OnePlus Nord 4: A Mid-Range Champion with Lasting Value

The mid-range smartphone market is an extremely dynamic space, where new devices constantly vie for consumers' attention. Phones in the Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 range are packed with features, although not all innovations manage to improve upon what has previously been introduced. In 2025, I decided to stick with last year’s phones instead of keeping up with the latest releases, and that’s when I discovered the OnePlus Nord 4. Despite having been available for several months, this model continues to offer great value for money at the price of Rs 28,999. After using it for six months, I can confidently say that it stands out in a highly competitive market.

Design and Durability: Solid Build, Premium Feel

Upon holding the OnePlus Nord 4, I immediately noticed its robust and well-crafted construction. Its unibody aluminum frame adds a premium touch, which is uncommon in this price range. The matte finish contributes to its elegance, and although it is slightly heavy, it feels durable and well-designed. The 6.74-inch AMOLED display is impressive, featuring vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making it a delight for activities like streaming, browsing, or photo editing. While its design is sleek, the aluminum surface can be a bit slippery. The Gorilla Glass 5 protection on both the front and back adds durability, and its IP65 water resistance offers peace of mind. Although there are newer phones like the Poco X7 Pro that offer a superior IP rating, the Nord 4 is more than capable for daily use. One aspect I really appreciate is the iconic OnePlus alert slider. This small yet handy feature allows you to toggle between sound profiles with a simple click, something I didn't realize I would miss until I had it.

Performance: Smooth and Efficient

The OnePlus Nord 4 is equipped with the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 chipset, along with 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM options, ensuring smooth performance regardless of the demands. Whether I am browsing social media, multitasking with more than 15 apps, or playing demanding titles, the phone handles it all effortlessly. Games like Call of Duty Mobile and BGMI run flawlessly even on high settings, and while the device heats up slightly during long sessions, it never reaches critical temperatures. What truly impresses me is its excellent RAM management, allowing multiple apps to run in the background without closing unexpectedly. OxygenOS 15 optimizes everything, making transitions between applications seamless and enhancing the overall experience.

Battery Life: Long-Lasting and Fast Charging

The battery life of the Nord 4 has been a pleasant surprise. With a 5,500mAh battery, I can use it all day without issues, even with intensive use. On quieter days, it can extend up to two days. I typically get between 8 to 9 hours of screen time per charge, which is impressive. The 100W fast charging is a game changer; I have managed to charge the phone from 0 to 30% in just 10 minutes, ideal for those rushed moments. However, the absence of wireless charging is a missed opportunity, especially considering that in 2024 this type of charging has gained popularity. While it isn't a deal-breaker, it would have been a nice addition.

Camera: Strong but Not Perfect

The camera system of the Nord 4, led by a 50MP Sony LYTIA 600 sensor, performs well in good lighting conditions. Photos taken during the day are sharp, vibrant, and full of detail, with natural colors that don’t appear oversaturated. The optical image stabilization (OIS) helps keep shots clear, even if my hands aren’t very steady. The 8MP ultra-wide lens is functional, although it doesn’t reach the clarity of the main sensor, presenting some distortion at the edges. In low-light conditions, the performance is acceptable, especially in Nightscape mode, although some noise appears in dark areas. One area where the Nord 4 could improve is the lack of a telephoto lens, which limits zoom capabilities and results in decreased quality when using digital zoom. The 16MP front camera is excellent for selfies, producing natural skin tones and well-balanced HDR, perfect for social media posts or video calls.

Software: Smooth and Feature-Rich

OxygenOS 15 continues OnePlus's tradition of offering clean and efficient software. Although I encountered some bugs at first, updates have significantly improved the experience. In the past six months, the phone has received several updates that have increased stability and battery life. Features like the Smart Sidebar, a customizable Always-On Display, and the Live Alert function have added convenience and fun to the overall experience. AI-powered features like AI Eraser and AI Speak have become essential in my daily life. AI Eraser allows me to remove unwanted objects from photos, while AI Speak makes it easy to listen to reviews or articles while doing other tasks—something I didn’t know I needed but now can’t live without.

Areas for Improvement

Despite the Nord 4's strengths, there are areas where it could improve. The lack of wireless charging is a notable omission, especially in 2024, where this feature has become commonplace. Additionally, the absence of a telephoto lens limits the device's zoom capabilities, meaning that digital zoom isn't as sharp as it could be.

Final Verdict: A Mid-Range Champion

After six months of use, I can confidently say that the OnePlus Nord 4 is one of the best smartphones in its category. At Rs 28,999, it offers an impressive combination of performance, battery life, and design. While it's not perfect, its strong points, particularly its beautiful display, solid battery life, and smooth software, make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile phone. Whether you’re a casual user, a gamer, or someone who values a seamless experience, the Nord 4 is a standout choice. Even six months after its release, it holds up remarkably well, solidifying its place as an outstanding option in the competitive mid-range segment of 2024.