OnePlus Buds Pro 3

OnePlus Buds Pro 2 is aesthetically very similar to its predecessor. Both the case and the earbuds are nearly identical with only side-by-side comparisons revealing the differences. For example, the newer model’s case is ever so slightly larger in every dimension. The insides of the lid are scooped out differently and the earbuds are slightly chunkier but otherwise, things look very similar.

Software and features
The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 lets you access its features either through built-in software on OnePlus phones or through Oppo’s HeyMelody app on other smartphones.

While the UI looks different between the two, the features available are mostly the same. In fact, the HeyMelody app is a better solution since it’s easier to access whereas the built-in settings on OnePlus phones are buried quite deep within the Bluetooth menu.

Performance

Audio quality

The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 earbuds have a new dual driver design with an 11mm dynamic driver covering 10Hz – 8kHz and a 6mm planar diaphragm tweeter covering 8kHz to 40kHz.

The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 have an aggressively v-shaped sound, with emphasis on low and high frequencies and a dip in the mid-range.

The low-end on the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 hits like a truck carrying bricks, more so than the already generous bass response on the original model. It can be quite boomy and overwhelming at times, not to mention borderline fatiguing at higher volumes.

Microphone

The OnePlus Buds Pro have average microphone performance. In a quiet environment, voices sound a bit muffled and less natural than on something like the LinkBuds S, which has stellar microphone performance for a Bluetooth headset.

In a noisy environment, the OnePlus Buds PRO do a great job of suppressing background noise but the voice quality remains mediocre.

Compared to the original model, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 doesn’t really show much improvement in microphone performance.

Noise cancellation

The OnePlus Buds has decent noise cancelling performance. It is quite effective at curtailing low frequency noise but less so at the mid and high frequencies. This makes it suitable for air travel where the noise is dominated by low end rumble but not so much for things like loud air conditioners and running taps.

The three levels of ANC are moderately different from one another. Compared to Max, Moderate lets in a bit more of the lower mid-frequency noise and Mild lets in more low and high-frequency noise. If you choose Smart it will almost always pick Moderate, which works fine in most instances as Max isn’t dramatically better.

The personalized noise cancellation effectiveness isn’t always apparent, especially if you are in only moderately noisy environments. It is more effective on airplanes where the system can analyse the background sound and produce a more effective ANC than if you were to leave it off. The feature does require you to setup manually when you first enable it and the process is quick but can only be done in noisy environments. I did notice audible changes in the calibration on repeat attempts and it’s difficult to get the best results every time.OnePlus Buds Pro 2 price in Kenya is Ksh 25,000/-