As the market for wireless earbuds continues to expand, OnePlus steps into the fray with its latest offering, the OnePlus Buds 3. These earbuds promise to deliver good audio quality through dual drivers and exceptional low-end power that aims to produce a booming bass experience. With active noise canceling performance praised as modest, they pose good competition to similar products like the Samsung Galaxy Buds and Anker Soundcore Liberty. Delving into the OnePlus Buds 3 review, it becomes evident that these earbuds distinguish themselves amidst a myriad of choices. They present a formidable option for those seeking an alternative to AirPods, equipped with capabilities particularly beneficial for users of OnePlus devices.
What will you see here?
Overall Summary
The OnePlus Buds 3, successors to the OnePlus Buds Pro, offer notable improvements. Featuring a dual-driver design with a 10.4mm woofer and 6mm tweeter in each earbud, they deliver enhanced bass and clear vocals. With support for LHDC codec, users can enjoy CD-quality sound.
These earbuds boast up to 49dB of active noise cancellation (ANC) and a transparency mode for environmental awareness. With a total playback time of up to 44 hours and a water-resistant design, they are suitable for extended use and various environments.
Additionally, touch controls enable easy music playback, call management, and volume adjustment. In essence, the OnePlus Buds 3 excels in sound quality, ANC capability, and battery life, making them a compelling choice for wireless earbud enthusiasts.
Specs at Glance
| Price | $99.99* |
| Type | In-ear |
| Size | 31.68 x 20.22 x 24.4mm (Per bud) 58.72 x 50.15 x 25.81mm (charging case) |
| Weight | 4.8g (Per bud) 40.8g (charging case) |
| Battery life | 6.5 hours (ANC on); 10 hours (ANC off); 28 hours (ANC on w/charging case), 44 hours (ANC off w/charging case) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Durability | IP55 (earbuds); IPX4 (charging case) |
| Colors | Splendid Blue and Metallic Grey |
Pricing and Value for Money
Venturing beyond the initial allure of the OnePlus Buds 3, the narrative of price begins to play a melodious tune. At a glance, the modest $99.99* price point positions these earbuds as bargain buds, poised to charm the cost-conscious music lover. They offer a symmetry of features that echo the ethos of OnePlus: reaching a balance between affordability and performance.
In terms of availability, you can purchase it from either its official website or from third-party websites like
Design and Comfort
In the increasingly competitive landscape of wireless earbuds, the OnePlus Buds 3 emerges as a testament to the marriage of aesthetic charm and aural experience. These wireless auditory devices are a remarkable entry into the market, challenging the industry standards with their refined design and enhanced comfort.
Crafted with an eye for detail, the OnePlus Buds 3 boasts a design that prioritizes tactile and visual satisfaction. The case, a model of compact elegance, features a soft matte finish that responds to light with a subtle luster. Which creates an attractive visual experience even before the buds are revealed.
Upon opening the case, users are welcomed by the sight of all-aluminum stems paired with high-quality plastic sound ports, crowned with well-engineered silicone tips. This combination is not only pleasing to the eye but also designed to deliver superior sound quality. The intelligent design extends to increased mic grille sizing and the optimization of touch panels, ensuring that the fit is both secure and comfortable for the user.
OnePlus has shown a keen understanding of the market’s demand for personalization and style by offering the Buds 3 in two distinct colors: Splendid Blue and Metallic Grey. The Splendid Blue variant, in particular, captures attention with its understated yet fresh metallic hue, hitting a balance between elegance and modernity. Despite the plastic construction, the OnePlus Buds 3 manages to maintain a sense of luxury, avoiding the pitfalls of appearing ordinary.
In addition to their visual appeal, the OnePlus Buds 3 are designed with durability in mind. It features IP55 certification for the buds, ensuring protection against dust and water, and an IPX4 rating for the case, guarding against moisture.
