OnePlus Nord 4: A Nostalgic Metal Phone with Modern Appeal

The OnePlus Nord 4 is generating considerable excitement as it positions itself as the “first 5G phone with an all-metal body,” a feature that harkens back to the days when smartphones were predominantly constructed from metal rather than the more common glass. This nostalgic appeal reflects a deliberate move by OnePlus to recapture some of the design elements that defined earlier generations of their smartphones. The Nord 4 marks a significant departure from the trend of glass-bodied phones, offering instead a robust metal construction that not only revives an older aesthetic but also promises enhanced durability. This return to metal, alongside a host of modern upgrades, aims to deliver both a familiar and fresh experience to users. Having spent five days with the device, the following observations outline how this blend of nostalgia and innovation plays out in practice.

The design of the OnePlus Nord 4 is distinguished by its dual-tone metal unibody, which is available in three distinct colors: Obsidian Midnight, Mercurial Silver, and Oasis Green. The Midnight variant is particularly noted for its sophisticated, understated elegance. The Silver model features a patterned finish that creates an intriguing visual effect, although the pattern is only perceptible to the eye rather than to the touch. Among these, the Oasis Green model stands out for its vibrant and appealing hue. The rear of the Nord 4 houses a horizontally aligned dual-camera setup that evokes memories of the OnePlus 5, albeit on a larger scale. This design not only pays homage to the brand’s past but also gives the device a distinctive look that sets it apart from contemporary competitors.

In contrast to the prevalent trend of using glass for 5G smartphones, the OnePlus Nord 4 opts for a full metal construction. My experience with the OnePlus 3T suggests that metal phones generally offer superior resistance to scratches and accidental drops compared to their glass counterparts. Given this, I anticipate that the Nord 4 will exhibit comparable durability and longevity. The metal unibody design feels solid and premium in hand, though it weighs approximately 200 grams. Despite this weight, the phone maintains a comfortable grip and does not feel overly cumbersome.

The Nord 4 boasts a 6.74-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1.5K, peak brightness of 2,150 nits, and a 120Hz refresh rate. This large, bright, and vibrant screen is designed to enhance the user experience, particularly for media consumption. The display performs admirably, even under direct sunlight, which is a testament to its brightness and clarity. Although a more thorough assessment will require additional time, the initial impressions indicate that the screen delivers a satisfying viewing experience.

In terms of durability, the OnePlus Nord 4 incorporates AquaTouch technology on its display to prevent false touches from water droplets, and it is IP65 rated for dust and water resistance. This means the device can withstand exposure to light rain and dust, adding a layer of practical resilience to its design.

The Nord 4 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 chipset, which is paired with options for 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and storage choices of either 128GB UFS 3.1 or 256GB UFS 4.0. While I have not yet had the opportunity to test its gaming performance, the phone handles everyday tasks such as navigation, social media interactions, web browsing, and music playback smoothly. During my use, the device has not exhibited any noticeable stutters or slowdowns, suggesting a high level of efficiency in routine operations.

The Nord 4 is equipped with a 5,500mAh battery that supports 100W fast charging. Over the past five days, the phone has managed to easily last through a full day of heavy usage without needing a recharge, which is particularly impressive given its power demands. Although it does not support wireless charging, the battery’s longevity is a significant advantage. OnePlus claims that the battery can endure over 1,600 charging cycles, which equates to roughly four years of use while retaining over 80% of its original capacity.

Moreover, OnePlus is providing the Nord 4 with its longest-ever software support for a Nord device. Users can expect four years of Android OS updates and six years of security updates, ensuring that the device remains current and secure over an extended period. This commitment to long-term software support, combined with the phone’s durable metal design and substantial battery life, suggests that the Nord 4 is built to last.

In line with contemporary smartphone trends, the OnePlus Nord 4 includes a range of AI features. These include AI Linkboost, which is designed to enhance mobile network connectivity speeds, as well as standard features like Note Summary, Audio Summary, and Text Translate. These AI functionalities aim to improve user experience by providing more intuitive and efficient interactions with the device.

The Nord 4 has also made some notable changes to its camera setup compared to its predecessor. It now features a dual-camera arrangement with a 50MP primary sensor and an 8MP ultrawide lens, having removed the macro lens from the previous model. This more straightforward camera configuration is a welcome shift. The primary camera performs well in daylight, delivering images with good dynamic range and detail. Indoor photography is also satisfactory, although the Portrait mode sometimes results in artificial bokeh effects. Despite this, the camera produces high-quality images that are well-suited for sharing on social media. The color consistency between the two lenses is commendable, and while I personally prefer a telephoto lens over an ultrawide lens, the Nord 4’s digital zoom capabilities up to 5x are effective and produce pleasing results.

Starting at 29,999 Indian Rupees, the OnePlus Nord 4 faces considerable competition in its price segment. Alternatives such as the Moto Edge 50 Pro offer additional features like a telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and wireless charging support, though the Nord 4’s battery life is notably superior. For those focused on gaming, the Poco F6 with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is a strong contender. Nevertheless, for users seeking a reliable OnePlus phone in the 30,000 Indian Rupees range, the Nord 4 presents a compelling option with its sharp display, smooth performance, extended battery life, and long-term software support, all wrapped in a well-designed metal body.