The OnePlus Buds 4, launched globally in July 2025, bring a focused set of features aimed at delivering high quality sound, effective noise cancellation, and long battery life in a lightweight and comfortable design. At a mid‑tier price point, they are positioned to appeal to users who want more than basic earbuds but are not looking to spend a premium. With a design that continues the familiar OnePlus style and an emphasis on both audio clarity and usability, the Buds 4 aim to provide a well balanced experience for a wide range of listeners. This OnePlus Buds 4 review expands on all of the design features and specs so you shall decide if it’s right for you.

Design and Build

The design of the OnePlus Buds 4 maintains the company’s minimal and functional aesthetic. Each earbud weighs just under 5 grams, making them very light and comfortable even for extended listening sessions. The stems are short and discreet, offering enough space for touch controls without feeling bulky.

The matte finish helps resist fingerprints and adds a touch of grip, while the silicone ear tips provide a snug fit and good passive isolation. Multiple tip sizes are included to ensure users can achieve a secure seal, which also improves noise cancellation performance. The earbuds are certified with an IP55 rating, offering resistance to sweat and light rain, which makes them suitable for workouts and commutes.

The case, weighing about 40 grams, is compact enough to fit easily in a pocket. It has a sturdy hinge and holds the earbuds securely with magnets. The case is finished to match the earbuds and comes in two colours, Zen Green and Storm Gray. The build is entirely plastic, which keeps the weight down while still feeling durable.

One limitation is that the case does not support wireless charging, a feature that is becoming common in this category. Instead, it charges via USB‑C, though the fast charging capability does help offset the absence of wireless charging.

Audio Hardware and Performance

Inside each earbud are dual drivers, an 11 mm woofer and a 6 mm tweeter, each supported by its own DAC. This dual driver and dual DAC setup helps reduce interference and allows for better separation between bass, mids, and treble.

The sound signature is balanced, leaning slightly warm. The bass is deep but controlled, never overwhelming the mids. Vocals remain clear, while treble is detailed without becoming harsh. The setup ensures that different genres, from electronic music to acoustic recordings, sound equally enjoyable.

Support for LHDC 5.0 brings high resolution wireless audio to compatible devices, with sampling rates up to 192 kHz. For listeners using streaming platforms that support higher quality playback, the improvement is noticeable in terms of detail and separation. Even on standard streaming services, the overall clarity is strong, with instruments and vocals given room to shine.

Spatial audio with head tracking adds another dimension for supported content. The effect creates a sense of space, making music and videos feel more immersive. This feature works best in quiet environments and is more consistent with OnePlus devices, although it functions on other Android phones as well.

Connectivity and Controls

The Buds 4 use Bluetooth 5.4 for connectivity, providing stable and efficient pairing. The connection is reliable for music, video, and calls. Google Fast Pair is available on supported Android devices, making setup quick and seamless. Multipoint pairing allows the earbuds to remain connected to two devices simultaneously, so users can switch between a phone and a laptop without re‑pairing.

Controls are handled through capacitive touch and swipe gestures on the stems. Users can adjust volume, skip tracks, toggle ANC, or summon a voice assistant without touching their phone. The control areas have a slight concave design to make them easier to locate by feel. The HeyMelody app allows full customisation of gestures, letting users decide which functions matter most.

While the touch system is versatile, sensitivity can be an issue. Some users may find that accidental touches occur, especially when adjusting the fit of the earbuds. Over time, however, the gestures become easier to manage with precision.

Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode

The active noise cancellation system in the OnePlus Buds 4 reduces background noise by up to around 55 decibels. It works by continuously monitoring ambient sound and adjusting up to 800 times per second. This level of responsiveness allows it to effectively block constant noises such as traffic or air conditioning while adapting to changing environments.

Transparency mode lets external sounds through when needed, useful for conversations or when crossing busy streets. The effect sounds slightly less natural than simply removing the earbuds, but it provides enough awareness to keep users safe and connected to their surroundings.

An adaptive ANC setting automatically adjusts noise reduction based on the environment. While it usually balances comfort and performance well, it may occasionally shift in strength unexpectedly, creating slight changes in volume perception.

