Is the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 worth the upgrade from the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro?
Verdict
Downgrade
The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 actually scores 6.0 points below the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. The gains are concentrated in battery (7.5 to 8.5). You do give up ground on sound (8.5 to 8.0) and calls (8.0 to 7.5). On paper: bluetooth 5.3 to 5.4 and battery incl. case 40 h to 43 h. Worth checking: weight goes 5.5 g to 10.56 g and microphones goes 6 to 3. It is at least $21 cheaper, so the lower score comes with a saving. Only worth it if a specific feature above matters more to you than overall quality does.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound8.58.0
- Noise cancelling8.08.0
- Battery7.58.5
- Calls8.07.5
- Value8.58.0
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | Liberty 4 Pro | Buds Pro 3 | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, LHDC 5.0 | |
| Weight | 5.5 g | 10.56 g | |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.4 | |
| Water resistance | IPX5 | IP55 | |
| Battery incl. case | 40 h | 43 h | |
| Microphones | 6 | 3 | |
| ANC type | hybrid | adaptive | |
| Quick charge | 5 min = 4 h | 10 min = 5 h | |
| Driver | dynamic | hybrid | |
| Frequency response | 14Hz-40kHz | 10 Hz - 40,000 Hz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "Liberty 4 Pro to Buds Pro 3". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across true wireless and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.