OnePlus Nord 4: 4 major Android updates, six years of security patches
In February, OnePlus responded to Google and Samsung’s plans to offer seven years of software support for their flagships by saying that anything over five years would not make financial sense. Five months later, the Chinese company seems to have changed its mind. And it is doing so for the upcoming mid-range model, the OnePlus Nord 4.
Kinder Liu, COO of OnePlus, told Digital Trends that the Nord 4 will receive security patches for six years from its launch. That would be one year more. This naturally raises the question of what will happen to OnePlus’ flagships. For example, the OnePlus 12, which on paper only has five years of support. However, the six years may only be available for new devices like the OnePlus 13 and not for models that have already been launched.
At least it is clear that the OnePlus Nord 4 will get four major Android updates. Just like the OnePlus 11 and the OnePlus 12. Interestingly, OnePlus supports the Nord 4 a year longer in terms of patches than Samsung’s Galaxy A55 and Galaxy A35. Those only get five years. The A55 is likely to be one of the Nord 4’s main competitors and this would be a first small advantage for the Chinese.
The Nord 4 also has a very unique design with a metal unibody construction. That’s has been missing from the mobile world for several years. According to Liu, this was chosen because of “durability, beauty, durability and strength”. When asked why metal phones are dying out, Liu says it all has to do with 5G and the insane number of antennas. Metal interferes with signal transmission.
The antennas on the OnePlus Nord 4 are also 50% smaller than before. But they are strategically placed so that the case does not affect signal strength. There are also some plastic inserts, for example on the bottom of the back, to let the signal through.
The OnePlus Nord 4 has already been tested by TÜV SÜD. After a simulated 72 months of use, it worked just as smoothly as on the first day. The OnePlus smartphone will be officially presented on July 16.
