The OnePlus Buds 4 have made a splash in India since their launch on July 8, 2025, priced at ₹5,999 (with early-bird offers bringing them down to around ₹5,499). Positioned as premium yet affordable true wireless earbuds, they pack in features commonly found in higher-tier models.
🎧 Design & Comfort
- These earbuds offer a sleek, matte‑metallic finish available in Zen Green and Storm Grey.
- At just 4.7 grams per earbud and housed in a pocketable charging case (~49 g total), they’re among the lightest in the segment.
- Ergonomically shaped for a snug fit, the buds feel secure even during daily commutes or workouts.
- IP55-rated dust and water resistance adds practical durability for everyday use.
🔊 Audio Hardware & Performance
Dual Drivers & DACs
- The Buds 4 feature an 11 mm ceramic‑metal diaphragm woofer and a 6 mm tweeter, covering frequencies from 15 Hz to 40 kHz.
- The inclusion of dual independent DACs significantly enhances clarity, separation, and detail even at this price point.
Sound & Codec Support
- A balanced V‑shaped sound signature: impactful bass, crisp highs, and clean mids that hold up across genres.
- Supports LHDC 5.0 (up to 1 Mbps, 24‑bit/192 kHz) along with AAC and SBC codecs for high‑resolution wireless audio baking.
Personalization & Spatial Audio
- Customize sound using EQ presets and BassWave, or let Golden Sound create a listening profile based on ear canal mapping and hearing tests.
- OnePlus 3D Spatial Audio is included, enhancing stereo sound immersion.
🔇 Noise Cancellation & Calls
- Adaptive ANC offers up to 55 dB of noise reduction across a 5,500 Hz range, making ambient noises like conversations and transit hum nearly vanish.
- Multiple ANC modes—Smart, Max, Moderate, Mild—and a mode that auto-switches between Noise Cancelling and Transparency depending on surroundings.
- Transparency mode works well for ambient awareness, though it may sound artificial during long durations.
- Triple-mic AI noise reduction algorithm helps ensure clearer voice transmissions even in streets or windy conditions.
🔋 Battery & Charging
- Hearable alone: up to 11 hours without ANC; with ANC turned on, about 6 hours per charge.
- Charging case extends total playback to 45 hours (without ANC), or roughly 37 hours with ANC enabled.
- Fast charging technology: just 10 minutes of charge delivers several hours of playback (~11 hours claim).
⚙ Connectivity & Controls
- Equipped with Bluetooth 5.4, Google Fast Pair, and dual-device connectivity for seamless switching between phone and laptop/tablet.
- Steady Connect technology enhances wireless stability, especially in busy or outdoor environments.
- Ultra-low latency mode (~47 ms) benefits gaming and video sync when paired with compatible OnePlus devices.
- Control features—touch gestures for playback, volume swipe, calls, and ANC toggles—work decently but can be finicky for some users.
🤖 Smart Features & Limitations
- AI-based real-time voice and face‑to‑face translation functions, activated via gesture, require pairing with select OnePlus phones.
- HeyMelody app enables full customization on Android and iOS; but non‑OnePlus users may experience connectivity issues or find some features inaccessible.
✅ Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Flagship-level ANC up to 55 dB | ANC transparency mode may feel artificial |
| Dual drivers + dual DACs for refined sound | App reliability and connectivity issues reported |
| High‑res LHDC support & custom audio presets | Battery life reduces with ANC and LHDC usage |
| Lightweight, ergonomic, IP55-rated design | Touch controls can be inconsistent |
| Fast charging, low latency mode, dual‑pairing | Some advanced features limited to OnePlus devices |
💬 Verdict
The OnePlus Buds 4 offer a remarkable blend of flagship-grade hardware and smart features at a mid-range price. With stellar ANC, high-resolution audio, personalized sound profiles, and long battery endurance—even fast charging—they deliver tremendous value. While there are some trade-offs (touch control precision, HeyMelody app quirks, limited full feature access on non-OnePlus phones), these are minor within the ₹5K‑6K TWS category.
Considering their specs and price, the Buds 4 are among the best sub-₹6K earbuds in India today. And with occasional launch discounts, they become even harder to overlook.
In Summary
The OnePlus Buds 4 are a compelling pick for budget-conscious users craving high-end ANC, immersive sound, and smart extras—without stretching your wallet. If you use a OnePlus phone, the experience only gets better. Even if you don’t, the performance-to-price ratio is hard to beat in 2025.
