OnePlus Nord Buds 2: A Step Up in the Value-For-Money Arena?
OnePlus has become synonymous with delivering premium features at a price that’s easy on the wallet, and their audio product line exemplifies this philosophy. The latest addition to the Nord family, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2, aims to continue this trend by introducing active noise cancellation for under Rs. 3,000. But can these earbuds offer a compelling audio experience while keeping the price tag reasonable? Let’s delve into its features and initial impressions.
Active Noise Cancellation Makes its Debut
The original OnePlus Nord Buds were known for their distinct and adventurous design, and the Nord Buds 2 largely maintains this aesthetic with minor improvements in color and texture. The in-canal fit remains comfortable, and the touch zones are less prone to collecting grime. The charging case also received a makeover, making it more pocket-friendly than its predecessor.
However, the most notable change is the inclusion of active noise cancellation (ANC). While a full evaluation is yet to come, initial impressions suggest the ANC performance aligns with expectations for this price range, comparable to earbuds like the Oppo Enco Air 2 Pro. Although a noticeable reduction in noise is evident, it’s not yet powerful enough to completely eliminate typical household sounds, such as the hum of a ceiling fan.
A More Aggressive Sonic Signature
On the connectivity front, the Nord Buds 2 sees enhancements with the adoption of Bluetooth 5.3, and codec support includes SBC and AAC. This ensures consistent sound quality across various devices, while the tuning itself has undergone a transformation, pushing towards a more engaging sonic signature. The bass response is ample, but the treble equally dominates with a punchy and bright sound. This aggressive approach results in a dynamic sound experience that often shifts depending on the genre of music being played.
While the HeyMelody app offers EQ adjustments for personalization, the balanced preset seemed to strike a good balance. The punchy-bright sound profile does tend to slightly affect the mid-range frequencies, though this didn’t significantly impact specific tracks, and even enhanced the precision and prominence in genres like house and jazz. A comprehensive assessment of the sound quality, however, will be reserved for the full review.
The OnePlus Nord Buds 2: Worth the Investment?
It’s still early to offer a definitive opinion, but initial impressions of the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 are generally positive. Alongside the improved sound experience, these true wireless earbuds also promise enhancements in battery life and app-based features. OnePlus launched the Nord CE 3 Lite 5G smartphone alongside the Nord Buds 2, creating a potential synergy for those seeking a complementary device package.
The inclusion of active noise cancellation at this price point is a compelling proposition, especially for users seeking an immersive experience with reduced background noise. However, the full review will provide a more detailed analysis of its performance, including comparisons with other earbuds within this price bracket. Ultimately, the question of whether the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 justifies its price tag will depend on individual listening preferences and priorities. Stay tuned for a comprehensive review of both the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 and the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite to gain a clearer picture of their overall value and performance.
