Undeniably inventive, but needlessly innovative. Such is the state of smartphone design progress these days, embodied by devices like the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge. Oppo doesn't dabble in curved displays for its first major U.S. release, but with a motorized, rotating camera module, plenty of horsepower, and a bevy of unique design touches, the N3 is easily one of the most distinctive phones of the year. It's a fun and powerful device, for sure, although its marquee feature is admittedly gimmicky. And while the $649 unlocked-only price is pretty reasonable considering the specs, the appeal here remains limited. Instead, this one's for the diehard tech geek looking for something new, different, and exciting. Otherwise, you'll be better served by the slightly less powerful, but much more affordable Google Nexus 5.

Design, Features, and Network Performance

Oppo first debuted its rotating camera with the N1 smartphone last year, so the design isn't quite as shocking for the N3. With close ties between Oppo and upstart manufacturer OnePlus, it's also no surprise that the N3 resembles the OnePlus One in many ways. I'm fairly certain the two phones use identical 5.5-inch, 1080p displays—they match up nearly perfectly when lined up side by side and are indistinguishable in quality. Even the matte white plastic finish feels similarly silky and sturdy. The N3 is thicker and heavier, though, at 6.35 by 3.03 by 0.39 inches (HWD) and 6.77 ounces. There's also a more premium-feeling metal band that runs along the N3's perimeter, which bows out at the bottom to reveal a clever double-sided notification light. The rotating camera module is now motorized and covered with a Samsung-like faux leather, complete with fake stitching.