The OnePlus Buds Pro 3: Do They Live Up to the Hype?
OnePlus has entered the competitive world of true wireless stereo (TWS) earphones with the launch of their OnePlus Buds Pro 3, priced at ₹11,999. These earbuds boast dual drivers (11mm woofers and 6mm tweeters), up to 50dB active noise cancellation (ANC), LHDC 5.0 audio codec support, and dual-device connectivity. But do these features translate into a remarkable listening experience? We delve into the OnePlus Buds Pro 3’s design, app, performance, and battery life to see if they deliver on their promises.
Design and Features: Compact and Classic
The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 prioritize comfort and functionality with a sleek, familiar design. The in-ear design utilizes silicone tips, offering a snug fit for prolonged wear. You get four sizes (XS, S, M, and L) to ensure a comfortable fit for most ears. The earbuds feature a rounded stem with a dual-tone finish, blending seamlessly into your ear while showcasing a touch of sophistication. The stem also incorporates a slide touch control function, offering easy and precise volume adjustment.
The charging case, a pebble-shaped marvel, embodies the minimalist approach of the OnePlus Buds Pro 3. It boasts a plastic unibody construction with a leather-textured finish, offering both durability and a touch of premium aesthetics. Despite the lack of an IP rating for the case, the earbuds themselves are IP55 rated for resistance against dust and splashes.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the OnePlus Buds Pro 3’s physical attributes:
- Bud size: 33.60 x 21.15 x 25.00mm
- Bud weight: 5.28g (each)
- Case size: 64.70 x 52.45 x 25.75mm
- Case weight: 61.13g (with earbuds)
- Water and dust resistance: IP55 (buds only)
- Colors: Lunar Radiance (white) and Midnight Opus (black)
App and Specifications: Excellent Elementary
The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 seamlessly integrate with the user-friendly Hey Melody app. This companion app gives you control over essential features like noise cancellation, equalization settings, and Spatial Audio. The Golden Sound feature, another highlight, provides a personalized sound experience by conducting ear canal and hearing tests. You can also customize the touch controls on the stem, opting for a squeeze function over traditional taps. Available commands include:
- Single squeeze
- Double squeeze
- Triple squeeze
- Squeeze and hold
- Slide (up/down)
The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 are packed with features that elevate the listening experience:
- Drivers: 11mm woofer + 6mm tweeter (dual DACs)
- Companion app: Hey Melody
- Gesture controls: Yes (squeeze, slide)
- ANC: Up to 50dB
- Latency: 94ms low latency
- Battery life: Up to 43 hours (with case)
- Charging: Wired (USB Type-C) and wireless (Qi technology)
- Bluetooth: 5.4
- Audio codecs: LHDC 5.0, AAC, SBC
- Connectivity: Dual-device connection, Google Fast Pairing
Performance and Battery Life: Dulcet and Detailed
The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 deliver a multi-faceted sound experience that is both enjoyable and nuanced. The ANC effectively dampens environmental noise, allowing you to immerse yourself in your audio. You can choose from mild, moderate, max, and smart modes, with the smart mode automatically adjusting the ANC level based on your surroundings. While the ANC is effective in reducing noise, you might notice subtle low-frequency sounds creeping through.
The sound quality is well-rounded, offering a balanced and detailed audio experience. The five Dynaudio-backed EQ presets are a welcome addition, catering to diverse listening preferences: Balanced, Bold, Serenade, Bass, and Dynaudio featured. The Dynaudio featured preset, specifically designed to replicate the signature sound of Dynaudio speakers, delivers a harmonious blend of bass, mids, and treble frequencies.
Whether you’re enjoying deep basslines in "Light Em Up" by Fall Out Boys or the delicate vocals of Mitski’s "Francis Forever," the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 cater to a wide range of musical genres. The LHDC 5.0 audio codec, when used with a compatible device, significantly elevates sound quality, delivering a richer, more nuanced audio experience. The Bluetooth 5.4 connection ensures smooth and stable connectivity, while the 94ms low latency game mode minimizes lag during gaming sessions.
The battery life of the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 is a standout feature. You can expect up to 43 hours of total playback time with the case when ANC is turned off and the AAC codec is used. When ANC is activated, the total playback time drops to around 24 hours, which is still a commendable performance. However, when using LHDC with ANC and smart mode, the battery life is slightly reduced, offering a total playback time of just over 20 hours. It’s important to note that the battery life can vary based on volume level, codec usage, and ANC settings.
Both wired and wireless charging options further enhance the convenience of the OnePlus Buds Pro 3. Wired charging using a 67W charger takes about an hour to fully charge the case, while wireless charging with a 15W Qi charger takes approximately three hours.
Verdict: A Strong Contender in the TWS Market
The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 offer a strong combination of features, performance, and battery life, making them a compelling choice in the TWS market. The comfortable design, user-friendly app, and well-rounded sound quality enhance the listening experience. The earbuds are also IP55 rated for protection against dust and splashes, ensuring durability for everyday use.
At ₹11,999, these earbuds are priced competitively, offering excellent value for money. They offer a significant improvement over the previous OnePlus Buds Pro 2, thanks to the dual DACs, enhanced sound quality, and overall performance.
Before making a final decision, consider comparing the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 with other offerings in the market, such as the Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless (review here). The Sennheiser earphones offer support for aptX and LC3 audio codecs and are priced at ₹12,990.
Ultimately, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 are a solid pick for anyone seeking a comfortable, feature-packed, and stylish pair of TWS earphones with exceptional sound quality and impressive battery life.
