OnePlus Nord CE 4 Review: A Balanced Offering for Budget-Conscious Users?

OnePlus Nord CE 4 Review: A Balanced Offering for Budget-Conscious Users?

The OnePlus Nord series has carved a niche for itself in the mid-range smartphone market, offering compelling features at competitive prices. The latest iteration, the OnePlus Nord CE 4, promises a smooth user experience, a capable camera system, and long-lasting battery life. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s delve into a detailed review of the OnePlus Nord CE 4 to help you decide if it’s the right phone for you.

OnePlus Nord CE 4 Box Contents

• OnePlus Nord CE 4 smartphone
• 100W Warp Charge power adapter
• USB-A to USB-C charging cable
• Protective silicone case
• SIM tray ejector tool
• Welcome booklet and warranty information

Design and Build

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 boasts a familiar design language. The phone is constructed with a plastic back, although it offers a smooth glass-like finish that resists fingerprints well. It comes in two color options: Dark Chrome, a sleek and sophisticated dark gray, and Celadon Marble, a visually striking green with a unique marble-like texture. The phone also boasts an IP54 rating, signifying dust and water resistance – a welcome feature in this price segment.

Display Quality

The Nord CE 4 features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels) and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This translates to vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. The display is also HDR10+ certified, ensuring compatibility with HDR content on streaming platforms like YouTube and Netflix. Additionally, the inclusion of AquaTouch technology allows for seamless touch responsiveness even with wet fingers.

Speaker Output

The Nord CE 4 packs a dual stereo speaker setup that delivers decent audio quality. While not the loudest on the market, the speakers get sufficiently loud for casual music listening, watching videos, or taking calls on speakerphone.

Software Experience

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 runs on OxygenOS, a near-stock Android experience known for its clean interface and bloatware-free approach. This ensures a smooth and responsive user experience. OnePlus has also committed to providing regular software updates, keeping your phone secure and up-to-date with the latest features.

Performance

The Nord CE 4 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor, a capable mid-range chipset that can handle most everyday tasks with ease. While it might not be ideal for heavy-duty gaming, it tackles multitasking and everyday applications without breaking a sweat. The phone is offered in various RAM and storage configurations, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your needs.

Cameras

The camera system on the OnePlus Nord CE 4 is a mixed bag. The primary sensor is a Sony LYT600, which captures decent photos in good lighting conditions. However, low-light performance leaves a bit to be desired. The 16MP front-facing camera is adequate for selfies and video calls, but again, struggles in low-light situations. Overall, the camera system is functional but might not impress photography enthusiasts.

Battery and Charging

One of the highlights of the OnePlus Nord CE 4 is its impressive battery life. The 5,500mAh battery can easily power you through a full day of use, and even into the next day with moderate usage. The phone also boasts support for OnePlus’ blazing-fast 100W Warp Charge technology. This allows you to quickly top up the battery in a matter of minutes, eliminating range anxiety.

Connectivity

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 offers a comprehensive set of connectivity options, including 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and a 3.5mm headphone jack – a welcome addition for audiophiles who prefer wired listening.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy OnePlus Nord CE 4?

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 is a solid mid-range smartphone that offers a good balance of features and affordability. It boasts a beautiful display, long-lasting battery life with super-fast charging, and a clean software experience. However, the camera system might not be ideal for low-light photography enthusiasts.

Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:

Pros:

• Beautiful AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
• Excellent battery life with 100W fast charging
• Clean and bloatware-free software experience
• Decent performance for everyday tasks
• IP54 dust and water resistance

Cons:

• Average camera performance, especially in low light
• Plastic build quality (although with a premium look and feel)

Who Should Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 4?

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 is a great choice for users looking for a smartphone with a long-lasting battery, a smooth display, and a clean software experience – all at a competitive price point. If you’re a casual gamer or prioritize everyday tasks over intensive processing, the performance of the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 will suffice. However, if you’re a mobile photography enthusiast who frequently captures low-light pictures, you might want to consider other options.

Alternatives to Consider:

• Google Pixel 6a: Offers a superior camera system and a clean Android experience at a similar price point. (However, might lack the super-fast charging and has a lower refresh rate display)
• Poco X6 Pro: Provides a more powerful processor at a slightly lower price, but the software experience might be cluttered with bloatware. (Consider user reviews on software experience before choosing)

Overall, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 is a compelling option in the mid-range segment. It prioritizes the user experience with a long-lasting battery, a smooth display, and bloatware-free software. However, if you prioritize camera prowess, you might want to explore other options.

Additional Notes:

• It’s always recommended to check user reviews and compare prices across retailers before making a final purchase decision.
• Consider your individual needs and priorities when evaluating the phone’s strengths and weaknesses.

By considering these factors and the information provided in this review, you can make an informed decision about whether the OnePlus Nord CE 4 is the right smartphone for you.

Also Read: OnePlus 12 vs OnePlus 12R: Unveiling the Dynamic Duo