On July 16, in Milan, OnePlus launched the OnePlus Nord 4, reviving the timeless metal unibody design. This release marks a significant step in the 5G era, positioning the OnePlus Nord 4 as the first and only smartphone with a metal unibody. The device comes in three new Nord tones, each featuring a unique combination of colors and innovative finishes. OnePlus aims to offer a durable, premium, and burdenless experience with this new model, emphasizing user freedom and self-expression.
Interview Insights
Designers’ Perspectives
In celebration of this launch, Ryan Ruan, Head of OnePlus Industrial Design Center, and Mathieu Lehanneur, Designer of the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch and Cauldron, discussed the design philosophy and creative process behind the OnePlus Nord 4.
First Impressions and Inspiration
Mathieu Lehanneur was particularly impressed with the OnePlus Nord 4 in Mercurial Silver, noting its stunning visual relief effect and high-end tactile feel achieved through a 3D nano-laser engraved matte finish. The intricate design, created with over 28,000 nano-laser cuts, offers a dynamic profile that interacts beautifully with light. Lehanneur likened this to the “Guilloché” technique used in luxury watchmaking, emphasizing the sensitivity and depth of the design.
Metal’s Timeless Appeal
Both designers highlighted metal’s enduring popularity in CMF (colors, materials, finishes) design due to its durability and minimalist allure. Lehanneur’s experience with metal, particularly in creating the Paris 2024 Olympic torch, showcased the material’s emotive potential when processed with precision and innovation.
Ryan Ruan emphasized OnePlus’ commitment to redefining metal design, pushing boundaries to create new experiences. The development of the OnePlus Nord 4 involved testing over a hundred different metal finishes, treatments, and color variations, resulting in the distinctive colorways: Obsidian Midnight, Mercurial Silver, and Oasis Green. These choices allow users to select colors based on personal preference and instinct, reflecting the burdenless ethos of OnePlus.
User-Centric Design and Functionality
Lehanneur believes that good design should be validated by user experience, enabling an emotional connection with the product. This user-centric approach aligns with OnePlus’ design philosophy, balancing aesthetics and functionality. The OnePlus Nord 4 embodies this balance with several innovative features:
- Optimized Internal Structure and U-Shape Antennas: Enhances signal performance and mitigates the “death grip” issue common in previous unibody metal designs.
- Aluminum Alloy Body: Offers superior heat dissipation due to its high thermal conductivity and coolness at room temperature.
- Thermal Conduction Barrier: Prevents heat transfer through the metal unibody to the gripping area, ensuring user comfort.
These features ensure reliable signal strength and consistent comfort, addressing conventional drawbacks of metal-bodied phones.
Sustainability and Future Innovations
Mathieu Lehanneur’s use of recycled steel for the Olympic torch highlights the timelessness and recyclability of metal. OnePlus shares this commitment to sustainability, with a dedicated CMF team focusing on innovative material applications. From the bamboo back of the OnePlus One to the recyclable aluminum unibody of the OnePlus Nord 4, OnePlus continues to pioneer sustainable material innovations.
Looking ahead, OnePlus aims to further explore metal unibody designs, introducing more timeless classics and potentially placing metal at the forefront of smartphone innovation once again.
Conclusion
The OnePlus Nord 4 represents a significant step in smartphone design, blending timeless metal aesthetics with modern technology and user-centric functionality. With its durable build, innovative features, and commitment to sustainability, the OnePlus Nord 4 aims to provide a meaningful and lasting experience for users. As OnePlus continues to innovate, the Nord 4 sets a high standard for future smartphone designs, balancing form, function, and environmental responsibility.
