Highlights

• Vibrant 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and HDR support.
• Equipped with Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 for smooth performance.
• Strong 5,500mAh battery with 100W ultra-fast charging.
• Features IP54 rating and innovative Aqua Touch technology.

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G enters a bustling Indian mid-range market priced at Rs 24,999, and aiming to deliver the “Core Experience” that OnePlus champions.

The CE lineup is not new to OnePlus with several iterations already under its belt.

However, this time there is a shift in strategy with the company opting to launch the Nord CE 4 before the Nord 4. 

Amidst a fiercely competitive segment filled with strong contenders like POCO, iQOO, Redmi, and Samsung, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 seeks to carve out its niche. 

Does this device stand out enough to warrant your attention?

Join me as I explore the intricacies of the OnePlus Nord CE 4 in my detailed review, assessing whether it lives up to the hype and meets the demands of discerning mid-range buyers.

OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G: Key Specs

• Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR support
• Processor: Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
• Camera: 50MP primary, 8MP ultra-wide, 16MP front
• Battery: 5,500mAh, 100W fast charging
• OS: OxygenOS based on Android 14
• Storage: 128GB/256GB
• RAM: 8GB
• Additional Features: IP54 rating, Aqua Touch

OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G: Pros and Cons

OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G: Design and Display

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G not only introduces a new price point but also debuts a fresh design aesthetic expected from the yet-to-be-released, more premium Nord 4.

In my eyes the device sets itself apart with its eye-catching green hue, featuring a subtle marbled effect that distinguishes it from others in the same price range. 

I had the chance to review the marble-inspired edition, which sports a vibrant and youthful appeal.

For those with a taste for the classics, OnePlus offers a standard black version known as Dark Chrome. 

In terms of build, the Nord CE 4 feels robust despite its plastic body, mimicking a glass-like finish at the back.

After a thorough inspection, I felt that the Nord CE 4’s unique design element is its slightly raised, capsule-shaped camera module which is transparent, cleverly showcasing the marbling beneath.

This thoughtful aesthetic that merges functionality with style might well appeal to a youthful audience looking for something a bit different.

And trust me, this device is different.

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G features a large 6.7-inch AMOLED display, boasting a full HD+ resolution of 2,412 x 1,080 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz, which ensures smooth scrolling and dynamic visuals. 

I like that the display supports HDR playback on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, enhancing the viewing experience with deep blacks and vibrant, albeit sometimes overly punchy, colors.

The slim bezels contribute to an immersive screen presence, making media consumption particularly enjoyable.

Additionally, the AMOLED panel facilitates an always-on display (AOD) feature and houses an optical fingerprint reader for enhanced security and ease of access.

A standout feature of the Nord CE 4 is its IP54 rating, which offers resistance to dust and splashes, suitable for everyday challenges. 

One of the more intriguing features is the Aqua Touch technology, similar to that found in the higher-end OnePlus 12, that allows the touchscreen to be responsive even when the fingers are wet.

I tried it out and got surprisingly good results most of the time.

OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G: Cameras

Coming now to the optical capabilities, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G introduces a significant shift in its camera setup by opting for the 50MP LYT600 sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, moving away from the previously utilised Sony IMX890 sensor. 

In broad daylight, this new primary camera performs admirably, capturing detailed, colour-accurate images suitable for everyday photography.

It tends to preserve natural colours and manages a balanced white balance even under harsh sunlight, though it occasionally struggles with capturing the correct tone of dark blue.

The device maintains a natural look in skin tones, but the software has a tendency to soften facial details.

The portrait mode impresses with its rich bokeh effect and precise edge detection.

While the “Hi-Res” mode is capable of capturing crisp details, colour consistency varies.

Generally, though the output was to my liking.

The 8MP ultra-wide camera presents similar colour reproduction to the primary sensor but falls short in terms of dynamic range.

Unlike its predecessor, the Nord CE4 does not include a dedicated macro camera, limiting its capability for extreme close-up shots.

The 16MP front-facing camera is quite capable, producing detailed selfies with effective edge detection in portrait mode.

Low light conditions, however, present challenges for the Nord CE4; details become less distinct, textures can appear flat, and noise becomes noticeable in dimly lit environments.

Despite these drawbacks, the dynamic range tends to be restricted, particularly in poorly lit street scenes, resulting in less detail in shadows and dark areas.

I do have to give some credit also to OnePlus for the user experience with its cleanly designed camera UI, which simplifies access to various modes and filters, adding to the overall usability of the camera system on the Nord CE4. 

OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G: Day Camera Samples

OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G: Night Camera Samples

OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G: Day Video

OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G: Night Video

OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G: Performance and Features

This OnePlus handset is powered by Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset and offers 8GB RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

I did not notice any lag or heating issues while using the device.

It is fairly capable of handling day-to-day tasks like scrolling through social media.

The base variant now offers 8GB RAM with 128GB storage, priced at Rs 24,999.

The top model (Rs 26,999), which I am also using, offers 256GB storage.

With synthetic benchmarks, the phone managed scores that were on par with devices both at and above its price point.

The phone offers mid-range graphics performance but falls short when it comes to fast-paced first-person shooter games.

Audio output was great enough for normal usecases and the fingerprint sensor was snappy at authentication.

OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G: Software and Battery

The OnePlus Nord CE4 delivers a streamlined software experience with its iteration of OxygenOS based on Android 14, ensuring a smooth and responsive user interface.

