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This  Android phone won’t replace my Pixel 9 Pro, but it’s better than handsets twice as expensive
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This $99 Android phone won’t replace my Pixel 9 Pro, but it’s better than handsets twice as expensive

n10hero.jpg

ZDNET Key Takeaways

  • The NUU N10 Android phone is now available on Amazon for $99.
  • This phone is about as impressive as it is on a tight budget.
  • The NUU N10 suffers from a bit of lag with animations, and the camera won’t wow you.

I’ve seen just about every type of Android phone on the market, from the cheap to the ridiculously expensive. Some of these handsets have impressed me with their price/performance combination, while others have left me wondering, “Why is this necessary?”

And then there are the low-end devices, the ones you’d expect to find for sale at a drugstore or truck stop. These phones are rarely worth the time and effort it takes to open the packaging.

Also: One of the best cheap Android phones I’ve tested isn’t a Samsung or OnePlus

Every once in a while, though, a budget Android phone ends up in my hands and changes my mind about price. (After all, not everyone can afford one $1,000 phone.)

When the NUU Mobile representative asked me if I wanted to check out the new NUU N10I was more than happy to oblige. I had already reviewed a previous NUU device (the NUU B30) and left very impressed. Would the N10 make the same noise?

Let’s find out.

Specifications

  • Processor: Octa-Core UNISOC T606 at 1.4 GHz
  • RAM: 4GB
  • Internal storage: 128 GB with microSD card support
  • Carrier: T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, Q Link Wireless, ULTRA Mobile, Google Fi, Hello Mobile, Tello Mobile, Lycamobile, Patriot Mobile, Republic Wireless, Simple Mobile, StandUp Wireless, SpeedTalk and Telcel America.
  • Display: 6.6-inch HD+ display with 90Hz refresh rate
  • Battery: 5000mAh
  • Cameras: 13MP main, 2MP macro, 5MP selfie and LED flash
  • Operating system: Android 14

Note: The N10 is not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, Cricket, Boost Mobile, Tracfone, Pulse Cellular, Union Wireless, Spectrum or any CDMA carrier.

My experience

First, let me remind you that this is a $99 phone, so understand that the N10 won’t compete with a Pixel 9 Pro. That said, the N10 is an impressive device for its price.

Yes, it can be a bit slow (with the animations and app switching), but overall the UI is pretty responsive. Speaking of the user interface, the N10 offers a pretty basic Android experience. There is no additional UI overlay or even bloatware. THE only additional software is the NUU Help application. Other than that, it’s pure Android.

Also: The best cheap phones: tested and reviewed by experts

The phone is a bit larger than my Pixel 9 pro and slightly heavier (when I remove my Pixel from its case). Even with the extra height, the phone fits nicely in my hands (which are smaller than average).

The N10 compared to my Pixel 9 Pro.

The N10 is slightly larger than my Pixel 9 Pro.

Jack Wallen/ZDNET

The configuration of the N10 is the same as any other Android phonewhich means just connect to a Wi-Fi network (or insert a supported SIM card) and log in to your Google account. Once this is set, the setup will complete itself and you will be left with a very familiar interface.

The N10 offers PIN/fingerprint/face unlock options; Although the fingerprint scanner is integrated into the power button, it works well. The face scanner is quite impressive and unlocks the phone almost immediately. I’ve had much more expensive Android phones where the face unlock option lags and is even inconsistent with being able to unlock. The N10 suffers no such issues.

Also: One of the most durable Android phones I’ve tested is also one of the cheapest.

Probably the most important thing you’re wondering about is performance. How could a $99 phone stand up to the fierce competition in today’s market? As noted above, this isn’t a Pixel phone, so don’t expect Pixel performance. However, considering its price, the N10’s performance is impressive. Of course, there is some lag when opening certain apps, lowering the notification shade or app drawer.

An example photo of a bonsai taken with the NUU N10.

Outdoors, the N10 camera performs well, but won’t win any awards.

Jack Wallen/ZDNET

The display is not bad. YouTube videos look good and even sound clear (although a little tinny – which is normal from phone speakers), so no complaints there.

Also: 5 hidden Android features that can make your life easier

This phone’s cameras won’t win any awards, but they’re serviceable. With plenty of light, the main camera can take a pretty decent photo. In low light, images can become quite “noisy” with too much grain, but when I tested the camera in low light situations, I pushed the N10’s limits. Give the camera enough light and you’ll be impressed with the results.

ZDNET’s purchasing advice

Finally, what surprised me the most in NUU N10 is that it outperforms for a $99 phone. If I hadn’t known the price, I would have guessed the handset was closer to $200. If you’re on a tight budget or looking for a phone to give to your kids, the N10 is excellent value for money. It won’t usurp anything offered by Google, Samsung, OnePlus, Nothing or any of the major manufacturers, but it can hang with any of the budget phones I have tested so far.

NUU may not be a name you know, but if you’re an Android user, you’ll feel right at home on their phone.