Following the launch of its flagship OnePlus 12, the company is turning its attention to the other end of its product portfolio with the new OnePlus Nord CE4. Technically, this won’t be the cheapest device the company offers (that title would belong to the Nord CE4 Lite, if it ever launches), but the CE4 is just a step up and typically represents a sweet spot within the three-device Nord series. The Nord CE4 brings improvements in several key areas compared to its predecessors. The device is powered by a new chipset, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, replacing last year’s Snapdragon 782G. The main camera has received a new sensor, the Sony LYT600, and a larger 5500 mAh battery supports blazing-fast 100W charging. However, competition in the smartphone market is fierce, especially after the recent launch of the Nothing Phone (2a). The question arises: can the OnePlus Nord CE4 compete with these challenges and justify its price? In this detailed review, we’ll analyze everything this device has to offer.
Unboxing: What’s in the Box of the OnePlus Nord CE4?
As with most OnePlus devices, opening the box with the Nord CE4 is a standard, yet pleasant experience. Inside the elegantly designed packaging, you’ll find the smartphone itself, a powerful 100W charger, and a striking red USB-A to USB-C charging cable. Additionally, the box includes a protective silicone case to provide initial protection for the device, a SIM ejector tool, and several interesting OnePlus stickers.
This is a typical package that reflects OnePlus’s strategy of providing good basic accessories with its devices, reducing the need for additional purchases immediately after unboxing. A good first impression, wouldn’t you agree?
Design: Modern Aesthetics with Practical Details
Build Quality and Materials
The OnePlus Nord CE4 continues OnePlus’s design language, offering a modern look that stands out in the market. While primarily utilizing plastic materials, the device feels solid and well-made. The phone’s frame is plastic, while the back is made of polycarbonate, which in our case received a matte finish in an elegant “Celadon Marble” color. This color, in addition to being aesthetically pleasing, offers the advantage of reduced fingerprint retention, a significant plus for those who want their device to always look clean.
The edges of the phone are slightly rounded, allowing for a more comfortable grip despite the device’s larger dimensions. On the back, a recognizable circular camera module dominates, which is slightly raised from the surface, but thanks to the included case, this protruding part is well protected. Overall, the design is a combination of elegance and functionality, allowing the OnePlus Nord CE4 to fit into today’s trends while also offering practicality in everyday use. The use of polycarbonate, while not premium like glass or metal, is a common choice in this price segment, balancing cost and durability.
Ergonomics and Feel in Hand
With dimensions of 162.5 x 75.3 x 8.3 mm and a weight of 187 grams, the OnePlus Nord CE4 isn’t the smallest or lightest phone on the market, but it’s not overly large either. Ergonomics are well-considered. The rounded edges of the frame and back make it comfortable to hold, even during prolonged use. The placement of the power and volume buttons on the right side is ergonomically well-executed, easily accessible to the thumb of the right hand. On the left side is the Alert Slider, a well-known element of OnePlus phones that allows for quick switching between silent, vibration, and ring modes, without needing to take the phone out of your pocket. The bottom edge of the housing houses the USB-C port, speaker grille, and SIM card slot.
On the top of the device is another microphone and an infrared (IR) port, a nice addition for controlling household appliances. All buttons are tactile and respond well to pressure. Despite the use of plastic materials, the feel in hand is solid and doesn’t give the impression of cheapness. The weight distribution feels balanced, preventing the phone from feeling top-heavy. Compared to competitors like the Samsung Galaxy A54, the Nord CE4 feels slightly lighter, contributing to improved long-term comfort.
Display, Charging, and Audio: A High-Level Multimedia Experience
Display Quality and Refresh Rate
The OnePlus Nord CE4 boasts a large 6.74-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1240 x 2772 pixels, resulting in a density of approximately 450 ppi. This combination provides an exceptionally sharp image with rich colors and deep blacks, typical of AMOLED technology. The maximum brightness of 1100 nits at peak times ensures excellent readability even under direct sunlight.
What makes this display even better is support for adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. This means the screen’s refresh rate automatically adjusts to the content you’re viewing – from smooth scrolling through social media and gaming to more energy-efficient display of static images. All of this contributes to a smoother user experience and significantly reduces eye strain. HDR10+ and Dolby Vision are also supported, providing a richer and more detailed visual experience when viewing compatible content. The AMOLED panel offers excellent contrast ratios, making blacks appear truly black, enhancing the viewing experience for movies and games. Compared to LCD displays found in some competing devices, the Nord CE4’s AMOLED screen provides a noticeable improvement in color accuracy and vibrancy.
100W Charging Speed: Revolutionary Power
One of the most impressive aspects of the OnePlus Nord CE4 is its support for super-fast 100W charging. This technology allows you to charge the 5500 mAh battery from 0% to 100% in approximately 28 minutes, which is incredibly fast. This is a significant advantage over many competitors in this price range, which often offer slower charging speeds. The included 100W charger is a welcome addition, as some manufacturers are now omitting chargers from the box. The fast charging is implemented using OnePlus’s proprietary SUPERVOOC technology, which is known for its efficiency and safety. However, it’s important to note that SUPERVOOC requires a specific charger and cable, so using a standard USB-PD charger will not achieve the same charging speeds.
