The OnePlus Nord CE 4: A Critical Review
As a tech enthusiast always on the lookout for the next big thing in gadgets, I recently had the opportunity to test out the much-anticipated OnePlus Nord CE 4. While the mainstream view seems to be overwhelmingly positive, my experience with this device has left me with some reservations that I believe are worth exploring.
Design and Build Quality
The Nord CE 4 boasts a sleek design with a visually appealing green panel and a premium marble-like texture. While this may catch the eye of many users, I found the elongated glassy strip housing the main camera to be a bit impractical. The protrusion from the flat back panel not only causes the phone to wobble on flat surfaces but also makes it more susceptible to damage in case of accidental falls.
Display and Performance
The 6.7-inch full HD+ AMOLED display of the Nord CE 4 is undoubtedly impressive, with a high pixel density and 120Hz refresh rate. However, the near-uniform bezels and slightly thick chin at the base may not appeal to users looking for a more immersive viewing experience. Additionally, while the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset delivers smooth performance, I found the device getting slightly warm during extended use, which could be a concern for heavy-duty tasks.
Camera Quality
The dual-camera setup on the Nord CE 4 captures vibrant photos in natural sunlight, but I noticed an overemphasis on boosting colors, which may not always reflect the true essence of the subject. The night mode performance, while commendable, tends to struggle with graininess at higher zoom levels. The portrait mode, on the other hand, excels in focusing on the subject but lacks the finesse expected from a mid-range device.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the standout features of the Nord CE 4 is its 5,500mAh battery, offering impressive longevity for day-to-day tasks. However, the 100W charger, while convenient, raises concerns about long-term battery health. The Battery Health Engine technology, while promising, may not be sufficient to address the potential impact of fast charging on battery longevity.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, while the OnePlus Nord CE 4 presents itself as a feature-packed mid-range phone, my experience with the device has highlighted some key areas of improvement. From design flaws to performance concerns, there are aspects of the Nord CE 4 that may not align with the mainstream narrative. As a discerning tech enthusiast, I believe it’s essential to look beyond the hype and evaluate devices based on their real-world usability and long-term sustainability.