A comparative review discusses the OnePlus Nord 4 and Samsung Galaxy A55, both priced under 500 euros, rated 7/10 and 8/10 respectively. It highlights their design, display quality, software performance, and camera capabilities. The OnePlus Nord 4 offers superior resolution and processing power, while the Galaxy A55 excels in brightness and photography. With decent software support and robust battery life, both smartphones present compelling options, though the OnePlus stands out in various aspects, challenging Samsung’s established presence.
In this latest comparison, we delve into the strengths and weaknesses of two smartphones priced under 500 euros, rated at 7/10 for the OnePlus Nord 4 and 8/10 for the Samsung Galaxy A55. Both devices are available at 499 euros and 429 euros, respectively. So, which smartphone is the better option? Here’s our in-depth analysis of both models.
Specifications of the OnePlus Nord 4 and Samsung Galaxy A55
Two Mid-Range Phones That Impress
Although both smartphones are priced under 500 euros, the OnePlus Nord 4 and Samsung Galaxy A55 manage to convey a premium feel.
This is due to unique design elements and material choices typically found in higher-end devices. Notably, the OnePlus Nord 4 stands out with its beautifully finished aluminum back marked by distinctive lines.
For Samsung, the updates are seen in the aluminum edges, which now showcase a small cutout surrounding the volume buttons. While it may seem minor, it helps the A55 break away from the somewhat bland design that has plagued this range.
In terms of dimensions, both phones are quite similar, but the Galaxy A55 is slightly heavier at 213 grams compared to 199 grams for its counterpart.
When it comes to durability, Samsung leads with Gorilla Glass Victus+ and an IP67 rating, while OnePlus settles for IP65 and an unspecified type of protective glass.
A Bright Samsung Display, but a More Accurate OnePlus
Both smartphones feature an AMOLED display with a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. However, the OnePlus Nord 4 has a notable advantage with its “1.5K” resolution of 2772 x 1240 pixels, offering a sharper 450 ppi compared to the 390 ppi on the Galaxy A55. This means details are crisper and clearer.
Color accuracy is also commendable on the OnePlus, covering 96% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, with a white point just under 6300K and a delta E of 2, indicating good color fidelity. However, its peak brightness of only 800 nits is a bit disappointing. Samsung, on the other hand, excels with a top brightness of 900 nits, ensuring better outdoor visibility.
In terms of color reproduction, Samsung fares well with vibrant saturation. Still, its default mode has a delta E of 4.4, suggesting colors may not be entirely accurate. But how crucial is this for the everyday user? That’s for you to decide.
Software – Samsung Loses Its Edge
While both the OnePlus Nord 4 and Galaxy A55 run on Android 14, they feature distinct software layers. This time, we favor OxygenOS over Samsung’s One UI.
OxygenOS offers a clean and modern interface, free from unnecessary bloatware, and includes some appealing AI features, such as a magic eraser for removing unwanted objects from photos. The Galaxy A55, being mid-range, currently lacks these Galaxy AI functions, putting it at a disadvantage.
Furthermore, Samsung is challenged in its update policy; OnePlus has committed to four major Android upgrades and up to six years of security patches for the Nord 4, surpassing the Galaxy A55 by one year, making it a more future-proof device.
The OnePlus Nord 4 Packs a Punch
While our testing indicated that the OnePlus Nord 4 may not be the most powerful smartphone in its category, it significantly outperforms the Galaxy A55 in benchmarks.
The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor is more capable than the Exynos 1480, excelling in both CPU and GPU tasks.
In real-world usage, both smartphones are well-suited for daily activities and provide smooth navigation without requiring compromises in multitasking. However, the OnePlus Nord 4 has the edge with options for 12 or 16 GB of RAM, compared to just 8 GB for the Galaxy A55.
Contrasting Photography Approaches
Let’s recap the camera setups.
OnePlus Nord 4
Samsung Galaxy A55
The OnePlus Nord 4 features a lighter camera setup that relies heavily on its main sensor’s performance. The Nord 4 produces very natural and authentic photos, but they lack the vibrancy seen with the Galaxy A55. Samsung’s approach results in richer saturation and more generous contrast, making even simple photos look superior on its device.