The mid-range smartphone market is a dynamic space, with new devices constantly vying for attention. Phones in the Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 range are packed with features, but not every new release improves on what came before it. In 2025, I made a conscious decision to stick with last year’s phones instead of chasing the latest releases. That’s when I came across the OnePlus Nord 4. Although it’s been around for several months, it still offers great value at Rs 28,999. After using it for six months, I can confidently say it holds its own in a competitive market.
Design and Durability: Solid Build, Premium Feel
From the moment I picked up the OnePlus Nord 4, I was struck by how solid and well-built it felt. The unibody aluminum frame gives it a premium touch, which is rare in this price range. The matte finish adds to its elegance, and though it’s slightly heavy, it feels durable and well-crafted. The 6.74-inch AMOLED display stands out with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making it a pleasure to use for streaming, browsing, or photo editing.
Despite its sleek design, the aluminum body can be a bit slippery. The Gorilla Glass 5 protection on both the front and back adds durability, and the IP65 water resistance offers peace of mind. While some newer phones, like the Poco X7 Pro, come with a higher IP rating, the Nord 4 is still more than capable for everyday use.
One feature that I’ve really come to appreciate is the iconic OnePlus alert slider. This small yet incredibly handy tool lets you switch between sound profiles with just a satisfying click, something I didn’t realize I’d miss until I had it.
Performance: Smooth and Efficient
The OnePlus Nord 4 is powered by the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 chipset, along with either 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, which ensures smooth performance no matter what you throw at it. Whether I’m scrolling through social media, multitasking with more than 15 apps, or playing demanding games, the phone handles it all effortlessly. Games like Call of Duty Mobile and BGMI run smoothly even on high settings, and while the phone warms up a bit during extended sessions, it never overheats.
What really stands out for me is the phone’s excellent RAM management. It handles multiple apps running in the background without forcing them to close, which I found impressive. OxygenOS 15 optimises everything, making app switching seamless and the entire experience smoother.
Battery Life: Long-Lasting and Quick Charging
The battery life of the Nord 4 has been a pleasant surprise. With its 5,500mAh battery, I easily get through a full day of use, even with heavy activity. On lighter days, it lasts for up to two days. I usually get around 8-9 hours of screen-on time per charge, which is impressive. The 100W fast charging is a real game-changer. I’ve found myself charging from 0 to 30% in just 10 minutes, which is perfect for those busy moments when you’re in a rush.
However, the absence of wireless charging feels like a missed opportunity, especially in 2024 when wireless charging has become a more common feature. While it’s not a deal-breaker, it would have been a nice addition.
Camera: Strong but Not Perfect
The camera setup on the Nord 4, led by a 50MP Sony LYTIA 600 sensor, performs well in good lighting. Daylight shots are sharp, vibrant, and full of detail, with natural colors that don’t look oversaturated. The optical image stabilization (OIS) helps keep shots sharp, even when my hands aren’t perfectly steady. The 8MP ultra-wide lens is functional but doesn’t quite match the clarity of the main sensor, with some noticeable distortion at the edges.
In low light, the performance is decent, especially with Nightscape mode, but there is some noise in darker areas. One area where the Nord 4 could have been better is the lack of a telephoto lens. Without it, I often rely on digital zoom, which reduces image quality.
The 16MP front camera is great for selfies, producing natural skin tones and well-balanced HDR, making it ideal for social media posts or video calls.
Software: Smooth and Feature-Rich
OxygenOS 15 continues OnePlus’ tradition of clean and efficient software. While I did encounter a few bugs early on, updates have improved things significantly. The phone has received several updates over the past six months, which have enhanced stability and battery life. Features like the Smart Sidebar, customizable Always-On Display, and the Live Alert feature have added convenience and fun to the overall experience.
AI-powered features like AI Eraser and AI Speak have become indispensable in my daily life. AI Eraser helps me remove unwanted objects from photos, while AI Speak lets me listen to reviews or articles while I’m doing other things, something I didn’t know I needed but now can’t live without.
What Could Be Better?
While the Nord 4 is a fantastic phone, there are a couple of areas where it could improve. The lack of wireless charging is a notable miss, especially considering how common the feature has become in 2024. Additionally, the absence of a telephoto lens limits its zoom capabilities, meaning that the digital zoom isn’t as sharp as it could be.
Final Verdict: A Mid-Range Champion
After six months of use, I can confidently say that the OnePlus Nord 4 is one of the best smartphones in its class. At Rs 28,999, it offers an impressive combination of performance, battery life, and design. While it’s not perfect, its strengths, especially the beautiful display, solid battery life, and smooth software, make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable, all-around phone. Whether you’re a casual user, a gamer, or someone who values a smooth experience, the Nord 4 is a great pick. Even after six months on the market, it still holds up remarkably well, making it a standout option in the competitive mid-range market of 2024.
