Smartphones, tablets, smartwatches and headsets. OnePlus is back in Europe for a global launch of its new products. The Chinese company chose Milan to showcase the OnePlus Nord 4, the latest heir to a successful range, which, in recent years, has raised the mid-range level and achieved excellent sales results. Considering the difficulties in the high-end segment, it is an important breath of fresh air, where it remains complicated to put a spoke in the wheels of Samsung and Apple. Although it must be said that we tend to reason by observing sales trends in Western countries, Eastern markets are OnePlus’s priority. It should be remembered that it has been under the control of Oppo since 2021, a factor that has affected product development so as not to create unnecessary duplication.
OnePlus North 4
At first glance, it is enough to realise that this is a smartphone unlike any other because its body is made entirely of metal. A choice that harks back to the past, before the supremacy of glass, favoured by 5G technology that needs space to insert the antennas and optimise the signal. It has opted for a return to metal by reducing the size of the 5G antennas by 50%, producing a robust model that stands out for its build quality. The display is 6.74 inches with a 120 Hz refresh rate, the processor is Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, and the thickness is 7.99 millimetres.
The 5500 mAh battery is excellent, and during the first tests, it showed an autonomy of close to 48 hours; for charging, there is the 100W SuperVooc system, which completes charging in 28 minutes. The charger is not included in the package, as is now usual in Europe, but with OnePlus’ promotion, those who buy the phone get it almost for free.
The rear camera relies on two lenses: the main one integrates a 50-megapixel Sony sensor and is a safety net for day and night shots and videos, thanks to optical image stabilisation. Less well is the second camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera that does not excel in resolution and colour rendition. It’s too bad because it could have done better here. Convincing and somewhat surprising, compared to the Oppo Reno 12 Pro, is the update strategy, which for the OnePlus Nord 4 includes four major Android updates and six years of security patches. Unprecedented longevity for the brand. There is no lack of AI, with features to improve shots by eliminating imperfections and facilitate productivity for text writing and transcription of recordings.
Available in Obisidian Midnight, Mercurial Silver and Oasis Green, the latter the only one combining two colours, the OnePlus Nord 4 is on sale for €499 in the 12+256GB version and €599 in the 16+512GB version. There are plenty of promotions for those who buy the smartphone before 8 August, the day it arrives: those who also buy the 100W charger (costing €59.99) get a €50 discount or a free gift of their choice, while stocks last, from a TUMI shoulder bag (worth €210), Nord Buds 3 Pro earphones (€79.99), a smartphone cover (€39.99) or an adapter (€59.99).
OnePlus Pad 2
Are tablets still selling? OnePlus is betting on it by focusing on a high-profile model dedicated to productivity and, therefore, designed for those looking for a solution for working on the move, which means having a device complete with a keyboard and stylus for greater stability and freedom to create. The screen is 12.1 inches, and the processor is a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 with a peak brightness of 900 nits and a thickness of 6.49 millimetres.
The watchword here is multitasking, as demonstrated by Open Canvas, already available on the foldable OnePlus Open, which allows three apps to be available at the same time, splitting the screen to facilitate switching from one activity to another.
Also useful is AI Toolbox, which brings together AI features for producing, summarising and voice-reading written texts. The 5910 mAh battery ensures a long battery life, while an 80W charger is included for fast charging. The OnePad 2 arrives on 1 August for €549 with 12+256GB; the Smart Keyboard is on sale for €149, the OnePlus Stylo 2 for €99 and the case for €59. Those who buy the tablet before the end of July will get one of the accessories for free.
OnePlus Watch 2R
It shares the same functionality as the Watch 2; though it is made of aluminium, it is 25% lighter and cheaper. Thanks to the Dual-Engine architecture with different chipsets (Snapdragon W5 and BES 2700 MCU Efficiency), it promises a battery life of close to 100 hours. Based on Google’s Wear OS, the OHealth app allows you to track your workouts by choosing from 100 disciplines, including badminton, skiing and tennis. Furthermore, by analysing heart rate variability and sleep, OHealth helps to get a more detailed overview of one’s level of well-being.
The Watch 2R is already available in Forest Green and Gunmetal Gray and costs €279. It includes a fluorinated rubber strap and a charger for €65. Students receive a 10% discount.
Nord Buds 3 Pro
The Buds could not be missing from the OnePlus range, which adds an affordable model with hybrid and adaptive noise cancellation to its product ecosystem. The bass power stands out among the frequencies, while the 44-hour battery life makes them an ideal companion for extended listening sessions. They connect to other devices via Bluetooth 5.4; each headset weighs 4.4 grams and is available in Starry Black and Soft Jade for €79.
*Displayed prices refer to the Italian market