Sound Quality
The OnePlus Buds 3 stands as a peak of the brand’s commitment to audio excellence. Engineered with dual dynamic drivers – a robust 10.4mm woofer paired with a precise 6mm tweeter – each earbud is calculated to deliver a sound profile that is rich in bass and crisp in treble. This sound profile is further raised by the state-of-the-art BassWave technology. This detailed design ensures a soundstage that is not only warm and full-bodied but also meticulously detailed, allowing every nuance of the music to resonate with the listener.
The introduction of OnePlus Audio ID 2.0 takes personalization of the aural experience to remarkable heights. Users can calibrate a custom sound profile attuned to their individual hearing, which, when combined with the Sound Master EQ’s 6-band equalizer. This offers a remarkable level of customization. Whether through manual adjustments or utilizing intuitive presets, listeners can shape their sound to match their preferences.
Moreover, the 3D Audio technology extends the aural environment, offering a natural and wide auditory space. This feature may introduce a sense of airiness to the music for some, yet it undeniably provides a unique depth, allowing each instrument and vocal layer to stand out with greater clarity.
For users within the OnePlus ecosystem, the Buds 3 become an even more attractive proposition. With seamless integration with Dolby Atmos and tailored sound profiles, they deliver a dynamic and extensive audio experience.
Noise-Canceling Feature
These earbuds are designed to redefine your listening experience with an advanced noise-cancellation system that smartly eliminates unwanted ambient sound. The technology is adept at silencing up to 99.6% of background disturbance. So, that you can experience a near-silent soundscape up to a remarkable frequency range of 4000 Hz.
The OnePlus Buds 3 are not merely about passive noise cancellation; they are about intelligent, adaptive control over your audio environment. The earbuds employ a personalized noise cancellation strategy by adapting to the unique shape of your ear canal, ensuring a snug fit and optimal sound isolation. Further enhancing this is the Smart Scene Noise Cancellation feature. Which adjusts the noise cancellation level based on your real-time setting, providing an undisturbed and tailored listening experience.
For those who demand versatility, the OnePlus Buds 3 delivers. You can choose from three levels of noise cancellation intensity—Mild, Moderate, or Max—to match your current situation, from a bustling airport to a quiet library. For moments when you need to engage with the world around you, the Transparency mode allows you to do so without removing the earbuds, striking the perfect balance between immersion and awareness.
In addition to the exceptional noise cancellation capabilities, the OnePlus Buds 3 also excels in maintaining impeccable call quality. Users can enjoy conversations with exceptional clarity, thanks to effective noise suppression even in windy conditions.
Impact on Overall Sound Quality
As the conversation shifts from the sheer auditory delight of the OnePlus Buds 3, it’s crucial to address the impact on overall sound quality when the veil of background noise is lifted. The artistry of OnePlus’ noise-canceling feature is not merely in its ability to silence the external world but also in its subtle enhancement of the aural landscape. With distractions stripped away, each note and nuance stands in sharper relief, letting the contents of OnePlus Buds deliver a soundscape that is both pristine and profound.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Delving into compatibility, these wireless buds reveal their versatility by harmonizing with various operating systems. The contents Oneplus Buds offer are not just a good value; they are a symphony of cross-platform operability.
Bluetooth Connectivity with Devices
The OnePlus Buds 3, armed with Bluetooth 5.3, becomes the conductor of this orchestral choir. Its seamless connectivity ensures every note of your digital interactions is crisp and uninterrupted. The mastery over the airwaves extends beyond a single device. The buds embrace a solo bud mode, allowing a user to stay connected to two devices at once, echoing the multitasking prowess of the modern individual.
Compatibility with Different Operating Systems
At the heart of this connectivity lies profound compatibility with both Android and iOS platforms, ensuring that users of iPhone and Android can experience seamless integration.
Whether guiding through the bustling streets of iPhone apps or orchestrating a melodic session with mobile games on an Android tablet, these wireless earbuds remain the ideal companion. The harmony extends beyond mere connection; the impeccable battery life sings a ballad of endurance, ensuring prolonged enjoyment across devices.
