The OnePlus Buds 3 has recently debuted as a completely new product line, filling a gap left by the absence of a Buds 2 model in the brand’s lineup of truly wireless earphones. These earbuds share similarities in features and pricing with the Nord Buds Z2, positioning them as their natural successors. Priced just below the premium OnePlus Buds Pro 2, the Buds 3 aims to provide a range of high-end functionalities at a more accessible cost. Having tested them for two weeks, I can affirm their value at the price of Rs. 5,499 in India.
OnePlus Buds 3 Review: Design and Features
The case for the OnePlus Buds 3 bears a striking resemblance to that of the Buds Pro 2. However, it is slightly bulkier due to a larger battery. While the plastic casing does not radiate the same premium feel as that of the Buds Pro 2, it is an acceptable trade-off considering the significantly lower price. The thicker dimensions of the case make it simple to open with one hand, offering practical convenience when accessing the earbuds.
The OnePlus Buds 3 offers a comfortable fit complemented by a grippy semi-chrome finish.
Available in Splendid Blue and Metallic Gray, I reviewed the Splendid Blue variant, which features an attractive chrome finish on the stalks and a resilient blue plastic casing near the silicone tips. The thicker chromed stems provide a decent grip, although they are prone to smudging. Similar to the OnePlus Buds Pro 2, these earbuds are notably comfortable for prolonged use without causing any discomfort.
Weighing 40.8 grams for the case and 4.8 grams per earbud, this setup is notably lighter than the OnePlus Buds Pro 2. The Buds 3 also boasts an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance, ensuring they can handle splashes or sweat during workouts. The packaging includes two additional sets of silicone ear tips and a short USB-C charging cable.
The OnePlus Buds 3’s charging case (right) is bulkier but features an enhanced battery capacity compared to the Buds Pro 2’s case (left).
OnePlus Buds 3 Review: App and Specifications
For users with a OnePlus smartphone, settings and customizations are conveniently accessible in the Bluetooth section under Settings> Bluetooth> OnePlus Buds 3> i> Earbuds functions. Features such as adjusting the active noise cancellation (ANC), tweaking the equalizer, enabling 3D audio, and customizing earbud controls can all be managed here. Additionally, users can locate their earbuds and control the smartphone’s camera when paired with a OnePlus device, though this functionality is not available for devices from other brands.
For those using non-OnePlus smartphones or iPhones, the HeyMelody app serves as an alternative. This app is compatible with both Android and iOS and offers a range of control options including Noise Control (ANC), customizable equalizer settings, Golden Sound, and OnePlus 3D Audio. Users can also toggle dual connections, manage connected devices on an iPhone, and enable a game mode for reduced latency. Firmware updates are also possible via the app, which is a noteworthy feature.
The OnePlus Buds 3 introduces a new touch control system that operates via finger slides up and down the earbud stems, providing precise feedback. While touch controls have been a staple in OnePlus products, the new sliding gesture allows users to adjust volume or switch tracks without needing their phone. Additionally, these controls can be personalized for each earbud, making them a strong selling point over other models like the Buds Pro 2, which do not offer such functionality.
The HeyMelody app is well-optimized for iOS and non-OnePlus devices, providing extensive features and customizations.
The specifications of the earbuds include a dual-driver setup with a 10.4mm woofer and a 6mm tweeter, delivering a sensitivity of 110db and a frequency response range spanning from 15Hz to 40,000Hz. Each bud features three microphones, which are utilized for noise cancellation in addition to phone calls. Both earbuds have a 58mAH Li-ion battery, while the charging case incorporates a substantial 520mAh battery. The earbuds connect via Bluetooth 5.3 and support AAC, SBS, as well as the LHDC 5.0 codec.
OnePlus Buds 3 Review: Performance and Battery Life
In terms of audio performance, these earbuds cater primarily to bass enthusiasts, offering clear and defined bass without becoming overwhelming. This is especially appreciated in genres like dance music and during movie viewing. The default Balanced EQ setting performs adequately, reserving the deeper bass for the ‘Bass’ setting. While the mids may be less pronounced, the ‘Serenade’ preset addresses this issue somewhat.
A unique feature, BassWave, can be toggled to enhance bass levels, but my experience suggested the setting was not beneficial, often muddying the sound, so I opted to keep it off.
On the microphone front, the Buds 3 excels at minimizing background noise, ensuring clarity during calls. Throughout the review period, callers consistently reported excellent voice quality—unlike experiences with the Buds Pro 2.
While the two models have similar appearances, the OnePlus Buds 3’s earbuds are noticeably thicker.
The ANC technology performs decently, effectively suppressing low-frequency noise but less so with mid and high frequencies. Still, it holds its ground considering the price point.
In terms of connectivity, the OnePlus Buds 3 demonstrated reliable performance. I was able to listen to music and engage in conversations from a distance without connection drops, provided I remained within range and used lighter codecs like SBC/AAC. For gaming, there is a dedicated mode to reduce latency, accessible via the HeyMelody app on iPhone or other Android devices.
Battery life is impressive, with the earbuds delivering up to 10 hours of continuous music playback at 50% volume without ANC activated. Engaging the ANC brought this down to around 6 hours, while employing the LHDC codec reduced the playtime further to approximately 5 hours. The substantial case offers four additional charges for the earbuds.
While the LHDC audio codec is supported, it may be more practical to use AAC for extended battery life and effective ANC performance. The potential advantages of LHDC may not be fully realized with these earbuds, given its limitations in stability and range.
I was unable to precisely gauge charging speeds, but OnePlus asserts that a 10-minute charge in the case can yield up to 7 hours of total usage, which is a promising feature.
Verdict
At Rs. 5,499, the OnePlus Buds 3 offers a wide array of features that seem to rival, if not overshadow, those found in the more expensive Buds Pro 2. Noteworthy highlights include the innovative sliding touch controls that enhance volume and track management without resorting to a smartphone. Although the inclusion of the LHDC codec may be debated, the earbuds still provide effective ANC and clear call quality. The insightful companion app enhances usability, making the OnePlus Buds 3 a highly appealing option in the competitive audio market at this price point.
