The OnePlus Buds and Buds Pro are both high-end headphones. In the inexpensive category, OnePlus unveiled the Nord Buds last year. We now have the OnePlus Nord Buds 2, which is the second edition and adds Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that was missing from the first generation. These were introduced at the same time as the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite, and our in-depth review of the device is now available. Read below to know all about the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 review.
OnePlus Nord Buds 2 review: Design
The Nord Buds 2 have a very similar appearance to the first generation. However, the design is quite good and more refined. The latest Buds casing has curved edges instead of the originals’ sharp edges, and they have a more compact form factor as a result of the casing’s smaller size.
The chagrin case has a good appearance and feels smooth and premium. On the top of the lid, there is a OnePlus logo, while the USB chagrin port and pairing button are located at the rear. On the front, there is also an LED indicator.
This also has a very powerful magnetic mechanism. It is excellent in that the earphones don’t accidentally fall out of the case. The buds are safely seated inside the case when you open it, a left and right indication is there and the top lid’s interior has a groove.
Also Read: OnePlus Buds Pro 2 Review: Should you buy them?
As said, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2’s design is quite identical to that of its predecessor. They have a touch area on the broad stem and are grey in colour. The stem has a microphone and a charging port, too. Overall, the style might be described as sleek and athletic.
The earbuds have an IP55 rating for water and dust resistance.
Let’s now discuss the importance of comfort. These earbuds provide a rather decent seal and fit our ears pretty nicely. We did not have any soreness or other problems of that nature, therefore the comfort level is mostly satisfactory. The touch commands also function reasonably well. We had no pain while wearing them for a longer period of time.
OnePlus Nord Buds 2 review: Performance
OnePlus Nord Buds 2 has a low latency of about 94 milliseconds when used with OnePlus devices for gaming, and the Bluetooth capabilities are good. You can control the earbuds with the HeyMelody app, which has a tonne of customisation options if you are using a phone that is not a OnePlus. There is no need for the HeyMelody app if you own a OnePlus phone.
The 12.4mm titanium drivers in the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 offer Active Noise Cancellation, which was not present in the first model, as well as Dolby Atmos support if you are using a OnePlus-compatible handset. Additionally, a bass wave algorithm is included, which is said to enhance the bass performance. The Sound Master Equaliser in the app gives you a wide range of options.
The OnePlus Nord Buds 2 are excellent in terms of both style and sound quality. The vocals are fairly audible. The sound quality is good, and you can also choose the default balance sound signature, which has a significant amount of bass.
If you want more bass, you can select to apply a bass boost. The bass wave algorithm does a better job at delivering bass, especially in soundtracks with low bass. It does enhance the thud, and your overall experience is great. Additionally, there is good sound separation.
As said, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 now includes Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a feature that is rare in earbuds of this price range. However, it is not as great as the more expensive ones. It has a 25-decibel reduction capacity, which is ok if you are in not super loud places.
If you press and hold the touch buttons, the ANC can be turned on and off. There is a transparency mode that also performs well.
Next, we’ll talk about the call quality. We used this for taking calls and it performed well in this department. Even with the ANC turned off, the sound is clear and of good quality. Although there could have been a little improvement in the overall levels, using this device for calls was not problematic.
With ANC turned off, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2’s battery life is seven hours, and with the case it may last up to 36 hours. When ANC is enabled, you get only 4 and a half hours of battery life on a single charge and 27 hours with the case. Because of its fast charging capabilities, you can get five hours of battery life after just 10 minutes of charging.
Verdict
The sound quality and bass output of the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 are both rather impressive. The vocal’s clarity is excellent, and the bass is somewhat powerful. We think the battery life is decent for an affordable pair of earphones. For the price, the call quality is satisfactory. These are excellent pair of TWS to get for roughly Rs 3,000.
OnePlus Nord Buds 2 Pros:
- Strong bass
- Affordable
- Stylish
OnePlus Nord Buds 2 cons:
- ANC is okay when in a quieter environment
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