The OnePlus Nord will install Google's Phone, Messages, and Duo apps as the native calling and messaging software for OnePlus' upcoming budget phone.

OnePlus noted through the medium of a video on oneplus.nord's Instagram account that Google Duo, Phone, and Messages will be the default communication apps for its phones. The move is unusual, as OnePlus typically uses Oxygen OS apps for such functions.

And OnePlus has not acknowledged it. However, the video was accompanied by a subtitle, which advocated how the use of Google apps helps provide an ultra-smooth experience on the Nord.

"We thought we had the smoothest experience on Android. But Google gave us Duo, Phone, and Messages." Smoothest.

It's a strange statement, but OnePlus seems to think that Google's communication apps provide a better experience on the Nord than its own native Oxygen OS apps. This may be because Google's apps are better suited for the mid-range Snapdragon 765G chipset. Therefore, OnePlus probably has more experience calibrating its own apps for top-level silicon rather than lower-performing chips.

Or perhaps OnePlus has determined that Google's apps work better on the Nord's 90Hz refresh rate display; the Nord is 6.4" and has an AMOLED panel with a 2400 x 1080 resolution. And in this case, that could be a Google app.

Furthermore, Google's communication app may have features that OnePlus feels are missing from its software. For example, according to 9to5Google, Google Messages provides access to end-to-end encryption using RCS (Rich Communication Services).

Google Duo also provides a native video calling app for the OnePlus Nord; it is easy to download Duo for OnePlus phones, but it is worth noting that it is built in by default, making the entire process seamless.

It has always been emphasized that the Oxygen OS user interface applied to OnePlus apps and Android makes everything feel responsive and fast, on par or even surpassing that of the Pixel 4 for some apps and services. However, OnePlus' choice of a slower chipset for the Nord may have required a fresh look at how well its apps work.

Tomorrow we will have a proper insight into OnePlus' approach to the Nord. And overall, expect a pretty impressive mid-range phone; the Nord will not only have a decent chipset and display, but also 5G support, a quad rear camera array, and a large battery with fast charging. iPhone SE 2020 and the upcoming expect it to be a strong competitor to the Pixel 4a.