OnePlus Nord 4 is a metal phone built to last

Every year, hundreds of devices pass through my test table, but in Luxonomist I show you only the best and most interesting of them. In the world smartphones This is an even greater exaggeration: there are so many models and they are all so similar that it is impossible to put them all in the foreground. But year after year, around these dates, what’s new from oneplus usually catches my attention…

In the city Milan just unveiled the new OnePlus Nord 4.: a phone that combines a beautiful and functional metal design, a fast and convenient user interface, and kit Quite neat cameras. A waste of airiness. award at a more than reasonable price 499 euros, worth recommending.

I managed to secretly test the Nord 4 for a few days, and that’s all I can tell you about it.

Goodbye glass, metal is back!

As technology evolved, glass and ceramics took over the design of technological products. Whether it was a glossy or matte polished surface, the ease of handling glass and the addition of additional functions contributed to its spread. OnePlus, as usual, wants to be the opposite. This Nord 4 is the first phone in the 5G era made of metal.

I’m screaming inside. I love it. The aluminum gives this phone a very thin and sophisticated look.while in the hand it creates a feeling of absolute solidity and strength. The flat frames, in addition to being thin and light, make them be very manageable.

We forgot about that metallic feel, and that’s cool. OnePlus had to do a lot of work to position the 5G antennas so that the metal doesn’t get in the way. Which is true we lost wireless charging (although I don’t think it’s significant in this price range).

This is the OnePlus Nord 4.

Aesthetically, the Nord 4 definitely reminds me of first generations of Google PixelIts back is divided into two parts: a metal one and a small shiny glass top to house the cameras.

They developed three colors, including trim. polished black, A textured silver it resembles pure metal and this green tone which, as I proved, was not only beautiful, but also subtle.

Functionality and power: the OnePlus signature

Users who choose the OnePlus Nord have a clear idea of ​​what they want: A convenient device that performs key functions. The company claims that more than 25 million of these smartphones have been sold since its first launch in 2020. More on that soon. There are some small additions very OnePlus which matter as well as Notification slider: A physical button that lets you switch between sound, vibration, or silence without going through the settings.

Nord’s success is largely due to fast and smooth experience which very few manufacturers offer in this price range. The inclusion of a modern chip, Snapdragon 7 Plus 3rd Genand a good amount of memory allows, with the support of artificial intelligence, to create an ideal balance between power and energy consumption.

in my tests This is a flexible mobile phone open various applications, browse social networks, reply to messages, take photos… Its giant battery is delivered without any problems at the end of the day. and recharges from 0 to 100% in just 30 minutesalthough a fast charger is not included in the package.

Those who seek smartphone Long may it last, OnePlus has good news. This phone will have 4 years of update support with new features and 6 years of security patches. They claim to have developed test which simulates demanding use over six years to see if it will remain flexible in the long term, and they promise it delivers. Time will tell.

The screen and cameras complete the experience

We use the screen as the nerve center of our mobile experience, yet we usually pay little attention to it. This is the OnePlus Nord 4 boasts a completely flat panel which covers almost the entire front, leaving a small cutout for the 16-megapixel selfie camera.

It is a large screen, about 6.7 inches, with good resolution, sharpness, brightness and color. It is refreshed 120 times per minute (120 Hz) to ensure smooth operation of the terminal. And the truth is that this looks very very good, I would say the best in its price category. Positively amazing.

The new horizontal format camera module makes looks like a little robot with bulging eyes. The main lens has a resolution of 50 MP and is signed by Sony. In this sense, OnePlus indicates that it has applied the same processor algorithms as in its most premium and expensive model. OnePlus 12. Eventually, takes quite sharp and colorful photos, Ready to share on social networks. Not the best in its segment, but solves most situations quite well. The second sensor is a wide-angle 8 MP one.

Premium smartphones for 500 euros? If they exist

Analyzing the smartphone market, It’s easy to find cheaper alternatives to the next-generation premium iPhone or Samsung.. It will all depend on the manufacturer, but a spec sheet full of very high numbers does not directly translate into a good user experience. There is a lot going on behind the scenes in a smartphone, and the work of polishing and optimizing it is very necessary.

OnePlus is the king of this business. Ultimately, The OnePlus Nord 4 is a very complete mobile phone without much luxury. It puts metallic design, power and smoothness at the center of the experience, without forgetting everything else. This is a great choice for those who want their phone to last for many years.Its most direct competitor, the Google Pixel 8a, is an alternative for those who want a more compact format or a better camera.