Despite its generally clean setup, the device comes with some pre-installed apps, which some users might find unnecessary and may choose to uninstall.

There are elements from Oppo’s ColorOS 14 incorporated in the the Nord CE4 which isn’t a bad thing by any means.

Notably, it includes Fluid Cloud, a feature similar to Apple’s Dynamic Island, which integrates interactive capabilities within the status bar.

Additionally, the device leverages AI with Smart Image Matting for enhanced image editing, and it offers practical functionality like File Dock, allowing for easy drag-and-drop file management from the Smart Sidebar into supported apps.

Battery performance on the Nord CE4 is a standout aspect, with its 5,500 mAh capacity providing more than enough power to last through a day, even with high usage involving the always-on display (AOD) and the high refresh rate screen. 

The phone’s design manages to keep a similar weight to its predecessors at 186 grams, despite the larger battery.

Moreover, the 100W fast charging capability is a significant upgrade, capable of recharging the battery from empty to full in just under 40 minutes, making it an excellent choice for users with heavy mobile demands.

OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G: Final Verdict

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G is an enticing proposition at Rs 24,999.

It has a distinctive design, solid performance, and robust battery life.

It challenges the mid-range market with unique features and OnePlus’s signature OxygenOS experience. 

While it performs admirably in many aspects, the camera system and the presence of bloatware might give some potential buyers pause.

However, for those valuing design, display quality, and software experience over cutting-edge camera capabilities, the Nord CE 4 stands out as a strong contender.

5 Reasons to Buy

• Appealing Design: The unique marbled back and slim design offer a fresh look not commonly found in this segment.
• Impressive Display: With a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR support, it provides a superior viewing experience for streaming and gaming.
• Robust Battery Life: The large 5,500mAh battery combined with 100W fast charging means less time tethered to an outlet and more time using your phone.
• Clean Software: OxygenOS provides a near-stock Android experience, appreciated for its fluidity and ease of use.
• Innovative Features: Features like Fluid Cloud and Aqua Touch enhance usability, giving it a tech-savvy edge over competitors.

3 Reasons Not to Buy

• Camera Performance: The primary camera struggles in low light and with color consistency, which might be a dealbreaker for photography enthusiasts.
• Bloatware Presence: Despite a clean OS, the pre-installed apps can be annoying and take up unnecessary space.
• Limited Gaming Performance: Not the best choice for hardcore gamers due to its mid-range graphics capabilities.

Top 5 Alternatives to OnePlus Nord CE 4

Poco X6 Pro (Rs. 25,999)

• Display: 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra
• RAM/Storage: 8GB/256GB
• Cameras: 64MP+8MP+2MP rear, 16MP front
• Battery: 5000mAh, Turbo Charging
• Other: USB Type-C Port​ 

Realme 11 Pro+ (Rs. 27,999)

• Display: 6.70-inch 2400×1080 pixels
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7050
• RAM/Storage: 12GB/256GB
• Cameras: 200MP+8MP+2MP rear, 32MP front
• Battery: 5000mAh
• Other: USB Type-C Port

Tecno Camon 20 Premier 5G (Rs. 25,999)

• Display: 6.67-inch 1080×2400 pixels
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 8050
• RAM/Storage: 8GB/512GB
• Cameras: 50MP+108MP+2MP rear, 32MP front
• Battery: 5000mAh
• Other: USB Type-C Port

Poco F5 5G (Rs. 29,999)

• Display: 6.67-inch 2400×1080 pixels FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz
• Processor: Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2
• RAM/Storage: 12GB/256GB
• Cameras: 64MP+8MP+2MP rear, 16MP front
• Battery: 5000mAh, Flash Charging
• Other: USB Type-C Port​

iQOO Neo 7 (Rs. 29,990)

• Display: 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 8200
• RAM/Storage: 8GB/128GB
• Cameras: 64MP main + 2MP + 2MP triple rear, 16MP front camera
• Battery: 5000mAh, Flash Charging
• Other: USB Type-C Port

OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G Specs

FAQs

What is the price of the OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G in India?

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G is priced starting at Rs 24,999 for the base model with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, while the higher variant with 256GB storage is priced at Rs 26,999.

Does the OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G have good camera capabilities?

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G features a 50MP primary camera that performs well in daylight by capturing detailed and color-accurate photos.

However, it faces challenges under low-light conditions, where details can become less distinct and noise may be noticeable.

What are the new design features of the OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G?

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G showcases a fresh design with a unique marbled effect on the green model and a more classic look in the Dark Chrome black version.

It also features a glass-like finish on its plastic body and a distinctive capsule-shaped camera module.

How does the OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G handle software and UI?

The device runs on OxygenOS based on Android 14, offering a clean and user-friendly interface.

However, it includes some bloatware that users might find unnecessary but can uninstall manually.

What are the standout features of the OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G?

Notable features include its AMOLED display with HDR support, 100W fast charging, and the Aqua Touch technology, which allows the touchscreen to respond even when the fingers are wet.

It also supports AI-driven features like Smart Image Matting and practical tools like File Dock for improved productivity.

Also Read: OnePlus Nord CE4 vs OnePlus Nord CE3: A Complete Specs Comparison

Also Read: OnePlus Nord CE 4 Roundup: When and Where to Watch, Expected Pricing, Specs, and More

Also Read: OnePlus Nord CE 4 Launched in India With Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, 50MP Sony LYT600 Camera: Pricing, Features, Specs