Controls and Functionality
The ease of use for playback and volume controls in wireless earbuds emerges as a paramount concern. Effortless interaction with these devices enhances the auditory experience. Whether engrossed in the latest mobile games or immersed in the expansive universe of iPhone apps. The tactile precision of touch sensors allows users to command their audio world with minimal distraction. Let’s have a look at what else this compact earbuds can do!
Ease of Use for Playback and Volume Controls
OnePlus has made significant strides in enhancing the user experience with its latest earbuds. By focusing particularly on the refinement of touch controls. The incorporation of capacitive touch panels on the stems of each earbud demonstrates meticulous attention to usability. Engineered to be highly intuitive and responsive, these controls ensure that inputs such as single/multi-tap and long-press gestures are executed with precision and minimal delay.
Additionally, the earbuds feature a control strip that enables users to adjust the volume with a simple swipe up or down. While the default settings exclude play/pause functionality, OnePlus offers the flexibility to customize this through the app. This allows users to assign this feature to a single tap and configure each earbud with unique controls. This level of customization underscores the commitment of OnePlus to not only provide advanced technology but also to empower users with a personalized audio experience.
Voice Assistant Integration
Bridging the gap between convenience and control, these wireless earbuds go beyond mere sound delivery to offer intelligent interaction with your favorite virtual helpers. With the seamless integration of voice assistants, users can invoke Google Assistant or Siri with a simple voice command. Imagine dictating messages, setting reminders, or even controlling smart home devices without ever having to reach for your phone. All you can do while immersed in your personal audio space.
For mobile game enthusiasts, the swift response of the voice assistants ensures no pause in the action, maintaining an engaging gaming experience. The earbuds’ sophisticated microphone array delivers clear voice input, ensuring commands are understood the first time, every time.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Buds 3 is an exemplary choice for those seeking an audio device that marries convenience with endurance. The battery life is a defining feature, offering an impressive 44 hours of potential playtime. This enhanced battery life ensures that your listening experience can continue without the frequent interruptions for charging.
When fully charged, the earbuds themselves deliver a substantial 10 hours of playtime with active noise cancellation (ANC) deactivated, and a commendable 6.5 hours with ANC activated, assuming a moderate volume level in AAC mode.
However, it’s important to note that actual battery life may vary based on several factors, including volume levels, the status of ANC, and even the environmental conditions in which they are used. The OnePlus Buds 3’s extended battery life is not solely about quantity; it’s about the quality of the user experience — offering users a liberating escape from the constraints of charging cables and a continuous engagement with their personal audio environment.
Conclusion
The OnePlus Buds 3 is a compelling addition to the wireless earbuds market, boasting a blend of premium features and affordability. With its dual drivers and BassWave technology, it delivers a rich, detailed sound profile that rivals higher-end competitors. The active noise-canceling feature, coupled with personalized noise-cancellation strategies, ensures an immersive listening experience tailored to individual preferences.
Additionally, its compatibility across various platforms, seamless connectivity, and intuitive touch controls further elevate its appeal. The sleek design, durability, and extensive battery life make it a standout choice for users seeking both style and substance in their audio devices. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, gamer, or multitasker, the OnePlus Buds 3 offers a harmonious blend of performance and value, making it a worthy contender in the crowded wireless earbuds market.
Read More:
OnePlus Buds 3: A Fusion of Elegance and Acoustic Precision!
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Design
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Sound Quality
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Call Quality
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ANC
Summary
The OnePlus Buds 3 offers audiophiles a compelling choice with its dual-driver design, delivering rich bass and clear vocals. With features like active noise cancellation and transparency mode, users can customize their listening experience. However, potential buyers should note that real-world battery life may vary from advertised figures. Despite this, the OnePlus Buds 3 excels in sound quality and functionality, making it a strong contender in the wireless earbud market.
