Looking for truly wireless earbuds that deliver premium features without the hefty price tag? The OnePlus Buds 3 might be your perfect match. Let’s dive deep into this new offering from OnePlus and see if it lives up to the hype.
Design and Build: Familiar Yet Fresh
The OnePlus Buds 3 charging case borrows heavily from the design of the Buds Pro 2. It’s a little thicker due to the larger battery, but the plastic build keeps the cost down without sacrificing functionality. The case is easy to open and close with one hand, thanks to its thicker profile.
The earbuds come in two colour options: Splendid Blue and Metallic Gray. We tested the Splendid Blue, which features a sleek chrome finish on the stems and a vibrant blue plastic casing near the silicone tips. These chrome stems, while thicker than the Buds Pro 2, offer a good grip (though they do attract fingerprints) and prevent accidental slips when handling them.
Comfort is a strong point for the Buds 3. Just like the Pro 2, they wear like a dream, and extended listening sessions won’t leave your ears feeling fatigued. Both the charging case (40.8 grams) and individual earbuds (4.8 grams) are lightweight, making them even more comfortable to carry around. An IP55 rating for dust and water resistance adds another layer of reassurance, allowing you to use them during workouts or light rain without worry. Two additional pairs of silicone ear tips and a USB-C charging cable round out the package.
App Support and Features: Tailored for OnePlus and Beyond
OnePlus smartphone users get a seamless experience with the Buds 3. All settings and customizations are accessible directly through the Bluetooth menu. You can adjust ANC effectiveness, tweak the equalizer, activate 3D audio, and personalize the earbud controls for a truly customized listening experience. Bonus features like finding lost earbuds and camera control are exclusive to OnePlus phones, though.
Non-OnePlus users and iPhone owners needn’t fret. The HeyMelody app (available for Android and iOS) offers a wide range of control and customization options. This includes Noise Control (ANC), equalizer adjustments, OnePlus’ signature Golden Sound processing, and even access to the impressive 3D Audio feature. Additionally, the app allows toggling dual connections, checking connected devices, and even activating a low-latency game mode for a more immersive gaming experience. Firmware updates are also possible directly through the app, a convenient feature for iPhone users.
The OnePlus Buds 3 introduce a brand-new touch control system. Sliding your finger up or down the stem provides accurate feedback and allows you to either change tracks or adjust volume – a significant improvement over previous models.
Next Up: Audio Performance and Battery Life
Stay tuned for the next section of our in-depth review, where we’ll explore the audio quality of the OnePlus Buds 3 and delve into their impressive battery life! We’ll also discuss some potential drawbacks and compare them to similar offerings in the market.
