OnePlus Buds 4 Review: Solid ANC, Great Battery for Rs 5,999

OnePlus has rolled out the Buds 4 in India, expanding its audio lineup alongside the release of the Nord 5 and Nord CE5 smartphones. Priced at Rs 5,999, the Buds 4 aims to bring flagship-like features to the budget-conscious buyer, offering active noise cancellation, multipoint connectivity, and other useful tools.*

OnePlus Buds 4 inherits the external design of its predecessor, the Nord Buds 3. From the earbuds to the charging case, the physical structure remains unchanged. The product includes an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance, with silicone ear tips in various sizes to ensure a better fit and passive isolation. However, the slippery texture of the earbuds could be a handling concern.

The charging case comes in a matte pebble-style design with a single-color finish, OnePlus branding on top, and a battery indicator LED on the front. The bottom houses a USB-C charging port, while the side has a physical button for easy pairing.

The Buds 4 includes three listening modes: Noise Cancellation, Transparency, and Adaptive. OnePlus claims up to 55dB of active noise cancellation. Real-world use backs this up; the earbuds are effective at suppressing surrounding sounds in office settings and even during peak travel hours in metro trains.

Transparency mode enables ambient sound passthrough, letting users remain aware of their surroundings while listening to audio. Adaptive mode dynamically shifts between ANC and Transparency based on environmental noise. Additional features include OnePlus 3D Audio for spatial effects and a game mode for reduced audio latency.

The device includes in-ear detection that automatically pauses playback when removed. Dual-device connection allows users to switch between two paired devices seamlessly. Touch gestures on the earbuds control volume and playback.

One standout capability is AI-powered translation. Face-to-face and live translation features are built-in. While the basic function is useful in multilingual conversations, the translations lack full accuracy and may not be suitable for critical communication.

The Buds 4 delivers a balanced sound profile with noticeable bass and distinct mid-tones. It performs well for music playback, though call quality can be hit-or-miss. In quiet environments, voice clarity is solid. However, in noisy settings, ambient sounds still seep through, limiting the effectiveness of voice isolation.

Users with non-OnePlus smartphones can access Buds 4 controls via the HeyMelody app on Android and iOS. Features like noise control, EQ presets, game mode, and location tracking for misplaced earbuds are accessible. For OnePlus devices, these settings integrate into the system Bluetooth menu.

Battery backup varies by usage. On a single charge, the earbuds offer around 3 hours with ANC enabled and up to 6 hours without it. With the charging case, playback time extends to approximately 30–40 hours. A 10-minute top-up offers about 40 minutes of usage, while a full case recharge takes around 45 minutes.

The OnePlus Buds 4 deliver a capable audio experience with essential features like ANC, dual connectivity, and spatial audio. Battery life and sound quality meet expectations in the price segment. While call performance and translation accuracy leave room for improvement, the earbuds remain a competitive choice for users looking for value in the TWS market.