Launched in India last month, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r are the latest truly wireless stereo (TWS) earphones in the sub-Rs. 2,000 Segment – A highly competitive field filled with plenty of choices. It rivals other brands like boAt, Noise, Oppo, and Redmi, which all offer affordable yet powerful products. Similar to its predecessor, the new OnePlus Nord Buds 3r sacrifice some key features to keep the price low. However, it promises to deliver on the most important criterion – audio quality.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3r price in India starts at Rs. 1,799, which makes it the entry-level offering. But does it make sense to invest in OnePlus based solely on their audio quality and brand reliability? This is what I will discuss in the review.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3r Design: Functionality
- Weight – 4.5 g (per bud), 38.6 g (box)
- Waterproof and dustproof – IP55
- Color- Aura blue, gray black
With the Nord Buds 3r, OnePlus has switched from its signature pebble-shaped case to a square look. It represents a significant design shift compared to its predecessor, with a vertically opening casing and sharp, straight edges that give it a look reminiscent of Lego sets. The TWS case weighs 38.6 grams, is lightweight and pocket-friendly, and has a matte finish that resists fingerprints.
While it’s certainly a smart choice, the TWS earphones don’t feel great to hold. Hidden in the lower half is an LED indicator light that’s only noticeable when it’s illuminated. There is also a USB Type-C port at the bottom for charging. However, the lack of a dedicated pairing button may make the pairing process confusing for first-time TWS users.
The design of the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r looks practical, but not premium
Interestingly, the matte finish of the case extends to the earbuds themselves. They have short stems and are available in several sizes of silicone ear tips. Each earbud weighs 4.5 grams, so it’s relatively light. They fit snugly in my ears with the pre-installed ear tips and didn’t fall out even when I was exercising. There are indents on both earbuds for touch controls.
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3r are IP55 rated, which means it can withstand minor water splashes, making it an ideal workout companion. However, only the earbuds have ingress protection, not the case itself.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3r app support and specs: Plain and simple
- Drivers – 12.4mm dynamic drivers
- Companion App – HeyMelody
- Gesture Control – Yes (click)
If you own a OnePlus smartphone, all features of the Nord Buds 3r can be controlled through the Bluetooth settings itself. However, non-OnePlus users will have to download the HeyMelody app, which is available on Android and iOS devices. With the app, you get the same experience we discussed in our recent OnePlus Buds 4 review, so you can read more about that here.
It lets you change audio effects, switch gaming modes, and control settings like dual connectivity, Find My Earbuds, and more. You can also set the functionality of the touch controls on each earbud individually.
HeyMelody app offers dual-device connectivity, find my settings and more
In terms of specifications, OnePlus Nord Buds 3r uses a 12.4mm titanium-coated dynamic unit. It features three preset equalizer modes and a customizable six-band equalizer. Supports OnePlus 3D audio, which can create a 360-degree sound field. In terms of connectivity, the TWS earphones include Bluetooth 5.4 and Google Fast Pair.
The TWS earphones also feature dual-device connectivity and promise low latency of up to 47 milliseconds. One notable omission, however, is wear detection, meaning that even if you remove the earbuds and put them back on again, the audio will continue playing or not resume automatically. This is a major feature that every TWS earphone should have by 2025, and the lack of it on the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r is disappointing.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3r performance and battery life: mixed
- Codec support – AAC, SBC
- Connectivity – Bluetooth 5.4
- Battery – 58mAh (earbuds); 560mAh (charging case)
While features do matter, audio quality is the most important metric by which TWS headphones are judged, and the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r’s performance was a mixed bag. It has a bass-heavy character, which means the low frequencies are noticeable and often punchy. While this may suit those who like EDM or upbeat music, not everyone will like its default tuning.
Even if set to balancedthe TWS earbuds still favor bass over vocals. It can be a bit overwhelming, especially at higher volumes, which I witnessed firsthand on tracks like Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and the Eagles’ “Hotel California.”
TWS earphones are lightweight and comfortable to wear for long periods of time
While the mids are fine for casual listening, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r’s instrument separation isn’t the best. While the treble is there, it lacks the “openness” and depth of other well-balanced TWS earbuds. I experienced this even on vocal-heavy tracks, such as Sam Smith’s “Unholy” (orchestral version), Norah Jones’s “Don’t Know Why” and AJR’s “World’s Smallest Violin”.
You have to use the six-band equalizer to get a balanced sound profile that eliminates some of the buzz in the preset modes. The TWS earphones support spatial audio, but it only works with OnePlus smartphones, which unfortunately I didn’t use during the review period.
The battery life of the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r is impressive
However, the Nord Buds 3r lack active noise cancellation (ANC), which means you can’t enjoy any form of ambient noise suppression while listening to music. Moving on, call quality indoors on the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r is decent. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce background noise and highlight the speaker’s voice. However, if you’re in a busier environment, such as a crowded street or market, it’s harder to achieve the same effect.
Battery life is where the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r really excel. It is said to last up to 12 hours on a single charge. My experience with the TWS headphones is somewhat consistent with these numbers, with my listening time being around 11 hours. The company claims that the case can extend battery life by an additional 48 hours, while just 10 minutes of charging can extend battery life by 8 hours.
My experience is consistent with these statements. I only charged the TWS earphones once last week and the battery is still strong.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3r Verdict
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3r are a classic case of prioritizing core strengths over flashy frills. TWS earbuds are known for their excellent battery life and functional yet minimalist design. However, the audio experience is heavily bass-heavy, which may be overwhelming for average listeners. The lack of ANC is another big omission.
So, who are the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r for? They make a great companion for casual listeners who prefer a simple product from a reliable brand, decent sound quality, and long battery life. However, they’re not suitable for audiophiles or those who prioritize ANC during their daily commute. In short, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r are a combination of trade-offs.
