OnePlus Buds Z True Wireless Earbuds: A Budget-Friendly Introduction to True Wireless

As one of the leaders in the budget smartphone market, OnePlus is now expanding into audio with the launch of its first true wireless earbuds - the OnePlus Buds Z. Offering a compelling blend of features and performance at a wallet-friendly price, the Buds Z make an attractive option for those looking to dip their toes into the world of cord-free listening. But how do these newcomers stack up? Let’s take a closer look.

Overview

Sporting a sleek, minimalist design and weighing in at just 4.6g per bud, the OnePlus Buds Z True Wireless Earbuds are all about delivering a fuss-free true wireless experience. The absence of premium flourishes like active noise cancellation allows OnePlus to concentrate on nailing the core features - comfort, connectivity, battery life - without inflating the price. For budget-minded shoppers or first-time adopters, the OnePlus Buds Z True Wireless Earbuds lower the barrier of entry to quality true wireless audio.

Key Features

• True wireless design: Completely cord-free listening experience.
• Bluetooth 5.0: Provides quick and stable connectivity.
• IP55 rating: Sweat and water resistant, perfect for workouts.
• Long battery life: Up to 20 hours total with the charging case.
• Fast charging: 10 minutes in the case provides 3 hours of playback.
• Deep bass: Tuned for powerful and pulsating low frequencies.
• Lightweight comfort: Weighing just 4.6g each, designed for all-day wear.

Design - Vanishing Act

Crafted to be forgotten the moment they enter your ears, the OnePlus Buds Z True Wireless Earbuds epitomize wearable technology with their barely-there fit and featherlight construction. Tipping the scales at just 4.6 grams per bud, you’ll hardly notice them during all-day wear. Sweat and weather resistance also allow them to tag along wherever your adventures may lead.

Audio Dynamite in a Small Package

The OnePlus Buds Z True Wireless Earbuds manage to cram impressive audio hardware into their petite frames. Each bud packs a 10mm dynamic driver to pump out powerful bass and vivid stereo sound. Lower power consumption allows them to crank out tunes for up to 3 hours on a single charge. Additional battery optimization provides nearly a week’s worth of total listening time with the case.

Calls That Come Through Crystal Clear

Thanks to an advanced ENC microphone system, your voice will come through loud and clear on calls even in noisy environments. Dual mics on each bud filter out external clamor so you can chat with ease.

Playback And Volume Control at Your Fingertips

Intuitive touch controls make it easy to manage music and calls. Double tap either bud to play/pause, triple tap to skip tracks, and long press to activate your phone’s voice assistant. Volume is adjusted directly through your phone or media device.

A Connection You Can Count On

Bluetooth 5.0 allows nearly instant pairing and maintains a steadfast wireless tether to your device. While all Bluetooth devices can occasionally stutter, the OnePlus Buds Z True Wireless Earbuds provide a robust signal for skip-free listening.

All-Day Endurance

With up to 20 hours of total battery life including the charging case, you may just forget what a low battery warning sounds like. Even just 10 minutes in the case provides around 3 hours of playtime thanks to speedy charging.

Quality & Comfort

Constructed from slick plastics with matte and glossy finishes, the OnePlus Buds Z True Wireless Earbuds exhibit quality craftsmanship that belies their affordable price. Angled ear tips slide in comfortably and stay put during exercise. Despite their plastic composition, the earbuds feel sufficiently sturdy and avoid any cheap or flimsy sensations.

Everyday Use Case

Offering a fuss-free experience right out of the box, the OnePlus Buds Z True Wireless Earbuds are well-suited to casual listening and everyday use. Their athletic IP rating also makes them a viable workout companion. Phone calls come through clearly thanks to the ENC microphone system. About the only area they fall short is noisy environments, where the lack of ANC is felt. But at this wallet-friendly price point, some compromises are expected.

Use Cases

With their durable construction and marathon battery life, the OnePlus Buds Z True Wireless Earbuds are ideal companions for fitness buffs and active lifestyles. The IP55 rating ensures sweat and splash resistance, allowing you to sport them at the gym or on a run come rain or shine.

Commuters will also appreciate the portable charging case and lengthy endurance for bus rides, flights, and daily transit. And thanks to their vibrant bass and energetic sonic character, the OnePlus Buds Z True Wireless Earbuds inject playlists and podcasts with plenty of pep during your travels.

User Feedback Analysis

With thousands of reviews across retailers and forums, OnePlus Buds Z True Wireless Earbuds owners have provided ample feedback about their experience with these budget-friendly beat blasters. Let’s decode what users are saying.

