OnePlus has gone back to its roots with the latest OnePlus Nord 4, bringing back the much-loved all-metal body. This retro-inspired design refresh is sure to grab attention in a market dominated by polycarbonate and glass builds. But is the OnePlus Nord 4 just about looks, or does it pack enough punch under the hood to be a worthy contender?
Also, the smartphone giant boldly claimed this to be the best Nord phone ever because of its incredible value-for-money specs, but is it actually? Let’s dive into this OnePlus Nord 4 review to uncover its features, design, performance, and more.
OnePlus Nord 4 Detailed Review: The Best Nord Ever?
Specifications
- 6.74-inch OLED display, 1.5K resolution, 120Hz RR, 2150nits peak brightness
- Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chip
- 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5x RAM | 128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 storage
- 5,500mAh battery | 100W fast charging
- Front: 16MP (Samsung S5K3P9)
- Rear: 50MP (Sony Lytia camera with OIS) + 8MP IMX355 UW
- In-screen fingerprint scanner, dual speakers
- 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, IR blaster, x-axis linear motor, alert slider
- Android 14 | OxygenOS14 (4 x Android upgrades | 6-year security updates)
- Metal back and metal frame
- 162.7x 75 x 8mm / 199.5 grams
In the Box
- OnePlus Nord 4
- 100W SUPERVOOC Power Adapter
- Type-A to C Cable
- Quick Guide
- Welcome Letter
- Brand sticker
- Screen Protector (pre-applied)
- SIM Tray Ejector
- Protective Case
- OnePlus RCC Card
Design
The OnePlus Nord 4 marks the return of an all-metal body, which not only enhances its sturdiness but also sets it apart from competitors. Despite the robust build, the smartphone maintains a slim profile and a manageable weight, even with the inclusion of a beefy 5,500mAh battery. The improved IP65 rating for dust and water resistance is a notable upgrade over its predecessor’s IP54, although it still falls short of the IP68 rating some rivals boast.
The Nord 4’s design might be a bit polarizing due to its dual-tone finish. The Oasis Green variant I reviewed is quite edgy, but those looking for something more classic might prefer the Mercurial Silver or Obsidian Midnight options. OnePlus might consider launching a white variant in the future, depending on user feedback.
Adding an IR Blaster is another smart move by OnePlus, making the Nord 4 versatile enough to control various home appliances. However, compatibility issues might arise with older devices.
Display
The display on the OnePlus Nord 4 maintains the same 2,772 x 1,240-pixel resolution and 93.5% screen-to-body ratio as its predecessor. The new ProXDR support for select apps and Aqua Touch feature enhance the viewing experience, though the protection remains limited to Panda Glass, lagging behind competitors offering Gorilla Glass Victus.
However, overall, the display is bright outdoors, easy to watch anywhere, and, most importantly, reliable enough for all conditions.
Camera Capabilities
The OnePlus Nord 4 shares its camera system with the Nord CE4, which might not thrill users expecting high-end specs in the sub-Rs 35K segment. While adequate for everyday photography, the camera setup lacks the telephoto lenses that some competitors offer. Despite this, the Nord 4 delivers decent performance for most casual photography needs.
As you can see in our photos, the Nord 4 takes great shots even in this rainy season, capturing colors accurately and also doing a good job in terms of portrait shots or selfies as well.
Performance and Software
In terms of performance, the OnePlus Nord 4 feels more premium than even some of its pricier siblings. Powered by Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 SoC, paired with up to 12GB of LPPDR5x RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage, the Nord 4 ensures smooth multitasking and fast data access. The top variant is priced at Rs 35,999, while the base model starts at Rs 29,999.
Benchmark tests reveal decent scores, though the Realme GT 6T with the same chipset performed slightly better, likely due to OnePlus’ conservative approach to peak performance to manage heat. However, in the CPU throttling test for a continuous 15 minutes, the phone struggled a bit:
The metal chassis of the Nord 4 can get warm during intense gaming, but it doesn’t affect overall performance. The flat AMOLED display ensures a responsive touch experience, and gaming performance, particularly in titles like BGMI, is impressive, with an average FPS of 55.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the standout features of the OnePlus Nord 4 is its large 5,500mAh battery. Despite the considerable battery size, OnePlus has managed to keep the phone’s weight under 200 grams, which is impressive. The dual-cell setup allows for rapid charging, reaching a full charge in just 23 minutes. Even with high settings enabled, the battery life is robust, maintaining impressive performance in everyday use and benchmark tests.
Verdict
The OnePlus Nord 4 strikes a balance between nostalgic design and modern functionality. Its all-metal body, impressive battery life, and solid performance make it a compelling choice in its segment. While the camera system may not be groundbreaking, it is sufficient for most users.
Overall, OnePlus has successfully combined the best of the old and new with the OnePlus Nord 4 and made the smartphone “one of the best Nord phones ever.” Also, with long-term software support, OnePlus looks confident for its buyers, who are looking for a sturdy, stylish, and well-rounded smartphone. The OnePlus Nord 4 is unquestionably worth considering.
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