- Powerful ANC: Features up to 55dB of Real-Time Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation, a significant upgrade for the price.
- Aggressive Pricing: Launched at an aggressive INR 3,999, positioning it as a value contender in the mid-range ANC TWS segment.
- High-Resolution Audio Support: Includes the LHDC 5.0 audio codec for higher-quality wireless streaming on compatible devices.
The OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Pro arrives in India with a clear mission: to deliver premium features like high-intensity noise cancellation and high-resolution audio codec support at a decidedly mid-range price point of INR 3,999. In a market flooded with options, this launch directly challenges the notion that effective ANC and quality audio are exclusive to higher price brackets.
OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Pro Review: Overview
The OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Pro are the latest true wireless earbuds from OnePlus, sitting in the company's value-focused Nord lineup. They appear to be a direct successor to the Nord Buds 3 Pro, with key upgrades centered on stronger Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and support for a newer audio codec. They are targeted at users who want a feature-rich audio experience without spending a premium, and are likely to compete directly with offerings from brands like Oppo, Realme, and Boult in the sub-INR 5,000 segment.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Pro |
| Launch Price in India | INR 3,999 |
| Key Feature | Up to 55dB Real-Time Adaptive ANC |
| Audio Codec | LHDC 5.0 |
| Comparison (ANC) | Oppo Enco Air 4 (32dB ANC) |
Design, Build, and Comfort
While detailed design specifications and materials are not available from the provided sources, the focus at this price and segment typically leans towards a functional, durable plastic build. For the Indian market, factors like sweat and dust resistance (likely an IPX4 or IPX5 rating, though unconfirmed here) are crucial given the climate and active lifestyles. The ergonomics of the predecessor, the Nord Buds 3 Pro, were generally well-received, so we can expect a similar in-ear design aimed at secure fit and comfort during long commutes or work sessions.
Core Audio Performance and Noise Cancellation
The headline feature of the Nord Buds 4 Pro is its upgraded Active Noise Cancellation, claimed to reach up to 55dB. This is a notable step up from both its predecessor, the Nord Buds 3 Pro (49dB ANC), and a key competitor like the Oppo Enco Air 4 (32dB ANC). The "Real-Time Adaptive" label suggests the buds can adjust the noise cancellation intensity based on your environment, which is a practical feature for moving between a quiet office and a noisy street or metro.
Audio Quality and Codecs
Getting LHDC 5.0 on the spec sheet is a win. This codec can push more data than standard SBC or AAC, which should mean better sound. But here's the catch, it's only a win if your phone plays along. If you've got a OnePlus, Xiaomi, or Realme phone, you're probably set. If you're on an iPhone or a Samsung that doesn't support LHDC, you're just getting the same old Bluetooth audio. So that fancy codec is a conditional perk, not a universal guarantee.
Battery Life and Charging
We don't have the official numbers yet. But we can guess. The last model, the Nord Buds 3 Pro, got up to 44 hours with the case. That's a solid week for a commuter. The new ANC and LHDC might drain the battery faster, but if OnePlus can keep the total life close to that 44-hour mark, that's a real selling point. You'll want to see if they can match that while using the new features. And a USB-C port for charging is a given.
Software, Features, and Compatibility
You'll use the HeyMelody app to control these. That's where you'll tweak the EQ and update the firmware. Now, if you own a OnePlus phone, you'll get those slick pop-up animations for pairing. That's nice. But the important stuff, the noise cancellation and the touch controls, they'll work just fine on any Android phone or an iPhone. That's good news if you switch between devices or just don't want to be locked into one brand's ecosystem.
Note: Features like spatial audio pop-ups and seamless device switching work best within the OnePlus/OPPO ecosystem, but core functions like ANC, touch controls, and the companion app should work across Android and iOS.
Verdict: Who Should Buy Them?
So, who are these for? If you're in India, you want strong noise cancellation for your commute or office, and your phone supports LHDC, these buds are a no-brainer at this price. You're getting a feature set that was a pipe dream for four thousand rupees just a couple years ago. But if you're an iPhone user, or you just don't care about high-res codecs, the value proposition gets a bit fuzzy. You're paying for a codec you can't use. In that case, you might want to look at the older Nord Buds 3 Pro if you can find it cheaper, or shop around for something else that puts its budget into sound quality that works for everyone. The Nord Buds 4 Pro are a great deal, but only if you can actually cash in on the check they're writing.