The OnePlus Nord 4 is the latest installment in the Nord series, a lineup known for offering premium features at a more accessible price point. With each iteration, OnePlus has aimed to strike the perfect balance between cost and performance, and the Nord 4 is no exception. This smartphone brings a host of improvements over its predecessors, including enhanced build quality, impressive camera capabilities, and robust performance metrics, all wrapped up in a sleek design. In this detailed review, we’ll take a closer look at what makes the OnePlus Nord 4 a standout choice in the competitive mid-range market. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just in the market for a reliable smartphone that won’t break the bank, this review has everything you need to know about the OnePlus Nord 4.
Unboxing and First Impressions
When you unbox the OnePlus Nord 4, the first thing you’ll notice is the attention to detail. The packaging is sleek and minimalist, reflecting the brand’s ethos. Inside, you’ll find:
- OnePlus Nord 4 Handset
- 65W Warp Charger
- USB Type-C Cable
- Silicone Case
- SIM Ejector Tool
- User Manual
Initial Thoughts
The Nord 4 feels premium right out of the box, with its metal frame and Gorilla Glass front and back. The device is comfortable to hold, and the first impression is that it’s built to last. The inclusion of a high-speed charger is a nice touch, emphasizing OnePlus’s commitment to user convenience.
Design and Build Quality
OnePlus has always been known for its design prowess, and the Nord 4 is no exception. The phone sports a metal frame, providing a solid, premium feel in hand. This marks a departure from the plastic frames typically found in mid-range devices.
Dimensions and Ergonomics
- Dimensions: 159.1 x 73.2 x 8.2 mm
- Weight: 180 grams
- Colors Available: Midnight Ice, Arctic Sky, and Jade Fog
The Nord 4’s ergonomic design makes it easy to hold and operate with one hand. Its lightweight build ensures that it won’t weigh you down, even after prolonged use.
Material and Finish
The use of Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back panels adds durability while maintaining an elegant look. The finish on the back is a matte texture, which resists fingerprints and smudges, keeping your phone looking pristine.
Button and Port Layout
- Volume Rockers: Left side
- Power Button: Right side
- USB Type-C Port: Bottom
- SIM Tray: Bottom (supports dual SIM)
The tactile feedback from the buttons is satisfying, and the port placement feels intuitive, allowing easy access without any awkward reaches.
Display Features
The OnePlus Nord 4 features a 6.44-inch AMOLED display, which offers vibrant colors and deep contrasts. This display is perfect for media consumption, whether you’re streaming videos or playing games.
Key Specifications
- Screen Size: 6.44 inches
- Resolution: 2400 x 1080 pixels (Full HD+)
- Refresh Rate: 90Hz
- Brightness: 800 nits peak brightness
- Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Display Quality
With a refresh rate of 90Hz, the Nord 4 provides a smooth and responsive experience, making scrolling through apps or browsing the web feel effortless. The AMOLED panel delivers punchy colors, and the high brightness level ensures visibility even in direct sunlight.
Color Accuracy and Calibration
OnePlus has included multiple display calibration options, allowing users to switch between vivid, sRGB, and DCI-P3 color profiles to suit their preferences. This flexibility ensures that whether you’re editing photos or watching movies, the display settings can be adjusted for the best experience.
Additional Display Features
- Reading Mode: Adjusts screen colors for a comfortable reading experience
- Night Mode: Reduces blue light to minimize eye strain during nighttime usage
- Ambient Display: Shows time and notifications even when the screen is off
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the OnePlus Nord 4 packs impressive hardware that promises excellent performance for its price range.
Processor and GPU
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G
- GPU: Adreno 642L
The Snapdragon 778G is a powerful mid-range chipset that offers significant improvements in performance and energy efficiency. Combined with the Adreno 642L GPU, it ensures smooth graphics rendering, whether you’re gaming or multitasking.
RAM and Storage Options
- RAM: 8GB / 12GB LPDDR4X
- Storage: 128GB / 256GB UFS 2.2 (non-expandable)
The generous RAM ensures smooth multitasking, allowing you to switch between apps without any lag. The UFS 2.2 storage technology ensures faster read and write speeds, contributing to the overall snappy performance of the device.
Benchmark Performance
- Geekbench 5: Single-core: 762, Multi-core: 2850
- Antutu Score: 500,000
These scores place the Nord 4 comfortably within the upper echelons of mid-range smartphones, proving that it can handle demanding applications and tasks with ease.
Gaming Performance
The Nord 4 handles popular games like Call of Duty: Mobile and PUBG Mobile with ease, offering high frame rates and stable performance. The Game Mode feature optimizes resources to provide a seamless gaming experience, free from interruptions.
Software Experience
The OnePlus Nord 4 runs on OxygenOS 13, based on Android 13, providing a clean and customizable interface.
User Interface
- Customizable UI: Themes, icon packs, and gestures
- Bloatware-Free: Minimal pre-installed apps
- Dark Mode: Enhanced for better battery life
OxygenOS is celebrated for its near-stock Android experience, with useful enhancements that don’t overwhelm the user. The inclusion of customization options allows users to tailor their devices to their preferences.
Software Features
- Zen Mode: Encourages digital well-being by limiting distractions
- App Locker: Secure sensitive apps with fingerprint or PIN
- Parallel Apps: Run two instances of the same app
Software Updates
OnePlus promises regular software updates and security patches, ensuring that your device stays up-to-date with the latest features and security enhancements.
Camera Capabilities
The OnePlus Nord 4 boasts a versatile camera setup that caters to photography enthusiasts and casual users alike.
