Why I'm not calling these 'Pro' - OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro

Summary

This video reviews the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro, exploring their features like active noise cancellation (ANC), design, and sound quality. The reviewer questions the 'Pro' label since there’s no non-Pro version and discusses the earbuds’ performance, particularly issues with fit and ANC. While the buds offer good bass and loud volume, they struggle with creating a proper seal, affecting sound and noise cancellation. The reviewer finds them okay for their $80 price but suggests cheaper alternatives like CMF Buds, which offer better sound and design.

Takeaways

• 🎧 OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro are the focus of the review, but there’s no non-Pro version, raising questions about the 'Pro' label.
• 🔇 The term 'Pro' seems to imply active noise cancelling, following a trend in the wireless earbud world, likely influenced by Apple.
• ♻️ The earbuds have a sparkly design, suggesting the use of recycled plastic, which the reviewer appreciates.
• 📱 The case has a compact design with a pairing button, a USB-C port, and comes with short USB-A to C cable.
• 🎤 Each earbud contains three microphones for better sound capture, but the fit might affect the seal and noise isolation.
• 💦 The buds have an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance, making them well-protected against splashes and light exposure to elements.
• 📊 Sound profile is V-shaped, with a notable emphasis on bass and treble, making it less neutral and more bass-heavy.
• 🎚️ The app offers three different EQ presets: Balanced (default), Bass Boost, and Serenade, which lower bass but keep treble high.
• 🔋 Battery life is decent at 5.5 hours with ANC on and extends to 20 hours with the charging case. Without ANC, playback time jumps significantly.
• 💰 For $80, the reviewer suggests the CMF Buds as a better alternative, as they offer better sound and more vibrant colors.

Q & A

What product is being discussed in the script?

The product being discussed is the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro, which is part of OnePlus's value brand.

Why are these earbuds called 'Pro'?

They are called 'Pro' likely because they feature Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), although the script questions whether the term 'Pro' is becoming synonymous with ANC in the wireless earbud world.

What is the design and material of the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro?

The buds have a stem design with a glossy near-ear section and soft-touch stems. The case has a matte finish, and the earbuds are made from plastic, possibly recycled, according to the script.

How many microphones are on each earbud and where are they located?

Each earbud has three microphones. One is on the bottom of the stem, another is on the top, and the third is near the driver.

What kind of protection do the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro offer?

They are IP55-rated, meaning they offer good protection against dust and can handle jet sprays of water from all angles, but they are not submersion-proof.

What are the key issues with the fit of these earbuds?

The earbuds do not seem to go very deep into the ears, affecting the fit. Even with different ear tips, the seal wasn't ideal, which could impact sound quality, especially bass response.

What sound profile do the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro have?

The sound profile is V-shaped, with an emphasis on bass and treble. Vocals are forward, but the mids are somewhat recessed. They are not ideal for users seeking a neutral sound.

What is the battery life of the earbuds with and without ANC?

With ANC on, the earbuds last 5.5 hours and 20 hours including the case. With ANC off, the battery life more than doubles to 12 hours on the buds and 44 hours with the case.

How effective is the Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) on these earbuds?

The ANC is not very strong, especially around the 40-60 Hz range. It blocks less sound than passive noise isolation in some frequency ranges, likely due to a poor seal during testing.

Is the product recommended, and how does it compare to alternatives?

The reviewer suggests that while the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro are okay for their $80 price, there are better alternatives, like the CMF Buds, which are cheaper and offer better sound quality.