OnePlus Nord CE 4 Review: Striking the Right Balance Between Performance and Affordability
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 emerges as a reliable contender in the competitive sub-25,000 smartphone segment. Priced at 24,999/-, this smartphone offers a compelling package of features including a commendable display, robust performance, expandable storage, and efficient battery life. However, it is not devoid of shortcomings, particularly in the software department, which could potentially be addressed through future updates.
Amidst a plethora of options in the budget smartphone arena, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 distinguishes itself with its balanced approach. It doesn’t aim to excel in any particular aspect but rather offers a well-rounded experience across various features. With its simplicity and versatility, it manages to carve out a niche for itself in this crowded market.
Design: A Blend of Simplicity and Elegance
Reminiscent of the original OnePlus Nord, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 adopts a sleek design with a vertical camera arrangement and a blue color reminiscent of its predecessor. However, the addition of a marble finish, inspired by the limited edition OnePlus 11 Marble Odyssey Edition, adds a touch of sophistication. Available in Dark Chrome and Celadon Marble variants, the device exudes a premium aura at first glance.
Despite its initial aesthetic appeal, the OnePlus Nord CE 4’s premium feel diminishes upon closer inspection, owing to its plastic build. While the marble finish lends a unique look, the use of plastic compromises its overall tactile experience. However, this choice contributes to its lightweight nature, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods.
The camera module houses two cameras and a flash, while an IR blaster and a second microphone are positioned on the top. At the bottom, you’ll find a Type-C port, a SIM slot supporting dual SIM and microSD card, and the primary speaker. Notably, there’s no notification slider, a departure from OnePlus Nord CE series tradition. Additionally, the device boasts IP54 dust and splash resistance, offering protection against light rain and splashes.
Display: Immersive Visual Experience
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 features a vibrant 6.7-inch Full HD+ AMOLED flat display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. Delivering sharp visuals and vibrant colors, it achieves a peak brightness of 1100 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright environments. The display’s wide viewing angles enhance the overall viewing experience, making it ideal for multimedia consumption.
Furthermore, the display supports Netflix Widevine L1, Amazon Prime HD, and HDR10, enabling high-quality content streaming. However, HDR playback may exhibit occasional frame drops when viewing HDR videos in 4K quality on platforms like YouTube. Notably, the Aqua Touch feature enhances touch sensitivity, particularly useful when operating the device with wet fingers.
Performance: Smooth and Reliable
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4nm) mobile platform and Adreno 720 GPU, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 delivers commendable performance across various tasks. Unlike previous experiences with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor, wherein occasional stuttering was observed, this device offers smooth day-to-day performance without significant issues. Whether multitasking or gaming, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 delivers a seamless user experience.
In conclusion, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 presents a compelling option in the sub-25,000 smartphone segment, striking a delicate balance between performance, design, and affordability. While it may not excel in any single aspect, its overall package makes it a worthy contender amidst stiff competition.
OnePlus Nord CE 4 Storage and RAM: Expandable Memory Option Available
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 boasts 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. Additionally, users have the option to expand the memory by up to 1TB using a microSD card. This device is offered in two configurations: a base model featuring 6GB RAM and 128GB internal storage, and a higher variant with 6GB RAM and 256GB internal storage.
Expandable storage is a rare find in modern smartphones, as many manufacturers have opted to exclude this feature to promote sales of higher-storage variants. However, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 bucks this trend by providing an extra slot, allowing users to save costs by investing in a microSD card instead of opting for the higher-tier variant.
OnePlus Nord CE 4 Network Connectivity: Comprehensive 5G Support
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 supports dual SIM functionality, enabling users to insert two SIM cards or utilize the secondary slot for expanding storage with a microSD card. Notably, it offers 5G support across six bands in India, including N1, N3, N5, N8, N28B, N77, and N78 bands, ensuring compatibility with major mobile operators. During testing with Airtel and Jio, the device demonstrated reliable 5G connectivity without any issues.
Furthermore, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 exhibits excellent signal reception both indoors and outdoors, delivering strong connectivity. Testing revealed commendable 5G speeds, with smooth performance during activities such as gaming and video calls. Additionally, the device supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.3. However, it lacks NFC functionality, marking a downgrade compared to its predecessor, the Nord CE 3.
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