Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the OnePlus 10 Pro and the OnePlus Nord 4. These two phones, while both hailing from the OnePlus family, target slightly different user needs and budgets. I'm going to break down the specs, analyze what they mean for you, and help you decide which one best fits your lifestyle.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | OnePlus 10 Pro | OnePlus Nord 4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 73.9 × 8.6 mm | 162.6 × 75 × 8 mm | The Nord 4 is slightly wider and thinner, the 10 Pro has a larger overall volume. Feels similar in-hand, with minor differences in grip. |
| Weight | 201g | 199.5g | Both feel substantial, a negligible weight difference. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.74" | Near identical display sizes, no practical difference in screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1240x2772 | The 10 Pro's higher resolution means a sharper and clearer image, better for detailed content, crisp text, and high-quality video viewing. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 525 | 450 | Noticeably sharper display on the 10 Pro, especially when viewing close-up or detailed content. |
| Technology | AMOLED | The Nord 4's AMOLED screen will offer deeper blacks and more vibrant colors than the 10 Pro's unspecified panel, making visuals pop. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, great for gaming and general navigation. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2200 nits | The Nord 4's screen is significantly brighter, much better visibility under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm) | The Nord 4 has a newer chip resulting in significantly better benchmark scores, faster app loading, improved gaming, and efficient multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 900,491 | 1,366,982 | Nord 4 provides a clear performance advantage, much better performance in demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 732 | The Nord 4 boasts a more modern and higher-performing GPU, for improved gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | The Nord 4 has a larger battery, meaning longer usage time between charges. |
| Charging | 80W fast charging | 100W fast charging | The Nord 4 charges faster, reducing downtime and getting you back to full power in a shorter period. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging, Reverse Wireless charging | Non-removable | The 10 Pro offers wireless charging and reverse charging, providing more flexibility with power management. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.8, 1/1.43") | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2") | 10 Pro has a larger sensor for capturing more light in the main camera, while the Nord 4 has slightly higher resolution and newer sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.0, 1/2.74") | 16MP (f/2.4, 1/3.13") | 10 Pro has a higher resolution and wider aperture front camera, better for selfies in various lighting conditions. |
| Telephoto lens | 8MP (f/2.4, 1/4.4") | None | 10 Pro includes a telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities. Nord 4 has no dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP (f/2.2, 1/2.76") | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8") | 10 Pro's wide-angle lens has significantly higher resolution for better quality and details. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | The 10 Pro records up to 8K video, for professional-grade video production. Nord 4 is limited to 4K. |
| DXOMark (Mobile Camera) | 122 (124 Photo, 119 Video) | N/A | The 10 Pro has a strong camera score for photo and video in DXOMark test while the Nord 4 hasn't been tested yet, suggesting overall better camera performance. |
| Features | 8K Video, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Night Mode, RAW 12 bits | Dual camera | The 10 Pro offers higher quality photo and video recording options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to 14 | Android 14, upgradable to 18 | Nord 4 has a newer OS out of the box, which will receive more software updates, along with more features and optimized performance. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 7(802.11be) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 10 Pro supports the latest Wi-Fi 7, offering faster wireless speeds, lower latency, and more efficient connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | Nord 4 has a newer Bluetooth version, offering more efficient and stable connections. |
| GPS | L1+L5 dual band | L1+L5 dual band, including QZSS, Galileo and more | Nord 4 supports more satellite systems resulting in more precise location services. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Both offer plenty of space for apps, media, and files. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12/16 GB | Nord 4 offers up to 16 GB of RAM, providing better multitasking capability, for heavy app users. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both lack expandable storage, meaning you need to choose the storage option that suits your needs up front. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 3 microphones | Stereo speakers, 2 microphones | The 10 Pro provides a better overall audio experience with Dolby Atmos and better noise cancellation due to more microphones, enhancing spatial audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Basic, reliable fingerprint security is available on both phones. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | 10 Pro offers better display protection, while the Nord 4 is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Compass, RGB | Gravity, Geomagnetic | Both phones offer a comprehensive sensor suite. The 10 Pro also includes a compass and RGB light sensor, while the Nord 4 has gravity and geomagnetic sensors, for better navigation, gaming and augmented reality experience. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus 10 Pro Strengths:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and PPI make for a noticeably crisper screen, great for detail-oriented tasks.
