I find phones like the Nuu B30 Pro intriguing. It’s not because it competes with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or introduces groundbreaking features, but rather because it exceeds my initial expectations.
I must admit that I may have been too quick to judge the Nuu B30 Pro, but I’m pleased to acknowledge that my initial assessment was incorrect. Here’s why you shouldn’t dismiss the Nuu B30 Pro as just another budget Android phone.
Why did I rush to judge the Nuu B30 Pro?
There are numerous affordable Android phones from lesser-known brands available online and in stores. These phones often come with drawbacks like inefficient performance, slow software, and subpar cameras. Initially priced at $300 (or $270 with an early bird discount), the Nuu B30 Pro stands out from these phones. However, its iPhone-inspired camera module, Android 13 software, and ambitious camera claims (“professional-grade”) can set up unrealistic expectations.
Upon unboxing the phone, things start to look better. The Gorilla Glass rear panel and Dragontrail glass on the front, with their steep curves, give the phone a premium appearance reminiscent of flagship phones from several years ago. Despite its plastic chassis, the glass gives it a high-end feel, making it feel well-balanced and lightweight.
The shimmering blue/green finish on the phone is visually appealing, and despite my initial reservations about the camera layout, it’s not unattractive—just derivative. The Nuu B30 Pro impressed me from the moment I held it and continued to do so during setup and testing. It feels comfortable to hold and looks striking in its unique color. This is when I started to reconsider my initial judgment of the Nuu B30 Pro.
What’s the experience like with the Nuu B30 Pro
Nuu has equipped the B30 Pro with the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 processor, along with 12GB of RAM on my device and an additional 6GB from a RAM booster feature. Despite occasional stutters during intensive game moments, the midrange chip eventually settled down and performed admirably.
The phone runs Android 13 smoothly, with minimal alterations by Nuu, maintaining the system’s speed and ease of use. The 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with a switchable refresh rate and the 5,000mAh battery with 30-watt wired charging enhance the overall user experience.
The camera performance
The Nuu B30 Pro’s camera setup offers decent performance for its price point. The main 108-megapixel camera produces good-quality photos suitable for social media sharing. However, the secondary cameras like the 8MP wide-angle and 2MP macro lenses deliver mixed results, lacking detail and consistency.
Despite camera limitations, the Nuu B30 Pro includes a bonus of one-year Google One Basic access during the preorder phase, alleviating some camera-related shortcomings.
Final thoughts on the Nuu B30 Pro
The Nuu B30 Pro has exceeded my expectations, offering a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers looking for a unique Android 5G phone without compromising on quality. While it may lack certain premium features, its reasonable price point and user-friendly software make it a standout choice in the midrange smartphone segment.
It’s worth noting that this assessment is based on initial impressions, and further testing regarding battery life, software reliability, and daily usability is required. Despite minor drawbacks like warming during gaming sessions and a slightly slow fingerprint sensor, the Nuu B30 Pro presents a promising alternative to mainstream midrange smartphones.
Ultimately, the Nuu B30 Pro is a solid option for bargain hunters seeking a 5G Android phone with a distinctive design and reliable performance, making it a worthwhile consideration in the crowded smartphone market.
