OnePlus Nord Buds 4 launch set for June 25 in India

Key Takeaways

• OnePlus Nord Buds 4 launch confirmed for June 25 in India with 55dB active noise cancellation
• Battery life rated at 54 hours total, though that figure requires ANC off and 50% volume
• Each earbud weighs just 4.3 grams, targeting comfort for extended listening sessions

OnePlus will launch the Nord Buds 4 in India on June 25, the company confirmed via X. An Amazon India listing has already revealed the core specifications: 12mm titanium-coated drivers, up to 55dB active noise cancellation, a six-microphone system, and a claimed 54 hours of total battery life. The earbuds will ship in Light Green and Black.

This is OnePlus continuing its mid-range audio push. The Nord Buds line sits below the flagship Buds Pro series, targeting buyers who want flagship-adjacent features without flagship pricing. Whether the Nord Buds 4 deliver on that promise depends on how the spec sheet translates to real-world performance.

What do the OnePlus Nord Buds 4 specs actually mean?

The 12mm titanium-coated dynamic drivers are larger than the industry standard 10mm units found in most budget TWS earbuds. OnePlus claims this delivers "deep bass and crisp highs." Titanium coating typically adds rigidity to the driver diaphragm, which can improve high-frequency clarity. The trade-off is usually a brighter, less warm sound signature.

Active noise cancellation at 55dB is an aggressive claim for a mid-range product. For context, Apple's AirPods Pro 2 claim around 48dB of noise reduction. OnePlus is betting hard on ANC as a differentiator here. The six-microphone array should help with call quality, though the real test will be wind noise handling and voice isolation in noisy environments.

At 4.3 grams per earbud, these are light. The AirPods Pro 2 weigh 5.3 grams each. Lighter earbuds generally mean better comfort during long sessions, though weight savings often come from smaller batteries.

The battery life claim needs context

OnePlus advertises 54 hours of total battery life. That number carries asterisks. The Amazon listing specifies that this figure is based on AAC playback at 50% volume with ANC turned off. Real-world usage with ANC enabled, higher volumes, and the LDAC codec will cut that number significantly.

The company also claims 11 hours of playback from just 10 minutes of charging. Fast charging is becoming table stakes in the TWS market, so OnePlus matching or beating competitors here matters for daily convenience.

Spatial Audio comes with restrictions

The Nord Buds 4 support Spatial Audio, OnePlus's head-tracked 3D audio feature. There's a catch: it only works on select OnePlus and Oppo devices running OxygenOS 12 or ColorOS 12 and later. If you're pairing these with a Samsung, Google, or iPhone, you lose this feature entirely.

This is typical for Android earbuds. Unlike AirPods, which can leverage Apple's tight hardware-software integration, Android TWS earbuds often restrict premium features to specific devices. It's a frustration for users who don't want to buy into a single ecosystem, but it's also a calculated move to drive loyalty.

Where does this fit in the market?

OnePlus hasn't announced pricing yet. The Nord Buds 3 launched in India at around Rs 2,799, so expect the Nord Buds 4 to land between Rs 3,000 and Rs 4,000. At that price, the competition includes the Realme Buds Air 5, Samsung Galaxy Buds FE, and Xiaomi's Redmi Buds 4 Pro.

The 55dB ANC claim is the standout specification. If OnePlus can deliver even close to that in practice, the Nord Buds 4 would outperform most earbuds at twice the price. Skepticism is warranted. Lab-measured ANC figures rarely match marketing claims, and OnePlus's testing methodology isn't disclosed.

Community reactions on Reddit's r/oneplus have been cautiously optimistic. The battery claims drew praise, but several users questioned whether the ANC would match flagship models in real-world conditions. Others noted the absence of a "Pro" label, speculating that OnePlus might release a higher-tier variant later this year.

What to expect on June 25

The India launch will likely coincide with immediate availability on Amazon India and OnePlus.in. Global availability typically follows Indian launches by several weeks for OnePlus audio products. Pricing in other markets usually tracks the rupee price converted at prevailing rates, plus local taxes.

OnePlus has been on an aggressive launch cadence for audio products. The Nord Buds 3 Pro arrived in late 2023, and the company clearly sees budget TWS as a growth segment. India remains the largest market for affordable earbuds, and OnePlus's brand recognition there gives it an edge over Chinese competitors with less established distribution.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do the OnePlus Nord Buds 4 launch?

June 25, 2024, in India. Global availability has not been announced but typically follows within weeks.

What is the battery life of the Nord Buds 4?

OnePlus claims 54 hours total with the charging case, based on 50% volume with ANC off. Expect lower figures with ANC enabled.

Do the Nord Buds 4 work with iPhones?

Yes, for basic functions. Spatial Audio is limited to OnePlus and Oppo phones running OxygenOS 12 or ColorOS 12 and later.

How much will the OnePlus Nord Buds 4 cost?

Pricing hasn't been confirmed. Based on the Nord Buds 3 pricing, expect Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 in India.

What colors are available for the Nord Buds 4?

Light Green and Black at launch.

Source: GSMArena.com / Siddharth