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OnePlus Nord N20: 5 flagship-killing features

Will OnePlus reinstate itself as the flagship-killer brand? (Image source: OnePlus via the The Verge)
Will OnePlus reinstate itself as the flagship-killer brand? (Image source: OnePlus via the The Verge)
Earlier this week, OnePlus launched the Nord N20 in the United States. Available exclusively from T-Mobile starting at US$282, the Android smartphone packs in many flagship features for a third of the price. Beginning next week, OnePlus fans will be able to get their hands on this flagship killer. Take a look at what sets the N20 apart!
Article compiled by Brahm Shank
The choices and comments made on this list belong solely to the author.

1. Fast charging

OnePlus is well known for its rapid charging solutions across its smartphone lineup and the OnePlus N20 is no exception. Packing in a solid 4,500-mAh battery and equipped with 33 W fast charging, the N20 features the kind of charging speeds that owners of high-end flagships dream of.

Unlike other smartphone vendors the charger is in fact included in the box. (Image source: OnePlus via the The Verge)
Unlike other smartphone vendors the charger is in fact included in the box. (Image source: OnePlus via the The Verge)

2. Always-on display

Yet another helpful and forward-thinking feature that sets the N20 apart from flagships like the iPhone, is the inclusion of an always-on screen.

Allowing users to quickly glance at the time, or view notifications without fully waking the device, not only conserves device power but it also saves time. Always-on displays are ideal for productivity pros or heavy social media users who receive many notifications throughout the day. 

3. Expandable storage

The OnePlus N20 resurrects a future-proofing measure valued by Android phone users of yore, most notably the Samsung Galaxy lineup, by enabling expandable microSD storage up to 512 GB. Samsung left a sour taste in the mouths of many of its users when it sunset expandable storage first on the Galaxy S6, and then again on the Galaxy S21.

4. Expansive screen

Coming in larger than most flagships, including the iPhone 13, and on par with the Google Pixel 6 at 6.43 inches, the AMOLED display on the OnePlus N20 is not to be underestimated. In what is most definitely a cost-saving measure, OnePlus decided against offering 120 Hz refresh rate technology instead opting in favor of a standard 60 Hz refresh rate.

This decision is interesting given that the N20 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695, which supports FHD+ displays with up to 120-Hz refresh rates.

Flat edges are making a comeback on smartphones. Is Apple setting the trend? (Image source: OnePlus via the The Verge)
Flat edges are making a comeback on smartphones. Is Apple setting the trend? (Image source: OnePlus via the The Verge)

5. 5G connectivity

The 5G revolution has officially picked up speed, aging beyond its infancy and into an age where many budget and midrange smartphones now come with the technology as standard. The Snapdragon 695 SoC inside the OnePlus N20 includes the X51 5G radio enabling up to 2.5 Gbits download speeds.

The lack of support for mmWave technology and the 6 nm architecture of the chip allows for relatively impressive power-saving efficiency that can translate into respectable battery life. 

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Brahm Shank, 2022-04-21 (Update: 2022-04-21)