OnePlus is making waves with its latest mid-range offering, the Nord 4, by bringing back an all-metal design in an era dominated by glass sandwiches. But does this nostalgic approach translate to a compelling device in 2024?
The Return of Metal
The OnePlus Nord 4 stands out with its unibody metal construction, a rarity in today's smartphone landscape. Available in Obsidian Midnight, Mercurial Silver, and Oasis Green, the device aims to evoke the premium feel of phones from years past. This design choice isn't just about aesthetics; metal bodies are generally more resistant to scratches and drops compared to their glass counterparts.
 |
|---|
| Showcasing the OnePlus Nord 4 with a matching earbud design, highlighting its unibody metal construction |
Specs and Performance
- Display: 6.74-inch AMOLED, 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 2,150 nits peak brightness
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3
- RAM/Storage: 8GB/128GB or 12GB/256GB
- Battery: 5,500mAh with 100W fast charging
- Camera: 50MP primary + 8MP ultrawide
Early impressions suggest smooth performance for everyday tasks, though extensive gaming tests are still pending. The large battery easily lasts through a day of use, but wireless charging is notably absent.
Camera Capabilities
OnePlus has opted for a dual-camera setup, dropping the macro lens found on the Nord 3. Initial tests show promising results in daylight conditions, with good dynamic range and detail. However, portrait mode processing could use some refinement to achieve more natural-looking bokeh.
 |
|---|
| Camera samples from the OnePlus Nord 4, illustrating its capabilities in various environments |
Software and Support
The Nord 4 comes with OnePlus' longest software support package for a Nord device: four years of Android OS updates and six years of security patches. This commitment to longevity aligns well with the durable metal design.
The 5G Challenge
OnePlus claims to have overcome the radio interference issues typically associated with metal phones in the 5G era. However, this is achieved through strategic placement of glass and plastic elements to house critical antennas, rather than a true all-metal design.
Price and Competition
Starting at ₹29,999 in India, the OnePlus Nord 4 faces stiff competition. Devices like the Moto Edge 50 Pro offer additional features such as a telephoto lens and wireless charging, while the Poco F6 may appeal more to gaming enthusiasts with its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip.
The Verdict
The OnePlus Nord 4 is a solid mid-range contender that stands out with its metal design and long-term software support. While it may not lead the pack in every category, it offers a unique proposition for those seeking a durable, well-rounded device with a touch of nostalgia. However, buyers should weigh the trade-offs, such as the lack of wireless charging and potentially limited 5G performance, against the appeal of its metal construction.
As smartphone designs have largely converged in recent years, OnePlus' willingness to experiment with materials is refreshing. Whether this marks the beginning of a metal renaissance in smartphone design remains to be seen, but the Nord 4 certainly offers a distinctive option in an increasingly homogeneous market.
