OnePlus Buds 4 Review: A Slight Improvement Over Its Predecessor

The OnePlus Buds 4 are the latest entry in the brand’s lineup of true wireless earbuds, promising subtle enhancements over the popular OnePlus Buds 3. With increasing competition in the wireless earbuds market, especially from brands like Apple, Sony, and Samsung, OnePlus aims to deliver value-packed wireless earbuds with solid sound quality, sleek design, and useful features-without breaking the bank.

In this comprehensive OnePlus Buds 4 review, we’ll dive deep into what’s new, what’s improved, and whether these earbuds deserve your attention in 2024. If you’re a OnePlus user or just seeking affordable ANC wireless earbuds, this review has got you covered.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The OnePlus Buds 4 arrive in a compact, eco-friendly box with minimalistic branding. Inside, you’ll find:

• OnePlus Buds 4 earbuds (left and right)
• Charging case with USB-C cable
• User manual and warranty info

The earbuds come in a fresh matt black finish with subtle glossy highlights. Compared to the Buds 3, the Buds 4 are slightly lighter and more ergonomically shaped, promising a more comfortable fit for extended wear.

“The initial fit felt more secure, even during light workouts and walking.”

Design & Comfort

OnePlus Buds 4 maintain the sleek, stem-style design that OnePlus fans have come to appreciate, but offer refinements in ergonomics.

• Weight: Each earbud weighs just 4.1 grams, making them comfortable to wear for hours.
• Fit: Redesigned ear tips come with multiple sizes, helping to create a better seal and improved passive noise isolation.
• Build quality: The earbuds have an IP54 rating, offering sweat and dust resistance ideal for daily use and workouts.

Overall, the comfort improvements, though incremental, are welcome. The earbuds sit snugly without the intrusive feeling some true wireless buds have.

Sound Quality and Performance

Sound performance is the centerpiece of any wireless earbuds review, and the OnePlus Buds 4 deliver modest gains over the Buds 3.

• Audio profile: The buds offer a warmer sound signature with richer mids and clearer highs. Bass response is punchy but controlled, making these earbuds versatile for most genres.
• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): The Buds 4 feature updated ANC technology. While not as powerful as flagship models like Sony WF-1000XM5s, the noise cancellation effectively reduces ambient noise in typical environments like offices or cafes.
• Transparency mode: This let users stay aware of surroundings when needed, and performs well without excessive audio distortion.
• Latency & Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 integration grants a seamless and stable connection. Gaming mode reduces latency to approximately 88ms, suitable for casual mobile gaming.

For audiophiles expecting the highest fidelity, the Buds 4 aren’t top-tier-but they punch well above their price point and offer an overall satisfying audio experience for everyday listeners.

Battery Life & Charging

Battery endurance remains solid, matching its predecessor with a small uptick thanks to efficiency improvements:

• Up to 6 hours playback on a single charge with ANC off
• Approximately 5 hours with ANC enabled
• Charging case provides an additional 24 hours of playback
• Fast charging offers 10 hours of usage with just 10 minutes of charge

The USB-C charging port and support for Warp Charge (OnePlus’s fast charging technology) add convenience. Unfortunately, wireless charging is still not supported, which may disappoint some users.

Software & Features

Complementing the hardware is the OnePlus Buds 4 companion app, which works flawlessly on Android and brings a set of customization options:

• EQ presets as well as a customizable equalizer
• Touch controls configuration for playback, volume, ANC toggle, and voice assistant activation
• Automatic ear detection for smart pause/play
• Firmware updates that improve ANC and connectivity over time

The earbuds also support fast pairing with OnePlus phones and show battery status quickly, enriching the user experience in the OnePlus ecosystem.

Benefits and Practical Tips for Using OnePlus Buds 4

Besides the basic features, here are some practical advantages and tips to harness the full potential of your OnePlus Buds 4:

• Effective ANC for daily commutes: The updated noise cancellation is best suited for blocking out city noise and office chatter rather than loud airplanes.
• Comfort matters: Try different ear tip sizes for the best fit, enhancing passive noise isolation and sound quality.
• Use Gaming Mode: Turn on gaming mode for reduced latency when watching videos or gaming on compatible devices.
• Keep your firmware updated: Regular updates from the companion app bring feature improvements and bug fixes.
• Charge smartly: Using a fast charger can quickly juice your earbuds, ideal if you’re on the go.

First-Hand Experience: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

After spending over two weeks with the OnePlus Buds 4 in various scenarios-work, workouts, commuting, and leisure-the earbuds show themselves as capable daily drivers. The improvements over the Buds 3 are subtle, but notable if you appreciate better fit and marginally enhanced ANC performance.

Casual listeners and former OnePlus Buds 3 users might not find a drastic reason to upgrade immediately, but those seeking entry-level ANC earbuds or new users looking for reliable, affordable wireless earbuds should consider the Buds 4 as a strong contender.

Comparing OnePlus Buds 4 to Other Industry Rivals

In the price segment of roughly $100-$130, the Buds 4 compete with:

• Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro: Offers more refined ANC and overall sound but is pricier.
• Jabra Elite 3: Better call quality and durable build but lacks ANC.
• Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 3 Pro: Prominent ANC and customizable EQ.

OnePlus Buds 4 strike a nice balance between performance, design, and price-especially for users already invested in the OnePlus ecosystem.

Final Verdict

OnePlus Buds 4 present a thoughtful batch of improvements that make these earbuds a worthwhile upgrade-if subtle-over the Buds 3. They offer better ergonomics, a slightly richer sound experience, and decent ANC performance in a stylish, lightweight design. The software support rounds out the package nicely.

While not revolutionary, the Buds 4 solidify OnePlus’s position in the affordable true wireless earbuds market by maintaining great value without compromising basic functionalities.

If you want a reliable pair of wireless earbuds for your everyday needs, paired especially well with OnePlus phones, the OnePlus Buds 4 are definitely worth considering in 2024.