OnePlus Nord 4 Review: The Return of the Metal Back Panel
The smartphone market is ever-evolving, with new innovations and design choices captivating consumers every year. Among the myriad of options, the OnePlus Nord series has consistently stood out, offering a blend of performance and affordability. The OnePlus Nord 4 is no exception, but it brings something unique to the table—a metal back panel, a rarity in today’s market. This blog delves deep into the OnePlus Nord 4, exploring its design, performance, display, battery life, and camera capabilities. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of whether this phone deserves a place in your pocket.

OnePlus Nord 4 Unboxing Experience
The unboxing experience sets the tone for what to expect from a device, and the OnePlus Nord 4 does not disappoint. Packaged in a sleek blue and black box, it immediately grabs attention. Inside, you’ll find:
- OnePlus Nord 4 Phone
- Buds 3 Pro (optional)
- SIM card tool
- TPU case
- 100W charging adapter
- USB Type-A to Type-C cable
- Red Cable Club card
- OnePlus Nord stickers


The inclusion of a 100W charging adapter is noteworthy, especially in a market where many brands are moving away from including chargers. This commitment to providing essential accessories speaks volumes about OnePlus’s dedication to user convenience. The TPU case, while basic, is of decent quality and provides immediate protection for the device.
OnePlus Nord 4 Design and Build Quality
The OnePlus Nord 4 marks a nostalgic return to the metal back panel, a design choice not seen in the past 7-8 years. This decision sets it apart from the sea of plastic, glass, and vegan leather finishes prevalent today. The phone features a unibody design, seamlessly integrating the metal back with the frame, offering a robust and premium feel.
Key Design Elements:
- Metal and Glass Back: The top portion is metal, while the bottom integrates glass, giving it a distinctive look.
- Antenna Lines: Visible at the bottom, these lines enhance connectivity without disrupting the aesthetic appeal.
- Color Options: The phone is available in multiple colors, including a flashy variant, catering to different tastes.
- Port and Button Layout: The right side houses the power button and volume rocker, while the left features the iconic OnePlus alert slider, renowned for its tactile feedback. The bottom includes the SIM card tray, USB Type-C port, speaker grill, and a microphone. The top is equipped with an IR blaster and a noise-cancelling microphone.





The metal back does come with a caveat—it is prone to dents when dropped on hard surfaces. However, the build quality ensures it remains free of scratches, maintaining its pristine look over time. The in-hand feel of the device is substantial and slightly heavier, weighing in at 201 grams, which may be a consideration for those who prefer lighter phones.
OnePlus Nord 4 Display
The display is a standout feature of the OnePlus Nord 4. It boasts a 6.74-inch 120Hz AMOLED panel, delivering vibrant colors and smooth transitions. The bezels are minimal, with an exceptionally thin chin, enhancing the immersive viewing experience.
Display Highlights:
- Resolution: 6.74-inch 120Hz AMOLED display
- Brightness: 2150 nits peak brightness ensures visibility even under direct sunlight
- Bezels: Extremely thin bezels, contributing to a sleek look
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz for smooth scrolling and gaming

This display is not just about numbers; it translates into real-world performance, offering an unparalleled multimedia experience. Watching videos, playing games, or simply browsing the web feels fluid and visually striking. The high brightness level makes outdoor visibility a non-issue, and the high refresh rate ensures that even the most demanding users will find the display responsive and engaging.
OnePlus Nord 4 Performance
Under the hood, the OnePlus Nord 4 is powered by the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor, paired with LPDDR5X RAM. This combination ensures flagship-level performance, capable of handling intensive tasks and gaming with ease.
Performance Metrics:
- Processor: Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3
- RAM: 8GB in the base variant, with options for higher configurations
- Storage: UFS 3.1 in the base model, UFS 4.0 in higher variants

The AnTuTu score for the OnePlus Nord 4 ranges between 1.4 to 1.45 million, placing it firmly in the flagship category. Gaming performance is particularly impressive, with the phone supporting 120FPS in Call of Duty Mobile and maintaining a stable 55-56FPS in Genshin Impact. The haptic feedback is exceptional, enhancing the overall user experience. The device also handles multitasking with ease, making it suitable for both casual users and power users who require more from their smartphones.
OnePlus Nord 4 Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is another area where the OnePlus Nord 4 excels. It is equipped with a 5500mAh battery, which, coupled with efficient power management, ensures longevity.
Battery and Charging Features:
- Battery Capacity: 5500mAh
- Charging Speed: 100W fast charging
- Usage Duration: Up to 1.5 days on a single charge

The inclusion of a 100W charger in the box is a significant advantage, ensuring that you can quickly recharge the device and get back to using it without long downtimes. This focus on battery performance makes the OnePlus Nord 4 a reliable companion for heavy users. The battery life is impressive, easily lasting through a day and a half of moderate to heavy usage. Even with intensive tasks like gaming and streaming, the device holds up well, making it a trustworthy partner for those who need their phone to last all day.
OnePlus Nord 4 Camera
The camera setup on the OnePlus Nord 4 is competent, though not its primary selling point. It features a dual-camera system on the rear and a capable front-facing camera.
Camera Specifications:
- Rear Cameras: 50MP Sony IMX766 sensor and 8MP ultra-wide sensor
- Front Camera: 16MP sensor
- Video Recording: 4K at 60FPS


