OnePlus Nord 4

OnePlus Nord 4 Review

The OnePlus Nord 4, launched on August 8, 2024, positions itself as a capable mid-range contender. It aims to offer a balance of performance and features within a medium price range.

Key Features

• Display: 6.74-inch Fluid AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, 1B colors, HDR10+, and a peak brightness of 2150 nits. The display also features a 2160Hz PWM for reduced eye strain.
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-X4, 4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720, 3x1.9 GHz Cortex-A520) and an Adreno 732 GPU.
• RAM/Storage Options: Multiple configurations including 8GB/128GB, 8GB/256GB, 12GB/256GB, and 16GB/512GB. All versions use LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage.
• Cameras: Rear 50MP primary (Sony LYT-600, f/1.8, OIS) and 8MP wide-angle (Sony IMX355, f/2.2) and a front 16MP selfie camera (Sony IMX471, f/2.4).
• Battery: 5500 mAh battery with 100W fast charging.
• Operating System: Android 14 (upgradeable to Android 18).
• Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and dual SIM support.
• Build: Dimensions of 162.6mm (H) x 75mm (W) x 8mm (D), weighs 199.5g, and available in Oasis Green, Obsidian Midnight, and Mercurial Silver colors.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:

  • High-refresh rate AMOLED display with vibrant colors, high brightness, and HDR10+ support.
  • Powerful Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset delivering strong performance for its price range.
  • Large 5500 mAh battery with 100W fast charging capabilities.
  • Multiple RAM and storage options to choose from.
  • Includes 4K video recording at 60fps with EIS.
  • Future-proof software with Android 14 and promised upgrades to Android 18.
  • Stereo speakers.
  • NFC Support

• Cons:

  • No wireless charging.
  • No microSD card slot for expandable storage.
  • USB Type-C port is limited to USB 2.0 speeds without display port support.
  • No notification LED.
  • The wide-angle camera is limited to 8MP.
  • No Dolby Vision for video recording/display.

User Experience

The OnePlus Nord 4 offers a smooth and responsive user experience, thanks to its high-refresh rate display and powerful Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset. The AMOLED display is excellent for media consumption with vibrant colors and deep blacks. The large battery provides ample usage time, while the 100W fast charging allows for quick top-ups. The device's performance is adept at handling demanding apps and games. The under-display fingerprint sensor is quick and reliable for secure access. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and a wide range of 5G bands ensures solid connectivity. The phone's software is clean and bloat-free which is great for user experience. The stereo speakers provide good audio for music and video playback.

Hardware & Design

The Nord 4's design incorporates a 3D curved glass screen and a hole-punch notch for the front-facing camera, resulting in a sleek look. Its dimensions make it manageable for most users, although it does weigh nearly 200 grams. The absence of a notification LED is a miss, while the inclusion of a cooling system highlights its gaming capabilities. The phone is available in three color options, Oasis Green, Obsidian Midnight, and Mercurial Silver, which gives users a few style options. It has a dual nano-SIM slot. The phone uses an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass in addition to the under display finger print reader.

Conclusion

The OnePlus Nord 4 is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that offers great value for its price. Its strengths include the impressive AMOLED display, powerful processor, long-lasting battery, fast charging, and future-proof software. The few shortcomings, such as lack of wireless charging and expandable storage are notable, but may be acceptable given the other strengths of the device. It is a good choice for users looking for a balance of performance, features, and price.