A Hot Take on OnePlus Nord CE 4: Breaking Down the Good, the Bad, and the Controversial Opinion

Are you in the market for a new smartphone but feeling overwhelmed by the plethora of options available? Look no further than the OnePlus Nord CE 4, touted as the better alternative to the OnePlus Nord 2. But is it really that simple? Let’s dissect the highlights, drawbacks, and a controversial opinion surrounding this device.

Key Takeaway:

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 offers impressive features such as a sleek design, long-lasting battery, fast charging, and solid camera performance at an attractive price point.
However, it faces criticism for minor design flaws, pre-installed apps, lack of NFC, and subpar video stabilization.
Despite the hype, some argue that the OnePlus Nord 2 holds its ground with its unique design and user experience, challenging the notion that the Nord CE 4 is unequivocally superior.

The Good: What Makes the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Shine?

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 may have received some criticism, but it’s not without its merits. Here’s what stands out:

Impressive Battery Life:

Equipped with a 5,500mAh battery, the Nord CE 4 delivers exceptional battery life, providing up to 6 hours of screen-on time even under heavy usage.
The inclusion of a 100W charger ensures rapid charging, with the device reaching full battery capacity in just 30 minutes.

Sleek Design and Build Quality:

Despite its all-plastic construction, the Nord CE 4 exudes a premium feel, thanks to its marble-like patterned back design with a sparkly effect.
The device offers a comfortable in-hand feel, with a soft-touch rubber finish on the included silicon case, enhancing grip and preventing accidental slips.

Solid Camera Performance:

The Nord CE 4 boasts capable camera performance, capturing detailed and sharp photos in various lighting conditions.
Portrait mode shots exhibit good depth and background blur, while the selfie camera delivers satisfactory results.
Ultra-wide-angle shots offer versatility, catering to a range of photography needs.

Smooth Performance:

Powered by the Snapdragon 7 series chipset and UFS 3.1 storage, the Nord CE 4 delivers smooth and responsive performance, outperforming its predecessor, the Nord 2A.
Users can expect minimal stuttering or heating issues during everyday usage and gaming sessions, thanks to the optimized hardware and software integration.

OxygenOS and Software Support:

Running on OxygenOS 14 atop Android 14, the Nord CE 4 offers a clean and intuitive user experience, with regular software updates promised for up to two years.
OnePlus’s Aqua touch feature enhances usability by allowing the device to function even when the screen or fingers are wet, a testament to the brand’s commitment to user convenience.

Connectivity Features:

With support for all 5G bands in India and carrier aggregation, the Nord CE 4 ensures reliable and high-speed connectivity.
The inclusion of IP54 rating adds durability, while the absence of NFC is mitigated by other features such as Aqua touch.

The Bad: Areas Where the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Falls Short

While the Nord CE 4 impresses in many aspects, it’s not without its flaws. Here’s where it misses the mark:

Pre-installed Apps:

Users have reported the presence of pre-installed games on the device, detracting from the clean software experience typically associated with OnePlus devices.
While these apps can be uninstalled, their inclusion raises questions about OnePlus’s commitment to providing bloatware-free devices, particularly in the mid-range segment.

Video Stabilization:

Despite featuring OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the main camera, the Nord CE 4’s 4K video stabilization falls short, resulting in shaky footage.
While an Ultra Steady mode is available for 1080p videos, the lack of stabilization for 4K recording is a notable drawback, especially for users prioritizing video quality.

Design Imperfections:

While the Nord CE 4 boasts an attractive design, some users have noticed minor flaws such as asymmetrical bezels and an uneven camera module alignment.
Additionally, the absence of an alert slider, a signature feature of OnePlus devices, may disappoint fans accustomed to its convenience.

Missing Features:

Unlike its predecessor, the Nord CE 4 omits NFC (Near Field Communication), limiting its compatibility with contactless payment systems and other NFC-enabled functionalities.
While this may not be a deal-breaker for some users, it represents a regression in terms of feature parity compared to previous OnePlus mid-range offerings.

The Controversial Opinion: Challenging the Narrative

Despite the prevailing sentiment that the OnePlus Nord CE 4 is superior to the Nord 2A, there’s room for debate. Here’s a contrarian view:

The Case for the OnePlus Nord 2A:

While the Nord CE 4 offers commendable features, the Nord 2A retains its appeal with unique design elements and user experience.
The transparent design, symmetrical bezels, and signature OxygenOS experience set the Nord 2A apart, catering to users seeking a distinct smartphone identity.
Despite being priced similarly, the Nord 2A’s combination of aesthetics and performance challenges the notion that the Nord CE 4 is unequivocally superior.

Value Proposition:

Ultimately, the choice between the Nord CE 4 and Nord 2A boils down to individual preferences and priorities.
While the Nord CE 4 may offer more value in terms of battery life, performance, and camera capabilities, the Nord 2A’s design and user experience appeal to a different demographic.
Consumers are encouraged to weigh the pros and cons of each device carefully before making a decision, considering factors such as design preferences, software experience, and feature priorities.

In conclusion, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 presents a compelling option for users seeking a balance of performance and affordability. However, its minor flaws and the enduring appeal of its predecessor underscore the importance of considering individual preferences and priorities when choosing a smartphone. Whether you prioritize battery life, camera performance, or design aesthetics, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 and Nord 2A offer distinct experiences worthy of consideration in the competitive mid-range smartphone market.