OnePlus opened up applications for The Lab (possibly Nord 3)

Reviewers may be able to keep the device. You can apply until 25th June 2023 23:59 EST.
Adhiraj S. Chauhan

"The Lab" is a unique concept OnePlus first introduced in May 2016 with the OnePlus 3. The OnePlus 6/6T, 7- & 7T-series, 8T-series, 9-series, Nord 2 & Buds Pro, 10 Pro, Nord 2T, 10T, 11, and even their first ever tablet, the Pad, were a part of the program. This unique concept contains answering a few basic questions, including a relatively thorough review of your current device. We recommend taking your time to think about your answers, especially to stand out from the crowd. OnePlus decides which applications they approve, and they'll send devices to the selected reviewers. Assuming all goes well and you complete your review on time, you get to keep the device.

Note: the 7T-series' Lab had it slightly different — participants had to buy the device first, and winners could choose between a full reimbursement of their purchase, or a custom device with their name engraved. This year's iteration (for the next Nord) is similar to previous ones — there are 6 devices available.

OnePlus also posted a very useful thread explaining the selection process (including dos & don'ts), so give that a read as well. At the time of writing this article, there are 6 days left to apply.

Timeline

  • June 18: applications open
  • June 25 23:59 EST: application closes
  • June 20 — June 26: Community team reviews the applications
  • June 27: OnePlus announces reviewers in the Community
  • June 28: OnePlus ships devices to reviewers
  • July onwards: reviewers post in the Community (exact date has not been announced yet)

Only 6 reviewers will be selected, so make sure your application stands out. Try adding links to your existing work, if you have any (photography, news articles, blog posts, YouTube videos, etc). You can also check out this thread (posted 2 years ago), where OnePlus explains the story behind The Lab. A user on OnePlus Community who was also a Lab Reviewer for the 7T, gave some tips when writing an application. They made that post for the 9-series Lab, but it applies here as well.

Who can apply?

Both OnePlus and non-OnePlus users can apply, as well as community and non-community members from EU, India, and other APAC countries. This time, OnePlus is reserving at least 50% seats for existing community members (i.e. those who already have OnePlus Community accounts prior to this announcement).

How can you apply?

Head to this website and fill the form.

Application deadline

Until 25th June 2023 23:59 EST (GMT -04:00).

FAQ

OnePlus posted the following FAQ:

  • Q: Who is eligible?
    A: Users that’s above 18 (included) from our sales region (both online and offline) that covers EU, IN and part of Asia.
  • Q: What criteria will OnePlus use to select the winners?
    A: Your entry will be reviewed based on your photography and writing skills. Other criteria include your tech gadget experience, review history, blogging, and related user-generated content highlighting your writing proficiency. This allows us to determine whether you qualify as a Lab reviewer.
  • Q: Will reviewers be able to keep the devices?
    A: Yes, provided both reviews are completed and submitted on time.
  • Q: Are Lab reviewers allowed to write critical reviews of the products they received?
    A: Our top priority is to elicit honest feedback, so we can better improve our products. We are committed to publishing user feedback – positive or critical – with zero censorship or influence.

If you're looking for some inspiration, check out previous reviews by The Lab reviewers:

Keep in mind, however, reviewers will have to sign an NDA before they receive the devices. Check out the official post on OnePlus Community, which contains more information, and a sign-up link as well (which we also linked to above).

If you get selected, do let us know, either on our Discord server or over email.

This iteration of The Lab seems to have a stricter selection process, so put some effort into your application as well as your review of the devices. Best of luck! If you'd like to know more about the OnePlus Pad, you can read our rumour-roundup article. It was supposed to be announced in the Cloud 11 event, but that didn't happen. The device is expected to go on sale around 28th April 2023, and we may write another article when it does.

Source: OnePlus Community