OnePlus Buds 3 Review

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The OnePlus Buds 3 are the latest addition to the true wireless earbuds market, priced under ₹6000. These earbuds offer a balanced blend of performance and value, making them a notable option in their category. They are designed for those who seek high-quality sound and convenience without breaking the bank.

Noise Cancellation and Isolation

The OnePlus Buds 3 features active noise cancellation (ANC) that performs effectively in various environments. Whether you’re on a noisy street, in a bustling café, or travelling, these earbuds manage to reduce background noise significantly. Users have reported that the ANC is particularly good at handling low-frequency sounds.

With the Buds 3, you also get an ambient sound mode, which allows you to stay aware of your surroundings. This is especially useful for activities like jogging or cycling, where awareness is crucial. Users appreciate the seamless transition between ANC and ambient modes, making it easy to switch based on the situation. The adaptive transparency feature in the Buds 3 responds quickly to environmental changes, enhancing the overall user experience by adjusting noise cancellation in real time.

Sound Quality

The OnePlus Buds 3 offer a dynamic sound signature that caters to a wide range of listeners. The initial impression reveals a well-balanced audio profile with a slight emphasis on bass, making them suitable for various music genres.

Bass: The Buds 3’s bass is prominent and tight, providing a punchy low-end that enhances the listening experience. It’s not overpowering but adds a satisfying depth to the music.

Midrange: Vocals and instruments are clear and well-defined. The midrange stands out with its clarity, ensuring that vocals sound natural and instruments have a strong presence.

Treble: The treble is detailed and extends well without becoming harsh or sibilant, allowing for a bright and lively sound that brings out the finer details in the music.

Soundstage and Imaging: The Buds 3 create an impressive sense of space, making you feel immersed in the music. The imaging is precise, allowing you to place different sounds within the soundscape accurately.

Supported codecs

Supported codecs include SBC, AAC, and LDHC, which contribute to the high-resolution audio experience. The LDHC codec, in particular, offers superior sound quality when paired with compatible devices, ensuring that the audio remains crisp and clear.

Design and Build Quality

The OnePlus Buds 3 sport a sleek and modern design with a shiny metallic finish that covers the entire earbud. This design choice not only gives them a premium look but also enhances the grip, making them easier to handle.

Constructed from high-quality materials, the Buds 3 feel solid and well-built in hand. The glossy finish adds to their aesthetic appeal, while the overall design remains compact and lightweight.

The Buds 3 offer exceptional comfort and fit. Multiple ear tip sizes ensure a secure and personalized fit for different users. The stem-style design helps the earbuds stay in place, making them suitable for extended wear without causing discomfort.

The Buds 3 are designed to withstand daily use and have an IP rating for water and dust resistance, making them a reliable choice for workouts and outdoor activities. Their added durability ensures that the earbuds can handle sweat and minor splashes, enhancing their longevity.

Battery Life and Charging

The OnePlus Buds 3 boast an impressive battery life, delivering up to 10 hours of playback time on a single charge with ANC turned off. In real-world usage, they consistently provide close to the advertised 10 hours. With ANC activated, the playback time is slightly reduced but still offers a substantial listening duration.

The charging case complements the earbuds by providing additional charges, extending the total battery life to 44 hours. This extended battery life ensures that you have ample power for extended use without needing to recharge frequently.

However, it’s important to note that the Buds 3 do not support wireless charging, which might be a consideration for some users. Additionally, while the Buds Pro 2 offer fast charging that gives around 10 hours of playtime after just 10 minutes of charging, such a feature is not mentioned for the Buds 3. Despite this, the overall battery performance remains robust, making the OnePlus Buds 3 a reliable choice for long listening sessions.

Connectivity and Controls

The OnePlus Buds 3 are equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a stable connection and an extended range. Users have reported reliable connectivity without frequent dropouts, even when moving around within a standard Bluetooth range.

Pairing the Buds 3 with different devices is straightforward. The process is quick and user-friendly, making it easy to switch between devices without hassle. Once paired, the earbuds maintain a strong connection, enhancing the overall user experience.

One of the standout features is the support for multi-device connection. The Buds 3 can connect to two devices simultaneously, allowing seamless transitions between, for example, your phone and laptop. This feature is particularly useful for those who multitask across different devices.

The Buds 3 utilize touch-sensitive controls, offering a modern and responsive way to manage playback and calls. The addition of swipe gestures for volume control is a welcome improvement, providing an intuitive user experience. These touch controls are precise and respond well to user input, enhancing convenience.

App integration is another highlight. The accompanying app allows for various customizable settings, including EQ adjustments and touch control configurations. Users can tailor their listening experience and control preferences, making the Buds 3 versatile and adaptable to individual needs.

Additional Features

The OnePlus Buds 3 come with a range of additional features that enhance their functionality and user experience. One notable inclusion is voice assistant support, which allows users to interact with their preferred voice assistant directly through the earbuds. This feature adds convenience for hands-free control and quick access to information.

The app offers customizable sound profiles and EQ settings, allowing users to fine-tune their audio experience. Multiple presets and the option to create custom EQ settings allow users to adjust the sound to match their preferences. The Golden Sound option even personalizes the EQ based on a brief hearing test, ensuring an optimized listening experience.

One of the standout features of the Buds 3 is the 3D audio capability, which enhances the spatial presence of the music. Although it does not include head tracking, this feature increases volume. It adds depth to the audio, creating a more immersive experience.

The Buds 3’s transparency mode is effective, allowing ambient sounds to filter through when needed. This is particularly useful in situations where situational awareness is crucial, such as jogging or cycling. The adaptive transparency feature further refines this by quickly adjusting to changes in the environment, ensuring consistent performance.

Additionally, wear detection automatically pauses playback when the earbuds are removed and resumes when they are placed back in the ears. This feature helps conserve battery and provides a seamless listening experience.

Call Quality

The OnePlus Buds 3 excel in call quality, offering clear and crisp microphone performance that ensures your voice is transmitted effectively to the other person. Users have reported that voices come through distinctly, even in moderately noisy environments, making them reliable for both professional and personal calls.

Background noise reduction is effective with the Buds 3, as they manage to isolate your voice from ambient sounds. Whether you’re in a busy café or walking on a bustling street, the earbuds effectively suppress background noise, allowing the other person to hear you clearly without distractions. This feature enhances the overall calling experience, ensuring clear communication regardless of your surroundings.

Who Should Buy These Earbuds?

The OnePlus Buds 3 are ideal for users who prioritize a balanced blend of performance, convenience, and affordability in their wireless earbuds. They cater well to music enthusiasts and commuters seeking reliable active noise cancellation and a dynamic sound profile.

With their comfortable fit, durable design, and seamless connectivity features like multi-device pairing and intuitive touch controls, the Buds 3 are particularly suitable for individuals who value versatility and ease of use in their daily activities.

Whether you’re a frequent traveller, a fitness enthusiast, or someone who appreciates clear call quality and customizable sound settings, the OnePlus Buds 3 offer a compelling option in the wireless earbuds market.

Conclusion

The OnePlus Buds 3 deliver a compelling package of features and performance at an accessible price point. With strong ANC capabilities, excellent call quality, and customizable sound options, they cater well to a wide range of users looking for reliable wireless earbuds. The sleek design, comfortable fit, and intuitive touch controls add to their appeal, making them suitable for daily use and various activities.

For those seeking a budget-friendly option without compromising on essential features like sound quality and connectivity, the OnePlus Buds 3 offer good value. Whether you’re commuting, working out, or enjoying your favourite tunes at home, these earbuds provide a balanced blend of functionality and affordability.