OnePlus Nord CE 4 Review – Mid-Range Power, Budget Price
If you’ve been eyeing a smartphone that doesn’t break the bank but still feels premium, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 might be your next favorite gadget. I’ve spent time using this device for everything from binge-watching to content creation, and here's what I found.
Quick Overview
- Brand: OnePlus
- Model: Nord CE 4
- Launch Year: 2024
- Display: 6.7” AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
- Battery: 5500mAh with 100W fast charging
- Price Range: GHS 3,500 - GHS 4,200 in Ghana
- Where to Buy: Jumia Ghana, Franko Trading, Superlove Electronics
Design & Build Quality
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 comes with a smooth matte finish that keeps fingerprints away. It's lightweight, yet sturdy enough to survive a few accidental drops (don’t ask how I know). The flat edges make it easy to grip, even with sweaty hands during gaming.
Available in Celadon Marble and Dark Chrome, this phone really looks more expensive than it is. It’s slim but still houses a massive 5500mAh battery. Color me impressed.
Display
The 6.7-inch AMOLED panel is nothing short of fantastic. You get deep blacks, punchy colors, and smooth scrolling with a 120Hz refresh rate. I used it under bright sunlight, and I could still read texts and watch videos without squinting.
There’s support for HDR10+, which makes Netflix and YouTube videos look more vibrant. If you’re into watching content on your phone, you’ll love this screen.
Performance
Powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor and 8GB or 12GB RAM, the Nord CE 4 handles daily tasks and heavy-duty gaming with ease. I played games like Call of Duty and Asphalt 9 without lags. Multitasking is smooth — you can switch between 10 apps and not miss a beat.
Storage is 128GB or 256GB with UFS 3.1, and there’s a microSD card slot too. That’s rare in this price range.
Camera Quality
The main 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor produces sharp and balanced photos even in low light. The colors are realistic without over-saturation. The 8MP ultrawide camera is average, but useful for landscape shots.
The 16MP front camera does the job for selfies and video calls, though low-light selfies need improvement. There’s EIS for video, but no OIS. Still, 4K video at 30fps is smooth enough for content creators on a budget.
Battery Life
The 5500mAh battery easily lasts over a day, even with heavy use. What blew me away was the 100W SUPERVOOC charging. I charged from 0 to 100% in 26 minutes. Yes, I timed it.
If you forget to charge overnight, a 15-minute top-up in the morning gives you enough juice for the day.
Software and Updates
Out of the box, the phone runs on OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14. It's clean, fast, and mostly bloatware-free. OnePlus promises 2 years of major updates and 3 years of security patches — which is acceptable, though Samsung offers more.
Audio and Extras
It has stereo speakers with decent bass and clarity. I still prefer wired headphones, and lucky for us, there's a 3.5mm headphone jack. You also get an in-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock, and an IR blaster (which I used to control my TV — neat feature).
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent AMOLED display
- Insane fast charging
- Solid main camera performance
- Expandable storage with microSD
- Stereo speakers and headphone jack
Cons
- No OIS in the camera
- Only 2 years of OS updates
- Back panel can feel a bit plasticky
How It Compares to the Competition
The Nord CE 4 faces tough competition in 2024. Here are some phones that give it a run for its money:
- Redmi Note 13 Pro – Offers a 200MP camera and similar AMOLED display but slower charging and MIUI bloatware.
- Samsung Galaxy A35 – Has IP67 water resistance and longer update support, but comes with a weaker processor.
- Infinix Zero 30 – Cheaper with a curved AMOLED screen, but lacks the Snapdragon performance and camera quality.
But in Ghana, when you weigh all these options, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 sits right at the sweet spot between power and price.
User Experience
From my personal use, the phone never overheated, apps never crashed, and the battery life made me forget where my charger even was. A friend tried it for a weekend, and his words were: “This feels like a flagship.”
Safety and Durability
There’s no official IP rating, but the phone has basic splash protection. I’d still suggest using a case. OnePlus includes a case and a pre-applied screen protector — thank you!
Final Verdict
So, should you buy the OnePlus Nord CE 4? If you want a phone that performs fast, looks great, and charges like lightning — without costing a fortune — this one hits all the right notes.
Final Score: 8.7/10 – One of the best mid-range phones in 2024 for the money.
You can find the OnePlus Nord CE 4 in Ghana at Jumia Ghana, Franko Trading, and Superlove Electronics.
We Want Your Thoughts!
Have you used this phone? What’s your experience been like? Drop your comments below and share your feedback. We read every comment and respond with real advice. Let’s help each other choose smarter.
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