP sensor; reviewers call imaging mediocre
- ❌ Low benchmark performance: Geekbench single-core 269 and multi-core 952; Vulkan 304 and OpenCL 207
- ❌ Ships with Android 10, which is behind current major Android releases
How It Compares to the Competition
- Motorola Moto G Play — Similar budget positioning with comparable screen clarity but different performance behavior and camera tuning.
- Google Pixel 4a — Stronger camera and longer software support than the N100, but different trade-offs in size and materials.
- OnePlus Nord N10 5G — More features including 5G and a higher-tier chipset, making it a better choice if you want more performance and connectivity.
Who Should Buy This & Who Should Skip It
Buy it if: Buy the Nord N100 if you prioritize a smooth-feeling 90Hz large display, stereo speakers, and long battery life in a lightweight phone, and if you mainly run everyday apps rather than CPU- or GPU-intensive games.
Skip it if: Skip the N100 if you need strong mobile photography, fast gaming performance, or the latest Android version; buyers wanting higher sustained performance or better cameras should consider midrange alternatives like the Pixel 4a or OnePlus Nord N10 5G.
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