The large 5500 mAh battery provides excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day of moderate to heavy use. Even with demanding tasks like gaming and video streaming, the Nord CE4 can comfortably last through the day. Battery optimization features within OxygenOS further extend battery life by intelligently managing background app activity. The combination of a large battery and fast charging makes the Nord CE4 a reliable companion for users who are always on the go.
Audio Performance
The OnePlus Nord CE4 features stereo speakers, providing a more immersive audio experience compared to mono speakers. The speakers are loud enough for comfortable listening, and the sound quality is surprisingly good for a device in this price range. While they don’t match the audio quality of flagship devices, they are more than adequate for everyday use, such as listening to music, watching videos, and playing games. The phone does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack, so you’ll need to use USB-C headphones or a wireless connection. Support for Dolby Atmos enhances the audio experience by adding a sense of spatialization and depth. The built-in microphone performs well during calls and recordings, providing clear and intelligible audio.
Camera: Capturing Moments with Detail
Main Camera Performance (Sony LYT600)
The OnePlus Nord CE4 features a 50MP main camera with the Sony LYT600 sensor. This sensor is a significant upgrade over the previous generation, offering improved light sensitivity and dynamic range. The LYT600 sensor is known for its ability to capture detailed images with accurate colors, even in challenging lighting conditions. The camera app offers a variety of shooting modes, including Night Mode, Portrait Mode, and Pro Mode, allowing you to customize your shots. The main camera produces sharp and detailed images with vibrant colors in good lighting conditions. In low light, the Night Mode effectively brightens the scene and reduces noise, resulting in usable images. The camera also supports 4K video recording at 30fps.
Ultrawide and Macro Lenses
In addition to the main camera, the Nord CE4 also includes an 8MP ultrawide lens and a 2MP macro lens. The ultrawide lens allows you to capture wider scenes, making it ideal for landscape photography and group shots. However, the image quality of the ultrawide lens is not as good as the main camera, with slightly less detail and dynamic range. The macro lens allows you to take close-up shots of small objects, but the 2MP resolution limits the level of detail. These additional lenses provide versatility, but they are not the primary focus of the camera system.
Selfie Camera
The front-facing selfie camera is a 16MP sensor. It captures detailed and well-exposed selfies in good lighting conditions. Portrait mode with bokeh effect is available, allowing you to blur the background and emphasize your subject. The selfie camera also supports 1080p video recording.
Software and Performance: Smooth and Responsive Experience
The OnePlus Nord CE4 runs on OxygenOS 14, based on Android 14. OxygenOS is known for its clean and intuitive interface, with minimal bloatware. The software offers a variety of customization options, allowing you to personalize the look and feel of your device. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset provides smooth and responsive performance for everyday tasks, such as browsing the web, checking email, and using social media. The phone also handles demanding tasks, such as gaming and video editing, with ease. The 8GB or 12GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking. OnePlus promises at least three major Android updates and four years of security updates, ensuring that the device remains secure and up-to-date.
Conclusion: A Strong Contender in the Mid-Range Market
The OnePlus Nord CE4 is a compelling mid-range smartphone that offers a lot for its price. The combination of a powerful processor, fast charging, a vibrant display, and a capable camera makes it a strong contender in the crowded mid-range market. While it doesn’t have the premium build quality of flagship devices, it offers excellent value for money. The improvements over its predecessor, particularly the new chipset and camera sensor, make it a worthwhile upgrade. The Nothing Phone (2a) is a close competitor, but the Nord CE4’s faster charging and more established software ecosystem give it an edge. If you’re looking for a reliable and feature-rich smartphone without breaking the bank, the OnePlus Nord CE4 is definitely worth considering.
FAQ
Q: What is the price of the OnePlus Nord CE4?
The price of the OnePlus Nord CE4 varies depending on the configuration (RAM and storage) and region. Generally, it starts around €350-€400.
Q: Does the OnePlus Nord CE4 have a headphone jack?
No, the OnePlus Nord CE4 does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack. You’ll need to use USB-C headphones or a wireless connection.
Q: Is the OnePlus Nord CE4 waterproof?
The OnePlus Nord CE4 is not officially waterproof, but it has an IP54 rating, which means it’s dust and splash resistant.
Q: What colors is the OnePlus Nord CE4 available in?
The OnePlus Nord CE4 is available in two colors: Celadon Marble and Dark Chrome.
Q: How long will the OnePlus Nord CE4 receive software updates?
OnePlus promises at least three major Android updates and four years of security updates for the Nord CE4.
Q: What is the difference between the OnePlus Nord CE4 and the Nothing Phone (2a)?
The Nothing Phone (2a) has a unique transparent design and a different software experience. The Nord CE4 offers faster charging, a more established software ecosystem (OxygenOS), and generally better camera performance in low light. Both are excellent phones, and the best choice depends on your personal preferences.
Q: Does the OnePlus Nord CE4 support 5G?
Yes, the OnePlus Nord CE4 supports 5G connectivity, allowing you to experience faster download and upload speeds where available.
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