Welcome back to another tech review! Remember when OnePlus was the go-to brand for high-quality, affordable smartphones? It seems like those days are slipping away. Today, we’re diving deep into the OnePlus Nord 4—a phone that has left many fans with mixed feelings. Is it the worst phone in the Nord series? Let’s find out why the Nord 4 might not be as great as you hoped.
Heavy Weight and Metal Body: More Trouble Than It’s Worth?
The OnePlus Nord 4 sports a solid metal body, which sounds impressive at first glance. However, there’s a downside—the metal body easily collects fingerprints and is prone to dents if dropped. The phone’s weight is another concern; it’s heavy enough to cause hand fatigue, especially during long gaming sessions.
Missing Features: No External Storage or Headphone Jack
The Nord 4 lacks a memory card slot, meaning you can’t expand its storage. This can be frustrating, particularly with the pre-installed bloatware that takes up valuable space. And if you’re a fan of wired headphones, you’re out of luck—the Nord 4 has no headphone jack, pushing you towards wireless options or additional adapters.
Display Issues: Flickering and Poor Brightness
While the Nord 4 boasts a fast refresh rate, the display isn’t all that impressive. Users have reported flickering lines and basic color output, with no advanced LTPO panel for smoother scrolling. Despite claims of a peak brightness of 2100 nits, the screen doesn’t perform well in direct sunlight, making it less competitive with other phones in its price range.
Underwhelming Camera Performance
The camera on the Nord 4 is a mixed bag. It performs well in bright conditions, but the images often suffer from over-sharpening. Low-light photography is another weak point, with grainy and lackluster results. Moreover, the lack of a telephoto lens—a feature found in many similarly priced competitors—is a significant letdown for photography enthusiasts.
Outdated Design Choices
The design of the Nord 4 doesn’t stand out—it’s bulky and less refined compared to other models. The included protective case feels cheap, and the phone’s metal body can cause signal issues, raising concerns about its long-term durability.
Subpar Gaming Performance
Equipped with a Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor, the Nord 4 struggles with high-end gaming. Games with advanced graphics don’t run smoothly, and the overall gaming experience is subpar, especially in titles like COD Mobile where 120 fps performance is expected but not delivered.
Annoying Bloatware and No FM Radio
One of the most irritating aspects of the Nord 4 is the amount of bloatware. The phone comes preloaded with unwanted apps and games, which not only occupy precious storage space but also slow down the device. Additionally, the absence of an FM radio is a surprising omission, particularly for users who enjoy listening to local stations.
Software Issues and Battery Life Concerns
The Nord 4 runs on OxygenOS 14.1, based on Android 14, which promises regular updates for four years. However, users have reported bugs and inconsistencies, compounded by the heavy bloatware. Battery life is another area of concern; some users report all-day battery life, while others experience rapid drain, likely due to software inefficiencies or the power-hungry processor.
Looking for Alternatives? Consider the iQOO Neo 9 Pro
If you’re not impressed by the OnePlus Nord 4, you’re not alone. For those seeking a better option in the same price range, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro stands out. It features a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, an FM radio, a high-quality display with no flickering issues, a superior camera with a zoom lens, and a user-friendly interface. With better overall performance and longer battery life, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro offers a more appealing package.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the OnePlus Nord 4?
Is the OnePlus Nord 4 the worst phone in the Nord series? Not necessarily. It offers a decent display, a capable camera, and promises of future software updates. However, its bulky size, lack of expandable storage, absence of key features like a headphone jack and FM radio, and subpar gaming performance make it hard to recommend.
Things to Consider Before Buying the OnePlus Nord 4:
- Weight and Portability: If you prefer a lightweight phone, consider other options.
- Storage Needs: With no expandable storage, you might run out of space quickly.
- Gaming Requirements: Serious gamers might find the Nord 4 underwhelming.
- Software Experience: Be prepared to deal with bloatware and potential bugs.
In conclusion, the Nord 4 feels outdated and lacks several features that modern smartphones offer. There are better options available at a similar price point, so consider your choices carefully. However, if you’re a loyal OnePlus fan and prefer a metal body, the Nord 4 might still appeal to you.
