The OnePlus Nord 4 is right here, and spoiler alert, it’s an excellent telephone.
Actually, it’s up there with the easiest mid-range handsets, combining top-quality {hardware} with slick software program and lengthy help.
And as our OnePlus Nord 4 evaluation exhibits, there are an extended listing of key strengths, together with the reasonably priced £429 price ticket (no US availability, sadly).
Nonetheless, prolonged utilization additionally reveals some helpful insights in regards to the class extra usually. Listed here are 5 issues the Nord 4 teaches us about mid-range telephones and what they need to purpose to be shifting ahead.
1. Don’t compromise on construct high quality
On most mid-range telephones, the supplies used to make them are one of many first issues to be compromised. Usually, this implies ditching the glass again for one thing made from cheap-looking plastic as an alternative.
Nonetheless, OnePlus has confirmed that doesn’t must be the case. The Nord 4 incorporates a gorgeous steel unibody design that appears and feels identical to a flagship. Fairly than a compromise, swapping glass for steel must be thought of an improve, particularly relating to sturdiness.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
What’s extra, OnePlus has managed to realize this with out making the telephone too heavy – the Nord 4 weighs simply 199.5g.
2. Ditch the ultrawide lens reasonably than the telephoto
In comparison with the most effective digicam telephones, a drop-off in picture high quality on mid-range telephones is inevitable.
Nonetheless, corporations may be sensible with the place they make these compromises. On the Nord 4, OnePlus makes the error of ditching a telephoto lens, that means you haven’t any entry to optical zoom.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
The digital model could be very disappointing, with a giant drop-off in high quality as quickly as you begin zooming in.
In the meantime, the Nord 4 retains an ultrawide lens, but the poor 8Mp sensor doesn’t add a lot to the general digicam expertise. If a mid-range telephone must drop considered one of these predominant lenses, the ultrawide is a a lot better alternative.
The Nord 4 doesn’t have one, however it’s price emphasising that no mid-range telephone ought to hassle with a 2Mp macro digicam, which is functionally ineffective.
3. Prioritise battery life over charging speeds
Many mid-range telephones use quick charging as a key advertising and marketing device, promoting that their gadget can go from 0-100% in a matter of minutes.
Sadly, that is typically to cowl up sub-par battery life. For those who’re out and about when your telephone runs out of battery, the truth that it may cost shortly is irrelevant.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
As an alternative, telephone makers ought to comply with OnePlus’ lead and ensure of at the least a full day of battery life on a single cost.
The Nord 4’s 5500mAh cell just about ensures that, even on probably the most demanding days. And with much less heavy utilization, you’ll be able to typically get it to stretch to 2 days.
4. Don’t hassle with an under-display fingerprint sensor
One premium function that has shortly unfold to cheaper smartphones is the under-display fingerprint sensor.
It’s a transparent win for comfort and aesthetics, that means you may make the entrance of the telephone nearly all display screen.
The issue? Many of those optical sensors merely aren’t excellent at unlocking your telephone. The one on the OnePlus Nord 4 is consistent with many rivals, that means it’s frustratingly gradual and solely unlocks for those who angle your finger in a really particular manner.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Proper now, the one option to assure an ideal under-display fingerprint sensor is to go for an ultrasonic model, such because the one discovered within the Samsung Galaxy S24 sequence.
That dearer expertise is unlikely to return to mid-range telephones anytime quickly, so within the meantime, simply use a superior bodily one constructed into the facility button. It provides no bulk to the gadget whereas considerably enhancing velocity and reliability.
5. Decide to lengthy software program help
On trendy smartphones, the size of software program help is a sizzling matter.
Some Samsung and Google handsets, together with the mid-range Pixel 8a, supply seven years of each main OS updates and safety patches.
The Nord 4 is the following greatest on the time of writing, providing 4 OS updates and 6 years of safety patches, beating even the flagship OnePlus 12.
Some cheaper Samsung telephones, together with the Galaxy A55 supply 4 and 5 respectively, however many different mid-range telephones are nonetheless missing on this space, or supply no particular dedication in any respect.
In 2024, there’s no excuse for sub-par software program help. Shoppers should know that their telephone will get new options and be protected to make use of for a number of years after launch.