The OnePlus Nord 4 stands out in the mid-range smartphone market by offering a compelling blend of design, performance, and battery longevity at a competitive price point.
Design and Build
One of the most distinctive features of the OnePlus Nord 4 is its metal unibody design, a rarity in contemporary smartphones. Crafted from a single piece of aluminum, the device exudes a premium feel and enhanced durability. The two-tone ‘Obsidian Midnight’ variant, for instance, features a plastic panel surrounding the cameras that, while stylish, is prone to fingerprint smudges and reflections. The phone also boasts an IP65 rating, ensuring protection against dust and low-pressure water jets, adding to its resilience.
Display
The Nord 4 is equipped with a 6.74-inch Full HD+ OLED display, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. With a resolution of 2772 × 1240 pixels, the screen offers sharp and detailed visuals. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and responsive touch interactions. However, the absence of LTPO technology means the refresh rate switches between 60Hz and 120Hz without the battery-saving benefits of adaptive scaling. The display achieves a respectable maximum brightness of 500 nits, making it usable even under direct sunlight.
Performance
Under the hood, the Nord 4 houses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset, paired with up to 16GB of RAM. This combination ensures smooth multitasking and efficient handling of daily tasks. In real-world usage, the device performs admirably, with minimal lag or slowdown. While it may not match the prowess of flagship models equipped with the Snapdragon 8 series, the Nord 4 holds its own in the mid-range segment.
Camera System
The Nord 4 features a dual-camera setup, headlined by a 50-megapixel main sensor. In well-lit conditions, the primary camera captures detailed and color-accurate images. However, the absence of a telephoto lens and the modest specifications of the 8-megapixel ultra-wide sensor mean that the camera system, while competent, doesn’t quite reach the heights of some competitors in this price range.
Battery Life and Charging
A standout feature of the Nord 4 is its robust 5,500mAh battery, which comfortably supports a full day of intensive use. The device supports 100W SuperVOOC fast charging, capable of replenishing the battery swiftly. However, it’s worth noting that in certain markets, such as Europe, the proprietary charger is not included in the box and must be purchased separately.
Software and User Experience
The Nord 4 runs on OxygenOS 14.1, based on Android 14. The interface is clean and user-friendly, with thoughtful additions like the alert slider for easy switching between ring, vibrate, and silent modes. The device also features ‘O-Haptics,’ providing subtle and responsive haptic feedback during interactions. However, the in-display fingerprint sensor has been noted to be somewhat temperamental, requiring precise placement and longer contact for successful unlocking.
Conclusion
The OnePlus Nord 4 successfully balances premium features with affordability, making it a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market. Its metal unibody design, vibrant display, solid performance, and impressive battery life are commendable. While the camera system may not be the most advanced in its class, and certain features like the fingerprint sensor could see improvement, the overall package offers significant value. For users seeking a reliable and stylish smartphone without venturing into flagship pricing, the OnePlus Nord 4 presents a compelling option.
