OnePlus Nord 4 Modern Design with Metal Unibody
August 25, 2024Global technology company OnePlus reintroduces the timeless metal unibody design with the launch of the OnePlus Nord 4 on July 16 in Milan. As the first and only smartphone in the 5G era to feature a metal unibody, the OnePlus Nord 4 debuts in three brand-new Nord tones, each offering a unique blend of bold colors and innovative finishes. With this release, OnePlus aims to deliver durable, premium, and lightweight experiences that enhance user expression.
To celebrate the return of the metal unibody smartphone, two industry visionaries—Ryan Ruan, Head of the OnePlus Industrial Design Center, and Mathieu Lehanneur, the designer behind the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch—came together for an in-depth discussion on the timeless appeal of metal and the design process behind the OnePlus Nord 4.
Guilloché: A Designer’s First Impression
Upon first seeing the OnePlus Nord 4 in Mercurial Silver, Lehanneur was captivated by its stunning visual relief effect and premium tactile feel, achieved through a 3D nano-laser engraved matte finish. With over 28,000 nano-laser cuts, the near-fluid design interacts beautifully with light, breaking away from the flat, two-dimensional designs of the past to create a dynamic visual experience.
“It reminds me of an intricate and beautiful technique often used in luxury watches called ‘Guilloché,’” said Lehanneur. “It’s not just about the shape, color, or features, but about feeling the design more sensitively.”
Timeless Metal, Bold New Look
In the world of CMF (colors, materials, finishes) design, metal has long been admired for its durability, reliability, and minimalist appeal. Lehanneur, a fan of metal himself, has created numerous metal masterpieces throughout his career, including the Paris 2024 Olympic torch. The torch, with its perfectly symmetrical design, features a matte finish on its upper half and a reflective, subtly indented lower half that emulates the ripples and movement of water. Crafting such emotional impact from metal requires exceptional craftsmanship and cutting-edge techniques, breathing new life into this classic material.
“OnePlus shares Mathieu’s belief that design and craftsmanship are key to redefining metal,” said Ruan. “We aim to push the boundaries of this premium material to offer our users entirely new and exhilarating experiences.”
To create a unique metallic sheen and feel for the OnePlus Nord 4, OnePlus tested over a hundred different metal finishes, treatments, and color variations, resulting in three distinctive colorways: Obsidian Midnight, Mercurial Silver, and Oasis Green. These options allow users to choose a color that resonates with them, guided by instinct and preference—a philosophy that also influenced Lehanneur’s design of the Olympic torch.
“I love that only the designers, engineers, and technicians truly understand the complexity behind the design,” Lehanneur noted. “For me, the goal is never to express this complexity to the public but to share a sensation of pure simplicity.”
Balance, Not Trade-off
Lehanneur believes that the true measure of good design lies in the user experience—whether users can form an emotional connection with the product and feel the desire to own it. This user-centric approach also drives OnePlus designs, rooted in the belief that while form should follow function, good design ultimately defines the user experience. The OnePlus Nord 4 embodies this balance, combining aesthetics and functionality with the brand’s Never Settle spirit to create a seamless, burdenless experience.
For example, the optimized internal structure and U-shape antennas of the OnePlus Nord 4 improve signal performance while addressing the “death grip” issue found in previous metal unibody designs. The aluminum alloy body, which is inherently cooler and has high thermal conductivity, provides superior heat dissipation. Additionally, the thermal conduction barrier design prevents heat from transferring through the metal unibody to the gripping area, ensuring reliable signal strength and user comfort in any grip position.
Ultimately, much like Lehanneur envisioned the Olympic torch as a universally beloved symbol, OnePlus aims for the OnePlus Nord 4 to transcend being just a device, becoming a piece of art that offers meaningful experiences to more users.
Never Settle: Innovating Towards a Sustainable Future
“Metal comes from the Earth, from the planet itself, so its history is much longer than that of flowers,” Lehanneur said.
The timelessness and recyclability of metal inspired Lehanneur to design the Olympic torch using recycled steel, and it continues to influence his future works. Similarly, OnePlus shares a commitment to sustainability, with a dedicated CMF team specializing in innovative material applications. From the bamboo back of the OnePlus One to the durable and recyclable aluminum unibody of the OnePlus Nord 4, OnePlus pioneers material innovations that blend functionality with sustainability. Looking ahead, OnePlus will continue exploring the next evolution of metal unibody designs, introducing more timeless classics to the world and potentially bringing metal back to the forefront of smartphone innovation.
Price and Availability
The OnePlus Nord 4 is now available in 3 colors – Oasis Green, Mercurial Silver and Obsidian Midnight for pre-order starting from 23-30 August at a recommended retail price of RM2,599 on E-store, Lazada and Shopee. Customers who pre-order the OnePlus Nord 4 will get a 100W OnePlus adapter worth RM199. Those who pre-order via E-store, Direct D and OnePlus Brand stores will be entitled to an additional RM100 OFF. To learn more about the OnePlus Nord 4, click here:
https://community.oneplus.com/thread/1637366736028172288 or
https://www.oneplus.com/my/nord-4
