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Forget Premium Buds! OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Delivers Massive Bass and 43-Hour Battery at a Fraction of the Cost.
In the fast-evolving Indian TWS (True Wireless Stereo) market, OnePlus has carved a niche for itself by offering premium features at aggressive price points. The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 is the latest entrant, aiming to dominate the sub-₹2,500 segment.
At Gadget Info, we have rigorously tested these earbuds to see if they live up to the “Nord” legacy of providing “pretty much everything you could ask for.”
Whether you are a college student in Delhi looking for deep bass or a working professional in Bangalore needing clear calls during a commute, this review covers everything you need to know.
Design and Build Quality: Minimalist Yet Premium
OnePlus has pivoted from the sharp, boxy design of the previous generation to a more refined, pebble-shaped charging case. The case feels sturdy, featuring a matte finish that resists fingerprints and smudges—a big plus for the humid Indian climate.
The earbuds themselves follow an ergonomic in-ear design with silicone tips. They are incredibly lightweight, making them comfortable for long binge-watching sessions on Netflix or extended gaming rounds of BGMI. With an IP55 rating, they are protected against sweat and dust, making them a reliable companion for intense gym workouts or unpredictable monsoon drizzles.
Sound Quality: Bass That Packs a Punch
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 features 12.4mm titanised dynamic drivers. For the Indian audience, which generally prefers a “V-shaped” sound signature (emphasising bass and treble), these earbuds hit the sweet spot.
- Bass: The low-end is deep and resonant without muddying the vocals.
- Mids: Vocals are clear, making them excellent for listening to Arijit Singh’s melodies or your favourite podcasts.
- Highs: The treble is crisp, though it can get slightly sharp at maximum volume.
Through the HeyMelody app (available on iOS and Android), you can choose between several EQ presets or create your own. The “BassWave 2.0” technology allows you to further enhance the thump, ensuring your Bollywood hits sound energetic.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Performance
One of the standout features of the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 is the 32dB Active Noise Cancellation. While it won’t silence a jet engine like the flagship Buds Pro series, it does a commendable job of filtering out low-frequency hums like ceiling fans, AC units, and distant traffic.
The Transparency Mode is equally impressive, allowing you to have a quick conversation or stay aware of your surroundings at a railway station without removing the buds.
Battery Life and Charging
In India, we value “value for money” and “long-lasting battery.” The Nord Buds 3 delivers up to 43 hours of total playback with the case (ANC off). Even with ANC on, you can easily get through a full work week on a single charge.
The “Flash Charge” feature is a lifesaver: 10 minutes of charging provides 10 hours of music playback. This is perfect for those moments when you realise your buds are dead right before leaving for work.
Technical Specifications of OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Truly Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
| Feature | Specification |
| Driver Size | 12.4mm Dynamic Titanised Driver |
| Noise Cancellation | Up to 32dB Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 (Low Latency) |
| Battery Life (Buds) | Up to 12 Hours (ANC Off) / 8 Hours (ANC On) |
| Total Battery (Case) | Up to 43 Hours |
| Charging | USB Type-C (Flash Charge supported) |
| Water Resistance | IP55 (Dust and Water Resistant) |
| Microphones | Dual Mic System with AI Noise Reduction for Calls |
| Connectivity | Dual Connection (Multipoint) support |
| App Support | HeyMelody / OnePlus Fast Pair |
Pros and Cons of OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Truly Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
Pros
- Powerful Bass: Excellent for bass-heavy Indian music.
- Dual Connection: Seamlessly switch between your laptop and smartphone.
- Excellent Battery: Flash charge is incredibly efficient.
- Reliable Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4 ensures zero drops.
- Comfort: One of the most comfortable fits in this price bracket.
Cons
- No LHDC Support: Limited to AAC/SBC codecs.
- Case Size: The new oval case is slightly bulkier than the Buds 2r.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 is a balanced package. It doesn’t try to be a high-end audiophile device; instead, it focuses on being a reliable, loud, and long-lasting daily driver for the average Indian consumer. If you own a OnePlus phone, the seamless integration makes this a no-brainer. Even for other Android or iPhone users, the feature set at this price is hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Truly Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
- Is the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 good for calling?
Yes, the dual-mic system with AI noise reduction works well for indoor and moderate outdoor environments.
- Does it support Google Fast Pair?
Yes, it supports Google Fast Pair for instant connection with Android devices.
- Can I use these earbuds with an iPhone?
Absolutely. You can use the HeyMelody app on iOS to customise settings.
- Is the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 waterproof?
It has an IP55 rating, which means it is sweat and splash-resistant, but not fully waterproof for swimming.
- Does it have a gaming mode?
Yes, it offers a low-latency mode (up to 94ms) which is great for casual gaming.
- What is the price of OnePlus Nord Buds 3 in India?
The price usually fluctuates between ₹2,000 and ₹2,499 depending on sales.
- Does it support wireless charging?
No, it only supports wired charging via USB Type-C.
- How do I reset the OnePlus Nord Buds 3?
Place the buds in the case with the lid open and press the setup button for 15 seconds.
- Can I connect it to two devices at once?
Yes, it supports Dual Connection (Multipoint).
- Is there a volume control on the earbuds?
Yes, you can customise the touch controls via the app to include volume adjustment.
- How many hours does the battery last with ANC on?
The earbuds last about 8 hours, and the total time with the case is around 28 hours.
- What is the driver material?
It uses 12.4mm Titanised Dynamic Drivers for better durability and sound.
- Is it better than Realme Buds Air 6?
The Nord Buds 3 offers better integration for OnePlus users, while Realme might offer slightly higher ANC dB.
- Does it come with a charging cable?
Yes, a signature OnePlus Red Type-C cable is included in the box.
- Are the ear tips replaceable?
Yes, the box includes small, medium, and large silicone ear tips.
- Is the bass too overpowering?
By default, it is punchy, but you can use the EQ settings to balance it out.
- Can I use a single earbud at a time?
Yes, both the left and right buds can be used independently in “Mono Mode.”
- Does it support Find My Earbuds?
Yes, this feature is available through the HeyMelody app or OnePlus settings.
- What colours are available?
It typically comes in Harmonic Gray and Zenith White.
- Is it worth upgrading from Nord Buds 2?
If you want better battery life, improved ANC, and a more refined design, it is a solid upgrade.
For more such authentic tech reviews and gadget news, stay tuned to Gadget Info.
Kaushik Chatterjee is a dedicated tech enthusiast and the founder of GadgetInfo.net. With 5 years of experience tracking the consumer electronics market, specializes in breaking down complex technical specifications into easy-to-understand insights for everyday users.
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