This IS the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro 🤦🏻♂️ (Oppo Enco Air4 Pro)
Why they are the same
Although it’s labelled the Oppo Enco Air4 Pro, this product is essentially the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro. Both earbuds have exactly the same design, same specs, same 12.4mm drivers, and they use the same HeyMelody app. They even share the same graphics on their websites.
Besides the packaging, the only notable difference is that the OnePlus doesn’t support LHDC, which means it can’t stream hi-res audio when paired to compatible phones. However, it does have more custom options for sound, including a 6 band graphic EQ. Apart from that, these earbuds are identical in both hardware and software.
So why are they sold under different names? The answer lies in corporate strategy. Both OnePlus and Oppo are owned by BBK Electronics, a Chinese tech giant that also owns Realme and Vivo. At some point, it was decided that in western markets, some Oppo products will be sold under the OnePlus brand, while the Oppo brand is for the Asian market. Typically, the products are first launched under the Oppo brand, like the Enco Air4 Pro, which later enters western markets as the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro.
If you’re curious about upcoming OnePlus products, they are likely already listed on Oppo’s website. Don’t believe me? Just Google it and see for yourself. As for whether they sound different, some people say the Enco sounds crisper while the Nord Buds have a darker signature. However, I’m not convinced yet. Once I get my hands on a Nord Buds 3 Pro, I’ll be comparing their sound quality.
Microphone Test
As we observed in the real world test, the microphones on these earbuds are very good at reducing background noise. But, they also make my voice sound robotic and muffled, which is far from ideal. Here are some samples of how they sound in a controlled environment under both quiet and noisy conditions, using loud cafe noise and some wind noise from a fan.
👉 Have a listen to the mic pickup samples.
Noise Cancelling Test
The active noise cancelling is very effective, cancelling out human voices and typical loud ambient sounds like low frequency rumble from vehicles or machinery. There’s also an adaptive noise cancelling mode that adjusts the ANC level depending on the situation, but I usually leave it on Max settings for consistency.
Transparency Mode
Testing the transparency mode at the train station.
The transparency mode is quite decent too. I’ve used it in different scenarios, and it sounded quite clear in the mids and highs. My own voice still sounded a little muffled, but overall it works well for quick awareness and conversations.
Sound Quality
I enjoy the overall sound of these earbuds, because they have a deep V-shaped signature. This means they deliver generous bass, crisp upper mids and highs, and darker lower mids. I do feel that the bass does glow over into the mids a bit more than I prefer, and sometimes the upper mids can sound a bit sibilant. However, for the typical listener, these earbuds will sound quite fun and enjoyable.
👉 Have a listen to the sound samples.
Conclusion
If you don’t mind that its mic pickup isn’t exceptionally crisp, these are some pretty capable earbuds for the price. My favorite features are their sound quality and noise cancelling, and their reliable multipoint pairing, which works well with no signal dropouts. However, I was disappointed that the tuning options are limited. You only have 2 other presets and no graphic EQ, so granular tuning the sound isn’t possible. If customisation is important to you, you’ll likely be happier with the OnePlus version.
Additionally, the Oppos also don’t have LDAC support, which is a far more widespread Hi-Res codec compared to LHDC. Other brands like Soundcore, Edifier and Earfun are more feature rich than these earbuds and do support LDAC at a similar price point.
Still, I enjoy the sound quality of the Oppo Enco Air4 Pro, and its noise cancelling is one of the most effective at this price. In my opinion, this is why you should consider the Oppo Enco Air4 Pro.
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