OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Pro vs OnePlus Buds 4 ⚡⚡ Real Difference Explained!

OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Pro vs. OnePlus Buds 4

Main differences

Feature Nord Buds 4 Pro Buds 4 Price Around ₹4,000; sometimes about ₹3,800 Listed around ₹6,000; offers bring it to roughly ₹5,000–₹5,500 Bluetooth Version 6.0 Version 5.4 Drivers 12 mm titanium-coated drivers 11 mm drivers plus 6 mm tweeters Quoted battery life per charge Around 6–12 hours Around 6–9 hours

Actual playback time depends on ANC use, volume, and calls. Each case can recharge the earbuds about three to four times, and both models support fast charging.

Both are reported to support IP5 water and dust resistance, SBC/AAC and high-resolution audio codecs, ANC, transparency mode, gaming mode, dual-device pairing, wear detection, swipe controls, and AI Translate.

Build, fit, and controls

The cases have a similar compact design, matte finish, front branding, battery indicator, and USB-C charging. Their plastic build quality is broadly similar, though the reviewer found the Buds 4 case hinges stronger. The Nord Buds 4 Pro case made a slight sound when moved, but its closure caused no practical problems.

The earbuds have similar shapes and fit securely. The reviewer had no issues during long wear or activities such as running and workouts. The Nord Buds 4 Pro earbuds have a glossier finish, while the Buds 4 earbuds are matte and slightly longer.

The earbuds cannot be charged in each other’s cases because of differences in fit and compatibility.

Swipe gestures, touch customization, and wear detection worked properly on both models.

ANC, gaming, and calls

Both models offer adaptive, real-time ANC rated up to 55 dB. The reviewer found their noise cancellation and transparency performance essentially equal: ANC substantially reduced outside noise, while transparency sounded natural rather than robotic.

Both claim about 47 ms low latency. Gaming performance was strong on either pair, with clear positional cues. The reviewer had no issues using them with a non-OnePlus phone.

Each model has six microphones in total and AI noise reduction. In a roadside test with traffic and wind, the reviewer and the other caller noticed little difference between the earbuds. Voices were clear, and background noise was reduced. The reviewer considers either model suitable for work-from-home calls, classes, or meetings.

App and phone compatibility

The apps offer broadly similar controls, including ANC settings, EQ customization, dual-device pairing, find-my-earbuds, and touch controls.

The Nord Buds 4 Pro app includes options such as 3D audio, multiple EQ modes, high-resolution codec controls, Spotify access, and additional sound effects and settings. The Buds 4 adds Golden Sound, which uses a hearing test to tailor the output. The reviewer says the Nord Buds 4 Pro lacks this feature; some ambient sound effects available for the Pro are also absent from the Buds 4 app.

AI Translate has limited compatibility. According to the reviewer, it requires a OnePlus phone running OxygenOS 15.0.1 or later. It did not appear on the reviewer’s OnePlus 9R, and AI features are unavailable on iPhone. The reviewer says high-resolution codec support still works on iPhone.

Sound quality

Both models get reasonably loud, but the reviewer noticed sound leakage above roughly 50–70% volume.

The Nord Buds 4 Pro offers clear vocals, good instrumental separation and treble, and a balanced overall sound. The reviewer found its bass decent but not especially powerful, even with bass enhancement turned up.

The Buds 4 sounded richer and more detailed to the reviewer, with improved separation and stronger, more satisfying bass. The dual-driver setup was judged to make a noticeable difference, especially for listeners who want boosted bass.

The reviewer’s approximate sound-output scores were 18/20 for the Nord Buds 4 Pro and 20/20 for the Buds 4. These are the reviewer’s scores, not formal product ratings.

Pros and cons

Nord Buds 4 Pro

Pros

• Lower price
• Newer Bluetooth version
• Balanced, clear sound
• Strong ANC, gaming, and call performance
• Comfortable fit

Cons

• Less forceful bass than the Buds 4
• Lacks the Buds 4’s Golden Sound hearing-personalization option
• Case hinge felt less sturdy

Buds 4

Pros

• Richer, more detailed sound and stronger bass
• Golden Sound feature
• Stronger-feeling case hinges

Cons

• Higher price
• Older Bluetooth version
• Sound can leak at higher volume
• No apparent advantage over the Pro in core ANC, calling, or gaming performance during the tests

Verdict

The reviewer found the two models very similar in features, ANC, gaming, and calls. Sound quality is the main reason to pay extra for the Buds 4.

At around ₹5,000, the Buds 4 is recommended for listeners who prioritize stronger bass and richer detail. At its full price of roughly ₹6,000, the ₹2,000 premium over the Nord Buds 4 Pro is harder to justify.

The Nord Buds 4 Pro is the better-value choice at around ₹3,800–₹4,000, particularly for listeners who prefer balanced sound and similar everyday performance.

Different speakers’ views

• Reviewer: Found the Buds 4 better for bass and fine audio detail, but judged ANC, gaming, fit, and calling broadly equal. Recommended choosing mainly according to sound preference and sale price.
• Deeksha, call-test participant: Reported clear voice audio and little to no noticeable difference between the two earbuds during the roadside comparison.