The OnePlus Buds 3 Pro has finally hit the market, and they’re making waves in the world of wireless earbuds. As a long-time audio enthusiast and tech reviewer, I’ve had the pleasure of testing these earbuds extensively over the past few weeks. In this comprehensive review, I’ll share my honest thoughts on everything from sound quality to battery life, helping you decide if these are the right earbuds for you.
First Impressions and Design
Upon unboxing the OnePlus Buds 3 Pro, I was immediately struck by their sleek and modern design. The charging case is compact and feels premium in hand, with a matte finish that resists fingerprints admirably. The earbuds themselves are lightweight and comfortable, fitting snugly in my ears without causing any discomfort during extended listening sessions.
OnePlus has put thought into the aesthetics, offering the Buds 3 Pro in three sophisticated colors: Midnight Black, Arctic White, and Misty Blue. The buds feature a subtle OnePlus logo on each stem, adding a touch of brand identity without being overly conspicuous.
Sound Quality: A Sonic Delight
Now, let’s dive into what really matters – the sound quality. The OnePlus Buds 3 Pro are equipped with 11mm dynamic drivers, which deliver a surprisingly wide soundstage for earbuds in this price range. The bass response is punchy and well-defined, without overpowering the mids and highs.
I tested these earbuds with a variety of music genres, and they performed admirably across the board. From the intricate guitar work in jazz tracks to the thumping beats of electronic dance music, the Buds 3 Pro handled it all with finesse. Vocal clarity is particularly impressive, making these earbuds an excellent choice for podcast enthusiasts as well.
One standout feature is the support for LHDC (Low Latency High-Definition Audio Codec) technology, which allows for higher bitrate wireless audio transmission. This results in noticeably better audio quality when paired with compatible devices.
Active Noise Cancellation: Silence is Golden
The active noise cancellation (ANC) on the OnePlus Buds 3 Pro is a game-changer. With three levels of ANC (Light, Normal, and Max), you can customize your listening experience based on your environment. I found the Max setting particularly effective at blocking out ambient noise during my daily commute.
What impressed me most was the adaptive ANC feature. The earbuds automatically adjust the level of noise cancellation based on your surroundings, ensuring optimal audio quality without you having to fiddle with settings constantly.
Battery Life and Charging
OnePlus claims up to 9 hours of playback time with ANC off, and I found this to be fairly accurate in my testing. With ANC on, you can expect around 6-7 hours of continuous use. The charging case provides an additional 38 hours of battery life, meaning you can go several days without needing to plug in.
Speaking of charging, the OnePlus Buds 3 Pro supports both wired and wireless charging. A quick 10-minute charge gives you about 3 hours of playback time, which is perfect for those moments when you’re in a rush.
Connectivity and Controls
Pairing the OnePlus Buds 3 Pro with my smartphone was a breeze, thanks to the Bluetooth 5.3 technology. The connection remained stable throughout my testing, even when moving between rooms in my house.
The touch controls on the earbuds are intuitive and responsive. You can play/pause music, skip tracks, adjust volume, and toggle ANC with various tap combinations. OnePlus also allows you to customize these controls through their companion app, which is a nice touch for those who prefer a personalized experience.
Call Quality
For those who frequently use their earbuds for phone calls, the OnePlus Buds 3 Pro won’t disappoint. The three-mic array in each earbud, combined with AI noise reduction algorithms, ensures clear voice pickup even in noisy environments. During my test calls, recipients reported that my voice came through loud and clear, with minimal background noise.
Software and Customization
The OnePlus Buds app (available for both Android and iOS) offers a range of customization options. You can adjust the EQ settings, customize touch controls, and even locate your earbuds if you’ve misplaced them. The app also provides firmware updates, ensuring your Buds 3 Pro stays up-to-date with the latest features and improvements.
Durability and Water Resistance
With an IP55 rating, the OnePlus Buds 3 Pro is resistant to dust and water splashes. While they’re not suitable for swimming, they can easily handle sweat during workouts or light rain. This level of protection adds to the overall value proposition, making these earbuds a versatile choice for various lifestyles.
Value for Money
Considering the feature set and performance, the OnePlus Buds 3 Pro offers excellent value for money. They compete favorably with more expensive options from big-name brands, making them an attractive choice for budget-conscious audiophiles.
Final Verdict
After spending considerable time with the OnePlus Buds 3 Pro, I can confidently say they’re a worthy contender in the crowded wireless earbud market. The combination of impressive sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and long battery life makes them a solid choice for most users.
While they may not dethrone the absolute top-tier earbuds in terms of audio fidelity, they come remarkably close at a much more attractive price point. For OnePlus fans and newcomers alike, the Buds 3 Pro represents a sound investment that delivers on both features and performance.
If you’re in the market for a new pair of wireless earbuds that offer a premium experience without breaking the bank, the OnePlus Buds 3 Pro should definitely be on your shortlist. They’ve certainly earned a permanent spot in my daily audio rotation.
