The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 launched in India on September 17, 2024, following the release of the Pro version two months earlier. Priced at ₹2,299, these budget-friendly TWS earbuds pack 12.4mm titanium dynamic drivers, up to 32dB active noise cancellation (ANC), and an impressive total battery life of up to 43 hours. But how does the Nord Buds 3 stack up against its Pro sibling? Let’s find out:

OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Review

OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Specifications

Enhanced Sound Experience: Features 12.4mm Titanized Diaphragm Drivers for deep bass and clear treble, plus 3D audio for OnePlus devices.
32dB Active Noise Cancellation: Enjoy immersive listening with up to 32dB ANC for maximum audio enjoyment.
BassWave 2.0: Dynamic algorithm enhances bass and vocals for a balanced sound experience.
TÜV Rheinland Battery Certification: Ensures 80% battery capacity retention after 1,000 charge cycles.
Dual Connection & Google Fast Pair: Connect two devices simultaneously with seamless switching and quick pairing.
Battery Life & Fast Charging: 10 mins charge offers 11 hours of playback; up to 43 hours total without ANC.
Bluetooth & Low Latency: Bluetooth 5.4 offers faster audio transmission with 94ms latency for gaming.

Also Read: OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro Review: Value for Money!

Design and Build

The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 comes with a familiar design similar to the Pro variant, featuring comfortable silicone ear tips in small, medium, and large sizes. The wider stems make adjusting the fit easy, and the touch-sensitive area is placed strategically to avoid accidental triggers. Available in Harmonic Gray and Melodic White, these earbuds also boast an IP55 rating for dust and splash resistance, while the pebble-shaped charging case lacks such certification.

Performance and Sound Quality

The Nord Buds 3 delivers deep, punchy bass, but it can feel overpowering at times, lacking the balance found in higher-end models. Mid and high frequencies aren’t as clear, resulting in a muddier sound for certain tracks. However, the customizable EQ settings via the Hey Melody app offer some relief, allowing casual listeners to tweak the sound to a more bearable level.

While the ANC feature is present, it’s far from effective, barely managing to muffle indoor noise. The transparency mode doesn’t offer much clarity either, and you might find yourself turning off ANC altogether.

Also Read: OnePlus Buds Pro 3 Review: A Sonic Marvel with Value-Driven Features at ₹11,999

Features and Connectivity

The Nord Buds 3 supports dual device connectivity and Google Fast Pair, making it easy to switch between devices. With Bluetooth 5.4, SBC, and AAC codec support, the earbuds offer decent connectivity but lack lossless audio codec support, which is acceptable at this price point.

In terms of call quality and microphone, the performance of this TWs earbuds is average, not as good as its brother Nord Buds 3 Pro, however, mostly it gets the job done.

Battery Life

Battery life is the standout feature. Without ANC, the Nord Buds 3 lasted about 42 hours in total, with the earbuds alone providing over 11 hours of playback. With ANC turned on, battery life dropped to 26 hours, with around six hours from the earbuds. Fast charging and reliable battery performance make these a solid choice for long-term use.

Verdict

The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 may lack detailed sound and effective noise cancellation, but for ₹2,299, they deliver solid battery life, a comfortable fit, and decent overall performance for casual users. If you’re on a tight budget and need reliable earbuds, the Nord Buds 3 are a good pick. However, if you can stretch your budget a little, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro offers significantly better sound quality and ANC for just ₹1,000 more.

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