The OnePlus Nord 4 is the latest mid-range smartphone from OnePlus to arrive in India, and the company is touting it as the first 5G handset with an aluminum unibody design. But does the Nord 4 impress beyond its sleek exterior? We put it through its paces to see how it stacks up against similarly priced competitors, and our comprehensive test results might surprise you.
OnePlus Nord 4: A Premium Design with a Few Hiccups
The OnePlus Nord 4 distinguishes itself with a refreshing design compared to its contemporaries, including its predecessor, the OnePlus Nord 3. Its aluminum body, reminiscent of the classic HTC One (M8), provides a unique tactile experience. The subtle green shade of the Oasis Green model, along with the smooth glass-like finish of the camera island, adds a touch of elegance.
However, the software experience falls short of the premium design. While OxygenOS 14.1 runs smoothly, it’s marred by the inclusion of pre-installed apps and games that feel out of place on a smartphone priced at around ₹30,000. These are the same apps included on the cheaper OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite, a factor that feels unnecessary and disappointing. Additionally, the Lock Screen Magazine feature often replaced custom lock screen photos, lacking the desired level of customization.
OnePlus Nord 4 Performance: Power That Delivers, Yet Not Without Competitors
The OnePlus Nord 4 boasts the first Snapdragon 7-series processor to incorporate on-device AI capabilities, powering the AI features mentioned earlier. We tested the 8GB+256GB configuration, and performance was commendable. It handled resource-intensive tasks with ease, from video editing in InShot to browsing the web and scrolling through social media feeds.
Gaming was another standout. The phone effortlessly ran graphics-intensive games like Genshin Impact, even with higher settings. While the aluminum rear panel warmed slightly after prolonged gaming sessions, there was no lag or stuttering, showcasing the device’s commendable performance.
However, benchmark tests revealed a mixed bag. While the Nord 4 performed well in graphics benchmarks, it fell short of the Realme GT 6T, equipped with the same Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset, in CPU benchmarks. This highlights the significance of software optimization and suggests that competitor devices might offer a more robust CPU performance, although real-world performance might not drastically differ.
OnePlus Nord 4 Camera: Detailed Images, But With a Wide-Angle Caveat
The OnePlus Nord 4 features a 50-megapixel primary camera with OIS and EIS, capable of capturing up to 4K/60fps video. In daylight conditions, the primary camera delivers impressive images with exceptional detail, even at 2x in-sensor zoom.
The ultra-wide angle camera, however, falls short of the quality achieved by its primary counterpart. While it captures usable images in daylight, the lower resolution sensor results in less color accuracy and noticeable distortion around the edges.
Both cameras performed adequately in low-light conditions, though the primary camera yielded sharper images compared to the ultra-wide angle lens, which exhibited softening. The camera app automatically utilizes a long exposure mode in dark scenarios, requiring a 2-3 second capture time, which can be inconvenient for capturing fast-paced action.
The 16-megapixel selfie camera performs well in well-lit conditions, capturing clear images, but it struggles slightly in dimly lit environments. The screen acts as a flash in very dark settings, providing decent results with sufficient stillness.
Video recording capabilities are capped at 4K/60fps for the primary camera, but stabilization is limited to 1080p/60fps. Neither the selfie camera nor the ultra-wide angle camera offers video stabilization, with both recording at a maximum of 1080p/30fps.
OnePlus Nord 4 Battery: All-Day Power with Supercharged Speed
The OnePlus Nord 4 is powered by a generous 5,500mAh battery, delivering dependable everyday performance and a slow standby drain. We consistently achieved over 6 hours of screen time on a single charge. The device consistently lasted for more than a day and a half with moderate usage, demonstrating a respectable battery life. Overnight battery drain was minimal, with only a 2 percent reduction over an 8-hour period.
Our HD video battery loop test yielded impressive results, with the phone achieving a runtime of 18 hours and 15 minutes. The included 100W charging brick fully charged the dual-cell battery in a rapid 33 minutes, without excessive heat during the charging process.
OnePlus Nord 4: The Verdict
Despite a few drawbacks, the OnePlus Nord 4 offers undeniable value for a smartphone priced under ₹30,000. It provides reliable everyday performance, fast battery charging, a commendable primary camera, and a reassuring software support window. The slightly underwhelming ultra-wide angle camera and pre-installed apps are the only noticeable downsides, and the latter can be easily remedied by uninstalling or disabling unnecessary software.
While the Nord 4 is definitely worth considering, it faces stiff competition from other worthy offerings in the same price range.
Here’s a breakdown of some alternative choices:
Realme GT 6T: This device provides performance on par with the OnePlus Nord 4 but might offer a slightly stronger CPU performance based on benchmark results.
Poco F6: The Poco F6 delivers performance comparable to the Nord 4, but its camera performance, based on our review, might be a drawback.
Samsung Galaxy A35: While it may fall short in synthetic benchmarks, the Samsung Galaxy A35 boasts a desirable combination of good everyday performance and four Android OS updates.
Google Pixel 7a: This former flagship contender occasionally dips to the ₹30,000 mark on Flipkart, offering superb camera performance as a significant advantage.
Ultimately, the decision hinges on your priorities. If prioritizing a premium design, fast charging, and extended software support, the OnePlus Nord 4 stands as a solid contender. If performance or camera capabilities are paramount, alternative options might better align with your needs.
