OnePlus Buds Pro Review: Fun-Sounding True Wireless Earphones With Great ANC
OnePlus has been making strides in the audio space, but their initial foray into the true wireless arena with the OnePlus Buds was a bit underwhelming. However, the OnePlus Buds Pro, launched later in 2020, represent a significant step forward for the company, offering premium features like active noise cancellation (ANC), wireless charging, and a slick design. Priced at Rs. 9,990 in India, these earphones are vying for a spot in the competitive mid-range market. Let’s delve into the OnePlus Buds Pro’s design, features, and performance to see if they can truly stand out in the crowd.
Design and Features
A Bold Departure From Previous Designs: The OnePlus Buds Pro mark a departure from the design language seen in earlier OnePlus audio products. They draw inspiration from the Oppo Enco X, with a more modern and refined aesthetic. The earpieces and charging case feature a matte-gloss finish combination, offering a sleek appearance. Each earpiece weighs in at 4.35g, making them comfortable for extended wear, while the charging case, weighing 52g, is compact and easily pocketable.
Intuitive Control: The earpiece stems boast touch-sensitive controls, but instead of simple taps and swipes, OnePlus has implemented a pressure-sensitive design similar to the Apple AirPods Pro. Squeezing the stems allows for precise control of playback, track navigation, and call functions. The flexibility of these controls extends to the ability to customize triple-press and long-press actions through the Bluetooth settings on a OnePlus smartphone or the HeyMelody app on other Android or iOS devices.
Comprehensive Connectivity and Features: The OnePlus Buds Pro utilize Bluetooth 5.2 for reliable connection, supporting SBC, AAC, and LHDC Bluetooth codecs. While the LHDC codec remains somewhat limited in compatibility currently, the AAC codec ensures excellent sound quality for a wider range of devices. The earphones feature 11mm dynamic drivers and are IP55-rated for dust and water resistance. The charging case also boasts IPX4 water resistance and supports Qi wireless charging.
App Control for Customization: OnePlus offers a dedicated app experience for the Buds Pro, giving users full control over the earphones. The HeyMelody app allows customization of controls, personalized audio settings through the Audio ID test, toggling in-ear detection, and firmware updates. The app even lets you adjust the intensity of ANC, choosing from normal, maximum, or a ‘smart’ mode that adapts based on your environment.
Battery Life: With a 40mAh battery in each earpiece, the OnePlus Buds Pro deliver approximately five hours of playtime with ANC enabled at moderate volumes. The charging case provides an additional three full charges, extending the total battery life to around 20 hours. These figures are competitive in the price segment and provide ample listening time.
Sound Quality: The Fun Factor
While the OnePlus Buds Pro may not boast the technical prowess of the Oppo Enco X with its dual-driver setup, they compensate with a dynamic and engaging sonic signature. The 11mm drivers, combined with well-optimized tuning specifically for the AAC codec, deliver a rich and enjoyable listening experience.
The Star of the Show: Bass Performance: The OnePlus Buds Pro’s defining characteristic is their impactful bass response. The low-end frequencies are powerful yet controlled, delivering tight and punchy bass that adds a distinct character to the sound. Even slower and more nuanced tracks benefit from this energetic character, but fast-paced electronic and dance tracks truly come alive with the Buds Pro’s fun and dynamic sound.
Detail and Clarity: While the bass is undoubtedly a highlight, the rest of the frequency range is not left behind. It’s possible to hear clear detail across the highs and mids, with a well-balanced soundstage. The OnePlus Buds Pro deliver a satisfying and engaging sound that is sure to please listeners seeking a fun and energetic audio experience.
ANC and Transparency Mode: The OnePlus Buds Pro offer effective ANC that effectively isolates ambient noise in both indoor and urban outdoor environments, comparable to more expensive options like the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro and Jabra Elite 85t. While the adaptive ANC modes are available, the ‘Smart’ mode’s responsiveness can feel a bit inconsistent and jarring at times. The transparency mode, while functional, lacks a natural-sounding hear-through experience.
Verdict: A Great Value for Fun-Loving Audiophiles
The OnePlus Buds Pro represent a significant leap forward for OnePlus in the true wireless earphone market. Their stylish design, useful features, effective ANC, and a fun, energetic sound profile make them an excellent choice in the sub-Rs. 10,000 price range.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality with a strong focus on bass
- Effective active noise cancellation
- Wireless charging support
- Comfortable and stylish design
- Comprehensive controls and customizable options through the HeyMelody app
- Decent battery life
Cons:
- The ‘Smart’ ANC mode can be a bit inconsistent
- The transparency mode lacks a natural-sounding open ear experience
- Some features like Dolby Atmos and low-latency gaming mode are limited to OnePlus smartphones
The charging case design is relatively plain
Overall, the OnePlus Buds Pro are a strong contender in the mid-range true wireless earphone market. While they do have a few minor drawbacks, their strong performance and engaging sound make them a worthwhile choice for music lovers who prioritize a fun and dynamic listening experience, especially those who already own a OnePlus smartphone.