Call Quality

For calls, each bud carries three microphones supported by AI noise reduction. The system focuses on the user’s voice while suppressing background sounds. Indoors, voices come across clearly and naturally. Outdoors, wind noise and surrounding chatter are reduced effectively, though not entirely removed. In most scenarios, call recipients report that speech remains clear and easy to follow.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is one of the standout features of the OnePlus Buds 4. With ANC turned off, each earbud lasts up to 11 hours, with the case extending total use to about 45 hours. With ANC on, playback drops to around 6 hours per charge, with the case offering around 24 hours in total.

Fast charging adds further convenience. A 10‑minute charge provides roughly 11 hours of listening, which is enough to get through a day for most people. The absence of wireless charging is felt here, but the USB‑C fast charge makes recharging quick and easy.

Companion App Features

The HeyMelody app unlocks the full potential of the Buds 4. It allows switching between ANC levels, toggling transparency, enabling gaming mode, and remapping controls. The app also offers an equaliser with several presets and a manual mode for precise tuning.

Firmware updates are delivered through the app, ensuring that the earbuds remain up to date with stability and feature improvements. Battery levels for both the case and earbuds can be monitored at a glance.

Dual device connection can also be managed within the app, making it simple to control switching between two active sources.

Comfort and Daily Use

The lightweight design ensures that the earbuds remain comfortable for extended listening sessions. The silicone tips create a secure seal without exerting pressure on the ears. This makes them suitable for long commutes, workdays, or workouts.

The compact case slides easily into a pocket, and the firm hinge gives confidence that it will withstand regular use. The matte finish resists fingerprints and keeps the buds looking clean. The overall design reflects a focus on practicality and comfort rather than unnecessary complexity.

AI Translation Feature

Alongside audio and connectivity improvements, the OnePlus Buds 4 also introduce support for real‑time AI translation when paired with compatible OnePlus devices. This feature uses advanced language models to translate conversations almost instantly, allowing users to communicate across different languages without relying on a separate app. The system focuses on context and tone rather than direct word‑for‑word conversion, helping translations sound more natural.

When activated, speech picked up through the microphones is processed and translated in real time, with the translation delivered directly through the earbuds. This can be particularly helpful during travel, online meetings, or international collaboration. The feature supports multiple languages at launch, with more expected through future software updates.

By combining high quality audio with AI‑driven language support, the OnePlus Buds 4 expand their role beyond entertainment and calls, adding a layer of practicality for users who interact in multilingual settings.

Sound Modes and Customisation

The Buds 4 come with multiple listening modes accessible through the app. Balanced mode works well for everyday listening. Bass mode adds more weight to the low end, which is useful for genres like hip hop and dance music. Clear Vocal mode sharpens the midrange, making voices and acoustic instruments stand out.

The custom equaliser allows full manual adjustment, letting users shape the sound to their preference. This feature is especially helpful for those who want to fine‑tune music for specific styles or for personal taste.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Lightweight and comfortable for long listening
• Clear, balanced sound with good separation
• Effective ANC with customisable modes
• Multipoint connectivity with Bluetooth 5.4
• Fast charging with strong overall battery life
• IP55 rating for sweat and dust resistance
• Custom EQ and firmware support via HeyMelody app

Cons

• No wireless charging for the case
• Touch controls can be overly sensitive
• Adaptive ANC may occasionally fluctuate
• Best sound quality requires devices that support LHDC

Final Verdict

The OnePlus Buds 4 succeed in delivering a dependable and well balanced experience. They combine comfort, clear sound, effective noise cancellation, and long battery life in a sleek design that works well for daily use. While the lack of wireless charging and the sometimes sensitive touch controls may be drawbacks for some, the strengths outweigh these limitations.

For anyone seeking a pair of true wireless earbuds that provide strong performance without entering the premium price bracket, the OnePlus Buds 4 stand out as a compelling choice. They focus on getting the essentials right and offer enough advanced features to satisfy those who want more control over their listening experience.

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