OnePlus Nord 4 5G Review: The Metal Marvel with Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 and Lifetime Display Warranty

The mid-range smartphone market has always been a battlefield of compromises. Usually, you have to choose between a premium design, flagship-grade performance, or long-term reliability. However, with the launch of the OnePlus Nord 4 5G (Mercurial Silver, 8GB RAM, 256GB Storage), OnePlus is attempting to break that cycle. Priced aggressively at ?29,999, this device isn't just another incremental update; it is a bold statement.

Featuring a return to the iconic all-metal unibody design, an industry-leading Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 processor, and a staggering ANTUTU score of over 1.5 million, the Nord 4 5G is designed to punch way above its weight class. Add to that the security of a Lifetime Display Warranty and the intelligence of OnePlus AI, and you have a package that is hard to ignore. In this comprehensive review, we dive deep into why the OnePlus Nord 4 5G is setting a new benchmark for smartphones under ?30,000.

Introduction: A New Era for the Nord Series

OnePlus changed the landscape of the Indian smartphone market years ago with its "flagship killer" philosophy. While the brand moved into the premium segment, the Nord series was birthed to keep the original spirit alive. The OnePlus Nord 4 5G represents the pinnacle of this evolution.

The first thing you notice about the Mercurial Silver variant is its striking aesthetic. In an era dominated by glass sandwiches and plastic frames, OnePlus has gone back to its roots with a CNC-machined aluminum unibody. This isn't just for looks; it provides a structural integrity and premium hand-feel that is virtually non-existent in this price bracket. But the beauty isn't just skin deep. Under the hood lies a beast of a processor and a suite of AI features aimed at making your daily life easier and your phone faster for years to come.

Key Features of the OnePlus Nord 4 5G

The OnePlus Nord 4 5G is packed with features that cater to gamers, photographers, and productivity enthusiasts alike. Here are the standout highlights:

• All-Metal Unibody Design: The Mercurial Silver finish uses a unique 2D laser-etched design that looks futuristic and resists fingerprints effectively.
• Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 Processor: Built on a 4nm process, this chip offers flagship-level efficiency and power, rivaling the 8-series chips of previous years.
• Lifetime Display Warranty: OnePlus provides peace of mind against "green line" issues with a dedicated lifetime warranty for the display panel, a first in the industry.
• OnePlus AI Integration: From AI Eraser 2.0 to AI Summary and AI Linkboost, the phone uses machine learning to enhance every aspect of the user experience.
• 1.5 Million+ ANTUTU Score: Benchmark performance that ensures smooth multitasking and high-frame-rate gaming.
• 5500mAh Battery with 100W SUPERVOOC: One of the largest batteries in a Nord device, paired with ultra-fast charging that hits 100% in under 30 minutes.
• Aqua Touch Technology: The 120Hz AMOLED display remains responsive even when your fingers or the screen are wet.

Specifications Table

To understand the sheer value the OnePlus Nord 4 5G offers, let’s look at the technical specifications in detail:

Performance Review: A Speed Demon

Performance is where the OnePlus Nord 4 5G truly separates itself from the competition. At its heart is the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 7 Plus Gen 3. Don't let the "7 series" name fool you; this chip shares the same architecture as the flagship 8 Gen 3. In our testing, the device consistently pushed past the 1,500,000 mark on ANTUTU, making it one of the most powerful phones in its price segment.

Gaming and Multitasking

With 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM, the Nord 4 handles intensive multitasking with ease. Whether you are switching between heavy social media apps or editing 4K videos, there is zero lag. For gamers, the Adreno GPU provides sustained performance in titles like BGMI, Genshin Impact, and Call of Duty: Mobile. The metal body also acts as a natural heat sink, though OnePlus has also included an advanced cooling system to ensure the device doesn't throttle during extended gaming sessions.

The OnePlus AI Advantage

OnePlus has integrated AI deeply into the OxygenOS experience. The AI Eraser 2.0 allows you to remove unwanted people or objects from your photos with shocking accuracy. But the real star is AI Linkboost, which optimizes network reconnection. If you step out of an elevator or a basement, the Nord 4 reconnects to 5G faster than almost any other phone. Additionally, the AI Summary feature can take long recordings or articles and provide you with concise bullet points, perfect for students and professionals.

Customer Feedback: What Real Users Are Saying

With a solid rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, the customer response to the OnePlus Nord 4 5G has been overwhelmingly positive. After analyzing hundreds of user reviews, here is a summary of the general sentiment:

The Positives

• Premium Build: Users are raving about the Mercurial Silver finish. Many have noted that the phone feels more expensive than it actually is.
• Battery Life: The 5500mAh battery is a major hit. Most users report getting nearly two days of light use, and the 100W charging is described as "life-changing."
• Display Clarity: The 1.5K resolution AMOLED panel is praised for its color accuracy and sunlight legibility (thanks to the 2150 nits peak brightness).
• Software Experience: OxygenOS 14.1 is lauded for being clean, fast, and free of the excessive bloatware found in competitors' phones.

The Critiques

• Camera in Low Light: While the 50MP Sony sensor is excellent in daylight, some users feel the ultra-wide lens could be better in low-light scenarios.
• Weight: At 199g, a few users mentioned it feels slightly substantial, though most agree the weight adds to the premium feel.

Price Analysis: Is It the Best Value for ?29,999?

The price of ?29,999 for the 8GB RAM and 256GB storage variant puts the Nord 4 in a very competitive spot. Let’s look at how it compares to the market:

When you look at competitors like the Samsung Galaxy A series or the Nothing Phone (2a), the OnePlus Nord 4 offers a significantly more powerful processor. While some brands offer better secondary cameras (like a dedicated telephoto), they often compromise on build quality (plastic) or charging speed.

OnePlus also adds significant value through its Lifetime Display Warranty. For many Indian consumers who are wary of display issues after software updates, this warranty alone is worth several thousand rupees in peace of mind. When you factor in the UFS 4.0 storage (which is faster than the UFS 3.1 found in most mid-rangers), the Nord 4 is arguably the best "bang for your buck" smartphone currently available in the Indian market.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the OnePlus Nord 4 5G?

The OnePlus Nord 4 5G (Mercurial Silver) is a rare smartphone that manages to balance nostalgia with cutting-edge innovation. It brings back the durability and elegance of metal while pushing the boundaries of mid-range performance with the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3.

Who is this phone for?

• The Power User: If you want flagship speed and an ANTUTU score that dominates the charts without spending 60k, this is for you.
• The Long-Term Owner: With 4 years of major Android updates, 6 years of security patches, and a lifetime display warranty, this phone is built to last.
• The Style Conscious: The Mercurial Silver metal unibody is a head-turner and a refreshing break from glass-back phones.

Final Thoughts

While the camera setup is good but not world-class, the rest of the phone is undeniably top-tier. For ?29,999, you are getting a device that charges incredibly fast, looks stunning, and performs like a flagship. OnePlus has successfully recaptured the "Never Settle" spirit with the Nord 4 5G. If you are looking for a reliable, powerful, and beautiful smartphone under ?30,000, the OnePlus Nord 4 5G should be at the top of your list.

Rating: 4.4/5 - Highly Recommended for performance and build quality enthusiasts.