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Is the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro Worth It?
In the ever-evolving world of audio technology, finding a pair of budget-friendly truly wireless earbuds that deliver on multiple fronts can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Enter the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro, a pair of earbuds that promises to punch well above their weight class. Let’s dive into what makes these earbuds a compelling choice for the price-conscious consumer.
Pricing, Specs, and Availability
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro, launched earlier this month alongside the OnePlus Watch 2R, are not exactly brand new. These are essentially the Oppo Enco 4 Pro earbuds, rebadged under the OnePlus name. Priced at $80, they are already available at a $20 discount on OnePlus’ website, making them an attractive option for budget buyers.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | Up to 49dB Active Noise Cancellation |
| Microphones | Two analog and one digital |
| IP Rating | IP55 (earbuds only) |
| Supported Codecs | AAC/SBC |
| Weight (earbuds) | 4.4 g |
| Dimensions (earbuds) | 2.999 x 2.030 x 2.387 cm |
| Charging Time | About 80 minutes for a full charge |
| Driver Size | 12.4 mm dynamic driver |
| Color Options | Soft Jade, Starry Black |
| Port | USB-C |
| Battery Life (earbuds) | 5.5 hours (ANC on), 12 hours (ANC off) |
| Battery Life (case) | 20 hours (ANC on), 44 hours (ANC off) |
| Dimensions (case) | 6.660 x 5.124 x 2.483 cm |
What I Like
Design and Fit
Immediately after unboxing the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro, the design stands out. The earbuds have a speckled appearance, adding more character compared to the typical solid color designs. The charging case is more compact with an egg-shaped form factor and flat edges, making it both stylish and practical. The fit is comfortable, ensuring a good seal which is essential for both passive noise isolation and effective active noise cancellation (ANC).
Sound Quality
For a pair of earbuds under $100, the sound quality of the Nord Buds 3 Pro is impressive. They offer a fuller sound with better isolation compared to other budget options like the Beats Solo Buds. While there’s a slight overemphasis on bass, the overall audio experience is enjoyable. These earbuds might not replace high-end options like the AirPods Pro 2, but they are arguably the best-sounding earbuds in their price range.
Transparency Mode
One feature that stands out is the transparency mode. This allows users to hear ambient sounds without removing the earbuds, making it convenient for quick interactions, such as ordering a coffee or answering a question. This feature is often missing in budget earbuds, making it a valuable addition to the Nord Buds 3 Pro.
What I Don’t Like
Touch Controls
The touch controls on the Nord Buds 3 Pro are a significant downside. They are so unreliable that I initially thought the earbuds didn’t support them at all. The only gesture that works consistently is the long press to cycle through ANC modes. For everything else, such as play/pause or volume adjustments, the controls are frustratingly inconsistent. This often results in users resorting to their phones or watches for control.
ANC Performance
While the active noise-canceling feature is present, it isn’t significantly better than the passive isolation provided by the earbuds’ fit. The ANC does help, but most of the noise reduction comes from the seal created by the ear tips. For a budget pair of earbuds, this isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s worth noting if you’re expecting high-end ANC performance.
Should You Buy the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro?
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro offer a compelling package for those on a budget. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide if they’re right for you:
You Should Buy the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro If:
- You have a OnePlus phone and want a budget-friendly pair of earbuds that integrate well with your device.
- You want earbuds with ANC and good battery life for under $100.
- You appreciate a well-designed and comfortable pair of earbuds.
You Should NOT Buy the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro If:
- You have a bigger budget and can afford to pay more for a higher-end pair of truly wireless earbuds.
- You need powerful ANC and advanced software features.
- The poor touch controls are a dealbreaker for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro are a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers. They offer decent sound quality, a comfortable fit, and useful features like transparency mode. While the touch controls and ANC could use improvement, these drawbacks are forgivable given the price point. If you’re looking for a pair of affordable earbuds that deliver on core features, the Are the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro a Good Purchase? are worth considering.
The bottom line is that the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro offer more than you’d expect from a pair of earbuds in this price range, making them a valuable pick in the budget category.