2014.
From China comes the “flagship killer”: OnePlus One.
Low price, top of the range specifications, limited availability.
It went to steal.
It was the first of a long series of smartphones destined to subvert the market a little thanks to an extremely interesting quality-price ratio.
Now OnePlus has changed. The mufflers have top of the range features and cost like a top of the range. A few years ago, however, the company decided to return to embrace the mid-range of the market with the Nord series. A brand that is not only applied to smartphones but also to headphones.
That’s why the newcomers are called OnePlus Nord Buds 2 and they cost 69 €.
Curious to know how they behave in the field? We tell you about it in this one review.
The review of the OnePlus Nord Buds 2
The price of OnePlus Nord Buds 2 undoubtedly makes them affordable. In short, we are far below the 100 euro threshold, which should appeal to most users.
Be warned though that they are not exactly for everyone.
Their natural partner is a OnePlus smartphone. And this does not surprise us particularly considering that most companies tend to embrace this philosophy, offering exclusive features if the headphones and phone are of the same brand. In the specific case we have the software already integrated into the operating system, which makes daily operations a little faster.
But what happens if I use another smartphone?
With most Android smartphones, everything is fine. For example, we tested with a Pixel 7 Pro and the user experience was still very good. You have to download l’app HeyMelody to manage them – not one of our favorites – but in the end you do it all.
Why “most”? Because the AAC codec is not managed perfectly by all devices and therefore the audio could be quite distorted. It’s not a drama, you can use the SBC codec, but to do so you’ll have to go into the developer options of the terminal. Not exactly the most intuitive operation on the planet.
On iPhone the sound quality is quite good but you will have to give up the settings as the iOS version of HeyMelody does not support the newcomers.
Design
You know when we say that true wireless headphones are all similar from an aesthetic point of view?
Well, not the OnePlus Nord Buds 2.
In fact, the Asian company has decided to distinguish itself by proposing a wider and flatter stemwith a the circular touch sensor which is easily distinguished from all the rest. In addition, it is slightly indented, which means that you can easily find it even with your finger, without wasting time figuring out where it is
I am very comfortable in daily use, they don’t fall, they don’t weigh, they never bother. Using them is a real pleasure.
The case is not the easiest to carry, thanks to the shape chosen by OnePlus which makes it tall and thick. In short, you feel its presence in your pocket but the total weight is still low, don’t worry.
On the front we find the status LED, on the back the USB-C connector and the pairing button while on the top we have the lid with the OnePlus logo.
Two colors available: Lightning White e Thunder Grey.
Both, according to what was declared by OnePlus, use eco-friendly materials but unfortunately it is not clear which ones and which quantity.
Instead, we know which certification the headphones have earned: IP55. This means that they resist liquids and dust without too much difficulty.
OnePlus Nord Buds 2 review: how does it feel?
Under the body we find driver da 12,4 mm and a particular design that serves to optimize the bass. And yes, the difference is felt, especially by activating a function called BassWave which was created precisely to emphasize the low frequencies. Five levels available, which we suggest you try to understand if the option is suitable for you and, if so, to what extent.
At your disposal you also have the equalizer with 4 predefined profiles: Balanced, Bold, Serenade and Bass. Don’t like any of them? You can create one customized that specifically suits your needs.
Beyond the settings, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 perform quite well in the field. They are not – understandably – headphones for audiophiles and do not compete with the high-end of the same company but the listening experience is all in all satisfactory.
Always keep in mind that all the options mentioned above can be managed from Android. With iPhone you get the default settings without any possibility to get your hands on it.
And if you really want to make the most of them, then you will need a OnePlus smartphone because that’s the only way you can have it the Dirac Audio Tuner and support for Dolby Atmos.
The surrender on call
We expected an unsatisfactory call audio and instead the Nord Buds 2 performed better than expected.
The yield is not perfect because the voice is very tinny but even outdoors we were able to hold a conversation without difficulty. The software therefore intervenes a lot in noise reduction by distorting the voice a little but at least you bring home the result without difficulty.
The other features
For €69 we would not have expected more than what we have told you so far. Instead OnePlus has chosen to include in these headphones too active noise cancellation (ANC). Not the best ever though you can at least reduce the noise of the train and subway as you move from place to place.
Transparency mode is also available that amplifies noises to help you stay in touch with reality even while listening to music at full volume. And yes, she does her job very well.
On board we then find the Game Mode, which reduces latency, and the possibility of customize controls.
In addition, you can hold down the touch sensor for a long time switch from one device to another, with the headphones remembering the last two devices you paired them with. It’s not like having multipoint but it has its own convenience.
We conclude with autonomy. OnePlus promises 5 hours with ANC on, which becomes 27 with the help of the case. Plus you have fast charging: with 5 minutes of charge you take home 5 hours of music playback.
The review of the OnePlus Nord Buds 2: conclusion
The OnePlus Nord Buds 2 are undoubtedly interesting. The audio is satisfactory, they perform well on calls, the autonomy allows you to use them in peace for several days and there is even noise cancellation. They are not the right partner for iPhone but they marry perfectly with OnePlus smartphones and quite well with most Android phones.
If you want to save money, they could give you some satisfaction.
PRO
- interesting design
- Grande comfort
- Lots of basses (although not everyone likes them)
- ANC and Transparency Mode
- Good autonomy
AGAINST
- No iPhone apps
- Some features are OnePlus exclusive
- Multipoint assente