The OnePlus Nord Buds 3, launched in India on September 17, 2024, aim to deliver a budget-friendly true wireless stereo (TWS) experience. These earphones come packed with features like 12.4mm titanium dynamic drivers, up to 32dB of active noise cancellation (ANC), and a promised battery life of up to 43 hours. But how do they stack up against expectations, especially when compared to their Pro counterpart? Let’s find out.
Design and Comfort: Familiar Yet Functional
The design of the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 doesn’t stray far from its Pro variant. With a traditional in-ear design and silicone ear tips available in small, medium, and large sizes, they offer a comfortable fit for prolonged use. The earbud stems are wide at the bottom, allowing for a better grip and reducing the chances of accidental touch control activation.
The case is lightweight, compact, and easy to carry, featuring a USB Type-C port and a pairing button. However, the lack of water resistance in the case is a downside, though the earbuds themselves carry an IP55 rating. Available in Harmonic Gray and Melodic White, the Nord Buds 3 present a sleek yet simple aesthetic.
Sound Quality and ANC: Heavy Bass, Light Details
One of the standout features of the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 is the bass-heavy sound signature. While the bass packs a punch, it comes at the expense of detail in the higher frequencies. Songs often sound muddied, especially for users accustomed to a more balanced sound experience. Fortunately, the Hey Melody app offers customizable EQ settings, which somewhat help mitigate these issues, though it’s not a perfect solution.
The 32dB ANC is present, but its performance is lackluster, especially when compared to more premium options. It manages to muffle minor background noises but fails to block out louder disturbances effectively. Transparency mode is similarly underwhelming, allowing more sound than desired.
Battery Life: The True Star
Where the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 truly shine is in their battery performance. Without ANC, the earbuds offer around 42 hours of playback time, with each individual earbud providing over 11 hours of use on a single charge. When ANC is activated, the battery life drops to approximately 26 hours, with about six hours per earbud. These numbers are impressive, particularly for budget earphones, making the Nord Buds 3 ideal for users who prioritize long listening sessions
Verdict: Budget-Friendly With Trade-offs
At Rs. 2,299, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 are a solid choice for users on a tight budget who prioritize battery life and a bass-heavy sound. While the sound lacks clarity and the ANC is subpar, the comfortable fit and dual device connectivity make them a compelling option for casual listeners. However, for those seeking a more balanced audio experience or better noise cancellation, upgrading to the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro for an additional Rs. 1,000 is well worth considering
