OnePlus Buds Pro 2 review: Buy these for bass sound, not connectivity

advantages and disadvantages

pros

• Premium interface
• Solid ANC quality
• Spatial Audio is as immersive as it sounds
• Long battery life with fast charging

Defect

• Software and connectivity issues
• Transparency mode is only good
• Works best with OnePlus phones

More shopping options

Original OnePlus Buds Pro That’s so great. ZDNET tested the wireless OnePlus Buds Pro earbuds almost two years ago, praising OnePlus’ first attempt at professional-grade headphones for its impressively clear sound, comfortable fit and finish. Now, the company is back with a sequel: OnePlus Buds Pro 2.

This time, OnePlus tapped Danish audio company Dynaudio to put a pair of 11mm and 6mm drivers into the mix, which the company speaks to in the bass department. These are also some of the first wireless headphones to support Google’s version of Spatial Audio. With that, it costs you $30 more, bringing the Buds Pro 2 up to $179 from the original’s $149.

So, two years after the original OnePlus Buds Pro, what is the price of the OnePlus Buds Pro 2? More importantly, are they worth the new price tag? Let’s dive in.

specifications

How do they look and fit?

When it comes to design, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 takes the “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach, with a look close to the original — and I’m not complaining. The matte-black, glossy-bodied buds we received for testing have a premium look and feel, and the case even looks more like a jewelry box than a regular charger.

And while I’m usually picky about silicone ear tips, they’re still very comfortable. The silicone tips — available in small, medium and large sizes — are soft and uniform, fitting snugly into the minimalist design of the headset. Picking up the tips, I’m pleased that they stay in my ears and don’t require constant adjustment. I even found the Buds Pro 2 comfortable enough to wear all day, from work to walking to the gym — resisting sweat and pressure build up throughout the day.

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My colleague, June Wan, also tested these headphones, but with medium and large ear tips instead. According to what he told me, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 feels like the first generation model. They’re lightweight, a stalked design helps keep the buds in place without having to tuck in your ears, and the original pocketable carrying case is the same. His only appeal with the Buds Pro 2 is the matte treatment OnePlus is using for the time being. Sometimes, a slippery cover can make you feel too slippery to open while walking. And if you’re going to throw the box in your backpack, expect minor scratches when you take it out.

How do they sound?

I tested the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 with my iPhone using Oppo’s HeyMelody app, and before you cancel my claim, June tested them with his app. Oneplus 11. Edema.

As I ordered The trend of “playing Mario Kart music to focus” goes viral In testing, these headphones did an excellent job of bringing out the bright pops of sharper instruments like electric guitars while also producing ample bass to keep spirits high. . Obviously, I was focused a lot.

June also had a similar experience listening to music from his OnePlus 11. Bass is definitely the focus of the Buds Pro 2, and the headphones are tuned just enough to balance the pounding sound effects with the music. Another cool addition to the Buds Pro 2 is the HeyMelody app’s built-in equalizer, which now lets you customize your own frequency levels for a more personalized listening experience. There are also presets you can choose from, such as Bold, Serenade and, oddly enough, Bass.

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He also tested the OnePlus Buds Pro 2’s Spatial Sound feature, which is used when you’re watching a movie with surround sound or just want a more immersive listening session, and it works as intended: Instruments and vocals adaptively change position and distance as you rotate the headset. going around, producing a more realistic output. Obviously, you’ll have to dig through Spotify and Apple Music’s catalog to find songs that support Spatial Audio before you can fully experience it.

On the other hand, OnePlus’ transparency mode isn’t quite…transparent. Instead, it does the strange thing of making outside noises like they’re underwater. It was a bit more disorienting than helpful, and I ended up having to completely remove my headphones to join or even listen to a conversation.

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Ultimately, we both had connectivity issues with the OnePlus Buds Pro 2, which led us to believe that the device we received might be faulty. For example, the left earphone sometimes randomly disconnects, causing any form of playback to pause abruptly. Then there are times when a laptop or phone won’t pair with the headphones, even though OnePlus advertises them with multi-device connectivity. Expect an update here as we test the second pair.

Battery life and charging

Fortunately, the charging and battery life of the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 are not so consistent. The sleek charging case can charge via USB-C or wirelessly and provides the headphones with up to 39 hours of power per cycle. As someone who squeezes out their battery life until the last second possible, I highly recommend this carrying case features super-fast charging, capable of adding 3 hours of playtime from a single 10-minute charge.

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In terms of their durability, I had no problems using the headphones on a daily basis. They lasted me from my morning commute to my lunch break and from after lunch until I got home from work, which was amazing.

bottom line

Here’s the thing, while the OnePlus Buds 2 Pro have a luxurious look and feel, I find it hard to justify them. price $179 due to low transparency and connectivity issues — if that turns out to be a consistent liability. And the fact is, I can think of five earbuds that are cheaper and offer the same, if not better, sound quality and without the same software glitches.

So why should you buy the OnePlus Buds Pro 2? I would recommend them if you’re an Android user who can take advantage of the built-in Spatial Audio and want the earbuds to sound great without pressing on your ears for a snug fit. Otherwise, I would consider the alternatives below for better results for your coin.

Alternatives to consider