The OnePlus Nord Buds 4 continue the Nord series tradition of delivering essential features without compromise.
This time, OnePlus has included premium capabilities like 52dB active noise cancellation, spatial audio, Bluetooth 6.1, and AI-powered features, all at a budget-friendly price.
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I tested the Astral Teal variant for music, calls, videos, gaming, and commuting. While not flawless, these earbuds outperform expectations for their price segment.
Design and Comfort
The Astral Teal color option features a soft matte finish and muted green shade that looks premium out of the box.
However, after about 10 days of use, the finish showed some wear, suggesting the Stellar Black variant might be more durable over time.
The charging case is compact enough for a jeans pocket, and each earbud weighs just 4.3 grams.
Comfort remains a strong point, allowing hours of wear without fatigue. The IP55 rating provides protection against sweat and light rain.
Sound Quality
Equipped with 12mm titanium-coated dynamic drivers, the Nord Buds 4 deliver a lively sound signature.
Bass is punchy without being muddy, making Bollywood tracks, EDM, hip-hop, and action movie soundtracks enjoyable. Vocals remain clear for podcasts and acoustic music.
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Spatial Audio adds immersion for movies and supported games, creating a wider soundstage.
While audiophiles may seek more refinement, the balance between energetic bass and clear mids suits everyday listening.
App and Controls
The HeyMelody app offers Sound Master EQ with three presets: Balanced, Serenade, and Bass. The BassWave slider allows gradual bass adjustment.
Users can customize touch controls, switch ANC modes, enable low-latency gaming mode, update firmware, and locate misplaced earbuds.
Spotify Tap lets you assign a gesture to resume music or discover new recommendations directly from Spotify, a convenient feature for frequent users.
ANC and Call Quality
The 52dB real-time ANC effectively reduces constant background noise like traffic and air conditioning. During commutes, music and podcasts are easier to enjoy without raising volume.
Call quality benefits from a six-microphone setup with AI noise reduction, keeping voices clear even in breezy conditions.
