Design and Build
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 maintains the sleek and minimalist design that OnePlus is known for. It features a glass front, plastic frame, and a matte finish on the back which provides a comfortable grip. The phone is slightly lighter than its predecessor, making it easy to handle for prolonged periods. The device also comes with an IP54 rating, providing basic dust and water resistance, which is a welcome addition at this price point.
Display
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 sports a 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. The display offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and a more responsive experience during gaming and general use. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, adding an extra layer of durability against scratches and minor drops.
Performance
Under the hood, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, paired with up to 12GB of RAM. This combination ensures smooth multitasking and efficient handling of demanding applications. The phone comes with OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14, which offers a clean and fast user experience with minimal bloatware. The device also features UFS 3.1 storage, which contributes to faster read and write speeds, enhancing overall performance.
Camera
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 features a triple-camera setup on the rear. The primary camera is a 50MP Sony LYT-600 sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP depth sensor. The camera system performs well in daylight, capturing vibrant images with good dynamic range and detail. The ultra-wide camera also delivers decent performance but falls short in low light conditions. The 16MP front camera takes good selfies with natural skin tones and satisfactory edge detection in portrait mode. However, low-light performance could be improved, as selfies tend to lose detail and appear soft.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, which provides a full day of usage on a single charge with moderate use. The standout feature is the 100W fast charging capability, which can charge the battery from 0 to 100% in just under 40 minutes. This is particularly beneficial for users who are always on the go and need quick top-ups.
Software
OxygenOS 14 on the OnePlus Nord CE 4 offers a smooth and user-friendly interface. The software is clean, with minimal pre-installed apps, ensuring a clutter-free experience. OnePlus promises two years of major Android updates and three years of security updates, which is decent but falls short compared to some competitors offering longer support periods.
Conclusion
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that offers a good balance of performance, design, and features. Its strengths lie in its fast charging capabilities, smooth display, and clean software experience. However, the camera performance, especially in low light, leaves room for improvement. At its price point, it competes with devices like the Poco X6 Pro and Motorola Edge 40, which offer similar or better performance in certain areas. Overall, if you prioritize battery life and fast charging, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 is a solid choice in the mid-range segment.