OnePlus has announced its latest mid-range smartphone but with a curious omission to its release schedule. For the first time in the series’ short history, the upcoming OnePlus Nord won’t be available to UK customers.
“Nord 3 is not scheduled to go on sale in the UK at all but it’s possible that changes in the future,” a OnePlus spokesperson told TechAdvisor. “Other markets are not impacted.”
In fact, if you visit the OnePlus UK website now, you’ll find every smartphone listed as out of stock, as the screenshot from this morning shows (though earbuds and the company’s tablet can still be ordered).
This, OnePlus said, is a temporary measure related to “logistical challenges around customs leading to delays around order fulfilment”.
Given the rest of Europe is unaffected, the Standard asked OnePlus if these logistical challenges are related to Brexit and if so why are they emerging only now. The company declined to comment beyond its statements elsewhere. According to the Pocket Lint site, the phone is available in 16 EU countries plus other territories such as India.
A big loss to UK customers?
Assuming OnePlus doesn’t relent and we don’t get the OnePlus Nord 3 in the UK, is that a big loss?
While the world isn’t exactly short of capable mid-range phones, the handset does sound promising. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 processor (a solid, if not class-leading processor), the phone can pack up to 16GB RAM and 256GB of storage.
The 6.74-inch panel has been upgraded with a 120Hz refresh rate, which should make things feel as smooth as the biggest flagships from Samsung and Apple.
The phone boasts the same 50-megapixel main camera sensor as the company used on the OnePlus 11, which took took very capable snaps. Alongside that it comes with an 8-megapixel ultrawide lens, a 2-megapixel macro lens for close-up shots and a 16-megapixel selfie camera.
But the biggest feature is for power users perpetually running down the battery. The device’s 5,000mAh cell can charge from 1% to 60% in just 15 minutes thanks to its 80W charger, OnePlus claims.
Before it was announced that the phone wasn’t coming to these shores, it did briefly appear on the UK website with a price tag of £499.99 for the 16GB variant.
That makes the £449 Pixel 7a a good alternative for those looking for a competent all-rounder that won’t break the bank.
