Undeniably inventive, but needlessly innovative. Such is the state of development design smartphone these days, represented by devices like the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge. Oppo does not dabble in turn shows for his first major US release, but with a motorized, rotating camera module, more horsepower and a bevy of unique design features, the n3 is easily one of the most unique phones of the year. This is a fun and efficient device, for sure, although its marquee feature is admittedly gimmicky. And while the $ 649-unlock-only price is pretty reasonable considering the specs, it remains limited appeal. Instead, this one is for diehard tech geek looking for something new, different, and exciting. Otherwise, you will be better served by a slightly stronger, but more affordable Google Nexus 5 $ 389.99 at Amazon.Design, Features, and Performance Network
Oppo first debuted its rotating camera with N1 smartphone last year, so the design is not quite as surprising for n3. The close relationship between the Oppo and upstart OnePlus manufacturer, it is also no surprise that the N3 OnePlus resembles one in many ways. I'm fairly certain that the two phones use the same 5.5-inch, 1080p display, they coincide almost perfect when lined up side by side and are indistinguishable in quality. Although the matte white plastic finish feels like silky and robust. The N3 is much thicker and heavier, though, by 6.35 by 0.39 3.03 inches (HWD) and 6.77 ounces. There is also a more premium-feeling metal band that runs along the perimeter of the N3, which bows out at the bottom to show a clever double-sided light notification. The rotating motorized camera module now and covered with Samsung-like fake leather, complete with fake stitching.
Because of its unorthodox design, all the ports and buttons are pushed to the side of the phone. The micro USB port is on the bottom right, which makes it more difficult to hold on while charging, and the 3.5mm headphone jack is mounted on the top right side, making it difficult to use the headphones without a 90 degree plug. Oppo includes a great set of headphones, but if you have a pair you like, you may need to find an adapter. The Power and Volume buttons are on the left and right sides, respectively, and a combination fingerprint scanner / Power button is Back, mimicking repair LG. The fingerprint scanner worked surprisingly well and reading fingerprints without swiping movements, such as the Apple Touch ID. Seeing a theme here? The N3 is a frankenphone kind, obviously drawing from its many competitors.
Oppo also included a nifty Bluetooth-enabled, three-button key fob that lets you find the N3, control the playback of media, and wireless snap pictures. There is also an LED built in the 2-by-1-inch device that acts as a secondary light-notification.
Supported by the US-version n3 GSM (850/900/1800 / 1900MHz), UMTS (850/900/1700/1900 / 2100MHz), and LTE (Band 1, 4, 7, and 17) networks. Covered with T-Mobile and AT & T LTE bands, both of which provide quick scope, as we found in our latest test Fastest Mobile Network. I tested the N3 especially in an AT & T SIM, but a T-Mobile SIM worked fine as well. Call quality is consistently good, but maybe not well in my testing. Shipping via mic is easy to understand, but lacking in tone, making my voice sound a bit digitized voicemail. Earpiece does not get particularly loud, but will preserve the natural sound of the voice without any hint of distortion. Noise cancellation is disappointing, because the N3 struggled to pay for moderate interior noises.
On a battery rundown test, in which we streamed a video on YouTube over LTE with the screen brightness set to maximum, the 3,000mAh battery lasted n3 for 6 hours, 51 minutes. It was a terrific show, but shy of Samsung Galaxy Note 4 of 7 hours, 56 minutes in the same test.