After spending some time using the OnePlus Nord Buds 3, I can confidently say that these earbuds have exceeded my expectations in almost every way. Whether it’s the incredible bass, the highly effective active noise cancellation (ANC), or the exceptional battery life, the Nord Buds 3 pack a punch in the highly competitive world of affordable true wireless earbuds. Here’s my detailed review, reflecting my hands-on experience with these earbuds.
Design and Comfort
One of the first things that caught my attention about the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 is their sleek and modern design. Available in two premium colors, Harmonic Gray and Melodic White, they have a minimalist aesthetic that feels both elegant and practical. The earbuds have a glossy finish that’s pleasing to the touch and durable enough to resist scratches. The charging case, with its vertical design, fits easily into my pocket, and flipping it open with one hand is a breeze — making it convenient when I’m on the go.
Weighing just 4.2 grams per earbud, the Nord Buds 3 are incredibly light and comfortable. I could wear them for hours without experiencing any discomfort. The ergonomic design, which features softer curves where the earbuds touch the ears, provides a snug fit without feeling intrusive. Whether I was using them for long work calls or listening to music during a workout, they remained securely in place.
The Nord Buds 3 are built to withstand a variety of environments, thanks to their IP55 rating for water and dust resistance. I tested them during a workout session, and even though they were exposed to sweat and some light rain, they continued to perform flawlessly. It’s reassuring to know that these earbuds can handle some real-world wear and tear without compromising performance.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
One of the standout features of the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 is the active noise cancellation, which offers up to 32dB of noise reduction. I tested them in various environments, from noisy cafés to crowded public transportation, and the ANC performed impressively across the board. The earbuds utilize feedforward technology to cancel out external noise before it even reaches my ears, which made my music sessions feel incredibly immersive.
Transparency Mode is also a game-changer. It allows me to be aware of my surroundings without taking the earbuds out. This came in handy while walking through busy streets, as I could hear important external sounds like traffic or public announcements. In my experience, toggling between ANC and Transparency Mode was seamless and didn’t interrupt my music flow.
Sound Quality: A Bass Lover’s Dream
As someone who enjoys bass-heavy music, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 truly deliver on the audio front. The 12.4mm drivers, paired with OnePlus’ proprietary BassWave 2.0 technology, provide a rich, deep sound that feels almost as if I’m in a live concert. However, while the bass is particularly satisfying, it can sometimes feel a bit too prominent, especially in genres where balance across the frequency range is key. This overemphasis on the low-end can occasionally drown out the mids and highs, making certain tracks feel less detailed than I would have liked.
Although the Sound Master Equalizer offers three presets — Balanced, Serenade, and Bass — the customizability feels somewhat limited. I often found myself wishing for more nuanced controls, as even in Balanced mode, the sound profile leans slightly towards bass-heavy, which might not be ideal for listeners who prefer a more neutral sound.
The addition of 3D Audio for OnePlus smartphone users is a nice touch, adding depth and directional sound. However, its availability is restricted to certain OnePlus devices, meaning non-OnePlus users won’t get to experience this feature, which feels like a missed opportunity for a broader audience.
Battery Life: Long-Lasting and Fast-Charging
Battery life is another area where the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 excel. On a single charge, I could listen to music for up to 12 hours with ANC off. When paired with the charging case, this extended to a whopping 43 hours of playback time, which is one of the longest battery life claims I’ve seen in this category.
One feature I particularly appreciated was the fast charging. In just 10 minutes of charging, the earbuds provided an additional 11 hours of playback. This is incredibly useful when you’re on the move and don’t have the luxury of waiting for a full charge. Whether I was on a long-haul flight or a day trip, I never had to worry about running out of juice.
Additionally, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 are the first earbuds to receive TÜV Rheinland Battery Health certification, which means the battery is built to last. After 1,000 charging cycles, the battery still retains 80% of its original capacity, ensuring that these earbuds will serve me well for years to come.
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4, Dual Connection, and Google Fast Pair
The connectivity features on the Nord Buds 3 are nothing short of impressive. Powered by Bluetooth 5.4, I experienced smooth and reliable connections whether I was paired with my smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Dual Connection allows the earbuds to pair with two devices simultaneously, so I could easily switch between my phone and laptop without missing a beat. This was especially useful during work, where I frequently switch between Zoom calls and music.
