(Image source from: x.com/OnePlus_IN)

The OnePlus Nord 4 is the latest mid-range smartphone from the company, which they claim is the first 5G-enabled device with an aluminum unibody design. This new model is powered by a Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset, offering up to 12GB of RAM. The camera setup includes a 50-megapixel primary rear camera and a 16-megapixel selfie camera. The device sports a 6.74-inch AMOLED screen with a 120Hz rate, providing a smooth and immersive visual experience. We've had the chance to thoroughly test the OnePl Nord 4 to see how it is against similar-priced competitors. The pricing for the Nord 4 in India starts at Rs. 29,999 for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. Additional variants are available with 8GB+256GB and 12GB+256GB configurations, priced at Rs. 32,999 and Rs. 35,999, respectively. Compared to its predecessor, the OnePlus Nord 3, the Nord 4 has a distinct and refreshing design, with a body predominantly made of metal, reminiscent of the iconic HTC (M8) smartphone.

The OnePlus Nord 4 boasts a sleek, glass-like finish on top, complemented by a darker background hue. On the left side, you'll find thed's renowned tri-state alert slider, allowing you to toggle between ring, silent, and vibrate modes - a feature I personally find quite impressive. The volume and power buttons are conveniently placed on the right side. The device also features antenna lines strategically positioned along all four edges. An infrared (IR) transmitter and a microphone can be found at the top edge, while the bottom hosts a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, a speaker grille, and an additional microphone. The package includes a charging adapter, a USB Type-A to USB Type-C cable, and a transparent TPU case. During my testing, the OnePlus Nord 4 ran the OxygenOS 14. software smoothly, even when subjected to intensive use.

The lock screen showcases a on the left side. This phone packs software capabilities bolstered by artificial intelligence (AI) technology. One neat example is the AI Eraser feature in the Gallery app, which lets you delete people and items from photos after installing a90MB add-on. This tool proved moderately effective when used with images captured by the phone's camera, but its performance hinged on the photos having sufficient visual information. The built-in recorder app can automatically summarize your recordings, but there's a minimum length requirement that's not specified. I tested it with a 20-minute audio recording in English, and it accurately recognized most words spoken with a neutral accent. You can also utilize the integrated features that allow you to extract text from images or translations, which can be quite handy. The phone comes pre-installed with a selection of apps and games, including Agoda, Bubble, Fitbit, Tile Match, an. These are the same apps included on the more affordable OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite (Review), which is a bit disappointing to see on a phone priced around Rs. 30,000. Additionally, an application called App Picks automatically downloaded a game called Fire at Will, claiming I had pre-ordered it on May 23. This alternative app store also sends a few apprelated notifications per day, but these can be turned off by long-pressing the icon and disabling the app.

On a positive note, One Plus has promised the Nord 4 will receive four Android OS updates and six years of security updates. The OnePlus Nord 4 stands out in the midrange segment by offering an impressive support window. Equipped with the first Snapdragon 7-series chip that boasts on-device AI capabilities, this device empowers users with advanced features. The 8GB+256GB configuration reviewed showcases its ability to handle demanding tasks like 4K video editing endlessly handling everyday activities like web browsing and social media scroll.

Despite slightly lower CPU benchmark scores compared to its closest competitor, the Realme GT 6T, the OnePlus Nord 4 delivers a smooth and lag-free performance, even when running graphic-intensive games like Genshin Impact. The phone's aluminum rear panel may warm up slightly after prolonged gameplay, but it maintains its stability and responsiveness. The Nord 4's performance in synthetic benchmark tests may not provide a complete picture of its real-world capabilities, as these tests do not fully account for software optimization. While the benchmark scores in the table offer a comparative, they should be considered alongside other factors that influence actual experience. The Nord 4's performance ultimately depends on a combination of hardware and software factors, rather than just synthetic benchmark results.

In everyday use, the screen is bright enough for outdoor use, but at night it becomes completely dark. Like the other flagships, the OnePlus 12 and Realme GT 6, the Nord 4 also has a “ProXDR” feature that automatically adjusts brightness and contrast when images are displayed on the phone. This feature can be misleading because the phone shares the original photo via quick share or when uploading to social media. What you see on your phone may be different from what you see online. Luckily, there is a way to disable it completely using the Photos app. Taking pictures with the OnePlus Nord 4's main camera during the day will give you sharper details, even when you zoom in on images in the gallery. The main sensor Sony LYT-600 supports 2x sensor zoom and images captured at this focal length are clear and precise. The Nord 4's ultra-wide camera has a lower resolution sensor and delivers usable daytime images, but it doesn't have the same color accuracy as the original and also has distortion all around.

In low-light scenarios, both the primary and secondary cameras illuminate dark scenarios well. However, there is a big difference in image quality between the two. The main camera offers a sharper image, but the images captured by the ultra-wide-angle camera are noticeably softer. When it's dark, the camera app automatically takes a long exposure photo. It takes 2-3 seconds to capture an image. There is no way to disable this. The selfie camera can take clear pictures even when you are outdoors during the day or indoors in brightly lit places. It's a little difficult in low light, but still captures a lot of detail. On the other hand, the screen is used as a flash in very dark scenarios and if you stand still enough you will get decent results.The main camera allows you to record videos at up to 4K/60fps, but note that video stabilization is only supported at 1080p/60fps. Additionally, you cannot select resolutions lower than 1080p/30fps. There is no stabilization support for the ultra-wide camera or the selfie camera. Both record videos at up to 1080p/30fps. The OnePlus Nord 4 is equipped with a 5500mAh battery that is reliable for everyday use and has low consumption in standby mode. I was able to use the screen for about six and a half hours on a single charge, and it took about a day and a half before I had to charge it again. Even at night, battery consumption is very low and the phone's battery level drops by 2% in 8 hours.

Despite some shortcomings, the Oneplus Nord 4 offers excellent value for money for a smartphone under Rs 30,000. It offers reliable daily performance, fast battery charging, a good main camera and an excellent software support window. The only thing that confuses the issue is the smartphone's slightly less impressive ultra-wide-angle camera and superfluous software. Both problems can be solved by uninstalling or disabling the apps in question. While the Nord 4 is definitely worth a look, there are other phones in the same price range that offer good value for money, including the Realme GT 6T and the Poco F6. Both phones offer similar performance to the OnePlus Nord 4, although the latter's camera quality leaves a lot to be desired.