Technology
The design of the OnePlus Nord 4 is both a blessing and a curse
OnePlus is launching its next mid-range phone in Milan next week, but the company has already revealed what it will look like.
The upcoming Nord 4 is a big change in handset design, replacing the plastic frame of the Nord 3 with a metal unibody design that immediately stands out from the crowd. As OnePlus says, it is “the first all-metal smartphone of the 5G era.”
Lots to love
When I took the phone out of the box, the first thing I noticed was how premium it feels. If I wasn’t familiar with phones and you had told me this was a flagship device, I would have believed you.
The shift to aluminum on the back and sides of the phone means it’s heavier than the average mid-range phone, but that means it’s less likely to fall out of your hand. Even if it does, the extra durability compared to a glass-backed device means I can be confident it will survive most drops unscathed.
Another advantage is the improved grip, which allows me to comfortably use the Nord 4 without a case. There is no need for an ugly case that often detracts from the attractive design of the phone.
I particularly like the metal finish of the Obsidian Midnight version I have for review, which looks unique and sophisticated without the need for bright colors.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
But it’s not all good news
However, the design of the OnePlus Nord 4 does not impress me in all areas.
The big issue I have is the two-tone finish on the back, which means there’s a glass panel over the top quarter of the phone. It’s comparable to early Google phones, up to and including the Pixel 3 in 2018.
It looks nice, but the reflectivity causes two problems. Firstly, it means that part of the phone acts as a mirror. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to stare at myself every time I pick up my phone.
Plus, it’s the only part of the device that catches visible fingerprints, which appeared within seconds of me picking it up. While you don’t need a case for durability, you may want to have one to keep the glass in a presentable condition. This could easily have been avoided by giving the glass a matte finish.
Of course, design is only a small part of the overall smartphone experience. The new version of the Nord 4 has more strengths than weaknesses, but ultimately whether we can recommend it will depend on how the phone performs in other areas.
Look out for our full review of the Nord 4 once it launches on July 16, where it will be joined by a new tablet, smartwatch and wireless earbuds.
