Wireless earbuds are no longer just an accessoryā€”theyā€™ve become an extension of how we work, play, and stay connected. With the launch of the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r, OnePlus aims to deliver premium features at an affordable price point. Priced at ā‚¹1,799 (M.R.P. ā‚¹1,999), the Nord Buds 3r promise big bass, marathon battery life, AI smarts, and a sleek design that fits the OnePlus ecosystem perfectly.

So, do they live up to the hype? Letā€™s dive into our detailed review.

Design & Build Quality

At just 4.5g per earbud, the Nord Buds 3r are feather-light yet sturdy. The charging case, weighing 38.6g, is compact enough to slip into your pocket without hassle. Available in Ash Black and Aura Blue, the earbuds feel modern and minimalistic, with a snug fit supported by silicone tips (S, M, L).

An IP55 rating ensures protection against sweat and light rain, making them suitable for workouts and daily commutes.

Audio Performance

12.4mm Titanized Drivers

The Nord Buds 3r pack 12.4mm dynamic drivers with a titanized diaphragm, delivering deep bass and crisp clarity. Music genres like EDM, hip-hop, and pop sound especially powerful, while mids and highs remain well-balanced.

OnePlus 3D Audio

This feature creates a 360-degree panoramic soundscape, making movies and immersive gaming feel richer.

Sound Master EQ

OnePlus offers customizable EQ presets, so you can tune sound to your preferenceā€”whether you love bass-heavy beats or more balanced acoustics.

Battery Life & Charging

Battery life is where the Nord Buds 3r shine:

  • Earbuds alone: Up to 12 hours playback.
  • With case: A whopping 54 hours total.
  • Fast charging: Just 10 minutes gives 8 hours of playbackā€”perfect for last-minute top-ups.

This makes them one of the best budget earbuds for users who donā€™t want to constantly recharge.

Smart Features That Stand Out

1. AI Call Noise Cancellation

Dual microphones on each earbud use AI to block out background noise, ensuring clear voice calls even in crowded spaces.

2. Low Latency Gaming Mode

With 47ms low latency and Bluetooth 5.4, gaming sessions feel lag-free and responsive.

3. AI Translation

A futuristic touchā€”tap to activate real-time translation and break language barriers during chats.

4. Tap 2 Take Photos

Double-tap either earbud to trigger your phoneā€™s cameraā€”great for group selfies.

5. Find My Earbuds

Lose your buds? The built-in tracking feature helps locate them easily.

Whatā€™s in the Box

  • OnePlus Nord Buds 3r (pair)
  • Charging Case
  • Silicone Ear Tips (S, M, L ā€“ M pre-installed)
  • USB Type-C Cable
  • User Manual, Safety, and Warranty Documents

Technical Specs Snapshot

  • Drivers: 12.4mm dynamic, titanized diaphragm
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz ā€“ 20kHz
  • Battery: 58mAh (earbuds), 560mAh (case)
  • Playback: 54 hours total
  • Charging Interface: USB Type-C
  • Bluetooth: Version 5.4, range 10m, AAC/SBC codecs
  • Special Features: AI Call Noise Cancellation, 3D Audio, Sound Master EQ, AI Translation, Tap-to-Camera, Dual-device connection

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Massive 54-hour battery life with fast charging
  • Deep bass and immersive 3D audio
  • Smart extras like AI translation and tap-to-camera
  • IP55 dust and water resistance
  • Value-for-money price point

Cons:

  • No Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
  • Bass-heavy tuning may not suit all audiophiles
  • Case build feels slightly plasticky

Final Verdict

The OnePlus Nord Buds 3r are a compelling option in the budget TWS (true wireless stereo) segment. For ā‚¹1,799, youā€™re getting:

  • Premium sound with titanized drivers
  • A marathon 54-hour battery life
  • AI-powered call clarity
  • Fun extras like real-time translation and tap-to-photo

While they lack ANC, the sheer value, features, and integration with OnePlus devices make them a top choice for budget-conscious buyers.

If youā€™re looking for affordable wireless earbuds that punch above their price, the Nord Buds 3r are definitely worth it.

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