Google Fast Pair is another convenient feature for Android users. It made the initial pairing process effortless, and the buds automatically connected to my phone as soon as I opened the case. For someone who dislikes the hassle of manual pairing, this feature felt like a time-saver.
Call Quality: Crystal Clear Conversations
For an affordable pair of earbuds, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 offer solid call quality. They feature a dual-mic system that leverages AI-based algorithms to pick up and amplify my voice even in noisy environments. However, while the person on the other end of the line could generally hear me clearly, there were occasional moments when the AI struggled to completely filter out background noise, particularly in very loud settings like a busy café or a crowded street.
The AI Clear Calls feature does a good job of reducing background noise, but it isn’t flawless. In some cases, I noticed that certain ambient sounds, like wind or sudden loud noises, could still seep through, causing minor disruptions during calls. While the call quality is generally impressive for the price, it may not always deliver the same level of clarity in particularly challenging environments.
Pros and Cons of the OnePlus Nord Buds 3
Pros:
- Sleek and Comfortable Design: Lightweight, ergonomic design makes them comfortable for long-term use.
Effective Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Up to 32dB of noise reduction, making them ideal for use in noisy environments. - Strong Bass Performance: 12.4mm drivers and BassWave™ 2.0 provide deep, rich bass, perfect for bass lovers.
Long Battery Life: Offers up to 12 hours of playback on a single charge and 43 hours with the charging case. - Fast Charging: A quick 10-minute charge delivers an additional 11 hours of playback.
- Durability: IP55 rating for water and dust resistance, making them durable for various environments.
- Reliable Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4, Dual Connection, and Google Fast Pair ensure smooth and hassle-free pairing.
TÜV Rheinland Certification: Ensures long-lasting battery health after 1,000 charging cycles.
Cons:
- Bass Overemphasis: The bass can sometimes feel too prominent, overshadowing mids and highs in certain genres.
- Limited Sound Customization: The Sound Master Equalizer presets feel somewhat restrictive for users seeking more control.
- 3D Audio Feature Limited to OnePlus Devices: Non-OnePlus users miss out on the 3D Audio experience, which feels like a missed opportunity.
- Occasional Call Quality Issues: While generally good, the AI Clear Calls feature struggles to completely filter out background noise in very loud settings.
Price
The net effective price of INR 1,899 for the Nord Buds 3 seems quite reasonable, especially if it includes additional offers. Considering the features and performance of the earbuds, this price point could make them a compelling option in the market.
However, a more comprehensive review would require considering factors like sound quality, battery life, comfort, and additional features. Once these aspects are evaluated alongside the price, a more definitive assessment of the value proposition can be made.
Conclusion: An Outstanding All-Rounder
In conclusion, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 offer a premium experience at an entry-level price. From the impressive active noise cancellation to the heart-thumping bass and long-lasting battery, these earbuds have everything I need to enjoy my music and calls without interruptions. The design is sleek, the comfort level is high, and the sound quality is fantastic for this price range.
If you’re looking for a reliable pair of earbuds that won’t break the bank but still deliver on performance, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 are an excellent choice. Whether you’re a bass enthusiast, a frequent traveler, or someone who needs a dependable pair of earbuds for work calls, the Nord Buds 3 will not disappoint.
For me, these earbuds have become an essential part of my daily routine, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for great sound, comfort, and durability in an affordable package.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the battery life of the OnePlus Nord Buds 3?
A. The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 offer up to 12 hours of playback on a single charge (with ANC off). When used with the charging case, this extends to 43 hours of total playback time.
2. How effective is the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)?
A. The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 offer up to 32dB of active noise cancellation, effectively reducing external noise in environments like cafés, public transport, and offices. They also feature a Transparency Mode to help you stay aware of your surroundings when needed.
3. Do the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 support fast charging?
A. Yes, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 support fast charging. A quick 10-minute charge provides up to 11 hours of playback, which is ideal for those on the go.
4. Are the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 water and dust-resistant?
A. Yes, the Nord Buds 3 come with an IP55 rating, making them resistant to water splashes and dust, perfect for use during workouts or in light rain.
5. Can I use the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 with non-OnePlus devices?
A. Yes, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 are compatible with any Bluetooth-enabled device. However, some features, like 3D Audio, are exclusive to select OnePlus smartphones.
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