The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC: A Worthy Update or a Neckband’s Last Stand?
True wireless earphones might be dominating the market, but the classic neckband-style earphones still hold their own, offering a familiar and reliable experience. OnePlus, a pioneer in this space with its iconic Bullets Wireless lineup, has recently launched the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC in India. This iteration adds active noise cancellation (ANC) to the popular Bullets Wireless Z2, aiming to address the growing demand for a quieter listening experience. But at Rs. 2,299, does the addition of ANC make the neckband form factor relevant again, or is it time to embrace the wireless future?
An Old Friend with a New Trick: Design and Features
The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC is, as the name suggests, the Bullets Wireless Z2 with an added layer of noise cancellation. The familiar design remains, with a flexible neckband, short cables connecting to the earpieces, and controls on the neckband itself. The green color option is a welcome addition to the standard black, offering a bit of visual flair.
One drawback carried over from the older model is the magnetic power switch on the earpieces. While convenient, it’s easily triggered accidentally, leading to the headset turning on unintentionally. The left module houses controls for volume, playback, ANC/transparency mode switching, and quick device switching. The underside features a convenient USB Type-C port for charging. Rounding things off, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC boasts an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance, ensuring durability.
The key feature addition is, of course, active noise cancellation, boasting a claimed noise reduction of up to 45dB. Other returning features include quick switching between two paired devices, automatic low-latency mode activation for a seamless gaming experience, and support for Google Fast Pair on compatible devices.
HeyMelody App and Specifications
Stepping into the realm of neckband app support, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC comes equipped with the HeyMelody app for Android. It allows users to:
- Monitor Battery Life: Keep track of your headset’s juice.
- Switch Modes: Easily toggle between ANC and transparency modes.
- Customise Buttons: Personalize the functionality of the two modifiable buttons.
- Control the Equaliser: Choose from four preset equalizers or create custom settings for your preferred sound signature.
On select OnePlus and Oppo phones, these settings are accessible directly from the system Bluetooth settings, simplifying the user experience.
The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC utilizes 12.4mm dynamic drivers with a frequency response range of 20–20,000Hz and a 112dB sensitivity rating. It relies on Bluetooth 5.2 for connectivity, an upgrade from the non-ANC model’s Bluetooth 5, and supports the SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs.
Sound, Battery Life, and ANC Performance
The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC echoes its predecessor in terms of sound, retaining the bass-heavy sonic tuning of the default equalizer. While you can tweak the audio signature using the customisable EQ, the default setting leans heavily towards powerful bass frequencies.
The headset delivers impressive loudness, reaching comfortably high volume levels. This ensures a clear listening experience even in noisy environments, though it’s important to be mindful of your hearing health and not push the volume to unsafe levels.
The bass-forward sonic signature shines with genres like EDM, enhancing driving beats and recreating the powerful feeling of a concert experience. However, for music with delicate vocals or intricate melodies, the strong bass can overshadow other elements of the track.
The headline feature, active noise cancellation, delivers satisfactory performance for its price point. It effectively attenuates low-pitched ambient sounds, leaving a subtle hum for noises like a whirring ceiling fan. The transparency mode, however, feels unnatural and over-amplified.
Call quality is generally good, ensuring clear conversation even in bustling environments.
Battery life is impressive for a neckband with ANC. The 220mAh battery provides around 18 hours of playback with ANC turned on, coupled with fast charging that restores a full charge in just 15 minutes. This quick charging feature is a standout point for the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC, setting it apart from its competitors.
Verdict: A Solid Upgrade, But Not a Revolution
The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC offers a compelling upgrade over its predecessor, especially for those seeking a quieter listening experience. The ANC performance, while not groundbreaking, is decent for the price point.
The booming bass is a subjective preference, appealing to those who enjoy a punchy audio experience but potentially overpowering for listeners seeking balanced sound. The accidental power switch activation remains a frustrating annoyance.
Overall, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC is a solid choice for those who appreciate the neckband form factor and demand a comfortable listening experience with decent noise cancellation. However, those looking for a truly revolutionary leap in audio technology may find true wireless options more compelling. Regardless of your choice, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC proves that neckband earphones still have a place in the ever-evolving world of personal audio.
