In the rapidly evolving landscape of high-fidelity audio, the competition for the title of "best premium true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds" has never been fiercer. Following a two-year hiatus since the launch of the critically acclaimed Enco X2 in 2022, OPPO has officially entered the fray with its latest flagship offering: the OPPO Enco X4. Launched in India this October, these earbuds represent a significant leap in acoustic engineering, noise cancellation technology, and smart connectivity.
With a premium price point of Rs. 19,999, the Enco X4 enters a crowded market dominated by industry heavyweights like Samsung and Sony. But does it have the technical prowess to justify its status as a top-tier flagship? This review dissects the design, performance, and long-term implications of OPPO’s newest audio flagship.
1. Main Facts: Technical Specifications and Hardware
At the core of the Enco X4 lies a sophisticated acoustic architecture. OPPO has continued its fruitful partnership with the Danish audio experts at Dynaudio, resulting in a dual-driver setup that pairs an 11mm TRF diaphragm dynamic woofer with a 6mm planar diaphragm tweeter.
- Acoustic Architecture: Dual-driver system (11mm + 6mm) with independent dual DACs.
- Codec Support: LHDC 5.0 Lossless Hi-Res audio (up to 2.3 Mbps, 24-bit/48kHz).
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 6.1.
- ANC Performance: AI-powered adaptive noise cancellation with a 6nm dedicated NPU.
- Durability: IP55 dust and water resistance.
- Battery: Up to 53 hours of total playback (case + buds) without ANC.
The inclusion of a 6nm neural processing unit (NPU) specifically for audio management is a standout feature, allowing the earbuds to process ambient noise in real-time with significantly lower latency than standard software-based solutions.
2. Chronology: The Evolution of the Enco Series
The trajectory of the OPPO Enco line has been defined by a consistent pursuit of "Studio Quality" sound.
- 2022: The Enco X2 set the benchmark for the series, introducing early iterations of co-created Dynaudio drivers and high-bitrate streaming capabilities.
- 2023–2024: A period of refinement where the company focused on AI integration and software-driven audio enhancements.
- October 2026: The global/India launch of the Enco X4. This release marks the transition to Bluetooth 6.1 and the implementation of advanced NPU-based noise cancellation, moving away from purely DSP-based algorithms.
3. Design and Build: A Harmonious Aesthetic
OPPO’s design language for the Enco X4 is one of "tactile luxury." The charging case features an oval, pocket-friendly silhouette finished in a specially tuned excimer material. This creates a finish that is resistant to fingerprints and scratches, balancing a matte base with metallic-finish edges.
The earbuds themselves weigh a mere 5.6 grams. Utilizing an NCL process, the shells blend matte and glossy textures, which serves both a functional and aesthetic purpose. The internal ergonomics were informed by a massive dataset—over 2,800 ear canal scans—resulting in an in-ear fit that is remarkably secure. During our testing, the earbuds remained stable through vigorous movement, such as running and cycling, while the redesigned ear tips provided a superior seal that is critical for effective passive noise isolation.
4. Audio Performance: A Precision Instrument
Out of the box, the Enco X4 is tuned for the modern audiophile, favoring an energetic and mid-forward sound profile.
The Dynaudio Impact
The collaboration with Dynaudio is evident in the planar tweeter’s performance. High frequencies are crisp and articulate, extending up to 40kHz. The 11mm woofer provides a 67% increase in low-frequency driving power compared to the X2, allowing for a deep, resonant sub-bass.
The EQ Customization
While the default tuning is excellent for pop and vocal-heavy tracks, it can lean toward the "bright" side at high volumes. We found that the "Dynaudio High Resolution" preset, paired with a subtle manual boost in the lower-frequency bands via the Hey Melody app, yields the most balanced results. The Golden Sound feature, which tailors the audio profile to the user’s specific ear canal anatomy, is an essential setup step that should not be skipped.
5. Noise Cancellation and Call Quality
OPPO claims a 100% improvement in noise cancellation performance over the previous generation, with a 30% specific focus on vocal-range frequencies. The AI Real-time Adaptive ANC is the star of the show. Whether in a crowded transit hub or a quiet office, the system detects the ambient decibel level and adjusts the anti-noise frequency instantly.
For professionals, the call quality is a revelation. By combining a triple-microphone array with a bone-conduction voice pick-up unit (VPU), the Enco X4 manages to isolate the user’s voice with surgical precision. In windy outdoor environments, the background noise is effectively suppressed, ensuring that the listener hears a clear, natural-sounding voice rather than a digital approximation.
6. Smart Features and Software Implications
The Enco X4 is more than just a pair of headphones; it acts as a peripheral for the broader OPPO ecosystem.
- Neck Vertebrae Health: Utilizing built-in IMU sensors, the earbuds monitor posture and remind users to stretch—a forward-thinking feature for the sedentary office worker.
- Clear Audio Recording: When paired with the Find X10 series, the buds act as a professional-grade wireless lavalier microphone for video capture, stripping away ambient wind noise in real-time.
- Sleep Tracking: A "Labs" feature that pauses playback when the wearer drifts off, preserving battery life and enhancing user convenience.
7. Official Perspectives and Market Implications
In an official statement, OPPO emphasized that the Enco X4 is designed to bridge the gap between "lifestyle convenience" and "audiophile fidelity." By opting for the LHDC 5.0 codec, OPPO is clearly positioning these earbuds for the high-resolution streaming market, appealing to users of services like Tidal or Qobuz who demand bit-perfect transmission.
The Competitive Landscape
Priced at Rs. 19,999, the Enco X4 is a direct challenger to the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro. While the Samsung ecosystem offers deep integration for Galaxy users, the Enco X4 offers a more hardware-agnostic experience, thanks to the robust Hey Melody app available on both Android and iOS.
The Potential Drawback: The primary limitation is the lack of aptX Lossless/Adaptive support. While LHDC 5.0 is superior in bandwidth, it requires hardware that supports the codec. Users with older smartphones may not be able to unlock the full potential of these earbuds.
8. Conclusion: The Verdict
The OPPO Enco X4 is a masterclass in iteration. By taking the solid foundation of the Enco X2 and layering on advanced NPU-driven ANC, improved ergonomics, and a more versatile sound signature, OPPO has created one of the most compelling premium TWS options on the market today.
Pros:
- Exceptional clarity and detail retrieval from the dual-driver system.
- Industry-leading adaptive ANC performance.
- Highly effective call noise cancellation with VPU support.
- Robust build quality with IP55 water/dust resistance.
Cons:
- Out-of-the-box tuning may be too bright for some users (requires EQ).
- Lack of aptX codec support limits high-res potential on some devices.
For those who prioritize sound quality, call performance, and cutting-edge software features, the OPPO Enco X4 is not just an upgrade—it is a significant step forward in the evolution of personal audio. Whether you are an audiophile looking for high-bitrate streaming or a busy professional needing crystal-clear communication, these earbuds are a definitive recommendation in the current premium segment.
