Just recently, I’ve tested the new OnePlus Buds 4 and Realme Buds Air 7 Pro, and you know what? I’m really surprised by their sound quality for the price.
After using both, I’ve got a lot to share with you. As both sit in the mid-range category, it’s common to be confused about which one to get.
I know you’re probably feeling the same, and that’s why you’re here. So, don’t worry—here, I’ll help you choose the best one for your hard-earned money.
Let’s get started!
OnePlus Buds 4 vs Realme Buds Air 7 Pro: Specs Comparison
| Specification | OnePlus Buds 4 | Realme Buds Air 7 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | Version 5.4 | Connection Range: ≤ 10 meter |
| ANC Status | Up to 55dB activate ANC | 53dB Noise Cancellation |
| Latency | 47ms low latency mode for gaming | 45ms ultra-low latency |
| Driver Size | 10.4mm + 6mm Dual drivers | 11mm + 6mm dual-dac driver | Speaker Magnets: 6 |
| Playtime | Up to 44 hours of battery life (with a charging case) | Up to 48 hours (earbuds + case) |
| Battery Info | Capacity: 530mAh | Charging case: 530mAh | Earbuds: 62mAh (each) |
| Charging Time | Earbuds: about 50 minutes | Earbuds + Case: about 80 minutes | 120min (Charging case + Earbuds) | 60 min (Earbuds Only) |
| IP Rating | IP55 | IP55 (Earbuds Only) |
| App Support | HeyMelody App | Yes (realme Link App) |
| Other Features | Support LHDC 5.0 audio codec | 5500Hz frequency range | 3D Spatial Audio Effect | Hi-Res Audio Wireless | Aluminum Design | Audio Codecs: LHDC 5.0, SBC, AAC | Swift Pair | Dual-Device Connection 2.0 |
Design
First up, design. OnePlus has revamped the case for the Buds 4, moving away from the jewelry-box style of the Realme Buds Air 7 Pro to a sleek, puck-shaped case that flips open with a satisfying one-handed flick. It’s compact and pocket-friendly, making it a standout for portability.
The Realme Buds Air 7 Pro, on the other hand, sticks with a premium-feeling jewelry-box case, complete with a faux leather finish that adds a touch of class, even if it’s plastic.
For the earbuds themselves, both OnePlus and Realme opt for a stem-style design. Realme’s dual-tone gold finish and metal faceplate give it a slightly more premium vibe, while OnePlus keeps things clean and minimal with an all-plastic build.
In terms of fit, both are comfortable for long listening sessions, with Realme feeling just a tad more snug and secure in my ears.
Both include extra ear tips to dial in the perfect fit, and both boast an IP55 rating for water and dust resistance, making them durable for workouts or light rain.
Connectivity
When it comes to connectivity, both the OnePlus Buds 4 and Realme Buds Air 7 Pro use Bluetooth 5.4, delivering rock-solid connection stability. I tested them in an open area, walking 20–30 meters away, and neither dropped the connection once.
Both support AAC, SBC, and LHDC 5.0 codecs for high-quality audio streaming, and they offer dual-device connection, letting you pair with two devices simultaneously without hiccups.
I tested them with an iPhone and a OnePlus 13R, and pairing was smooth, though not quite as seamless as Google Fast Pair on Android.
The companion apps—HeyMelody for OnePlus and Realme Link for Realme—are minimal, user-friendly, and let you tweak settings like EQ profiles and gestures.
OnePlus gets a slight edge here for not requiring an email or phone number to use the app, unlike Realme Link.
If you’re using a OnePlus phone, the Buds 4 also benefit from Steady Connect for even better stability.
For connectivity and app experience, OnePlus earns an A+, while Realme gets a solid A.
ANC
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a big deal for mid-range earbuds, and OnePlus takes the lead here.
The Buds 4 block up to 55dB of noise, slightly outperforming Realme’s 53dB. To test ANC, I simulated a coffee shop environment with a Bluetooth speaker playing ambient noise.
The OnePlus Buds 4 smoked the Realme Buds Air 7 Pro, creating a quieter, more immersive experience.
Both have real-time adaptive noise cancellation, but OnePlus felt more effective in real-world scenarios, like drowning out background chatter or traffic noise.
However, I noticed slight ear fatigue with the OnePlus after extended use, which wasn’t an issue with the Realme.
Transparency mode, which lets you hear your surroundings, is decent on both but leans a bit artificial and shrill.
OnePlus still edges out slightly here, offering a more natural sound. For ANC and transparency performance, OnePlus gets an A+, while Realme scores a respectable A.
Sound Quality
Now, the part I’m most excited about: sound quality. Both the OnePlus Buds 4 and Realme Buds Air 7 Pro feature 11mm + 6mm coaxial dual drivers with dual DACs, supporting LHDC 5.0 for high-resolution audio.
OnePlus goes a step further, unlocking 24-bit/192kHz audio on compatible devices (you can enable this in developer settings), which is a nice bonus for audiophiles on a budget.
Both earbuds have a U-shaped, bass-heavy sound signature out of the box, tailored for mainstream tastes.
For sound quality, I feel like Buds 4 is slightly better overall in performance.
Call Quality & Latency
Call quality is solid on both. Testing the mics, the OnePlus and Realme sound clear and natural. Both also include AI translation features, which are a cool add-on but likely won’t see much use.
For latency, Realme claims 45ms and OnePlus 47ms in their low-latency gaming modes. In practice, both performed well for gaming and video watching, with no noticeable lag. Realme technically has a slight edge, but the difference is negligible.
Battery & Charging
Battery life is a strong suit for both. Realme claims up to 48 hours total (earbuds + case) with ANC off, AAC codec, and 50% volume, while OnePlus claims 44 hours under similar conditions.
In real-world testing with ANC on, LHDC codec, and 60–70% volume, I got about 6–7 hours per charge from the earbuds, with the case providing a week’s worth of use before needing a recharge. A quick 10-minute charge on either delivers 5–6 hours of playback, making them convenient for on-the-go use.
Both use USB-C charging, and the experience is hassle-free. For battery and charging, both OnePlus and Realme get an A.
Which One to Buy?
When it comes down to it, both are solid earbuds with good value, sturdy build, and similar features.
If you prioritize rich, customizable sound, top-tier ANC, and a sleek, portable case, the OnePlus Buds 4 are the clear winner.
If you’re drawn to a premium-looking design and don’t mind tweaking the EQ to tame the bass, the Realme Buds Air 7 Pro are a strong contender, especially if you find them at a lower price.
For all-round performance, I’d go with the OnePlus, but let me know which one you’d pick in the comments.
Best Deals:
OnePlus Buds 4: View on AliExpress
Realme Buds Air 7 Pro: View on AliExpress
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Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
