Complete OnePlus Nord 4 Review: Performance, Battery Life, and Camera Insights

 

One Plus Nord 4

Introduction

As OnePlus expands its focus on the premium market, the demand for a dedicated mid-range lineup has grown significantly. Now in its fourth generation, the OnePlus Nord series continues to deliver competitive pricing combined with hallmark OnePlus features such as rapid charging, powerful performance, and smooth, feature-rich software.

With the OnePlus Nord 4, OnePlus introduces an appealing addition to its lineup, enhancing its attractiveness without increasing prices this year, notably through its stylish design.

One of the standout features of the Nord 4 is its metal unibody design, complemented by a glass back, evoking nostalgia for the OnePlus 3 and 3T with their durable aluminum chassis. Overcoming technical challenges, OnePlus has achieved a sleek and robust build for the Nord 4.

OnePlus Nord 4 Specs Overview:

• Body: 162.9x75x8mm, 200g; Glass front, aluminum unibody; IP65 waterproof and dustproof.
• Display: 6.74" Fluid AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, 1240x2772px resolution, 20.12:9 aspect ratio, 451ppi.
• Chipset: Qualcomm SM7675 Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm): Octa-core (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x1.9 GHz Cortex-A520); Adreno 732 GPU.
• Memory: Options include 256GB storage with 12GB RAM, 512GB storage with 12GB RAM, or 512GB storage with 16GB RAM; UFS 4.0.
• OS/Software: Runs on Android 14 with OxygenOS 14.1.
• Rear Camera: 50 MP wide (main) camera with f/1.8 aperture, 8 MP ultra-wide-angle camera with f/2.2 aperture and 112˚ field of view.
• Front Camera: 16 MP with f/2.4 aperture and wide-angle lens.
• Video Capture: Rear camera supports 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps with gyro-EIS; Front camera captures 1080p@30fps with gyro-EIS.
• Battery: 5500mAh battery with 100W wired SuperVOOC fast charging, promising 1-100% charge in just 26 minutes.
• Connectivity: Supports 5G, Dual SIM, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX HD and LHDC, NFC, Infrared port.
• Misc: Features an optical under-display fingerprint reader, stereo speakers, and Alert Slider.

In addition to its striking design, the OnePlus Nord 4 boasts robust hardware, including a vibrant 120Hz OLED display and the powerful Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset.

The device also integrates the latest Sony LYT-600 sensor for improved main camera performance, replacing the previous IMX890 unit.

For consumers seeking enhanced battery life, the OnePlus Nord 4 delivers with its larger 5,500mAh battery and rapid 100W SuperVOOC charging capability, setting new standards in its class.

Unboxing the OnePlus Nord 4: The retail package includes standard accessories such as user manuals and a USB-A to USB-C cable for charging and data transfer. However, note that the 100W SuperVOOC charger is sold separately in some regions, such as Europe, while it is bundled in the Indian market.

Design and Handling of the OnePlus Nord 4

 OnePlus Nord 4 Design

One of the standout features of the OnePlus Nord 4 compared to its predecessor is its revamped design philosophy. Departing from the ubiquitous glass sandwich construction, the Nord 4 embraces a predominantly aluminum chassis, harkening back to an era when aluminum-clad phones were the norm, exemplified by models like the OnePlus 3 and 3T.

OnePlus acknowledges that the shift to 5G connectivity posed challenges for traditional metal chassis due to antenna reception issues, prompting the introduction of alternative materials such as glass, ceramic, plastic, and vegan leather for the Nord 4's back panels. Leveraging new antenna technologies, OnePlus ingeniously utilizes the metal back to enhance signal strength.

The result is a visually appealing device with a refined anodized finish and seamless edges, offering a premium feel that resists fingerprint smudges. However, its smooth surface makes it prone to slipping, mitigated somewhat by the phone's flat edges that aid in grip.

Color options like Mercurial Silver feature a subtle striped texture on the back, crafted through precise laser cuts, though this doesn't notably enhance grip. Alternatively, Obsidian Midnight and Oasis Green variants offer different aesthetic choices without the textured detail.

While predominantly aluminum, the Nord 4 adopts a two-tone design on its back, incorporating a glass top section necessitating internal adjustments for chipset accommodation. This configuration allows for horizontal camera placement and accommodates a robust 5,500 mAh battery, contributing to the device's weight of nearly 200 grams.

The side frame houses standard connectivity ports and buttons, including an easily accessible power button and OnePlus' signature Alert Slider positioned conveniently on the left side near the top corner. However, the placement of the under-display fingerprint reader may pose ergonomic challenges for some users due to its proximity to the bottom edge of the screen.

