OnePlus has released its latest mid-range smartphone, the Nord 4, offering impressive specs and performance at a competitive price point. However, recent teardowns reveal the device is extremely difficult to repair.
Powerful Performance in a Mid-Range Package
The OnePlus Nord 4 packs a punch with its Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 chipset. In Geekbench 6 benchmarks, it scored an impressive 3863 in multi-core tests, outperforming many similarly priced rivals. Real-world testing showed the Nord 4 handles demanding mobile games with ease, even at maximum graphics settings.
Other key specs include:
- 6.74-inch 2.5K AMOLED display (1240 x 2772 resolution)
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage
- 5,500 mAh battery with 100W fast charging
- 50MP main + 8MP ultrawide rear cameras
- Android 14 with OxygenOS 14.1
The large 5,500 mAh battery easily lasts over a day of heavy use. When it's time to recharge, the 100W wired charging can fully top up the phone in under 30 minutes.
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| The OnePlus Nord 4 showcases a sleek design and advanced features that enhance its performance in the mid-range smartphone market |
Competitive Pricing
In the UK, the Nord 4 starts at £429 (about $550) for the 12GB/256GB model. The higher-end 16GB/512GB version costs £529 (around $680). While the base model offers excellent value, the price jump for extra storage is substantial.
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| The OnePlus Nord 4's appealing design underscores its competitive pricing in the mid-range smartphone market |
Unique Features
The Nord 4 brings back a metal construction, which is increasingly rare in the mid-range segment. It also introduces Aqua Touch technology, allowing the touchscreen to function normally with wet hands - a genuinely useful addition.
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| The OnePlus Nord 4 stands out with its unique features, including a stylish metal construction and advanced camera technology |
Poor Repairability Scores
Despite its attractive specs and pricing, recent teardowns have exposed a major weakness - the Nord 4 is extremely difficult to repair.
PBKReviews, a popular YouTube channel specializing in device teardowns, gave the Nord 4 a repairability score of just 4 out of 10. The metal construction, while premium-feeling, makes accessing the phone's internals challenging. Even attempting to enter through the small glass panel at the top risks damaging the housing.
The screen is particularly problematic to replace, scoring just 0.5 out of 2 for repairability. Parts availability and ease of battery replacement also received low scores.
The Verdict
The OnePlus Nord 4 offers impressive performance and features for its price point. However, the poor repairability is a significant drawback in an era where sustainability and long-term device use are increasingly important. Potential buyers will need to weigh the powerful specs and competitive pricing against the likelihood of costly repairs or early replacement if something goes wrong.