Rear Camera Setup
- Primary Camera: 64 MP, f/1.8, PDAF
- Ultra-wide Camera: 8 MP, f/2.3, 119-degree field of view
- Macro Camera: 5 MP, f/2.4
- Depth Sensor: 2 MP, f/2.4
The quad-camera system allows for a wide range of photography styles, from stunning landscapes to detailed close-ups. The primary sensor captures sharp, vibrant images, while the ultra-wide lens expands your creative possibilities.
Front Camera
- Selfie Camera: 32 MP, f/2.5
The high-resolution front camera ensures excellent selfies with natural skin tones and accurate colors. It also supports portrait mode for those perfect bokeh effects.
Camera Features
- Nightscape: Enhanced low-light photography
- Pro Mode: Manual control over settings for professional-grade photos
- AI Scene Detection: Automatically adjusts settings for optimal results
- 4K Video Recording: 30fps video capture with stabilization
Photography and Video Performance
In daylight conditions, the Nord 4’s camera produces detailed images with accurate color reproduction. The Nightscape mode enhances low-light photography, capturing more detail without excessive noise. Video recording is smooth, with electronic image stabilization ensuring shake-free footage.
Battery Life and Charging
The OnePlus Nord 4 comes with a robust battery setup that promises to keep you powered throughout the day.
Battery Specifications
- Battery Capacity: 4,500mAh
- Charging Technology: 65W Warp Charge
The 4,500mAh battery easily lasts a full day of heavy usage, including streaming, gaming, and browsing. With Warp Charge technology, you can get up to 70% charge in just 30 minutes, ensuring you spend less time plugged in and more time on the go.
Real-World Battery Performance
During testing, the Nord 4 delivered consistent battery performance, with screen-on times averaging around 7 hours. This reliability makes it an excellent choice for users who demand long-lasting power
from their smartphones.
Battery Management Features
- Optimized Charging: Learns your charging habits to reduce battery wear
- Battery Saver Mode: Extends battery life by reducing background activity
- Smart Battery Management: Allocates resources efficiently to extend usage time
The combination of hardware and software features ensures that the Nord 4 maximizes battery efficiency, keeping you connected without frequent charges.
Connectivity Options
The OnePlus Nord 4 is equipped with a wide range of connectivity options to ensure you’re always connected.
5G and Network Capabilities
- 5G Support: Future-proof your device with ultra-fast connectivity
- Dual SIM: Use two SIM cards simultaneously for personal and work numbers
- Wi-Fi 6: Faster and more reliable internet connectivity
- Bluetooth 5.2: Enhanced wireless range and audio quality
Additional Connectivity Features
- NFC: Supports contactless payments and file sharing
- GPS: Accurate location tracking with dual-band support
- USB Type-C: Fast data transfer and charging
The Nord 4’s comprehensive connectivity suite ensures that you stay connected with the latest technologies, making it a versatile choice for tech-savvy users.
Security Features
OnePlus has integrated robust security features into the Nord 4 to protect your personal information.
Biometric Security
- Fingerprint Sensor: In-display sensor for quick and secure unlocking
- Face Unlock: Fast facial recognition for easy access
Software Security
- Regular Security Updates: Keeps your device protected from vulnerabilities
- Encrypted Storage: Safeguards sensitive data with strong encryption
With these security measures, the Nord 4 ensures that your data remains secure and accessible only to you.
Pricing and Availability
The OnePlus Nord 4 is priced competitively, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
Price Range
- 8GB RAM / 128GB Storage: ₹29,999
- 12GB RAM / 256GB Storage: ₹34,999
Availability
The Nord 4 is available across major online platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and the OnePlus official website, as well as in offline retail stores.
Color Variants
The Nord 4 comes in three stunning color options: Midnight Ice, Arctic Sky, and Jade Fog, allowing users to choose a style that matches their personality.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent build quality with metal and glass design
- Vibrant AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate
- Strong performance with Snapdragon 778G
- Versatile camera setup with impressive low-light capabilities
- Long-lasting battery with fast charging support
Cons:
- No expandable storage option
- Slightly heavier than some competitors
- Limited availability of certain color variants
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does the OnePlus Nord 4 support 5G?
Yes, the OnePlus Nord 4 supports 5G connectivity, making it a future-proof choice for high-speed internet access.
2. Can the storage be expanded on the Nord 4?
No, the Nord 4 does not support expandable storage. However, it offers ample internal storage options of 128GB and 256GB.
3. Does the Nord 4 have a headphone jack?
No, the OnePlus Nord 4 does not include a headphone jack. Users can utilize Bluetooth headphones or a USB-C adapter for audio output.
4. How does the Nord 4 compare to the Nord 3?
The Nord 4 offers several improvements over the Nord 3, including a better chipset, enhanced camera capabilities, and a more premium design. It also supports 5G connectivity, providing faster internet speeds.
5. What colors are available for the Nord 4?
The Nord 4 is available in three color options: Midnight Ice, Arctic Sky, and Jade Fog.
Conclusion: Is the OnePlus Nord 4 Worth It?
The OnePlus Nord 4 is a standout choice for anyone looking for a feature-rich smartphone without breaking the bank. It offers a premium design, robust performance, and a versatile camera setup, all at a competitive price point. Whether you’re a power user or someone who values aesthetics and functionality, the Nord 4 caters to a wide range of needs.
Final Verdict
With its impressive specs, reliable performance, and attractive pricing, the OnePlus Nord 4 is a top contender in the mid-range smartphone market. It successfully balances cost and features, making it an excellent choice for both new users and those looking to upgrade from an older device.
External Sources for Credibility
- OnePlus Official Site – Official specifications and features of the OnePlus Nord 4.
- GSMArena – Detailed specs and comparisons for the Nord 4.
- TechRadar Review – In-depth analysis and expert opinions on the OnePlus Nord 4.
- Android Authority Review – Comprehensive review with performance benchmarks.
- CNET – Review highlighting user experience and value for money.
