The OnePlus Nord 4 5G is the latest offering in OnePlus’s popular Nord series, aiming to deliver flagship-like features at a mid-range price. With a sleek design, powerful processor, and fast charging, it competes with devices like the Nothing Phone (2a), Pixel 7a, and Samsung Galaxy A55. This review covers its design, display, performance, camera, battery life, and software experience in detail.
Key Specifications
Display
- 6.74-inch Fluid AMOLED
- Resolution: 1.5K (2772 x 1240 pixels, ~450 PPI)
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz (adaptive LTPO 3.0, 1-120Hz)
- Peak Brightness: 1450 nits (HDR), 800 nits (typical)
- Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Processor & Performance
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4nm)
- CPU: Octa-core (1x Cortex-X4 @ 2.8GHz + 4x Cortex-A720 @ 2.6GHz + 3x Cortex-A520 @ 1.9GHz)
- GPU: Adreno 732
- RAM: 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5X
- Storage: 128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1 (non-expandable)
Camera System
- Rear Cameras:
- 50MP Sony IMX890 (main, f/1.8, OIS, PDAF)
- 8MP ultra-wide (f/2.2, 120° FoV)
- 2MP macro (f/2.4, largely useless)
- Front Camera: 16MP (f/2.4, fixed focus)
- Video Recording:
- 4K@30fps (main camera only)
- 1080p@60fps (ultra-wide & front camera)
Battery & Charging
- 5,500mAh battery
- 100W SuperVOOC fast charging (0-100% in ~25 mins)
- No wireless charging
Design & Build
- Glass back (matte finish) + plastic frame
- Dimensions: 162.7 x 75.2 x 8.4 mm
- Weight: 190g
- IP54 dust/splash resistance
- In-display fingerprint sensor
- Color Options: Slate Gray, Jade Green
Software & Features
- OxygenOS 14 (based on Android 14)
- 3 years of OS updates, 4 years of security patches
- Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos support
- 5G (dual-SIM), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
Design & Build Quality
The Nord 4 5G features a premium glass back with a matte finish, reducing fingerprints, while the plastic frame keeps costs down. The flat-edge design ensures a comfortable grip, and the IP54 rating provides basic splash resistance. The alert slider (a OnePlus staple) remains for quick sound profile switching. Though not as premium as flagship models, the build quality is solid for its price.
Display Quality
The 6.74-inch 1.5K AMOLED panel is a standout feature, offering:
- Vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast
- 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (LTPO 3.0) for smooth scrolling
- 1450 nits peak brightness (great for outdoor visibility)
- Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection
Compared to rivals like the Pixel 7a (90Hz) and Galaxy A55 (120Hz but Exynos), the Nord 4’s display is one of the best in its segment.
Performance & Software
Powered by the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, the Nord 4 delivers near-flagship performance:
- Gaming: Runs Genshin Impact, COD Mobile, and BGMI smoothly at medium-high settings.
- Multitasking: The 12GB RAM variant handles multiple apps effortlessly.
- Thermals: Stays cool under heavy use thanks to efficient 4nm architecture.
OxygenOS 14 remains clean and bloat-free, with useful features like:
- Zen Mode for digital detox
- Smart Sidebar for quick app access
- Customizable always-on display
Camera Performance
Daylight Photography
- 50MP main sensor (IMX890 with OIS) captures sharp, well-exposed shots with accurate colors.
- 8MP ultra-wide is decent but lacks detail compared to the primary sensor.
- 2MP macro lens is mostly useless—better off skipping it.
Low-Light Photography
- Nightscape mode improves brightness but struggles with fine details.
Video Recording
- 4K@30fps (main camera only) is stable but lacks 60fps.
- 1080p@60fps (ultra-wide & selfie camera) is good for social media.
Selfie Camera
- The 16MP front camera is average, with soft details in low light.
Battery Life & Charging
- 5,500mAh battery easily lasts 1.5 days with moderate use.
- Heavy users (gaming, 5G, video streaming) may need a daily charge.
- 100W SuperVOOC charging is extremely fast (0-100% in ~25 mins)—one of the fastest in its class.
- No wireless charging is expected at this price.
Connectivity & Extras
- 5G support is excellent, with strong signal retention.
- Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC ensure future-proof connectivity.
- Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos provide an immersive audio experience.
- In-display fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent 1.5K 120Hz AMOLED display
- Strong Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 performance
- 100W fast charging (full charge in 25 mins)
- Clean OxygenOS 14 with long-term updates
- Solid build with IP54 rating
Cons
- Ultra-wide camera is mediocre
- Macro sensor is practically useless
- No wireless charging
- Plastic frame (not aluminum like flagships)
Final Verdict
The OnePlus Nord 4 5G is a well-rounded mid-range phone that excels in display, performance, and charging speed. While the ultra-wide and macro cameras are weak points, the primary camera and chipset performance make it a strong competitor against the Pixel 7a, Nothing Phone (2a), and Galaxy A55.
Who Should Buy It?
- Gamers who want smooth performance without flagship pricing.
- Media lovers who prioritize a high-quality AMOLED display.
- Power users needing long battery life and ultra-fast charging.
Who Should Avoid It?
- Photography enthusiasts wanting versatile zoom or low-light performance.
- Users who prefer wireless charging.
Alternatives to Consider
- Google Pixel 7a (better camera, but slower charging & Tensor G2 heating).
- Nothing Phone (2a) (unique design, clean OS, but weaker chipset).
- Samsung Galaxy A55 (better software support, but Exynos chipset).