The OnePlus Nord 4 launched today in Milan. The brand aims to evoke nostalgia with the phone’s all-metal design. The Nord 4’s camera module also differs significantly from the norm. Priced at Rs 29,999 for the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage variant, it competes strongly against rivals such as the Realme GT 6T, iQOO Neo 9 Pro, and Poco F6.
But how does it stand against its predecessor—the OnePlus Nord 3? What are the differences between these two phones? We will compare the OnePlus Nord 4 with the Nord 3. Let’s get started.
The OnePlus Nord 4 is offered in three variants, while the Nord 3 has only two. The base model of the Nord 4 is priced at Rs 29,999, whereas the Nord 3 was priced higher at Rs 33,999, representing a Rs 4,000 difference. On the other hand, the OnePlus Nord 3 includes a 16GB RAM and 256GB storage variant that is unavailable with the Nord 4.
It’s worth noting that the Nord 3 reaches the Rs 38,000 price point, which the OnePlus Nord 4 does not. Therefore, in terms of pricing, opting for the OnePlus Nord 4 makes more sense since it’s the newer model.
Regarding availability, the OnePlus Nord 4 is exclusively sold on Amazon, while the Nord 3 is available on the OnePlus eStore and Flipkart.
OnePlus Nord 4 vs OnePlus Nord 3: Design
The OnePlus Nord 4 features a flat design with a vertical camera module on the back, available in three colors: Mercurial Silver, Obsidian Midnight, and Oasis Green. This smartphone is IP65-rated and weighs 199.5 grams.
In contrast, the OnePlus Nord 3 sports a flat design with rounded edges and a simpler back panel, housing a horizontally placed camera module. It is offered in two colours: Misty Green and Tempest Grey. It has an IP54 rating and a weight of 193.5 grams.
OnePlus Nord 4 Design
The OnePlus Nord 4 stands out with its distinctive camera module and unique design compared to the Nord 3. Additionally, it boasts an IP65 rating, though it is slightly heavier than its predecessor.
OnePlus Nord 4 vs OnePlus Nord 3: Display
The OnePlus Nord 4 features a 6.74-inch Super Fluid AMOLED LTPS display with ultra HDR support. It offers 450 ppi density, a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 2150 nits peak brightness, and a punch-hole design.
On the other hand, the OnePlus Nord 3 boasts a 6.74-inch Fluid AMOLED display with 451 ppi density, a 120Hz refresh rate, 1450 nits peak brightness, and a punch-hole design.
OnePlus Nord 4 Display
Both phones are the same size and support a 120Hz refresh rate. However, if you prefer a brighter display, the Nord 4 is the better choice.
OnePlus Nord 4 vs OnePlus Nord 3: Performance
The OnePlus Nord 4 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 SoC. It features an integrated Qualcomm Adreno 732 GPU, up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage.
The OnePlus Nord 3 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 SoC, built on a 4nm process. It features an integrated Mali-G710 MC10 GPU, up to 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage.
OnePlus Nord 4 Performance
The OnePlus Nord 4 has a Qualcomm chipset, whereas the Nord 3 runs on a MediaTek chipset. Regarding RAM, the OnePlus Nord 3 takes the lead.
OnePlus Nord 4 vs OnePlus Nord 3: Software
The OnePlus Nord 4 runs on Oxygen OS 14.1 based on Android 14.
The OnePlus Nord 3 ships with the Oxygen OS 13.1 based on Android 13.
Both phones run on the same skin, but the OnePlus Nord 4 has the latest Android version. Regarding software commitment, the OnePlus Nord 4 comes with four years of Android updates and six years of security patches. On the other hand, the Nord 3 has three years of Android updates and four years of security patches.
OnePlus Nord 4 vs OnePlus Nord 3: Cameras
The OnePlus Nord 4 boasts a 50-megapixel Sony LYTIA main camera and an 8-megapixel Sony ultra-wide camera. On the front, it features a 16-megapixel selfie camera.
The Nord 3 features a 50-megapixel wide camera with an f/1.8 aperture, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera with f/2.2 aperture and a 2-megapixel macro camera with f/2.4 aperture. For selfies, it offers a 16-megapixel front camera with an f/2.4 aperture.
OnePlus Nord 4 Camera
The Nord 4 and Nord 3 share identical camera specifications. However, as noted above, the Nord 3 includes an additional 2-megapixel Macro camera, though this feature shouldn’t be a deal breaker.
OnePlus Nord 4 vs OnePlus Nord 3: Battery and Charging
The OnePlus Nord 4 packs a 5500mAh battery and 100W SUPERVOOC charging.
The OnePlus Nord 3 packs a 5000mAh battery and 80W charging.
OnePlus Nord 4 Battery
The OnePlus Nord 4 boasts an additional 500mAh battery capacity compared to the Nord 3. Additionally, it features a superior charging adapter. Thus, the latest model should be more advantageous in terms of battery performance.
OnePlus Nord 4 vs OnePlus Nord 3: Verdict
The OnePlus Nord 4 excels in performance, offers a dependable battery capacity, and sets a new standard for software longevity. Additionally, it features a unique design that stands out among its peers.
However, it’s worth noting that both the Nord 4 and Nord 3 share similar displays and camera capabilities. Furthermore, the Nord 3 is priced considerably higher. Therefore, the OnePlus Nord 4 presents itself as a compelling upgrade, particularly at a slightly lower price point.
