The OnePlus Nord CE4 features many thoughtful upgrades, making it a much more compelling option than last year’s Nord CE3. The phone also checks many boxes for everyday users, whether it is the display, battery, or performance. Its cameras are also good, if not the best. While the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 SoC promises cutting-edge AI features, we are still awaiting the availability of those features from OnePlus..
Design and display
If you compare the Nord CE3 and Nord CE4 side by side, evident changes include the colour and placement of the rear cameras.
There are three cutouts of the back, though the third one only occupies the LED flash. The pill-shaped camera module is a throwback to the original from 2021. I’ve got the marble-inspired edition of the Nord CE4, which rocks a youthful and lighter vibe if that’s your jam. For those who prefer something more traditional, there’s the standard black model, called Dark Chrome.
There’s not much to distinguish in build and size compared to the Nord CE3. The Nord CE4 feels solid in hand, and the rear panel offers a smooth glass-like finish, even if the body is technically plastic. The rear panel also does a reliable job of repelling fingerprint smudges. The smartphone includes an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance – a standard on most devices in this range. To add some extra durability, OnePlus has included a beautiful teal case in the box that complements the green marble colour scheme perfectly.
Otherwise, its 6.7-inch AMOLED display features are mostly identical to that of last year’s model. It does not mean you won’t be pleased by the viewing experience. The Nord CE4 continues to offer full HD+ resolution (2,412 x 1,080 pixels) with 120Hz refresh rate and 20:1:9 aspect ratio. Netflix and Amazon Prime support HDR playback to make the overall viewing experience punchy.
I watched Spider-Man: No Way Home on Netflix and Blackberry on Amazon Prime, and the experience was pretty good. The AMOLED display delivered deep blacks and vibrant colours, though sometimes a tad too punchy for my liking. The Nord CE4’s stereo speakers also complement the overall viewing experience. If you prefer using earbuds, you will have to rely on Bluetooth connectivity since there’s no headphone jack.