The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2: A Solid But Unremarkable Upgrade
While the OnePlus 10 Pro stole the show at their recent launch event, the company also unveiled a new addition to their Bullets wireless audio range – the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2. This neckband-style headset aims to capture the hearts of buyers with its focus on foundational qualities, but in an ever-evolving market dominated by true wireless earbuds, does it succeed? Priced at Rs. 1,999, the Z2 promises a compelling value proposition, but how does it stack up against its predecessor, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z, and the ever-growing competition? This review dives in to find out.
Familiar Design with Subtle Tweaks
The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 maintains the recognizable aesthetic of its predecessors, the Bullets Wireless 2 and Bullets Wireless Z. The flexible neckband, the signature earpiece shapes, and the short cables connecting the neckband to the earpieces all contribute to a familiar and comfortable profile for OnePlus fans. However, there are subtle deviations to distinguish the Z2. Notably, the in-line remote and microphone have been omitted, and the control buttons now reside on the left module of the neckband. The ear tips have also seen a slight reduction in size, resulting in a fit and usage experience largely similar to its predecessor, including the comfortable feel and impressive noise isolation. These earphones boast an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance, ensuring they can handle everyday use.
The left module houses the USB Type-C port for charging, while the right module showcases a sleek OnePlus logo. Maintaining a core feature of the previous iteration, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 turns on/off by simply separating the magnetically attached earpieces. While this offers quick and easy control, there’s a slight risk of accidental activation while stored in a bag due to the earpieces becoming separated during movement.
Enhanced Audio with Larger Drivers
Under the hood, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 boasts a significant upgrade – larger 12.4mm dynamic drivers replacing the smaller ones in the previous generation. This change brings about a noticeable improvement in sound quality, particularly in terms of punch and drive. Bluetooth 5.0 ensures stable wireless connectivity, with support for the SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs. Quick pairing is supported for select OnePlus devices (OnePlus 6T and newer), but the convenient Quick Switch feature, which allowed users to rapidly switch between the two most recently used devices, has unfortunately been omitted from the Z2. The package includes three pairs of silicone ear tips in different sizes and a short charging cable for added convenience.
Fast Charging with Excellent Battery Life
The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 boasts another notable upgrade – fast charging. A mere 10 minutes of charging is claimed to replenish the battery to 70 percent, delivering an impressive 20 hours of listening time. In practice, the earphones took approximately 20 minutes for a full charge, making them among the fastest charging neckband-style earphones available.
While advertised for up to 30 hours of usage on a single charge, our real-world testing indicated around 20 hours of continuous playback at 60 percent volume. This is still a commendable performance for a wireless neckband headset, and combined with the rapid charging capability, it makes the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 a compelling choice for individuals concerned about battery life.
Improved Audio with a Punchier Sound
The larger 12.4mm drivers in the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 play a key role in the enhanced audio quality, delivering a more punchy and driven sonic signature. While retaining the clarity and detail that defined the original Bullets Wireless Z, the Z2 introduces a more dynamic and engaging listening experience.
The larger drivers significantly contribute to impressive volume levels. The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 delivers a surprisingly loud output even at the 50 percent volume mark. This characteristic is especially beneficial when using the earphones in noisy environments. While the lack of active noise cancellation might be a drawback for some, the impressive volume levels effectively compensate in many instances.
We tested the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 with various musical genres to evaluate its audio performance. In tracks like "The Great Divide" by Velvetine, the aggressive sonic signature was immediately apparent. The fast, punchy beat resonated with power, even the gentler bass elements carried a deep rumble. This amplified the bass, making it feel grounded and impactful, although at higher volumes, it could lead to listener fatigue.
With tracks like "Hocus Pocus" by Focus, the bass remained well-controlled and didn’t overwhelm the rest of the track, showcasing the impressive mid-range and highs. The earphones delivered a remarkable level of detail, particularly in the percussion elements, which sounded pristine and crisp. Despite the complexity of the track, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 exhibited a pacey and cohesive performance, effectively handling the busy nature of the track without any signs of strain.
The wireless connectivity provided by the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 proved stable and reliable during testing. The earphones maintained a reliable connection up to 3 meters away from the source device. Call quality was deemed adequate, both indoors and outdoors. The microphone, strategically placed on the neckband, delivered clear audio even in noisy environments.
Conclusion: A Strong Contender, but Not a Game-Changer
The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 represents a solid upgrade over its predecessor, offering excellent value for the price. It delivers enhanced audio quality, fast charging capabilities, and a respectable battery life. However, while a good option for budget-conscious consumers seeking dependable audio, it doesn’t quite possess the same game-changing impact as the original Bullets Wireless Z did in 2020.
The increased competition in the wireless audio market has raised the bar, and other options like the Realme Buds Wireless 2 offer a superior experience with features like LDAC Bluetooth codec support and active noise cancellation, albeit at a slightly higher price. Ultimately, if you prioritize solid performance, fast charging, and a bass-focused sound signature, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 remains a strong consideration. But for those seeking a more comprehensive and feature-rich audio experience, exploring other options might be more rewarding.
