In the ever-evolving smartphone market, OnePlus has consistently pushed boundaries with its Nord series.
The latest addition, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G, launched on April 4, 2024, continues this tradition by offering a compelling mix of features at a competitive price point.
This comprehensive review delves into the device’s key aspects, from design to performance, to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your needs.
Design and Build Quality
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G showcases a refined design that belies its mid-range status.
Measuring 162.5 x 75.3 x 8.4 mm and weighing a comfortable 186 grams, the device strikes a balance between screen real estate and ergonomic handling.
Available in two striking colors – Celadon Marble and Dark Chrome – the phone caters to diverse aesthetic preferences.
OnePlus has paid attention to durability, incorporating an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance. This added protection is a welcome feature in the mid-range segment, offering peace of mind for daily use.
The device’s build quality feels premium, with a glass front, plastic frame, and glass back that contribute to its sleek appearance.
The absence of the iconic OnePlus alert slider might disappoint some brand loyalists. However, the company’s decision to omit this feature allows for a more streamlined design and potentially helps keep costs down.
Display
The Nord CE 4 5G boasts a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2412 pixels. This results in a crisp 394 ppi pixel density, ensuring sharp and vivid visuals.
The 120Hz refresh rate is a standout feature, providing smooth scrolling and enhanced responsiveness that was once reserved for flagship devices.
With support for HDR10+ and a peak brightness of 950 nits, the display performs admirably in various lighting conditions, from dim indoor environments to bright outdoor settings.
The 20.1:9 aspect ratio and 93.4% screen-to-body ratio contribute to an immersive viewing experience, making the device well-suited for multimedia consumption and gaming.
Performance
Under the hood, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset.
This octa-core processor, built on a 4nm process, offers a good balance between performance and energy efficiency. The device comes in two configurations:
- 8GB RAM with 128GB storage
- 12GB RAM with 256GB storage
The inclusion of LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage ensures snappy app launches and smooth multitasking.
In day-to-day use, the Nord CE 4 5G handles most tasks with ease, from web browsing and social media to light gaming and video streaming.
For more demanding users, the 12GB RAM variant provides ample headroom for heavy multitasking and more intensive applications.
However, the lack of expandable storage might be a concern for some users, especially those opting for the 128GB model.
Camera System
The camera setup on the OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G is a mix of impressive hardware and computational photography:
- Main Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.95″, 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
- Ultra-wide Camera: 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚
- Front Camera: 16 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide)
The primary 50MP sensor, equipped with optical image stabilization (OIS), captures detailed and well-exposed shots in various lighting conditions.
The inclusion of OIS is particularly noteworthy, as it helps reduce blur in low-light situations and video recording.
The 8MP ultra-wide camera, while not as high-resolution as the main sensor, offers versatility for landscape shots and group photos.
However, the quality drop is noticeable when compared to the primary camera, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
For selfie enthusiasts, the 16MP front-facing camera delivers decent results, with good detail and natural skin tones in well-lit environments.
The portrait mode, powered by AI, does a commendable job of subject separation, though it can occasionally struggle with complex edges.
Video capabilities include 4K recording at 30fps from the main camera, which is impressive for a mid-range device. Electronic image stabilization (EIS) helps smooth out handheld footage, though it’s not quite as effective as OIS for video.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the standout features of the Nord CE 4 5G is its battery performance. The device houses a substantial 5500 mAh battery, which easily lasts through a full day of moderate to heavy use.
For many users, this capacity translates to around 1.5 to 2 days of usage before needing a recharge.
OnePlus has equipped the Nord CE 4 5G with 100W SUPERVOOC charging technology. This rapid charging solution can replenish the battery from 0 to 100% in just 29 minutes, according to OnePlus.
In real-world testing, these claims hold up, with the device consistently charging from 20% to 80% in under 15 minutes.
The combination of a large battery and ultra-fast charging addresses one of the most common pain points in smartphone usage, ensuring that users are rarely left without power.
Software and User Experience
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G runs on OxygenOS 14.1, based on Android 14. OxygenOS has long been praised for its clean, near-stock Android experience with thoughtful additions.
The interface is intuitive and responsive, benefiting from the 120Hz display.
OnePlus promises two years of major Android updates and three years of security patches for the Nord CE 4 5G.
While this is in line with many mid-range offerings, it falls short of the longer support periods offered by some competitors and OnePlus’s own flagship devices.
Notable software features include:
- Work-Life Balance 2.0: Helps users separate professional and personal apps and notifications
- Zen Mode: Encourages digital wellbeing by limiting phone usage for set periods
- Always-On Display: Customizable to show relevant information without waking the device
The Nord CE 4 5G also includes OnePlus’ Game Space, which optimizes system resources for gaming and provides tools to minimize distractions during gameplay.
Connectivity and Additional Features
As its name suggests, the Nord CE 4 5G offers 5G connectivity, future-proofing the device for the expanding 5G networks. Other connectivity options include:
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 ax)
- Bluetooth 5.4
- NFC for contactless payments
- GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
The device retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, an increasingly rare feature that will please users with wired audio accessories. The under-display fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable, complemented by face unlock for convenient device access.
Price and Value Proposition
Launched at a price point of ₹24,999 (approximately $300 USD) for the base 8GB/128GB model, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G positions itself as a strong contender in the mid-range segment. The higher-end 12GB/256GB variant is priced slightly higher but offers better value for power users.
When compared to its competitors, the Nord CE 4 5G stands out with its combination of a high-refresh-rate AMOLED display, capable camera system with OIS, large battery with ultra-fast charging, and 5G connectivity.
However, it faces stiff competition from devices like the Samsung Galaxy A35 and the Nothing Phone (2a), each with their own strengths in this price range.
OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G successfully continues the Nord series’ tradition of offering a premium experience at a mid-range price point. Its strengths lie in its smooth performance, excellent battery life with incredibly fast charging, and a versatile camera system.
The 120Hz AMOLED display and 5G connectivity further enhance its appeal, making it a well-rounded package for most users.
However, the device is not without its compromises.
The lack of expandable storage, the absence of the alert slider, and the somewhat limited software update promise might deter some potential buyers. Additionally, while the camera system is capable, it may not match the output of some similarly priced competitors in all scenarios.
Ultimately, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G represents a compelling option for users seeking a balance of performance, battery life, and modern features without breaking the bank. It’s particularly well-suited for:
- Users upgrading from budget smartphones who want a taste of premium features
- OnePlus fans looking for a more affordable option without sacrificing too much on the brand experience
- 5G early adopters on a budget
- Users who prioritize battery life and fast charging
In the crowded mid-range smartphone market, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G manages to carve out its niche by offering a thoughtful blend of features that cater to the needs of most users.
While it may not be perfect for everyone, it certainly deserves consideration for anyone shopping in this price range.