Sound Quality Gets a Thumbs Up

When it comes to audio performance, most users are singing the praises of the OnePlus Buds Z True Wireless Earbuds - especially bass lovers. The sonic profile dishes out powerful low-end punch and lively dynamics that add oomph to EDM, hip hop, and pop. While some note a lack of definition in the midrange, the overall enthusiasm for the energetic and captivating sound is overwhelmingly positive.

Comfort That Goes the Distance

One of the most oft-mentioned benefits is the featherweight comfort. Those with ear fatigue from other earbuds report the OnePlus Buds Z True Wireless Earbuds fitting like a dream and staying put for marathon listening sessions. The ergonomic design and customizable eartips accommodate a wide variety of ear shapes. Just be sure to test all size tips for the best friction-free fit.

Battery Life That Defies the Odds

Given their diminutive size, the 3 hour standalone battery life and 20+ hours with the case come as a welcome surprise. Users consistently highlight the stamina as a major advantage, with some claiming to only charge the case once a week. The speedy 10 minute quick charging is another raved about convenience.

Connection Hiccups

While Bluetooth stability is generally reliable, some users faced intermittent cutouts when outdoors or at longer distances from their phone. Experiments with antenna position in the case provide a slight remedy. Still, the connectivity isn’t as rock-solid as pricier earbuds.

Controls Require a Learning Curve

Though well-intentioned, the touch controls have a tendency to misinterpret inputs. The sensitivity may take some tweaking to nail the right cadence for gestures. Once mastered, the controls work decently for core functions like playback and calls. Just don’t expect extensive customization.

The Verdict

For shoppers focused on value, the resounding consensus is that the OnePlus Buds Z True Wireless Earbuds overdeliver. The odd quirk aside, reviewers walking away very satisfied - especially at this price point. As an affordable entry point into true wireless listening, the OnePlus Buds Z True Wireless Earbuds get a solid thumbs up.

Pros

• Great value for money
• Trendy slim design
• Extremely lightweight and comfortable
• Good battery life and fast charging
• Fun and punchy sound with powerful bass
• IP55 sweat and water resistance

Cons

• Sound reproduction favors bass over mids
• Lack of active noise cancellation
• Touch controls can be finicky
• Ear detection is hit or miss

Value

Priced at an MSRP of $49.99, the OnePlus Buds Z True Wireless Earbuds provide tremendous value. The combination of long battery life, trendy design, sweat resistance, and bass-forward sound is unmatched at this price point. While there are shortcomings in terms of noise isolation and audio fidelity, the overall feature set is impressive considering the affordable cost. If you’re looking for an inexpensive introduction to true wireless listening, the OnePlus Buds Z True Wireless Earbuds should be on your shortlist.

Brand Heritage

While new to audio, OnePlus has cultivated a reputation for delivering flagship features and performance at budget pricing. With the OnePlus Buds Z True Wireless Earbuds, that same value-focused DNA is apparent. Backed by OnePlus’ trusted support and 1 year warranty, the OnePlus Buds Z True Wireless Earbuds promise to keep step with your on-the-go lifestyle.

The Verdict

For those seeking a frictionless entry point into true wireless listening, the OnePlus Buds Z True Wireless Earbuds are tough to beat. Though audiophiles may want more refinement, the OnePlus Buds Z True Wireless Earbuds nail the fundamentals and outperform their price tag. Overall, OnePlus succeeds in translating its smartphone formula into compelling and affordable true wireless earbuds.

Specifications

• Connection: Bluetooth 5.0
• Drivers: 10mm dynamic
• Frequency response: 20 - 20,000Hz
• Sensitivity: 97±3dB
• Codecs: Unknown
• Water resistance: IP55
• Battery life: Up to 3 hours (earbuds), up to 20 hours (with case)
• Weight: 4.6g (earbuds), 52g (case)
• Other features: Ambient noise reduction, wear detection

What’s in the Box

The OnePlus Buds Z package includes:

• OnePlus Buds Z earbuds (left and right)
• Charging case
• Three sizes of silicone eartips (small, medium, large)
• USB-C charging cable
• Quick start guide and warranty information

How to Use

Using the OnePlus Buds Z is simple:

1. Open the charging case and remove the earbuds. They will power on automatically.

2. On your phone, go to Bluetooth settings and select “OnePlus Buds Z” to pair them.

3. Insert the earbuds into your ears with the proper fitting eartips attached. The stem should point downwards.

4. Music will start playing automatically. Use on-ear controls to play/pause (double tap), skip tracks (double tap right), or go back (double tap left).

5. Place the earbuds back in the charging case when not in use. The case will recharge them for later use.