It’s hard to believe that OnePlus is already six years old. The company’s all grown up now. You can find the OnePlus 8 in T-Mobile and Verizon stores, and the OnePlus 8 Pro competes directly with the best flagships from Apple and Samsung. But this has come at a price — literally. With the OnePlus 8 costing $699+ and the OnePlus 8 Pro $899+, OnePlus is no longer first and foremost a price leader — especially in fiercely competitive markets like Europe and India.
And then there’s the OnePlus Nord. In an outstanding example of masterful marketing, the company has spent months building up hype for a quality sub-$500 5G smartphone that lives up to its “Never Settle” catchphrase. When’s the last time anyone’s been excited about a mid-range phone? Never. Yet somehow OnePlus pulled it off. At €399+, the Nord managed to get even the most jaded tech journalists excited — including us here at HotHardware.
We just spent a couple weeks testing the OnePlus Nord, and we’re not going to lie: it’s a fantastic Android phone, no matter what. But there’s a major catch. It’s not officially coming to the US — at least not yet. So, does the OnePlus Nord live up to the hype? With its Snapdragon 765G, 90Hz display, and 48MP OIS main camera, is it a premium mid-ranger or an affordable flagship? And should you get one? Let’s find out in our full review.
OnePlus Nord Hardware And Design
From the moment OnePlus revealed the Nord we had a strong sense of deja-vu. Our hunch was confirmed after digging through our pile of review units. The OnePlus Nord has a twin: the Oppo Reno3 Pro. It’s no surprise really, since both companies fall under the BBK group (along with Vivo and Realme), and often share technology. This also helps bring prices down, thanks to economies of scale.
But let’s end the comparison right here. The OnePlus Nord might share its 6.44-inch screen and general design with the Reno3 Pro, but both handsets are fundamentally different. Case in point: the Reno3 Pro lacks the Nord’s 90Hz refresh rate, 5G support, its OIS main shooter, and build quality. Speaking of materials, the Nord features Gorilla Glass 5 front and back, but a plastic mid-frame instead of metal — which is rather disappointing.
At least this plastic mid-frame looks and feels premium. We honestly thought it was metal until OnePlus confirmed it was plastic. Still, this doesn’t jive with the company’s “Never Settle” motto. Beyond this, there really aren’t any other signs of cost cutting. The Nord adopts design cues from the OnePlus 8-series, like the rear vertical camera pod — except here it’s been shifted over to the top left corner. And ditto the funky colors.
Our review unit came in OnePlus’ new signature hue: Blue Marble (aka. Nord blue). It’s gorgeous, and it matches the OnePlus Buds. The other color is called Gray Onyx. At 158.3 x 73.3 x 8.2mm and 184g, the Nord is about the same dimensions and weight as the OnePlus 8 and Samsung Galaxy S20+. Like the OnePlus 8, the Nord lacks a headphone jack and IP rating, but there’s a gasket around the SIM tray, meaning there’s some water resistance here.
In front, the 6.44-inch AMOLED display (1080p/90Hz) is perfectly flat, with a pill-shaped punch hole in the top left corner for the dual front shooters (32MP and 8MP ultrawide). Around the back, you’ll find quad cameras (48MP main with OIS, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 5MP depth), along with a dual-LED flash and OnePlus branding. A 4115mAh battery lives under the rear glass, with support for 30W fast charging.
Unsurprisingly, there’s no wireless charging. The OnePlus 8 lacks this feature, so what did you expect? The mono speaker, USB Type-C port (USB 2.0), primary mic, and dual-SIM tray are housed on the bottom edge, with the secondary mic at the top. On the left side you’ll find the volume rocker, while the power/lock key and mute/vibrate/ring slider are located on the right. It’s all very familiar, if you’ve ever used a OnePlus phone.
Here’s a quick unboxing video before we dive into the details…
802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1+LE, NFC, USB-C, LTE, 5G
Colors
Blue Marble, Gray Onyx
Pricing
Find OnePlus’s Nord @ Amazon, Starting at €399
OnePlus Nord Display Quality
The OnePlus Nord boasts a lovely 6.44-inch FHD+ (2400 x 1080 pixels, 408ppi) screen. It’s a Fluid AMOLED panel with minimal bezels (just a tiny chin), and a pill-shaped punch hole in the top left corner (for the two selfie cameras). This display has a 20:9 aspect ratio and is completely flat — something we much prefer over the curved edges found on the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro. It also features 2048 brightness levels, and looks fine in direct sunlight.
Like other AMOLED screens, colors are punchy and blacks are infinitely deep. Viewing angles are good too, with no obvious off-axis color shift. It’s clear OnePlus didn’t skimp on display quality here — the HDR10+ support and 90Hz refresh rate are just the icing on the cake. Not only are high-refresh rate displays still rare at this price point, but they enable a wonderfully smooth and responsive user experience. We’re big fans.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
