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OnePlus is set to release its latest true wireless earbuds, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3, building upon the success of their previous models. This new iteration promises significant improvements in audio quality, noise cancellation, and battery life, aiming to compete with top-tier earbuds in the market.
Design and Build
The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 maintain a similar aesthetic to their predecessors, with a sleek and modern design. The earbuds will be available in two colour options: Midnight Opus and Lunar Radiance. The charging case has been redesigned, featuring a premium build quality and a new faux leather texture, enhancing both its appearance and ergonomics.
Each earbud weighs 5.28g, while the case weighs 50.57g, resulting in a total weight of 61.13g. The earbuds measure 33.60 × 21.15 × 25.00 mm, and the case dimensions are 64.70 × 52.45 × 25.75 mm.
Audio Technology
OnePlus has made significant strides in audio technology with the Buds Pro 3:
Dual Drivers: The earbuds feature an 11mm woofer and a 6mm tweeter in each bud. The 11mm woofer has been upgraded with a second magnet to increase power generation, and its diaphragm now uses a ceramic-metal composite material for improved audio sensitivity and accuracy. The 6mm tweeter incorporates a 35-micrometer flat voice coil, which increases performance by 35% compared to the OnePlus Buds 3.
Dual DACs: Each earbud now contains two Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs), with one dedicated to the tweeter and the other to the woofer. This separation allows for better sound reproduction with reduced crosstalk and interference, as well as improved power management.
Dynaudio Collaboration: OnePlus has once again partnered with Danish audio experts Dynaudio to fine-tune the sound profile of the Buds Pro 3. This collaboration aims to deliver audio reproduction with true fidelity, matching the standards expected in professional music studios.
Noise Cancellation
The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 boast improved noise cancellation capabilities:
Adaptive Noise Cancellation: Unlike standard Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), the Buds Pro 3 features Adaptive Noise Cancellation that can adjust itself dynamically based on the surrounding environment. This technology can provide up to 50dB of noise cancellation.
Enhanced Voice Cancellation: OnePlus has increased the level of voice noise cancellation by approximately 6 to 8 decibels compared to the previous model. This improvement should help in blocking out background conversations more effectively.
Battery Life and Charging
The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 offer impressive battery life and fast charging capabilities:
Total Playtime: When fully charged, users can expect up to 43 hours of listening time between the earbuds and their case. This figure is based on AAC codec usage with Adaptive ANC turned off and volume at 50%.
Playtime with ANC: With Adaptive ANC turned on, using the AAC codec at 50% volume, users can still achieve up to 25.5 hours of total playtime (6 hours from the earbuds alone).
Fast Charging: A 10-minute charge provides over 5 hours of listening time. The case can be fully charged in 70 minutes via wired charging or 2 hours 30 minutes with wireless charging.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 utilise Bluetooth 5.4 technology, offering improved connectivity and the ability to connect to two devices simultaneously. They support Google Fast Pair for quick and easy pairing with compatible devices.
The earbuds are compatible with various Bluetooth codecs, including LHDC 5.0, AAC, and SBC. They offer a Bluetooth range of up to 10 metres.
Additional Features
Spatial Audio: The Buds Pro 3 incorporate Google Spatial Audio technology, which provides a more immersive listening experience by simulating sound coming from multiple directions.
IP Rating: The earbuds have an IP55 rating for water and dust resistance, making them suitable for use during workouts or in light rain.
Touch Controls: The earbuds feature touch-sensitive stems that allow for various controls, including play/pause, track skipping, and volume adjustment.
Companion App: Users can access additional features and settings through the OnePlus Wireless Earphones app (for OnePlus phones) or the HeyMelody app (for non-OnePlus Android and iOS devices).
Performance Expectations
While real-world testing is yet to be conducted, the specifications and technologies incorporated in the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 suggest significant improvements over their predecessors. The dual-driver system, coupled with dual DACs and Dynaudio tuning, should provide a more balanced and detailed sound profile across various genres of music.
The enhanced Adaptive Noise Cancellation technology is likely to offer a more comfortable and effective noise-cancelling experience, adapting to different environments without manual adjustment. This feature, combined with the improved voice cancellation, could make the Buds Pro 3 particularly appealing for use in noisy environments or during commutes.
The extended battery life and fast charging capabilities position the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 competitively in the true wireless earbud market, especially for users who require long listening sessions or frequent use throughout the day.
Market Position and Competition
The true wireless earbud market is highly competitive, with established players like Apple, Sony, and Bose dominating the high-end segment. OnePlus aims to position the Buds Pro 3 as a premium offering that can compete with these top-tier brands while potentially offering a more attractive price point.
The inclusion of features like spatial audio, adaptive noise cancellation, and dual-device connectivity puts the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 on par with many flagship earbuds from other manufacturers. The collaboration with Dynaudio for sound tuning adds credibility to OnePlus’s audio credentials, potentially attracting audiophiles and music enthusiasts.
Potential Limitations and Considerations
While the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 appear to offer a comprehensive feature set, there are some potential limitations to consider:
Codec Support: While the support for LHDC 5.0 is welcome for high-quality audio, the lack of aptX codec support might be a drawback for some Android users who prefer this widely-supported codec.
iOS Compatibility: Some features, such as Hi-Res audio and certain app functionalities, may be limited or unavailable for iOS users, potentially making the Buds Pro 3 less attractive for iPhone owners.
Brand Recognition: Despite OnePlus’s growing reputation in the smartphone market, they may still face challenges in competing with more established audio brands in terms of consumer perception and brand loyalty.
Conclusion
The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 appear to be a good improvement from the previous generation and will hopefully compete well with other earbuds in the upper mid to premium level of pricing.
The combination of dual drivers, dual DACs, and expert tuning from Dynaudio suggests that the Buds Pro 3 will deliver excellent sound quality. The adaptive noise cancellation and enhanced voice cancellation features address common pain points for earbud users, particularly those who use them in varied environments.
Extended battery life and fast charging capabilities make the Buds Pro 3 suitable for long listening sessions and frequent use, while features like spatial audio and dual-device connectivity add to their versatility.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