- Superior Camera System: The 10 Pro has a more versatile camera setup with a telephoto lens and higher resolution ultrawide lens, also offering 8K recording and better overall quality.
- Complete Camera Features: Optical zoom, Triple camera, Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Night Mode, RAW 12 bits.
- Wireless Charging: 50W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities provide added convenience.
- Premium Audio: Dolby Atmos support and three microphones contribute to better audio quality for multimedia and calls.
- Wi-Fi 7: The latest and greatest Wi-Fi standard, for faster wireless connections.
OnePlus Nord 4 Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset offers significantly better benchmark scores, ensuring smoother and faster operation for all tasks.
- Brighter Display: A much brighter screen at 2200 nits makes it far more usable outdoors in bright sunlight.
- Longer Battery Life: Larger battery and more efficient processor, means better battery life for longer, all-day use.
- Faster Charging: 100W fast charging gets you up and running quicker than 80W on the 10 Pro.
- Newer OS: It comes with Android 14 out of the box, promising longer software support and more new features.
- More RAM: Option for up to 16GB of RAM, excellent for heavy multitaskers.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- OnePlus 10 Pro: While having an impressive camera setup, it lacks the raw processing power of the Nord 4, has a less vibrant display, and doesn't boast the same battery or charging speeds.
- OnePlus Nord 4: The Nord 4's camera system isn't as versatile as the 10 Pro and lacks wireless charging capabilities and premium audio features, but compensates for it with faster performance and battery.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- OnePlus 10 Pro: Best for users who prioritize a high-quality display, a versatile camera system, and wireless charging. It's suited for photography enthusiasts, media consumers, and those who want premium audio experience and the fastest Wi-Fi.
- OnePlus Nord 4: Ideal for users who need maximum performance, fast charging, and long-lasting battery life. It's a great option for gamers, power users, and those who frequently use their phones outdoors.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to ask yourself before choosing:
Do you prioritize camera versatility and quality, or overall performance and battery?
- If camera features and a high-resolution screen matter most, go for the 10 Pro.
- If raw power and endurance are more important, the Nord 4 is the better pick.
How important is outdoor visibility?
- If you frequently use your phone in bright sunlight, the Nord 4's 2200 nits screen will be a game-changer.
- If you mostly use the phone indoors, the 10 Pro's display will be fine.
Do you need wireless charging and premium audio experience?
- If you need the convenience of wireless charging and premium audio with dolby atmos, the 10 Pro is your only choice.
- If you are not so keen on these features and prefer to have a faster and more recent phone then the Nord 4 will be perfect.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Photography Enthusiast: Choose the OnePlus 10 Pro for its superior camera features, 8K video recording and better overall photo quality.
Mobile Gamer: The OnePlus Nord 4 is the clear winner with its superior performance, longer battery life and better thermal management.
Outdoor User: The Nord 4's brighter display makes it the better choice for usage under direct sunlight.
Power User: If you are looking for better software experience with long support from Android, maximum speed for multitasking, long battery life and a great value the Nord 4 is better choice.
What I Would Choose and Why
For me, the OnePlus Nord 4 is the clear winner. As a tech journalist, I prioritize overall performance, software updates, and smooth, reliable operation, which the Nord 4 delivers in spades. The newer processor, brighter screen, and larger battery are key advantages for daily usage, especially while I'm out covering events or testing new apps. While I appreciate the 10 Pro's camera system, the performance leap offered by the Nord 4 is too significant to ignore. Plus, the improved location services and newer Bluetooth version adds small but valuable features that enhance my experience.
The 10 Pro is a great device, especially for people who want a full camera system and wireless charging, but the Nord 4 is a great balance of cost, performance, and battery life, especially for people looking for a more modern device with longer software support.
