Greatest provide on the Nuu N10 smartphone:
Discount electronics are extraordinarily in style proper now. We’re seeing a few of the greatest wi-fi earbuds and wi-fi headphones below $100 problem class leaders just like the AirPods Professional 2 and Sony WH-1000XM6, respectively. A number of of the greatest Amazon Echo units proceed to dominate the good residence sector, delivering intuitive voice help that many high-end rivals have but to match (cough, Google Residence, cough), and at a fraction of the associated fee.
Smartphones appear to be the one market the place budgetary choices aren’t as in style. It’s comprehensible. All of us aspire to personal the very best cellphone cash can purchase, and flagship telephones are modern-day standing symbols. And contemplating how a lot time we spend on our telephones, they justify an funding. Therefore the excessive buy costs for the most recent iPhones and Android units (working example, the $1,999.99 Samsung Galaxy Fold 7).
Nicely, smartphone developer Nuu hopes to alter the narrative round low-cost Android telephones. (Nuu additionally positions these telephones as the perfect starter cellphone for youngsters.) Its N sequence lineup consists of three Android-operated fashions: the N10, N20, and N30. These highest entry sells for $150 — and even much less on Amazon once they’re on sale.
I received my fingers on the entry-level Nuu N10 to see if this $100 Android cellphone might compete with my Google Pixel 9. The reply is a powerful no. Nevertheless, it’s shockingly higher than I anticipated from a cellphone this low-cost.
Learn my full Nuu 10 smartphone overview to see what I preferred about this finances cell machine.
A stable performer with unsung traits
Credit score: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
The N10 gained’t blow you away with cool AI options (which is a plus for some customers), jaw-dropping visuals, or super-fast processing speeds, however what it does ship is spectacular.
Beneath the hood lies a single 1.6GHz octa-core Unisoc processor that enables for easy navigation and activity enablement. That is the Chromebook of telephones. There’s noticeable lag when accessing sure apps or knocking down the notifications tab. Aside from that, the N10 runs superb. My unit by no means crashed or overheated when used excessively all through the work week.
The 5,000mAh battery will get you about 10 hours of constant use, relying on how you utilize the cellphone. Excessive quantity, display screen brightness, and working a number of apps within the background will slash battery life in half. Nuu included 18W USB-C quick charging to completely cost the cellphone in lower than 1 hour.
Having 8GB of RAM to run superior options and 128GB of inner storage with microSD card help is exceptional for $100. You possibly can obtain quite a few Spotify playlists and take a whole bunch of pics on the machine. Google integration additionally expands storage capability by the use of Google Drive.
Mashable Gentle Velocity
Credit score: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
Mic efficiency isn’t as unhealthy as some tech shops report. In my testing, I had no issues utilizing Google Assistant or the speakerphone. The suggestions I obtained from voice calls was optimistic. Keep in mind that ambient noise can have an effect on name high quality and voice command translations, however noise-cancelling headphones might additionally assist with that.
There are three extra options nicely value mentioning. First is the three.5mm headphone jack, which has been faraway from most present telephones, however is accessible on the N10 to appease wired listening fans. Two twin SIM slots sit on the highest proper, so you’ll be able to add an area SIM card and keep away from roaming prices when touring. Lastly, you should use face recognition expertise to unlock the N10 utilizing the entrance digicam. It really works surprisingly nicely.
Extra of a backup or starter cellphone than a main choice
Credit score: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
The N10 isn’t designed to satisfy most cell person’s wants, which might be why Nuu pitches this to oldsters. Apple’s, Google’s, and Samsung’s choices spoil us with infinite options, attractive shows, and strong processing. You’re not getting that right here.
The cellphone’s plastic development is indicative of the worth. I don’t thoughts it as a result of the fabric gives better safety than the delicate glass development on at this time’s premium telephones. Trend-forward people gained’t discover it stylish within the least. Visibility might be a problem because of the low-lit show, and it’s troublesome to view something in daylight.
Nuu’s rear 13MP digicam with 2MP macro lens is weak. Depth and element are missing compared to photos I captured on my Google Pixel 9 (see above). There isn’t any optical picture stabilizing, which means any photographs you snap on a dime will come out blurry because of shakiness. The front-facing 5MP is even worse and takes dull-looking selfies.
Left:
Photograph taken with Nuu N10 smartphone.
Credit score: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
Proper:
Photograph taken with Google Pixel 9.
Credit score: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
Left:
Images taken with the Nuu N10 smartphone.
Credit score: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
Proper:
Photograph taken with Google Pixel 9.
Credit score: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
Whereas music and movies sound clear on the speaker, audio output is way superior on the most recent iPhones and Android telephones (bass and midrange sounded a lot better on the Pixel 9).
However the cellphone’s largest knock is the fingerprint scanner, which is put in on the ability button. I might like to share in-depth particulars on the way it performs…had I gotten previous the setup course of. The function all the time timed out and by no means absolutely scanned my finger.
Now, that seems like a number of downsides, however that is as a result of we will not assist however examine the N10 to the flagship units we’re used to testing. Tech reviewers are hardly the goal demo right here, in any case.
Is the Nuu N10 smartphone value it?
Credit score: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
Sure, however provided that you’re looking for for a high quality, entry-level cellphone that prices lower than a dinner date. It’s a good substitute that may maintain you over till your new luxurious cellphone arrives. I additionally suggest the N10 for folks who need to reward their pre-teen a newbie cellphone. Likewise, in case you’re touring abroad and do not need to convey your fancy new cellphone, the Nuu N10 can deal with the fundamentals.
What the N10 gives is greater than serviceable for the worth. The Android expertise is pure with zero bloatware, one thing that normally takes up a big chunk of reminiscence. Google’s function suite is at your disposal for seamless productiveness on the go. Music streaming is satisfying and secure over Bluetooth. The working system and apps function at a average tempo. Moreover, the 6.6-inch HD+ touchscreen is OK for social media shopping and YouTube viewing — simply keep away from brightly lit environments when indulging in content material.
There are as many cons as there are professionals. Nonetheless, the N10 proves itself as a more-than-capable low-cost Android cellphone that handles main cell duties effectively. That’s all you’ll be able to ask for at below $100.
