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Don’t Buy Budget Earbuds Before Reading This OnePlus Nord Buds 3r Review!
In the rapidly evolving landscape of Indian consumer electronics, OnePlus has transitioned from being a flagship smartphone ‘killer’ to a lifestyle ecosystem brand. Their ‘Nord’ sub-brand, specifically, has captured the hearts of millions of Indian youths by offering premium features at aggressive price points.
The latest entry into this legacy is the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r. With the budget TWS (True Wireless Stereo) market in India being more crowded than a Mumbai local during peak hours, does the Nord Buds 3r have what it takes to stand out? At Gadget Info, we’ve spent extensive time testing these earbuds to see if they live up to the OnePlus “Never Settle” mantra.
Design and Build Quality of OnePlus Nord Buds 3r TWS Earbuds: Sleek Yet Sturdy
The first thing you notice about the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r is the refined aesthetics. Available in Metallic Gray and Starry Blue, the charging case features a pebble-like finish that is both pocketable and premium to the touch.
The earbuds themselves follow an ergonomic stem-based design. For the Indian climate, where humidity and dust are constant companions, the IP55 rating is a godsend. Whether you are sweating it out at the gym or caught in a sudden Delhi drizzle, these buds are built to endure.
Sound Performance of OnePlus Nord Buds 3r TWS Earbuds: Bass That Hits the Spot
For the Indian ear, bass is often the defining factor of a good audio product. OnePlus understands this deeply. The Nord Buds 3r features massive 12.4mm Titanized Diaphragms.
- The Low End: The bass is punchy and deep without being muddy. It complements Bollywood hits and EDM tracks perfectly.
- Mids and Highs: Unlike many budget competitors, the vocals remain crisp. You won’t lose the clarity of a podcast or the nuances of a soulful Arijit Singh track.
- BassWave 2.0: Through the HeyMelody app, users can toggle the BassWave feature, which allows you to boost the low-end frequencies even further without distorting the audio.
Advanced Connectivity and Features of OnePlus Nord Buds 3r TWS Earbuds
OnePlus has ensured that the “r” in 3r doesn’t stand for “restricted.” These buds are packed with modern tech:
- Dual Connection: You can seamlessly switch between your laptop and your smartphone.
- Bluetooth 5.4: This ensures a stable connection with zero drops, even in crowded metro stations.
- 94ms Low Latency: For the BGMI and Free Fire enthusiasts in India, the low latency mode is a game-changer, ensuring the sound reaches your ears the moment the trigger is pulled.
Battery Life: Power Through the Week
Battery anxiety is real. OnePlus addresses this by offering up to 38 hours of total playback with the case. On a single charge, the buds can last roughly 8 hours. More importantly, the fast charging (a signature OnePlus trait) provides hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge via the USB-C port.
Technical Specifications of OnePlus Nord Buds 3r TWS Earbuds
| Feature | Specification |
| Driver Size | 12.4mm Dynamic Titanized Driver |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20,000Hz |
| Microphones | Dual Mic System with AI Noise Cancellation |
| Bluetooth Version | v5.4 |
| Water Resistance | IP55 (Earbuds) |
| Battery Life (Buds) | Up to 8 Hours |
| Total Battery Life | Up to 38 Hours |
| Charging Port | USB Type-C |
| Codec Support | AAC, SBC |
| Special Features | BassWave 2.0, Dual Connection, Fast Pair |
Pros and Cons of OnePlus Nord Buds 3r TWS Earbuds
Pros
- Exceptional Bass: The 12.4mm drivers provide a rich, deep audio profile.
- Battery King: 38 hours of battery is class-leading at this price.
- Durability: IP55 rating protects against sweat and dust.
- Seamless Integration: Works flawlessly with OnePlus devices and the HeyMelody app for others.
- Premium Design: Does not look or feel like a “budget” product.
Cons
- No ANC: It lacks Active Noise Cancellation (uses AI ENC for calls only).
- Standard Codecs: Only supports AAC and SBC; no LDAC or aptX.
The Verdict: Should You Buy It?
If you are looking for a reliable, bass-heavy, and long-lasting pair of earbuds under ₹2,500, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r is an easy recommendation. While it lacks Active Noise Cancellation, the passive isolation and AI-enhanced call quality make up for it. It is a “People-First” product that focuses on what Indian users value most: battery, build, and bass.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of OnePlus Nord Buds 3r TWS Earbuds
- Does the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r have Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)?
No, it features AI Noise Cancellation for calls, but not ANC for music playback.
- Can I connect them to two devices at once?
Yes, it supports dual-device connection for easy switching.
- Are these good for gym use?
Yes, the IP55 rating makes them resistant to sweat and water.
- How do I update the firmware?
You can use the HeyMelody app on Android or iOS to update the software.
- Is there a gaming mode?
Yes, it offers a 94ms low-latency mode for gaming.
- Does it support wireless charging?
No, it charges via a USB Type-C wired connection.
- What is the difference between Nord Buds 3 and 3r?
The 3r is usually more affordable and may lack ANC found in the standard Nord Buds 3.
- Can I use a single earbud at a time?
Yes, both left and right buds can be used independently in mono mode.
- How is the call quality in traffic?
The dual-mic AI ENC does a great job of filtering out wind and traffic noise during calls.
- Does it support Google Fast Pair?
Yes, it supports Google Fast Pair for instant connection with Android devices.
- What is the warranty period in India?
It typically comes with a 1-year limited brand warranty.
- Are these comfortable for small ears?
Yes, OnePlus provides three sizes of silicone ear tips (S, M, L) in the box.
- Can I control the volume from the buds?
Yes, the touch controls can be customized via the app to include volume adjustments.
- Is the charging cable included?
Yes, a signature red OnePlus Type-C cable is included.
- Does it work with iPhones?
Absolutely. It connects via Bluetooth and can be managed via the HeyMelody app on the App Store.
- How long does a full charge take?
The case and buds take approximately 60-90 minutes for a full charge.
- What is BassWave 2.0?
It is a software algorithm that enhances bass frequencies without distorting mid-tones.
- Is the case also water-resistant?
No, only the earbuds are IP55 rated; keep the case away from water.
- What Bluetooth codecs are supported?
It supports AAC and SBC.
- Where can I buy the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r?
It is available on Amazon, Flipkart, and the OnePlus India official store.
For more such authentic tech reviews and gadget news, stay tuned to Gadget Info—your trusted source for honest Indian tech insights.
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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