Here’s why I recommend the OnePlus over most budget phones – especially at $70 off

OnePlus Nord N30 5G

June Wan/ZDNET

Midrange smartphones like the OnePlus Nord N30 are a nice alternative to high-end devices like the OnePlus 13. They provide a premium experience without the exorbitant cost. And now, thanks to a new deal, this already affordable phone is even cheaper. The device typically costs $300, but as part of a new late Spring promotion, you can get it as low as $230 right now.

Also: I’m a phone expert and these Memorial Day mobile deals are too good to skip

For a limited time, you can head over to OnePlus’ digital store and buy the OnePlus Nord N30 5G for $230, a $70 discount. There’s no need to enter a special promo code or anything. The savings are automatically applied. Be aware that the device only comes in a single configuration. The OnePlus Nord N30 has 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage space, and a Chromatic Gray color scheme.

If the 23% discount wasn’t enough, the company is also offering a free gift with purchase. You can choose between a pair of Half In-Ear Wired Digital Type-C Earphones or a Sandstone Bumper Case.

OnePlus’ Nord N30 is a top-notch midrange smartphone that launched in 2023. In his review, ZDNET’s Matthew Miller praised the mobile device’s features. The N30 sports a high-resolution 6.72-inch AMOLED touchscreen with an adaptive refresh rate of 120Hz. All this tech ensures the display consistently outputs vibrant images and fluid videos for immersive media consumption.

Also: The OnePlus 12 is still on par with today’s flagship phones – and it’s on sale for $150 off

It runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695, which isn’t the most powerful chipset in the world. However, when combined with the “fairly stock OxygenOS UI,” it delivers a smooth performance. Phone calls sound “perfect,” as noted by Miller, and the camera system is decent for its price range. Just don’t expect it to compete with flagship smartphones.

The free earphones mentioned earlier plug directly into the Nord N30’s USB-C port. If you want the case, the phone does have a 3.5 mm audio jack for accepting other headphones. 

Joining OnePlus’ trade-in program can net you even more savings. For example, if you trade in a third-generation iPhone SE to Best Buy, you shave up to $51 off the Nord N30’s price — assuming the device is in good condition.

How I rated this deal

$70 off on a $300 purchase is a solid discount. I would recommend this mobile device even at full price, and here, we have nearly a third of its price chopped off in one swoop. As a result, ZDNET’s rating system grants this promotion a decent score of 3/5. I have seen the OnePlus Nord N30 go for even cheaper in the past. Hopefully, those previous sales returns, but $230 is not bad for the moment. 

As per OnePlus, this offer will end on May 31, 2025.

However, deals are subject to sell out or expire at any time, though ZDNET remains committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best product deals for you to score the best savings. Our team of experts regularly checks in on the deals we share to ensure they are still live and obtainable. We’re sorry if you’ve missed out on a deal, but don’t fret — we constantly find new chances to save and share them with you on ZDNET.com


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We aim to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter. ZDNET offers 33 years of experience, 30 hands-on product reviewers, and 10,000 square feet of lab space to ensure we bring you the best of tech. 

In 2025, we refined our approach to deals, developing a measurable system for sharing savings with readers like you. Our editor’s deal rating badges are affixed to most of our deal content, making it easy to interpret our expertise to help you make the best purchase decision.

At the core of this approach is a percentage-off-based system to classify savings offered on top-tech products, combined with a sliding-scale system based on our team members’ expertise and several factors like frequency, brand or product recognition, and more. The result? Hand-crafted deals are chosen specifically for ZDNET readers like you, fully backed by our experts. 

Also: How we rate deals at ZDNET in 2025


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The recent US tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.

Also: Tariff war has tech buyers wondering what’s next. Here’s what we know

Smartphones are among the most affected by the new US tariffs, with devices imported from China and Vietnam facing steep duties that could raise retail prices by 20% or more. Brands like Apple and Google, which rely heavily on Asian manufacturing, may either pass these costs on to consumers or absorb them at the expense of profit margins. 

The tariffs could also lead to delays in product launches or shifts in where and how phones are made, forcing companies to diversify production to countries with more favorable trade conditions.


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Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends.



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