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OnePlus Buds 3 Review: A Luxurious And Affordable Auditory Experience
In the ever-competitive world of tech, OnePlus has once again made waves with its latest offering, the OnePlus Buds 3. Building upon the success of its predecessors, this iteration aims not just for improvement but for domination in the budget-friendly premium earbuds market. Let’s delve into its features, performance, and how it measures up to industry giants such as Apple’s AirPods Pro.
A Leap in Performance and Design
The OnePlus Buds 3 mark a significant progression from their previous models. At first glance, the design and build quality signal a shift towards more luxurious aesthetics without the hefty price tag. These buds are encased in a sleek, compact charging case that opens like a miniature treasure chest, revealing earbuds with a metal-like finish and ergonomic design. With a range of colors including a splendid blue, OnePlus provides a refreshing deviation from the traditional color palette of black and white, predominantly seen in this category.
Apart from their visually appealing design, the OnePlus Buds 3 have eliminated the drawbacks noted in the OnePlus Buds Pro 2, notably the lag in music stopping when removing a bud and the underwhelming performance of spatial audio. Instead, they introduce the OnePlus 3D Audio, which rivals Apple’s Spatial Audio and Bose’s Immersive Sound, offering a more engaging and immersive listening experience.
Noteworthy Features at a Glance
OnePlus Buds 3 boast a suite of features that challenge even the premium segment of earbuds. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), intuitive touch controls, IP55 water protection, and support for the latest Bluetooth 5.3 codec make them a standout. The dual dynamic drivers, with a 10.4mm woofer and a 6mm tweeter, promise a rich sound profile that enhances listening across various genres of music.
From a battery perspective, the buds offer 6.5 hours of playback with ANC on, extending up to 44 hours with the charging case. An impressive feat for earbuds priced at just $100. Furthermore, their compatibility across iOS and Android platforms, facilitated by the HeyMelody app, adds to their universal appeal.
The Sound Quality That Sets Them Apart
Upon testing, the OnePlus Buds 3 delivered an audio quality that punches above its weight. The soundstage is warm, yet allows for clarity in vocals and instrumentation. Testing across tracks from Lorde to Norah Jones and even Bad Bunny demonstrated the earbuds’ ability to handle a diverse range of frequencies and rhythms without compromising on quality.
With ANC enabled, the immersive experience intensified, effectively isolating audio from bustling surroundings such as New York City’s subway stations and crowded gyms. It’s noteworthy that the performance of OnePlus’ ANC rivals that of higher-priced options, providing silence and concentration that enhances the listening experience significantly.
Comparing To Giants: OnePlus Buds 3 vs. AirPods Pro
When measured against the juggernauts of the earbuds market, the OnePlus Buds 3 present a compelling option. They offer similar, if not superior, ANC capabilities at a fraction of the cost of Apple’s AirPods Pro. The ease of use, through gentle-touch controls and a more secure fit, places them a notch above in terms of user experience for active lifestyles.
While the AirPods Pro may still lead in certain aspects, including the comprehensiveness of Spatial Audio, the OnePlus Buds 3 emerge as a strong contender, especially for budget-conscious consumers seeking premium features without the premium price.
In conclusion, the OnePlus Buds 3 impress with their blend of luxury, advanced features, and affordability. They challenge the norms of what budget earbuds can offer, positioning themselves as a must-consider for anyone in the market for new earbuds. Will they dethrone the reigning champions in the earbuds market? Only time will tell, but for now, OnePlus has certainly delivered a product worth noticing.