In conclusion, the OnePlus Nord 4's design strikes a balance between aesthetics and functionality, offering a premium look and feel that distinguishes it from contemporary smartphones with its distinctive aluminum build. Enhanced IP65 protection against water and dust further enhances its appeal, making it a compelling choice in its category.

Fully Equipped 6.74-inch OLED Display

 OnePlus Nord 4 Display

Building on the foundation set by its predecessor, the OnePlus Nord 4 retains the impressive 6.74-inch Fluid AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 2772 x 1240 pixels. This display size and resolution combination is notably higher than typical offerings in its class, ensuring crisp visuals and smooth interactions.

The Nord 4's display supports HDR10+ content and Widevine L1 certification, enabling high-quality streaming on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Additionally, it features Ultra HDR capabilities that enhance the brightness and details of photos in the Gallery app, particularly in scenes with vibrant highlights.

In terms of brightness, the display performs admirably in various lighting conditions. In manual mode, it reaches up to 529 nits, while the auto mode boosts brightness to an impressive 1163 nits. This brightness level ensures comfortable readability outdoors, even on sunny days. OnePlus claims the display can exceed 2000 nits in HDR scenarios, though typically in smaller screen patches.

Regarding refresh rate control, the Nord 4 supports adaptive refresh rates, automatically adjusting between 60Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz based on content and interaction to optimize battery life without compromising user experience.

Battery Life and Charging Speed

OnePlus Nord 4 Battery and Charge Capacity

Powering the OnePlus Nord 4 is a substantial 5,500 mAh battery coupled with the efficient Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset. This combination results in exceptional battery performance, surpassing many competitors in its category. In rigorous testing scenarios, the Nord 4 achieved an impressive Active Use Score of 14 hours and 41 minutes, excelling in web browsing and video playback endurance tests.

Charging the Nord 4 is equally impressive, thanks to its support for 100W SuperVOOC charging technology. Despite offering only a slight improvement over its predecessor's 80W charging, the Nord 4 can fully charge from 0% to 100% in just 28 minutes. This rapid charging capability is among the fastest available in the market, ensuring minimal downtime between charges.

Speaker System

OnePlus Nord 4 Audio Test

The OnePlus Nord 4 features a hybrid speaker setup, where the top or left speaker doubles as an earpiece depending on device orientation. Despite this configuration, sound output remains balanced, delivering consistent volume levels and quality across both speakers. With a loudness rating of -24.6 LUFS, the Nord 4 earns a "Very good" score for its audio performance, providing clear vocals and decent bass reproduction, although high frequencies can become slightly distorted at maximum volume.

Overall, the OnePlus Nord 4 excels in delivering a high-performance display, exceptional battery life, rapid charging capabilities, and balanced audio output, making it a compelling choice in the mid-range smartphone segment.

OxygenOS 14.1 and Android 14

OnePlus Nord 4 Operating System

The OnePlus Nord 4 operates on OxygenOS 14.1, OnePlus's latest software iteration. This update introduces several new AI-powered features akin to Oppo's ColorOS 14.1, highlighting the convergence of these Android-based interfaces. Notably, both OxygenOS 14.1 and ColorOS 14.1 share identical UI elements and functionalities.

One of the significant updates with the Nord 4 is OnePlus's commitment to extended software support. Users can now expect four years of major Android updates and six years of security patches, ensuring longevity and continued relevance in the rapidly evolving smartphone landscape.

OxygenOS 14.1 enhances user experience with AI-driven capabilities such as text summarization from emails and web content, AI translation, and voice note transcription. Additionally, AI algorithms optimize background processes and connectivity, dynamically switching between internet sources for seamless connectivity similar to the Oppo Reno12 series.

Performance-wise, OxygenOS 14.1 delivers smooth operation without noticeable hiccups or slowdowns. It harnesses the power of the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset, the first device tested with this latest Qualcomm processor. Built on a 4nm manufacturing process, this chipset features an upgraded CPU configuration with a main Cortex-X4 core clocked at 2.8 GHz, four Cortex-A720 cores at 2.6 GHz, and three power-efficient Cortex-A520 cores at 1.9 GHz. The Adreno 732 GPU enhances graphical performance, offering significant improvements over its predecessor, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3.

The OnePlus Nord 4 is available in two memory configurations: 8GB RAM with 128GB UFS 3.1 storage and 12GB RAM with 256GB UFS 4.0 storage. The latter provides faster data speeds, although it's worth noting that 256GB storage isn't standard across all mid-range competitors.

In benchmark tests, the Nord 4 demonstrates robust performance across various metrics. It excels in CPU-intensive tasks and achieves impressive scores in benchmarks like AnTuTu 10 and 3DMark Wild Life, showcasing its prowess in both computational and graphical performance metrics.

