OnePlus Nord 4 Review: A Well-Balanced Mid-Range Contender
The OnePlus Nord 4 offers several upgrades and features that make it a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market. Here’s a breakdown of its key aspects:
Premium Design and Build Quality
The Nord 4 features metal frames instead of the usual plastic seen in most mid-range phones, giving it a premium feel. However, this also makes the phone slightly heavier. While the heft adds to the overall premium hands-on feel, it also makes the phone a bit slippery, so be cautious to avoid accidental drops. Despite the metal design, OnePlus has implemented new antennas and technology to ensure strong 4G and 5G connectivity, and during testing, there were no issues with network reception. Additionally, the phone comes with basic IP65 dust and water resistance, but it lacks Gorilla Glass protection on the display, which is a surprise at this price point.
Impressive Display
The Nord 4 sports a nearly bezel-less, flat-screen display, which is ideal for gamers who want to avoid accidental touches often encountered with curved screens. The 1100 nits brightness in high brightness mode is decent but falls short when compared to competitors like the Realme GT60 and Motorola H50 Pro in outdoor visibility. However, HDR video playback on platforms like YouTube and streaming services is excellent. The haptic feedback on the Nord 4 is top-notch, providing precise and satisfying responses, making typing and other interactions a pleasure.
Performance and Gaming
Powered by the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset, the Nord 4 delivers a fast and fluid performance. Whether it’s daily tasks or gaming, this phone handles everything smoothly. In games like PUBG, the phone reaches 85 to 90 FPS, and even demanding games like Genshin Impact run with good stability. Importantly, the phone does not heat up significantly during extended gaming sessions. The metal chassis helps dissipate heat quickly, keeping the phone cool. While the Nord 4 may show slightly lower benchmark scores due to throttling under heat, real-world performance remains unaffected.
Software and Updates
Running on OxygenOS with Android 14, the Nord 4 provides a smooth and bloat-free experience. OnePlus promises 4 years of OS updates and 6 years of security updates, surpassing what even Samsung offers in its mid-range devices. This commitment to long-term support is a significant plus for potential buyers.
Camera Performance
The camera setup on the Nord 4 is reliable but not exceptional. The main sensor has been downgraded, yet thanks to the high-end image processor, photo quality remains decent with good detail and dynamic range. However, the lack of a telephoto lens is noticeable, especially when comparing portrait shots to those from the Motorola H50 Pro, which offers better subject focus with its 3x telephoto lens. The ultra-wide-angle shots are average, with okay detail but lower dynamic range. Selfies from the Nord 4 appear a bit pale, and video recording is limited to 1080p at 30FPS, which is disappointing when compared to the 4K selfie videos available on the Motorola H50 Pro.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the standout features of the Nord 4 is its impressive battery life. The 5500 mAh battery easily offers 7.5 to 8 hours of screen-on time with heavy usage, and even more when used moderately. The included 100W charger is another highlight, charging the phone from 0 to 100% in just 30 minutes.
Conclusion
The OnePlus Nord 4 is a well-rounded mid-range phone that excels in performance, battery life, and display quality. It’s one of the safest choices under ₹30,000, offering a premium design, smooth performance, and long-term software support. However, if camera quality is your top priority, you might want to consider alternatives with better camera setups, such as those offering dedicated telephoto lenses.
Overall, the Nord 4 is a solid option for those looking for a reliable and balanced phone in this price range.