The camera performs well in good lighting conditions, producing clear and detailed images. The inclusion of various modes, such as Pro, Portrait, Night, and Slow Motion, adds versatility to the camera setup. However, the absence of a telephoto lens is a notable omission, particularly for those who enjoy portrait photography. The dual-camera setup does a decent job for most everyday photography needs, but it might fall short for photography enthusiasts looking for more advanced features. The front camera is sufficient for selfies and video calls, delivering good quality images with accurate color reproduction.
OnePlus Nord 4 Software and Updates
The OnePlus Nord 4 runs on OxygenOS 14.1, based on Android 14. OnePlus promises four years of major OS updates and six years of security updates, a commitment that significantly extends the device’s lifespan.
Software Highlights:
- Operating System: OxygenOS 14.1 (Android 14)
- Update Commitment: 4 years of major updates, 6 years of security updates
- Pre-installed Apps: Minimal bloatware, with most third-party apps removable
OxygenOS is known for its clean and fluid interface, and the Nord 4 maintains this reputation. Despite its ColorOS roots, the skin offers a user-friendly experience with minimal unnecessary additions. The update commitment is particularly impressive, ensuring that users can keep their device up-to-date with the latest features and security patches for years to come. This level of support is rare in the mid-range segment and adds significant value to the OnePlus Nord 4.
OnePlus Nord 4 Connectivity and Additional Features
The OnePlus Nord 4 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of connectivity options, ensuring seamless integration into modern lifestyles.
Connectivity Options:
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth 5.4
- 5G support for all major bands
- NFC
- IR Blaster
Additional features include an in-display fingerprint sensor, face unlock, and IP65 certification for dust and water resistance. The alert slider remains a beloved feature, providing quick access to silent and vibrate modes. These connectivity options ensure that the OnePlus Nord 4 is future-proof, capable of handling the latest wireless standards and offering a robust and versatile user experience.
OnePlus Nord 4 Multimedia Experience
The OnePlus Nord 4 is designed to be a multimedia powerhouse. The combination of a high-quality display and stereo speakers makes it ideal for consuming content on the go.
Multimedia Features:
- Display Quality: The AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate offers a fantastic viewing experience for videos, games, and browsing.
- Stereo Speakers: Provide rich and immersive sound, enhancing the overall multimedia experience.
- Video Playback: While there is no HDR support on Netflix, the device handles other streaming platforms well, offering crisp and vibrant visuals.
The lack of HDR support on Netflix is a minor drawback, but the overall multimedia performance remains strong. Whether you are watching movies, streaming videos, or playing games, the OnePlus Nord 4 delivers a top-notch experience.
OnePlus Nord 4 Pros and Cons
To summarize the strengths and weaknesses of the OnePlus Nord 4, here is a quick rundown:
Pros:
- Unique Metal Back Design: A refreshing change from the usual materials.
- Outstanding Display: Bright, vibrant, and fluid with a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Flagship-Level Performance: Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 ensures smooth performance.
- Long Battery Life: 5500mAh battery with 100W fast charging.
- Extended Software Support: 4 years of major updates and 6 years of security updates.
- Excellent Haptics: Provides a premium feel during usage.
Cons:
- No Telephoto Lens: Limits versatility in photography.
- Heavier Build: Weighs 201 grams, which may be slightly cumbersome for some users.
- No Wireless Charging: Available in some competing models within a similar price range.
- No HDR Support on Netflix: A minor drawback for avid movie watchers.
The OnePlus Nord 4 is a compelling option in the mid-range segment, offering a unique blend of design, performance, and battery life. Its metal back panel sets it apart, while the powerful Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor ensures it can handle anything you throw at it. The display is a highlight, providing an excellent visual experience, and the extended software support is a significant advantage for long-term users.
While the camera setup is adequate, it may not satisfy photography enthusiasts due to the absence of a telephoto lens. However, the overall package makes the OnePlus Nord 4 a solid choice, particularly for those looking for a distinctive design and robust performance.
For those considering a new smartphone in the ₹27,999 price range, the OnePlus Nord 4 is definitely worth a look. Its combination of innovative design, strong performance, and excellent battery life makes it a standout option in a crowded market. Whether you’re a OnePlus fan or new to the brand, the Nord 4 offers a refreshing take on what a mid-range smartphone can be.
By embracing a unique design with its metal back, providing flagship-level performance with the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, and ensuring long-term software support, OnePlus has crafted a device that stands out in 2024’s competitive smartphone landscape. The Nord 4 is not just another mid-range phone; it’s a statement that OnePlus continues to innovate and listen to its user base, delivering what they need while maintaining the brand’s ethos of “Never Settle.”
The OnePlus Nord 4 boasts a 5500 mAh battery that can easily last a full day with moderate to heavy use. The device supports 100W fast charging, allowing it to charge from 0% to 100% in about 30 minutes. This makes it very convenient for users who need a quick charge during the day
The OnePlus Nord 4 offers solid gaming performance for most games, with stable frame rates and smooth gameplay initially. However, it tends to throttle performance when the device temperature exceeds 44-45°C, leading to a noticeable drop in FPS during intensive gaming sessions. This can affect the gaming experience, especially for games that require consistent high performance.