OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Pro: Surprising Audio Quality in a Confusing Lineup

OnePlus has expanded its already crowded earbuds lineup with the Nord Buds 4 Pro, positioning these as the most premium option in their low-end range. Priced at INR 3,999 (approximately $42), these earbuds aim to bring premium features like active noise cancellation, high-resolution audio, and touch controls to a more affordable price point.

Design and Build Quality

The Nord Buds 4 Pro feature a new case design that will be familiar to OnePlus fans, though with a twist: instead of opening horizontally, only the top portion of the case comes off. The earbuds are available in Radiant Gray and Raven Black, with both the case and earbuds sporting a matte texture that resists fingerprints.

While the case build quality feels decent for the price point, the earbuds themselves have a somewhat plasticky finish that can feel unpleasant in the ears. This sensation is amplified by the included ear tips, which the reviewer describes as "cheap" and "plasticky" with poor sealing capabilities compared to higher-quality alternatives.

Despite these aesthetic concerns, the earbuds are comfortable enough for extended wear, with the reviewer noting they could wear them for several hours without experiencing fatigue. The earbuds carry an IP55 rating for dust and splash resistance, though notably this protection doesn't extend to the charging case.

Software Features and Customization

The Nord Buds 4 Pro are controlled through the HeyMelody app, available for Android, iOS, and even Mac. The app offers a surprising amount of customization options, including adjustments for ANC performance, audio tuning, and touch gesture controls. Users can disable audio cues if they find them intrusive and access features like:

• Game mode: Switches the earbuds to a low-latency mode optimized for gaming
• Spotify Tap: Allows instant playback from Spotify with a dedicated gesture
• Sound Space: Provides access to various ambient sounds through the app
• Hi-Res mode: Enables higher quality audio (though with some limitations we'll explore below)

Audio Performance: A Pleasant Surprise

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Nord Buds 4 Pro is their audio performance. The earbuds support SBC, AAC, and LHDC codecs over Bluetooth 6.0, featuring 12mm dynamic drivers with a titanium coating that OnePlus claims provide 100% more power than the previous generation.

The reviewer expresses genuine surprise at how refined and tasteful the frequency response tuning is, noting that OnePlus audio products have historically had a "crudeness" in their tuning. The Nord Buds 4 Pro break this mold with:

• Beautifully mellow midrange with natural timbre
• Highs that are appropriately detailed without being piercing or muddy
• Bass that is prominent but doesn't encroach on other frequency ranges
• Good spatial characteristics with three-dimensional sound imaging

The reviewer notes that while the bass is "the elephant in the room," it never overwhelms the rest of the sound and even adds a "fun" element to the listening experience. This balanced approach to sound—equal parts "fun and restrained"—is particularly impressive given the earbuds' price point.

Hi-Res Audio and Bitrate Limitations

OnePlus advertises the Nord Buds 4 Pro as supporting high-resolution audio, but there are some limitations worth noting. By default, even when using LHDC, the earbuds are limited to 24-bit/48kHz and lower bitrates. To enable the full 24-bit/96kHz resolution (up to 900kbps, not the advertised 1Mbps), users must manually enable Hi-Res mode through Android's developer settings.

Even more concerning is the discovery that OnePlus's own devices can't maintain high bitrates with LHDC or LDAC, topping out at around 500kbps even with flagship models. The reviewer had to use a Nothing Phone (2) to achieve the highest bitrates, suggesting potential issues with OnePlus's Bluetooth implementation across their device ecosystem.

Active Noise Cancellation: Mixed Results

The Nord Buds 4 Pro feature active noise cancellation with OnePlus claiming up to 55dB of noise cancellation in a 5000Hz range, said to be 200% better than the Nord Buds 3 Pro. However, the implementation has some quirks:

• Three ANC levels plus an auto mode
• The highest preset can vary its intensity based on ambient noise
• The High mode sometimes shifts noise to higher frequency bands, making it less effective than the Moderate mode in moderately noisy environments
• The ANC effectiveness is compromised by the cheap ear tips

The reviewer suggests that if OnePlus could fix the High preset to consistently offer maximum noise cancellation rather than acting as another auto mode, the ANC performance would be much improved. The transparency mode is described as "reasonable" though not the most natural-sounding available.

Battery Life and Connectivity

The Nord Buds 4 Pro offer respectable battery life, with the reviewer getting 9 hours and 17 minutes with ANC off and just over 6 hours with ANC enabled when using LHDC at 24-bit/96kHz. The case provides approximately three additional full charges, bringing total potential usage to around 30 hours.

Connection performance is generally good, with low latency suitable for video content and gaming (with the game mode enabled). However, the previously mentioned bitrate limitations with OnePlus devices remain a concern for audiophiles using the company's ecosystem.

Conclusion: Competent with Caveats

The Nord Buds 4 Pro represent a competent offering in the budget earbuds segment, with standout audio quality that belies their price point. While the plasticky build quality and cheap ear tips can be forgiven at this price point, the ANC implementation has room for improvement through software updates.

For potential buyers, the earbuds offer good comfort, solid microphone performance, reliable connectivity, and sufficient battery life. The audio quality is particularly noteworthy for its balanced approach, avoiding the common pitfalls of either overly bass-heavy or analytically flat sound signatures.

At INR 3,999, the Nord Buds 4 Pro present a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers who don't want to compromise significantly on audio quality. However, those prioritizing the best possible ANC performance might want to consider alternatives or wait for potential software improvements from OnePlus.

For more details on the OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Pro, you can check out the official OnePlus product page or the HeyMelody app documentation for setup instructions and customization options.