OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro Review: An Able Companion for Everyday Audio Needs

OnePlus has introduced a new addition to its Nord TWS Family. Following the release of the OnePlus Nord Buds, OnePlus Nor Buds 2, and OnePlus Nord Buds 2r, the brand has unveiled the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro. The company promises an enhanced audio experience with the Buds 3 Pro.

These earbuds are available in various color options and boast features such as 49dB ANC, Smart ANC, extended battery life, 12.4mm Dynamic drivers, and more. Priced at Rs.3299, the question arises whether the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro has enough to significantly impact the Indian TWS market. Let’s find out.

OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro Review

Smartprix Score 3.7/5

Pros

• Refreshing design
• Seamless connectivity
• Effective & Smart ANC
• Long battery life & quick charging support

Cons

• No IP rating for the case
• Audio breaks during longer sessions
• Switching between devices is snappy

OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro Review: Design and Fit

OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro boasts a sleek and modern design that is compact and lightweight. The case is shaped like a pebble, while the buds are teardrop-shaped, ensuring a comfortable fit even during extended wear. Available in Starry Black and Soft Jade, I had the pleasure of trying out the Soft Jade variant, which features a two-tone finish with a lighter bottom half and a glossy top half with a speckled pattern.

The case is adorned with OnePlus branding and an LED indicator on the front, while the bottom side houses a USB-C port for charging and a reset and pairing button. The lid securely encloses the buds with a satisfying click, weighing just 38.2 grams for easy portability. Unfortunately, the case lacks an IP rating, which may be disappointing for some users.

The earbuds come in a soothing jade green color with L and R markings for easy identification. The waterdrop-shaped design provides comfort and a touch of elegance. They fit snugly in the ears and feature touch controls. With an IP55 rating, they are protected against water and dust, making them suitable for outdoor activities.

At just 4.4 grams per bud, they are lightweight and barely noticeable when worn. The unique jade green color adds a fresh and distinctive look to the case and buds, setting them apart from other TWS earbuds.

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OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro Review: Connectivity, Control & Features

The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro offers a seamless connection to any Android smartphone. Turn your phone’s Bluetooth on and open the case with the buds inside. The LED light will flash green, and a notification will appear on your smartphone, prompting you to pair the buds.

The buds will pair with your Oneplus device in seconds by tapping on Connect. If your device does not display the prompt, you can manually pair the buds by accessing the Bluetooth menu on your phone and opening the case with the buds inside.

The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro also features dual connection capability, allowing you to connect the earbuds to two devices simultaneously. While switching between devices may be occasionally slow, it generally functions well.

Google Fast Pair, enabled by Bluetooth 5.4, facilitates instant earbuds pairing with Android devices. Additionally, wear detection is a feature where the video or audio pauses when the bud is removed from the ear and resumes upon reinsertion.

If you prefer using a single earbud, the Nord Buds 3 Pro is an ideal choice, as both buds function independently. These buds are compatible with the Hey Melody App, which allows you to check charging levels and personalize different features as needed.

OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro Review: Sound & ANC

Upon initial usage, the audio quality of the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro seemed satisfactory. Whether it was the clear vocals of Shreya Ghoshal in ‘Bahara’ or the bass in the recently tending track ‘Tauba Tauba’, the sound was impressive, even at moderate volume levels.

However, issues arose when watching YouTube series episodes, as the audio intermittently broke after about 30 minutes of playback. To resolve this, I had to disconnect and reconnect the buds to my phone each time.

This recurring problem significantly impacted the overall streaming experience, posing a major drawback for buds in this price range. The issue persisted despite attempting to unpair, reset, and reconnect the buds.

OnePlus provides 49dB Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation with Nord Buds 3 Pro. The ANC is highly effective in blocking out noises from traffic and heavy rainfall, especially during nighttime. These earbuds can detect sound leakage and adjust settings based on the shape of your ears.

The Smart Noise Cancellation feature offers three levels of ANC: Mild 15dB, Moderate 25dB, and Max 49dB, adapting to different noise environments. For instance, it automatically switches to Mild and Max modes indoors in noisy outdoor settings.

However, there are instances where you may want to enjoy music without completely blocking out external sounds, such as when commuting on the metro. In such cases, Transparency Mode lets you stay aware of your surroundings while still enjoying your music.

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OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro Review: Battery Life & Charging

OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro claims to have one of the most extended battery lives in the segment. Each bud packs a 58mAh battery, which OnePlus claims will last 12 hours on a single charge. Oneplus claims that the charging case’s 440mAh battery will last 44 hours on a single charge. When I used the buds, they lasted for around 5 hours on a single charge, while the case, too, lasted for around 17-18 hours on a single charge. This was when ANC was enabled.

When ANC was turned off, buds lasted for 8-10 hours, and with the case, they lasted for around 40 hours. Although it is less than what the brand claims, battery life is still decent. Moreover, fast charging is available, which charges for up to 11 hours in 10 minutes. This is when the volume is kept at less than 50% and ANC is disabled.

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Review Verdict: Should you buy the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro?

The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro are available in a delightful soft jade color and are incredibly lightweight and small, making them convenient to transport. They boast features like Google Fast Pair, Dual-device connection, IP Rating, 49dB ANC, Smart ANC, Transparent Mode, and more.

Nevertheless, some drawbacks include audio interruptions, a lack of an IP rating, and slow switching between devices. Despite these issues, the Nord Buds 3 Pro could still offer good value for Rs. 2999, particularly if OnePlus resolves these issues in future updates.