OnePlus Nord 4 Review: A Stellar Budget Smartphone for 2024

Introduction:

In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, finding a device that balances performance, features, and affordability can be challenging. Enter the OnePlus Nord 4, a budget-friendly powerhouse that's making waves in the sub-30K price segment. Let's dive into what makes this phone stand out and whether it's the right choice for you.

Design and Build:

The OnePlus Nord 4 takes a refreshing approach to design, reminiscent of early Google Pixel phones. Its metal unibody construction exudes premium quality, a rarity in this price range. Available in Obsidian Midnight, Oasis Green, and Mercurial Silver, the phone offers a clean, sophisticated look.

Key design features:

Metal unibody with glass accents
IP65 water and dust resistance
Alert slider (a OnePlus staple)
IR blaster
USB-C port (USB 2.0 speeds)

Display:

While not cutting-edge, the Nord 4's display holds its own:

6.74-inch AMOLED panel
120Hz refresh rate
HDR10+ support
Panda Glass protection

The screen offers vivid colors and smooth scrolling, though it's not the brightest in its class. Netflix HDR support is coming in a future update, enhancing the multimedia experience.

Performance:

Up to 12GB LPDDR5X RAM
Up to 256GB UFS 4.0 storage (base model uses UFS 3.1)
Excellent thermal management

Gaming performance is impressive, with smooth gameplay in popular titles like BGMI and Genshin Impact. However, COD Mobile is limited to 60 FPS, which may disappoint some gamers.

Software:

Running OxygenOS 14.1 based on Android 14, the Nord 4 offers:

4 years of software updates
6 years of security patches
AI-enhanced features (AI eraser, writer, audio summary)
Useful additions like Repair Mode and Be-Call

The downside? Bloatware and ads are more prevalent than in previous OnePlus devices, which may irk some users.

Camera:

Despite a technical downgrade in the main sensor, the Nord 4's camera system impresses:

50MP main camera (Sony IMX882)
Ultra-wide and macro lenses
16MP front-facing camera

Photos are sharp, detailed, and natural-looking. Night mode performs admirably, and portrait shots feature accurate edge detection. Video capabilities include 4K60 recording from the rear camera, though the front camera is limited to 1080p30.

Battery and Charging:

The Nord 4 addresses battery concerns from its predecessor:

5,500mAh battery
6.5-7 hours of screen-on time
100W SuperVOOC charging (14% to 100% in 30 minutes)

Connectivity:

5G support (13 bands)
Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDA)
NFC
Bluetooth 5.4

Pricing and Verdict:

Starting at just ₹29,999 for the base model, the OnePlus Nord 4 offers exceptional value. The sweet spot is the 8GB/256GB variant at ₹33,999, which includes faster UFS 4.0 storage.

Pros:

Premium metal design
Solid performance
Improved camera processing
Long battery life with fast charging
Competitive pricing

Cons:

Increased bloatware
Display isn't class-leading
Some gaming limitations (e.g., COD Mobile fps cap)

The Best Phone Under 30k?

the OnePlus N4 is one of the best phones you can buy under 30k. With a sleek unibody design reminiscent of early Pixel phones, a powerful Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 processor, well-optimized cameras, and solid battery life, this phone has a lot going for it. While it does have some issues, the overall package is impressive. Now, let's dive into a full review, covering both the pros and cons.

Design and Build

Upon unboxing the OnePlus N4, the design immediately brings back memories of the early Pixel phones. The obsidian midnight variant I reviewed features a metal unibody with a glass cover around the camera module, offering a premium feel. The phone also comes in Oasis Green and Mercurial Silver, with the latter standing out due to its unique pattern and bright orange underside. The phone initially feels a bit heavy but is manageable over time. Key design elements include power and volume buttons on the right, an alert slider on the left, an IR blaster on the top, and a Type-C USB 2.0 port at the bottom. Plus, it boasts an IP65 rating for water and dust resistance.

Display

The N4 features a 6.74-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. Despite not being an LTPO panel or the brightest display available, it performs admirably with sharp visuals and thin bezels. Outdoor visibility is good, though the display is slightly more reflective than ideal. Protection comes in the form of Panda Glass, which is a downgrade from Gorilla Glass.

Multimedia Experience

Watching shows and movies on the N4 is a pleasure, thanks to the vibrant display and HDR support on YouTube and Prime Video. However, Netflix HDR support is currently missing, with OnePlus promising an update by August. The stereo speakers deliver good separation and loud volume, though clarity diminishes at max volume. The in-display fingerprint scanner and haptics are also well-integrated and responsive.

Performance

Powered by the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 processor, the OnePlus N4 offers up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage (with the base variant featuring UFS 3.1). Benchmark scores are competitive, though not the highest in its class. In real-world usage, the phone performs smoothly without noticeable throttling, even during prolonged gaming sessions. Games like BGMI run well at 90 FPS on the lowest settings, and Genshin Impact maintains around 57 FPS on high settings. However, COD Mobile does not support 120 FPS on this device.

Software and UI

Running on OxygenOS 14.1 based on Android 14, the OnePlus N4 promises four years of software updates and six years of security patches. The OS includes useful features like repair mode and beacon linking for signal-less calls. It also offers numerous AI enhancements such as AI eraser and AI writer. However, the presence of 11 bloatware apps and ads in the global search detracts from the user experience.

Camera

The camera setup includes a new main sensor, the LT600, which is a rebranded IMX 882, technically a downgrade from the IMX 890 in the N3. Nonetheless, the improved processing thanks to the Snapdragon ISP results in impressive photo quality. Daytime shots are sharp with good detail, and HDR is well-handled. Nighttime photos are also solid, benefiting from enhanced processing. The ultra-wide camera performs well with minimal color shift, and portrait mode offers excellent edge detection and detail. Selfies maintain natural facial details without excessive beautification. Video recording is capable of 4K 60fps from the rear camera, though the front camera is limited to 1080p 30fps.

Battery

The 5500mAh battery supports 100W SuperVOOC charging, taking the phone from 0 to 100% in just 30 minutes. In my experience, the battery life ranged from 6.5 to 7 hours of screen-on time, which is a significant improvement over its predecessor. Connectivity features include NFC, Bluetooth 5.4, and support for multiple 5G bands, ensuring a robust and versatile user experience.

Priced at just 29,999 for the base variant, the OnePlus N4 is an excellent choice for those looking for a mid-range phone with a premium feel. With a solid metal design, capable performance, good battery life, and an attractive price, it ticks many boxes. However, the presence of bloatware and the lack of an LTPO display are notable drawbacks. For the best experience, I recommend the 8/256GB model with UFS 4.0 storage. If you can stretch your budget, consider the Iqoo Neo 9 Pro for even better performance and camera quality.

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abhaymishra 17 July 2024