OnePlus Nord Buds 3r Review

OnePlus Nord Buds 3r offer an impressive audio experience at an affordable price point, making them a noteworthy option in the budget earbuds segment. Priced at just ₹1,599 during launch, these earbuds surprised many with their overall performance and features, outpacing other more expensive offerings in certain aspects.

Design and Comfort

The design of the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r aligns seamlessly with the Nord branding, featuring a clean and minimal aesthetic. These lightweight earbuds fit comfortably in the ears, making extended wear quite enjoyable. With an IP55 rating, they are well-equipped to handle sweaty workouts or light rain without any issues.

The charging case is compact and easily portable, exuding a sense of durability for its price. While it may not feel ultra-premium, it certainly doesn’t feel cheap either. The satisfying snap sound when closing the case adds an extra touch of quality.

Battery Life That Just Keeps Going

The standout feature of the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r is undoubtedly their phenomenal battery life. Promising up to 54 hours of usage (including the case), these earbuds excel in longevity. In practical terms, they held up so well that they only needed charging once in an entire week of use, which included long listening sessions, calls, and even light gaming.

This enduring performance truly elevates the user experience, as many budget earbuds typically require charging every few days, making this an exceptional benefit.

Sound Quality: Engaging with a Bass Emphasis

When it comes to audio performance, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r come equipped with 12.4mm titanium-coated drivers, which deliver a sound profile significantly focused on bass. This results in an energetic output perfect for genres like Bollywood, EDM, and hip-hop, although the bass can sometimes overshadow the mids and highs.

Lucky for users, the HeyMelody app allows for sound adjustments, providing the means to achieve a more balanced audio experience. While audiophiles might find some faults, casual listeners will find the earbuds to enhance their playlist experience considerably.

Impressive Features at This Price Point

The OnePlus Nord Buds 3r justify their pricing with thoughtful features. They utilise Bluetooth 5.4 for strong connectivity and allow dual-device pairing, making it easy to switch between devices like the OnePlus Pad 3 and Nord 5. A commendable 47ms low-latency gaming mode enhances the experience while playing fast-paced mobile games.

Pairing is streamlined with Google Fast Pair, while OnePlus includes useful functionalities such as Tap-2-Take photos, Aqua Touch controls, and Find My Earbuds. Although these features aren’t groundbreaking, they genuinely add value for the price paid.

AI Noise Cancellation for calls further enhances usability, reducing background noise effectively during conversations. Callers consistently reported clear communication, even in bustling environments like cafés.

The Drawbacks

However, no product is without its shortcomings. The primary drawback here is the absence of Active Noise Cancellation, which has become a common feature among budget competitors. Including this would have elevated the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r to an unbeatable status.

Additionally, the lack of in-ear detection means that music doesn’t pause when the earbuds are removed. While it may seem trivial, accustomed users will undoubtedly notice this omission.

Who Should Consider the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r?

The OnePlus Nord Buds 3r cater to individuals seeking long-lasting battery life, solid sound quality, and user-friendly features. They’re not aimed at audiophiles or frequent travellers who require effective ANC. However, at ₹1,599, or even ₹1,499 with promotions, they represent a compelling option for those in search of dependable, feature-rich earbuds at a reasonable price.

In summary, while the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r aren’t flawless, they cover the essential functionality well, proving to be a valuable addition to anyone’s audio collection.