In the fiercely competitive world of true wireless earbuds, a clear hierarchy has emerged. On one end, you have the premium giants from Apple, Sony, and Bose. On the other, a vast sea of budget options promise the world but often deliver mediocre sound. But what about the middle ground? This is where the most intriguing battles are fought, and today, we're pitting a surprising underdog, the Edifier Lolli Pro SE, against a established mid-range favorite, the OnePlus Buds 4.
The twist? The Edifier contender does it for a fraction of the price, posing a serious question to audio enthusiasts: where should your money really go?
The Price Gape: Setting the Stage
Let's address the elephant in the room immediately. The OnePlus Buds 4 typically retail in the $90-$100 range, positioning themselves as a feature-packed mid-range option, especially for OnePlus smartphone users. The Edifier Lolli Pro SE, however, consistently hits the market at around $70, and is often on sale for even less.
A $30+ difference is significant in this category. It's the difference between a budget pick and a mid-range investment. This price gap sets a high bar for the Lolli Pro SE; it doesn't just need to be good, it needs to be competitive with more expensive models to justify this comparison. And spoiler alert: it absolutely is.
Design and Build: Style vs. Substance?
The OnePlus Buds 4 sport a sleek, low-profile design with a distinctive glossy stem and a matte-finish case that feels great in the hand. They are lightweight, comfortable for long periods, and unmistakably modern.
The Edifier Lolli Pro SE takes a slightly different approach. The earbuds themselves have a more traditional, slightly bulkier look but are ergonomically shaped for a secure fit. The real star is the charging case. It's crafted from a woven fabric material that feels unique, premium, and highly resistant to scratches and smudges. It stands out in a crowd of glossy plastic boxes and feels incredibly durable.
Verdict: This is subjective. OnePlus offers minimalist sleekness, while Edifier provides a unique, tactile experience. The Lolli Pro SE's case feels more expensive than it actually is.
The Sound Test: Where the Pros Really Play
This is the most critical category. The OnePlus Buds 4 boast dual drivers (a dynamic driver and a planar diaphragm) aimed at delivering clear highs and powerful bass. They sound excellent, with good clarity and an active noise cancellation (ANC) system that effectively dulls the outside world.
The Edifier Lolli Pro SE, however, is an audio company's product through and through. Edifier's heritage is in sound, and it shows. The Lolli Pro SE features a hybrid driver setup: a dedicated 6mm tweeter for crisp highs and vocals and a 10mm composite bass driver for a deep, punchy low-end.
The result? A soundstage that feels wider and more detailed than any pair of earbuds at this price has any right to. The bass is present but not overwhelming, the mids are clear, and the highs are detailed without being sibilant. For critical listening and pure audio fidelity, the Lolli Pro SE doesn't just compete with the OnePlus Buds 4; for many, it might even surpass them.
It’s worth diving into the full spec sheet to understand the engineering behind these little giants. For a complete breakdown of the technology inside the Lolli Pro SE, you can explore the official product page on Edifier's website.
Feature Face-Off: ANC, Calls, and Battery
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Both models feature effective ANC. The OnePlus Buds 4 offer dual-device connection, a killer feature for users with a phone and laptop. The Edifier counters with a high-quality "Ambient Sound" mode that is natural for conversations and awareness.
- Call Quality: Both perform well in moderate conditions, but the Lolli Pro SE's six-mic system with AI noise reduction gives it a slight edge in noisier environments like windy streets or a busy cafe.
- Battery Life: Here, the specs are nearly identical. Both offer around 6-7 hours of playback with ANC on, extending to over 20 hours with the charging case. It's a tie, and both provide more than enough juice for a full day or more.
The Verdict: A New Value Champion?
The OnePlus Buds 4 are a fantastic pair of earbuds. They are sleek, integrate beautifully with the OnePlus ecosystem, and offer solid sound and great features.
However, the Edifier Lolli Pro SE forces us to reconsider the very definition of value. For potentially a third less money, you are not getting a third less earbud. You are getting a product that matches its rival in battery life and ANC, potentially exceeds it in call quality and build material uniqueness, and truly challenges it in pure, unadulterated sound quality.
If seamless ecosystem integration and a minimalist design are your ultimate priorities, the OnePlus Buds 4 remain a strong choice. But for the audiophile on a budget, the discerning buyer who prioritizes rich, detailed sound and unique build quality above all else, the choice has never been clearer.
The Edifier Lolli Pro SE isn't just a contender; it's a statement. It proves that premium sound and features are rapidly trickling down to budget-friendly prices, and it sets a new benchmark for what we should expect from a sub-$100 wireless earbud.
Ready to experience the award-winning sound of the Edifier Lolli Pro SE for yourself? Check the latest price and availability on Amazon here.
