In the crowded true wireless earbuds market, OnePlus has carved out a reputation for delivering premium features at competitive prices. The OnePlus Buds 4 continue this tradition, offering a compelling package centered around advanced hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), high-fidelity sound powered by dual drivers and dual DACs, and impressive battery life. Let’s dive into what makes these earbuds a standout choice.
Silencing the World: Powerful 55dB Hybrid ANC
The headline feature is undoubtedly the 55dB depth Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation. Unlike basic ANC, hybrid systems use both feedforward (external) and feedback (internal) microphones to capture and cancel a wider range of ambient noise. This translates to significantly quieter commutes, flights, or noisy offices. Whether it’s the rumble of a train or the chatter in a cafe, the Buds 4 aim to immerse you deeper in your audio. For situational awareness, Transparency mode lets essential sounds through when needed.
Immersive, Detailed Sound: Dual Drivers & Dual DACs
OnePlus targets audiophiles on a budget with a sophisticated audio setup:
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Dual Drivers: Each earbud houses both an 11mm dynamic driver for rich, powerful bass and a 6mm planar magnetic driver dedicated to crisp, clear mids and highs. This hybrid approach promises a wider soundstage and more detailed reproduction across the frequency spectrum.
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Dual DACs: Complementing the drivers is a dual Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) setup. DACs translate digital audio signals into analog sound waves. Having dual DACs (one per channel) helps reduce crosstalk and distortion, aiming for cleaner, more accurate audio output and support for Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified sound quality.
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LDAC Support: For compatible devices, the Buds 4 support Sony’s LDAC codec, allowing significantly higher bitrates than standard SBC or AAC, enabling higher-resolution audio streaming over Bluetooth.
Crystal Clear Calls: AI Noise Reduction & 3-Mic Setup
Staying connected clearly is crucial. The Buds 4 feature a triple-microphone system on each earbud. Combined with advanced AI call noise reduction algorithms, this setup effectively isolates your voice while suppressing background wind, traffic, or crowd noise, ensuring you sound clear on the other end of the line.
Endurance You Can Rely On: 45-Hour Playback
Battery anxiety is a thing of the past:
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Earbuds: Up to 9 hours of playback on a single charge with ANC off.
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Charging Case: Provides an additional 36 hours, totaling a massive 45 hours of total playtime.
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Fast Charging: A quick 10-minute charge in the case delivers up to 7 hours of listening (ANC off). While wireless charging isn’t mentioned, the USB-C case ensures convenient top-ups.
Seamless Connectivity & Comfort
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Bluetooth 5.4: The latest Bluetooth standard offers lower power consumption, improved range, and enhanced stability for a rock-solid connection with fewer dropouts.
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Low Latency Mode: Gamers and video watchers will appreciate the dedicated low-latency mode, minimizing the annoying audio lag between what you see and hear.
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Lightweight & Secure Fit: Designed for comfort during extended wear and active lifestyles, featuring an ergonomic in-ear design and an IP55 rating (dust and water resistance) for protection against sweat and light rain. The included multiple ear tip sizes help find the perfect seal for both comfort and optimal noise cancellation/sound quality.
Designed for the OnePlus Ecosystem (But Works Everywhere)
While the Buds 4 offer seamless pairing, quick settings access, and firmware updates within the OnePlus ecosystem (phones running OxygenOS 13.1+), they function flawlessly as standard Bluetooth earbuds with any Android or iOS device.
The Verdict: A Strong Mid-Range Contender
The OnePlus Buds 4 deliver a feature-rich experience that punches above their weight class. The combination of powerful 55dB hybrid ANC, the unique dual-driver + dual-DAC audio architecture for high-quality sound, exceptional 45-hour battery life, clear call quality, and modern conveniences like Bluetooth 5.4 and low latency makes them a highly attractive option in the competitive TWS market.
Ideal For:
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Audiophiles seeking detailed sound without breaking the bank.
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Commuters and travelers needing effective noise cancellation.
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Anyone prioritizing long battery life.
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Users wanting clear call quality in noisy environments.
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OnePlus phone owners seeking seamless integration.
If you’re looking for premium features like advanced ANC and high-fidelity audio in a well-designed, durable package with outstanding battery stamina, the OnePlus Buds 4 deserve serious consideration. They represent a significant step up from budget options, offering a taste of flagship-level technology at a mid-range price point.