You can get OnePlus Nord in the US — but there's a big catch

You can get OnePlus Nord in the US — but there's a big catch

In other words, you want the OnePlus Nord, but you live in the US or Canada and OnePlus does not sell the device in North America - at least not yet But there is a way to get one, though your chances may be slim

OnePlus has announced a beta testing program for the Nord in North America The company is handpicking 50 "tech enthusiasts" to create "professionally crafted, unbiased reviews" of its new entry-level phones The call for applications opens today and closes at 10:30 am ET on July 28 You can apply via this online form

Selected participants will be encouraged to communicate with the OnePlus product team and provide as much feedback as possible The reviews of these 50 participants will be published on August 31, and OnePlus has stated that some of that group will be allowed to keep their Nord units

The last part is certainly suspect: a post on the official OnePlus forum detailing the program states, "Beta testers who give truly honest feedback and do so in a thorough and clear manner will be allowed to keep their Nord Unfortunately, all others must return the device within one month"

The post does not offer any deeper criteria than that, nor does it outline how OnePlus intends to ensure that these reviews are "fair," as OnePlus claims, while reviewers compete for free phones OnePlus rewards I hope that not all of the participants they give out are those who praise the new devices, but in the end, time will tell how this program turns out

Interestingly, the Nord units that OnePlus will ship to beta testers/reviewers will be international models offered elsewhere in the world As such, it lacks certain bands used by T-Mobile and AT&T in the US, OnePlus warns in its post

If you are interested in the program, be aware that OnePlus collects a significant amount of data on applicants, including their age, gender, and employment status, as part of the selection process According to the company, beta testers will be prioritized "according to their writing, photography, and videography skills," but "most importantly, we are looking for people who can communicate their candid experiences in clear and detailed ways" Applicants are not required to be members of the OnePlus forum, although there is a question on the application asking if they are members

But if all of this is out of your wheelhouse, or sounds too much trouble, OnePlus told us last week that if the Nord sells well enough, it may eventually make its way to North America Hopefully, you might be able to get it without "unbiased reviews from experts"

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