I’m a big fan of OnePlus. That’s been pretty evident by my coverage here on AG over the years. The company has found a fantastic balance between forward-thinking hardware, unique user interfaces, and budget in the Android market. The same is true for the wireless earbuds segment with the OnePlus Buds brand.
The company has done is again with the new OnePlus Buds 4 and let’s dive into why I think these are some of the best “barely not flagship” earbuds on the scene.
Design
The OnePlus Buds 4 build off the previous line from OnePlus. You get the same teardrop and stemmed earpiece with silicone passive hardware noise suppression. I’ve found the Buds 4 comfortable and stayed very stable in my ears.
One thing that OnePlus included this year that I love is the new capacitive features. The Buds 4 keep the larger area on the main top portion of each earpiece. This serves for play/pause and taking calls like most other earbuds. Where they expanded is a new vertical strip on the stems that can control volume.
I love that these types of interactions make it from the more premium OnePlus Buds Pro 3. It’s not the same as the pressable portion of the stem on those buds, but it’s the same concept. Having quick access to volume controls seems trivial until have earbuds like the Buds 4 and can’t see how you lived without it.
Internally, you have all the makings of modern wireless earbuds. It all starts with the active noise cancellation, capable of 55db of reduction. You also get Bluetooth 5.4 with Google Quick Pair and 11mm woofers and 6mm tweeter pumping out the sound.
“The new capacitive volume controls on the stems are a feature I absolutely love; it’s the kind of quick access that seems trivial at first, but once you have it, you can’t see how you lived without it. The audio quality is just as impressive, delivering a balanced sound that packs a punch, and the battery life is solid enough to easily get me through a full workday with ANC on.”
Sound
Since we’re on the subject, let’s talk about the listening experience. I don’t know how much the OnePlus Bud 4 bring to the table over last year’s Buds 3, but that’s a positive. That’s because that was already a fantastic sounding earbuds.
OnePlus always excels at this, and the combination of ANC and sound quality is very good. The noise cancellation makes sure the majority of your outside interference is curbed to a minimum. Is it as immersive as canned alternatives, no, but it’s well above the standards of $130 earbuds. I’d match these up to any other on the market.
The same is true on audio playback. OnePlus has found a winning formula over the last few generations that carries over to the Buds 4. The mix of the woofers and tweeters is balanced while still packing a punch when called for in the music. Whether you are listening to a muted podcast or a banger, you’ll enjoy what the OnePlus Buds 4 earbuds pump out.
Battery Life
OnePlus estimates that the new Buds 4 will last up to six hours with ANC on and around 11 hours with it turned off. I’ve found this to be relatively accurate. I am able to get through a full eight-hour shift, while taking a few breaks, with no issues of endurance with ANC turned on.
In true OnePlus fashion, when you do run out of battery, it’s a quick solution. The case gets you around three extra charges of the earbuds without reaching for a power adapter or outlet. When you do need to top off the entire package, there’s USB-C quick charge and wired charging. You can get around 3.5 hours of playback back in under 10 minutes, and full charge of the case and Buds 4 in a little over an hour. My only knock is at this price point, you should include Qi wireless charging.
Final Thoughts
Awarded to products with an average rating of 3.75 stars or higher, the AndroidGuys Smart Pick recognizes a balance of quality, performance, and value.
Products with this distinction deserve to be on your short list of purchase candidates.
OnePlus brings another compelling option to the wireless earbuds market with the Buds 4. The active noise cancellation, quality sound, and above average battery life make them worth the $130. Add in the new capacitive volume controls and I think you should just buy them if already shopping earbuds.
You can purchase the new OnePlus Buds 4 for the previously stated $130 in two colors: Storm Gray and Zen Green. The Zen is very subtle in our review models and can be mistaken for Gray as well, but the hint of greens shines through when under lights at an angle. If you act now, you can use code HARVEST to save $30 from general purchase.