However, sustained performance testing reveals moderate throttling after extended use, indicating a slight decrease in CPU and GPU performance over time. Despite this, the Nord 4 remains competitive within its price segment, offering a blend of high-performance computing and AI-enhanced user experiences that elevate its overall appeal.

Camera Performance of OnePlus Nord 4

OnePlus Nord 4 camera Quality

The OnePlus Nord 4 features a dual-camera setup with some notable changes from its predecessor, the Nord 3, albeit not all improvements. Here's a detailed breakdown of its camera capabilities:

Main Camera:

• Sensor: 50MP Sony IMX882 (Lytia LYT-600), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, f/1.8, 26mm, PDAF, OIS
• Video: Supports 4K recording at 60fps
  

During daylight, the main camera captures surprisingly good photos. Despite the smaller sensor size compared to its predecessor, images are sharp with good detail and wide dynamic range. Colors appear accurate, and noise is minimal even in challenging indoor conditions.

In low-light settings, the Nord 4 performs well with its Auto Night mode, preserving shadows and maintaining natural-looking photos without excessive processing. However, the 50MP mode doesn't always deliver optimal results, showing some issues with detail and contrast.

2x Zoom:

• Decent sharpness with some upscaling artifacts visible on high-frequency details like foliage. It maintains reasonable detail for medium-range objects but struggles with distant subjects.

Ultrawide Camera:

• Sensor: 8MP Sony IMX355, 1/4.0", 1.12µm, f/2.2, 16mm, fixed focus
• Captures detailed photos with good contrast and accurate colors in well-lit conditions. Dynamic range is limited, and sharpness could be better, especially towards the edges.

In low-light, the Ultrawide camera suffers from softness and lower contrast, with extended processing times in Night mode affecting overall sharpness and detail.

Selfie Camera:

• Sensor: 16MP Sony IMX471, 1/3.0", 1.0µm, f/2.4, 24mm, PDAF
• Selfies are detailed but tend to be soft with low contrast and color saturation. Dynamic range could be improved, and there's noticeable upscaling due to suspected lower sensor resolution.

Video Recording:

• Supports 4K video at 60fps with the main camera and up to 1080p at 30fps with the ultrawide camera.
• No EIS available in 4K mode, which results in shaky footage during movement. The Ultra Steady mode provides stabilization but limits recording to 1080p at 60fps.

Overall, while the OnePlus Nord 4 delivers commendable performance in daylight photography with its main camera and adequate performance with the ultrawide lens, it faces challenges in low-light conditions and video stabilization in higher resolutions. The camera setup represents a mixed bag of improvements and compromises compared to its predecessor.

Competitors Overview

OnePlus Nord 4

The OnePlus Nord 4 stands out in its price range for several compelling reasons, but it also faces stiff competition from other smartphones offering similar features. Here's a breakdown of its competitive landscape based on the review:

1. Oppo Reno12, Reno12 Pro, Realme 12 Pro+:

   • Similarities: Comparable software experience.
   • Advantages: Nord 4 excels with Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 SoC, reliable display, and good battery life.
   • Realme 12 Pro+: Appeals with a larger main sensor and 3x telephoto camera, but sacrifices battery life.
   • Reno12 Pro: Noted for its 2x zoom and excellent selfie camera with autofocus.

2. vivo V30:

   • Advantages: Excellent display, better camera experience (especially ultrawide and selfie with AF), long battery life, and fast charging.
   • Drawbacks: Slower chipset and sub-optimal speakers compared to Nord 4.

3. Google Pixel 8a:

   • Advantages: Superior camera performance, brighter display, higher ingress protection.
   • Drawbacks: Trails behind in performance, battery life, and charging speed compared to Nord 4.

4. Xiaomi Poco F6 Pro:

• Advantages: Outperforms Nord 4 in raw performance, faster charging, and starts with 256GB storage.
• Drawbacks: Inferior battery life compared to Nord 4.

Verdict on OnePlus Nord 4:

• Pros: Solid design, exceptional battery life, fast charging, strong performance with Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, and reliable main camera performance.
• Cons: Subpar selfie and ultrawide cameras, lacks EIS in 4K recording, inconsistent refresh rate control (rarely uses 120Hz), no bundled charger in Europe.

Recommendation:

• The Nord 4 is recommended for its overall package, especially for those prioritizing battery life, design, and performance. However, for users focused on superior camera performance or specific features like stabilized 4K video recording, other options like the Google Pixel 8a or Realme 12 Pro+ might be more appealing.

In conclusion, while the Nord 4 offers a compelling mix of features and performance, its suitability depends on individual preferences, particularly in camera quality and specific feature requirements.