The OnePlus Nord CE4 – the first Nord phone of 2024 – is an upgrade from its predecessor but faces competition from Nothing and Poco.
OnePlus offers a diverse lineup of phones, which can be a bit bewildering. You've got the flagship numbered series, the nearly flagship R series, and then there's the Nord series—a return to their mid-range origins—each with its own set of variants. And if that's not enough, there's the simplified CE variant, focusing on the core Nord experience at a more affordable price, and even a "Lite" version of the CE.
Design:
Taking cues from the OnePlus 11 Marble Odyssey special edition smartphone, the Nord CE4 debuts in a striking "Celadon Marble" green hue..
Crafted with a flat frame and gently contoured rear panel constructed from polycarbonate, the marble finish lends both elegance and tactility to the device. Remarkably, despite housing a hefty 5,500mAh battery, the phone maintains a svelte weight of just 186g, ensuring comfortable handling.
Dispay:
The Nord CE4 features a 6.7-inch flat AMOLED display, offering a standard Full HD+ resolution and a silky-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. With HDR10 support for OTT apps, it delivers an immersive viewing experience. While it may not be the brightest in its price range.
Specifications and software:
The Nord CE4 is powered by Qualcomm's cutting-edge Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, coupled with a single 8GB memory variant and up to 256GB of lightning-fast UFS3.1 storage. Plus, expand your storage options up to a whopping 1TB via microSD, provided you utilize just one of the SIM card slots.
Cameras:
In the Nord CE4, OnePlus has opted for a dual-camera setup, which is a departure from the triple-camera setup found in its predecessor, the Nord CE3. Let's delve into the specifics of each camera and its capabilities:
1. Primary Camera (50MP Sony LYT-600 sensor with image stabilization):
- This sensor, sourced from Sony, boasts a high resolution of 50MP, allowing for detailed and sharp images.
- The inclusion of image stabilization helps reduce blur and shake, especially in low-light conditions or when capturing moving subjects.
- Images captured with this primary camera exhibit crisp details and a commendable dynamic range, providing depth and clarity to your photos.
- However, there might be a slight tendency towards oversaturation and warmer tones, which can lend a vibrant and appealing look to your photos.
2. Ultra-Wide Camera (8MP Sony IMX355 sensor):
- The ultra-wide camera offers a wider field of view, allowing you to capture expansive landscapes or fit more subjects into your frame.
- It features an 8MP sensor, which may result in slightly lower resolution compared to the primary camera, but still delivers decent image quality.
- However, there might be a noticeable difference in image quality compared to photos taken with the primary camera, particularly in terms of sharpness and detail.
- The color rendition from the ultra-wide camera may lean towards cooler tones, providing a different aesthetic compared to photos from the primary camera.
Overall, while the primary camera excels in capturing detailed and vibrant photos with good dynamic range, the ultra-wide camera offers versatility by providing a wider perspective. However, users may notice a slight trade-off in image quality when switching between the two lenses. Additionally, the inclusion of image stabilization in the primary camera enhances the overall shooting experience, especially in challenging shooting conditions.
OnePlus Nord CE 4 Review: Verdict
In the realm of the Nord CE4, this device stands as a commendable upgrade from its predecessor, boasting enhancements like a more robust processor, a larger battery with faster charging capabilities, and a refreshed design. However, its fiercest competition emerges from the recently unveiled Nothing Phone (2a), which enters the arena at a competitive price point.
Objectively speaking, the CE4 outperforms the 2a across various metrics, despite the latter offering a 12GB memory variant. Particularly noteworthy are the CE4's superior battery performance and charging capabilities. While the CE4's design exudes freshness, the Nothing Phone (2a) offers a delightful departure in terms of aesthetics.
On the camera front and in terms of software support, Nothing gains a slight edge. For those willing to stretch their budget slightly further, alternatives like the Poco X6 Pro offer significantly enhanced gaming performance, while the realme 12 Pro+ stands out for its premium design and outstanding camera capabilities. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual priorities and preferences.
