The Nord Buds 4 Pro represents another addition to OnePlus's expanding portfolio of wireless earbuds. Positioned as the most premium option within the low-end category, they sit below both the non-Pro and numbered Pro series, making their place in the lineup somewhat confusing. Regardless, delving too deeply into the categorization may not be necessary; it seems even OnePlus has difficulty keeping track of their offerings.
Targeted towards budget-conscious consumers, the Nord Buds 4 Pro come equipped with features often found in higher-end competitors. Highlights include active noise cancellation (ANC), high-resolution audio, touch controls, AI translation capabilities, and more—all for a price of INR 3,999 ($42).
Design and Comfort
On the design front, the Nord Buds 4 Pro feature a new charging case reminiscent of OnePlus's earlier Pro models. The case opens from the top, differing from the horizontal designs of its predecessors, and is available in two colorways: Radiant Gray and Raven Black.
The case boasts decent build quality, with a smooth matte finish that resists fingerprints. A similar texture is present on the earbuds; however, this matte coating may feel somewhat cheap and can be uncomfortable during prolonged use.
Unfortunately, the ear tips also fall short in quality, feeling plasticky and failing to provide an adequate seal compared to superior options.
Despite these shortcomings, the earbuds remain quite comfortable, allowing for extended wear without fatigue.
The earbuds are IP55-rated for dust and splash resistance, though this does not apply to the case.
Software and Features
User experience is straightforward, with management accessible via the HeyMelody app on Android and iOS; the iOS version can also be used on Mac.
This app provides ample customization options, allowing adjustments for ANC, audio settings, and touch controls. Additionally, it includes options to disable audio cues, engage a game mode for lower latency, and utilize Spotify Tap for instant playback with a gesture.
HeyMelody App on Android
The Hi-Res audio mode, which is off by default when using LHDC, limits the earbuds to 24-bit/48kHz. Activating this feature can theoretically extend the capabilities to 24-bit/96kHz and up to 900kbps, although activation requires adjustments through Android's developer mode. Remarkably, the default remains at 24-bit/48kHz, even in Hi-Res mode.
Performance
Audio Quality
The Nord Buds 4 Pro support SBC, AAC, and LHDC codecs with Bluetooth 6.0 and feature 12mm dynamic drivers with titanium coatings. OnePlus claims these drivers provide twice the power compared to the previous Nord Buds 3 Pro. They are advertised as bass-boosted, so expectations are set high for their audio delivery.
Interestingly, my initial impressions were positive. Historically, I have found OnePlus audio products to exhibit a crude tuning style, often disappointing in the listening experience. However, the Nord Buds 4 Pro deviated from this pattern. Beyond the bass, which is noteworthy, the mids were well-represented and possessed a lovely tonal warmth, while the highs felt balanced without being piercing or murky.
The overall sound presentation is commendable, maintaining a coherent frequency response without overemphasis on any particular aspect. It exhibits a natural balance that makes them more pleasing than some of OnePlus's higher-end models.
While the bass is pronounced, it does not overpower other frequencies and is amusingly impactful, making for an engaging listening experience without becoming distracting.
The spatial characteristics are a highlight, with good imaging that provides a three-dimensional soundstage, although enabling Spatial Audio can enhance this further.
In summary, the sound quality of the Nord Buds 4 Pro offers an intriguing blend of fun and sophistication, especially for a budget model.
Microphone Quality
The microphone quality is satisfactory, delivering clear audio for calls in quiet environments. In noisy settings, background noise reduction functions effectively, although voices can come through somewhat quieter.
Noise Cancellation
Equipped with active noise cancellation, OnePlus claims an effective range of up to 55dB within 5000Hz, reportedly 200% better than the Nord Buds 3 Pro.
However, my experience with the ANC was mixed. While it does function, its operation is unconventional, featuring three static levels plus an auto mode. The first two settings offer consistent cancellation, while the highest mode adjusts based on ambient noise.
When shifting from Moderate to High, I noticed an increase in high-frequency noise alongside a reduction in low frequencies, making High mode sporadically less effective than the Moderate setting in moderately noisy environments.
Only in extremely loud conditions does the High mode deliver substantial noise cancellation, but it does so inconsistently. The variability in performance detracts from its reliability. Furthermore, the cheap ear tips likely hinder the ANC's effectiveness.
On a more positive note, the transparency mode performs adequately, delivering reasonable sound while not being the most natural we have encountered.
Latency
Latency performance on the Nord Buds 4 Pro is commendable, functioning well for video content due to device adjustments. Gaming experience is satisfactory, with potential improvements through the game mode.
Intriguingly, the game mode not only enhances latency but introduces a spatial audio effect, though attempts to disable this feature yielded minimal impact.
Connection
Connection reliability on the Nord Buds 4 Pro performed admirably. However, there are caveats noted in the software review.
One critical observation is that none of OnePlus’s devices seem capable of maintaining high data throughput with LHDC or LDAC when paired with these earbuds. My tests with flagship models capped at 500kbps. Surprisingly, the optimal performance was only achieved with an older Nothing Phone (2).
This raises concerns regarding OnePlus's Bluetooth performance. Struggling to maintain over 500kbps within close proximity is disappointing, especially as they lack support for true lossless codecs like aptX Lossless.
Battery Life
Battery life is claimed at 7 hours with ANC on and 13 hours with it off when using AAC. With LHDC and ANC on, the duration drops to 6 hours without clarity provided for ANC-off metrics.
Testing with LHDC set to 24-bit/96kHz at 900kbps yielded approximately 9 hours and 17 minutes with ANC off and just over 6 hours with it activated. The charging case can provide about three additional full charges, offering nearly 30 hours of total usage.
Conclusion
The Nord Buds 4 Pro are a relatively affordable set of earbuds, which softens the criticism one might level for build quality and ear tip comfort. Their ANC potential is hindered by configurations, but OnePlus could rectify this with a firmware update.
What stands out positively is the audio experience, characterized by a mellow and enjoyable tonality, with bass that I found surprisingly pleasing. While I believe the Realme T200 provides superior sound quality, its overall performance lags in comparison.
Alongside excellent audio quality, the earbuds also offer comfortable wear, satisfactory microphone performance, reliable connectivity, and decent latency. Battery life should meet the needs of most users.
In conclusion, the Nord Buds 4 Pro presents as a competent pair of earbuds for the price, warranting consideration.
