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OnePlus is making waves in the audio market with a substantial discount on its technically proficient OnePlus Buds 4 during its ongoing Back to College sales event. Available directly from OnePlus for just $100—a $30 reduction—these earbuds deliver premium features typically found in more expensive models, positioning them as a serious contender against giants like Apple's AirPods Pro lineup.

Engineering Excellence at a Discount

The Buds 4 distinguish themselves with active noise cancellation (ANC) performance that rivals OnePlus's own flagship Buds Pro 3, according to ZDNET testing. Contributor Prakhar Khanna reported the ANC effectively muffled street noise and even plane engines during flight tests, a significant achievement at this price tier. Under the hood, a dual digital-to-analog converter (DAC) system powers each earbud, engineering a sound profile that emphasizes rich bass while maintaining balanced mids and non-piercing highs. This hardware-driven approach appeals to audiophiles seeking technical sophistication without premium pricing.

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OnePlus Buds 4 feature a redesigned stem and ergonomic fit (Credit: Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET)

Design Evolution

OnePlus implemented notable ergonomic improvements:
- Flatter stem design borrowed from the Nord Buds series
- Enhanced in-ear stability for active use
- Redesigned touch-sensitive area on the outer stem

"The OnePlus Buds 4 fit well inside the ear and won't fall off," noted Khanna in his hands-on review, though he highlighted that the touch controls' placement can cause slight movement during gestures, requiring users to stabilize the earbud during operation.

Deal Analysis & Timing

This discount represents a nearly 25% price cut on a device launched just two months ago, marking its lowest price to date. While the deal officially expires September 21, inventory constraints could end it sooner. For developers and tech professionals seeking quality audio for commuting or focused work sessions, the combination of technical specs and aggressive pricing makes this noteworthy:

Key Technical Specifications:
- Dual-DAC audio architecture
- Customizable EQ via OnePlus app
- IP55 water resistance
- 36-hour total battery with case
- Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity

The Buds 4 demonstrate how mid-range audio hardware is closing the gap with premium competitors through thoughtful engineering—offering developers high-fidelity sound and effective noise isolation crucial for coding concentration, all while avoiding the "Apple tax." As back-to-season sales intensify, this deal underscores the accelerating value proposition in the consumer audio engineering space.

Source: ZDNET