OnePlus Nord 4 – A Strong Contender Under 30k

Upon unboxing the OnePlus Nord 4, you might be struck by its design similarity to the early Pixel phones. The phone features a sleek metal unibody design with a glass top around the camera module, giving it a premium feel. This review unit is the Obsidian Midnight variant, but it is also available in Oasis Green and Mercurial Silver. The Mercurial Silver variant is particularly notable for its unique back pattern and bright orange underside.

Initially, the phone feels slightly heavy, but users get accustomed to its weight quickly. The device is well-equipped with the power and volume buttons on the right side, an alert slider on the left, an IR blaster on the top, and a Type-C USB 2.0 port at the bottom. The phone also has an IP65 rating, offering decent protection against dust and water.

Nord 4 Specifications

Feature	Details
Processor	Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3
RAM	Up to 12GB LPDDR5X
Storage	Up to 256GB UFS 4.0 (base variant UFS 3.1)
Display	6.74-inch AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+
Camera	Rear: 50MP main, Ultra-wide; Front: 16MP
Battery	5500mAh, 100W SuperVOOC fast charging
OS	OxygenOS 14.1 based on Android 14
Protection	Ponda Glass
Connectivity	5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, IR blaster
IP Rating	IP65
Price	Starts at ₹29,999

OnePlus Nord 4 – Display

The Nord 4 features a 6.74-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. Although it is not an LTPO panel and doesn’t reach the highest brightness levels, it still provides a sharp and vibrant display. It performs well outdoors, although it can be slightly more reflective than some competitors.

The screen is protected by Panda Glass, which is a solid option even if it lacks the brand recognition of Gorilla Glass. Multimedia experience on the Nord 4 is commendable, with good video quality and HDR support for YouTube and Prime Video. Netflix HDR support is expected to be available via an update in August.

OnePlus Nord 4 – Performance

OnePlus has reintroduced a Snapdragon processor in its Nord series with the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3, combined with up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage (the base variant uses UFS 3.1). Benchmark tests show competitive performance, with the Nord 4 holding its own against other mid-range devices.

In real-world use, the phone handles gaming and multitasking effectively. It supports 90 FPS in BGMI and maintains around 57 FPS in Genshin Impact at high settings. Importantly, the phone manages to stay cool during intensive tasks, with maximum temperatures around 38°C even during long gaming sessions.

Software and UI

The Nord 4 runs on OxygenOS 14.1 based on Android 14, offering four years of software updates and six years of security patches. New features in OxygenOS 14.1 include Repair Mode, Call People Nearby without Signal, and various AI enhancements such as AI Eraser, AI Writer, AI Audio Summary, and AI Link Boost.

However, the software experience is marred by the presence of bloatware and ads in the global search. There is also a separate app store, which detracts from the clean software experience traditionally associated with OnePlus.

OnePlus Nord 4 – Camera

The camera setup includes a main sensor that is technically a downgrade from the Nord 3’s IMX 890 to the IMX 882, but in practice, the Nord 4 delivers better image processing. Photos are sharp and detailed, with good HDR performance and realistic color reproduction.

The ultra-wide camera also performs well with minimal color shift from the main sensor. Portrait shots exhibit excellent edge detection, and selfies maintain facial details without excessive beautification. The rear camera can record 4K 60fps video with decent stabilization, while the front camera is limited to 1080p 30fps.

OnePlus Nord 4 – Battery Life

The Nord 4 is powered by a 5500mAh battery with 100W SuperVOOC charging, which charges the phone from 0 to 100% in just 30 minutes. The battery life is solid, offering around 6.5 to 7 hours of screen-on time, addressing one of the major concerns from Nord 3 users.

OnePlus Nord 4 – Connectivity

Connectivity options include support for Jio and Airtel networks, NFC, Bluetooth 5.4, dual SIM dual standby (DSDA), and 9 5G bands. Wi-Fi performance is also reliable, ensuring a smooth internet experience.

The OnePlus Nord 4 is priced starting at 29,999 INR for the base variant, with the 8GB/256GB model costing 33,000 INR. The phone offers a lot of value with its metal design, Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 performance, long battery life, fast charging, and four years of software updates. However, the presence of bloatware and a non-LTPO display are notable drawbacks.

Pricing and Conclusion

Overall, the Nord 4 is a strong contender in the mid-range segment, especially for those who prioritize design, performance, and software longevity. If you are looking for an alternative with better performance and cameras and are willing to spend a bit more, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro is worth considering.

Verdict

OnePlus Nord 4 is among the best smartphones available for under 30,000 INR. It boasts an appealing unibody design reminiscent of early Pixel phones, a powerful Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 processor, well-optimized cameras, and impressive battery life. While it has a few drawbacks, overall, it delivers a great user experience.