Oppo N3 Evolves From a Quirky Selfie Phone to a Powerful Premium Smartphone

Oppo N3 Evolves From a Quirky Selfie Phone to a Powerful Premium Smartphone

Most people don’t know who Oppo is. In fact, maybe just recently is the first time you’ve ever heard of them with all the hype going on lately. Before the recent news, they were known for making excellent smartphones but without the brand name awareness in America, they haven’t seen much recognition. The Oppo Find 7 is one of the coolest phones ever made and yet, nobody knows it exists except for those who are up to speed on all smartphone related news. However, this allows Oppo to be a bit more quirky in their design choices. For example, the Find 7 has a pulsing blue notification light that hides at the bottom of the phone. It looks amazing but for most people, that’s not a draw. Why go with a random manufacturer when we have Apple and Samsung? My answer: because they have the freedom to do what they want to make the best smartphone possible. The Oppo N3 is living proof of this innovation.

oppo-n3-first-look-5-of-37

Looks

At first glance, the N3 looks quite unremarkable, if a little top heavy. It borrows the gentle slope on the bottom edge from the Find 7 and the faux leather stitching effect from Samsung and seems to lack a front facing camera. Turning the phone over reveals a camera and flash. Oh, and there’s the touch pad but I’ll get to that later.

Oppo has made the N3 out of industrial quality steel so you not only get a very solid and sturdy device, you get the premium feel. Granted, some phones, like the HTC One (M8), end up being a little slippery but we’ll have to wait and see how well the N3 stays in hand.

2014_10_30_11_36_31

Specs

Where the N3‘s predecessor was just an average phone, Oppo has decided to make the N3 into a proper top end device with all the right internal specs. It has all the compatibility as other top smartphones. However, there are two key features that separate the N3 from its competitors.

The first is the touch pad on the back of the phone. Similar to the button placement on the LG G3, Oppo wants you to be able to use that always present support finger to scroll through webpages. The full functionality of the touch pad has yet to be determined but I have high hopes! The other feature is the camera. Now, most smartphones have 2 cameras, 1 on the front, 1 on the back. The N3 only has one but wait…it rotates. Yes, it rotates 206 degrees on an electric motor. It allows you to tilt the 16MP camera in almost any direction which allows for easier photography and some fun new angles.. If you love the camera on your phone and want something off the beaten trail, the N3 is the phone for you.

Weston is our professional gadget reviewer. Nothing thrills him more than being able to get his hands on the latest and greatest in electronics.
Join the Discussion

You Might Also Like

SANDSARA Obsidian & Alabaster review: These kinetic sand sculptures bring serenity to your life

SANDSARA Obsidian & Alabaster review: These kinetic sand sculptures bring serenity to your life

Meet the SANDSARA Obsidian & Alabaster Editions. These kinetic sand sculptures are completely wireless. Plus, you can create your own sand designs via the companion app. Life gets chaotic, I know. Between work and family responsibilities, it can seem like..
Flashlightgo EDC flashlights: They shine light on your outdoor adventures

Flashlightgo EDC flashlights: They shine light on your outdoor adventures

I’ve got adventurers in my family. So when the holidays roll around or their birthdays are near, I know exactly what to buy: EDC gadgets. A palm-size, lightweight design characterizes EDC products, so they’re ideal for my favorite boaters and..
Apple Wonderlust: The new iPhone 15 Pro with USB-C, Apple Watch Series 9, and more

Apple Wonderlust: The new iPhone 15 Pro with USB-C, Apple Watch Series 9, and more

We’re following the Apple September event. Everyone who follows Apple know that this one’s all about the—you did not hear it!—new iPhone 15. The event began at the Apple Park with Tim Cook and showed us glamorous Apple Watch upgrade..
Everdure KILN R Series review: An outdoor pizza oven for home that has a rotating table

Everdure KILN R Series review: An outdoor pizza oven for home that has a rotating table

Elevate your home pizza nights with the Everdure KILN R Series. This pizza oven for your backyard cooks pizza in 2 minutes. Plus, it has a rotating table, giving you an evenly-cooked pie, every time. Anyone who loves pizza knows..
Vitaloop review: This filtration water bottle purifies water from nearly any source

Vitaloop review: This filtration water bottle purifies water from nearly any source

Want to drink fresh, safe water while you hike? Maybe you’re not sure about the water quality at your school or office. Well, that’s where the Vitaloop can help. This filtration water bottle cleans water from pretty much any source...
Withings ScanWatch Light & ScanWatch 2 health smartwatches are like personal health assistants

Withings ScanWatch Light & ScanWatch 2 health smartwatches are like personal health assistants

Withings ScanWatch Light and ScanWatch 2 are both health-focused smartwatches equipped with features for tracking movement, heart rate, and menstrual cycles. Plus, they boast an impressive 30-day battery life. Smartwatches offer a wide range of features and functions that make..