OnePlus Nord N200 5G Breaks Price Barrier in Nepal, Becomes the Market's Cheapest 5G Phone
In a significant move set to redefine the budget smartphone segment, OnePlus has officially launched the Nord N200 5G in Nepal. Arriving two years after its initial global debut, the device makes a dramatic entrance not with cutting-edge technology, but with an aggressive, market-disrupting price tag. By bringing 5G connectivity and a smooth 90Hz display to an unprecedented low price point, the Nord N200 5G is positioned as the new gateway to the next generation of mobile networking for the masses.
This launch is a calculated play by OnePlus, leveraging an older, proven model to democratize features once reserved for mid-range and premium devices. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the OnePlus Nord N200 5G, its specifications, its compromises, and its official price in Nepal.
OnePlus Nord N200 5G: Price in Nepal & Availability
The defining feature of this launch is its price. The OnePlus Nord N200 5G is set to become the most affordable 5G-capable smartphone currently available in the Nepali market.
4GB RAM + 64GB Storage | NPR 17,499 | Hukut & Authorized Stores |
The device is now available for purchase through Hukut and other OnePlus-authorized retail channels across the country.
OnePlus Nord N200 5G: A Comprehensive Overview
Performance: The Gateway to 5G
The entire value proposition of the Nord N200 hinges on its chipset: the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G. While now a few years old, this 8nm processor was a landmark release, specifically engineered to bring 5G to the budget segment. It integrates Qualcomm's Snapdragon X51 5G modem, enabling access to 5G networks. For its time, it represented a monumental 100% performance uplift over the Snapdragon 460 found in its predecessor, the Nord N100.
The octa-core CPU, with two Cortex-A76 performance cores and six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, paired with the Adreno 619 GPU, delivers a solid, reliable experience for everyday tasks, social media, and light gaming. It's not a high-performance beast, but it’s a significant step up for the entry-level market. This is paired with 4GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 64GB of UFS 2.1 storage, which is expandable up to 256GB via a microSD card.
On the software front, the device shipped globally with OxygenOS based on Android 11 and is eligible for the Android 12 update, which will likely be its final major OS upgrade.
Display and Design: FHD+ Smoothness on a Budget
OnePlus has made two crucial upgrades to the display over the N100. The 6.49-inch LCD panel now features a sharp FHD+ (2400 x 1080) resolution, providing a much crisper and more detailed viewing experience. More importantly, it retains the 90Hz refresh rate, making every scroll and swipe feel noticeably smoother and more fluid than a standard 60Hz screen.
The design is functional and understated. It features a plastic build with a rectangular camera module on the rear and a discreet OnePlus logo in the center. For biometrics, OnePlus has opted for a reliable and fast side-mounted fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button.
The Camera Compromise
To reach its aggressive price point, clear compromises had to be made, and the camera system is the most evident. OnePlus has carried over the exact same triple-camera setup from the N100. This includes a 13MP main sensor, which can take decent photos in good daylight, but will struggle in challenging lighting conditions.
It's accompanied by a 2MP macro sensor and a 2MP monochrome sensor. In reality, these secondary lenses add very little practical value and are included more for marketing than for function. For selfies and video calls, there is a capable 16MP front-facing camera housed in a punch-hole cutout. The camera system is best described as functional for basic needs, but photography enthusiasts will need to look elsewhere.
Battery and The Essentials
The Nord N200 packs a large 5000mAh battery, which, when combined with the power-efficient 8nm chipset and FHD+ display, should provide excellent all-day and even two-day endurance for most users. It supports 18W fast charging via a USB Type-C port, which is a standard speed for this price segment.
In a welcome move for budget-conscious users, the phone retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing the use of traditional wired headphones without a dongle. Connectivity is rounded out with dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.1.
OnePlus Nord N200 5G Full Specifications
Dimensions: 163.1 x 74.9 x 8.3mm
Weight: 189 grams
Display: 6.49-inch IPS LCD, 90Hz refresh rate
Resolution: FHD+ (2400 x 1080 pixels), 20:9 aspect ratio
Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm)
RAM: 4GB LPDDR4X
Storage: 64GB UFS 2.1 (expandable via microSD card)
OS/UI: OxygenOS based on Android 11 (Upgradable to Android 12)
Rear Camera: Triple setup
13MP primary sensor
2MP macro sensor
2MP monochrome sensor
Front Camera: 16MP sensor (punch-hole)
Security: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner
Connectivity: 5G, Dual Nano-SIM, Dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, USB Type-C, 3.5mm audio jack
Battery: 5000mAh
Charging: 18W fast charging
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is the OnePlus Nord N200 5G for?
This phone is specifically designed for budget-conscious users in Nepal whose top priorities are getting access to 5G connectivity and having a smooth 90Hz display, all for the lowest possible price. It's for people who are willing to accept compromises in camera quality and raw gaming performance to get these key features.
2. Why is this two-year-old phone launching in Nepal now?
OnePlus is likely leveraging its older inventory to hit a specific, ultra-low price point for the Nepali market. This strategy allows them to offer a 5G device for a price that would be impossible with a brand-new model, effectively "democratizing" 5G.
3. Is the performance good enough for gaming?
The Snapdragon 480 can handle casual games like Clash of Clans or Candy Crush without any issues. It can also run more demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Free Fire on low to medium graphics settings, but it is not intended for high-performance gaming.
4. What are the main compromises with this phone?
The biggest compromise is the camera system, which is very basic. The second is the age of the device, which means it will not receive major software updates beyond Android 12. Finally, the 4GB RAM and 64GB storage are adequate but not generous.
5. How does it compare to other non-5G phones at the same price?
Compared to other phones around NPR 18,000, the Nord N200's key advantages are its 5G capability and 90Hz screen. Other non-5G phones in this range might offer slightly better cameras, more storage, or more modern designs, but they will lack future-proof 5G connectivity.
6. Is the 90Hz refresh rate a noticeable feature?
Absolutely. The difference between a 60Hz and a 90Hz screen is immediately noticeable when scrolling through menus, social media feeds, and web pages. It makes the phone feel significantly faster and more responsive in daily use.
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