OnePlus Nord Buds 3 (E514A-cr) Review: Immersive Sound and Powerful ANC
Introduction
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 (E514A-cr) arrived on my desk promising a premium audio experience at a competitive price point. As a renewed product, I was curious to see how it would stack up against its brand-new counterparts, especially considering its advertised features like 32dB Active Noise Cancellation and impressive battery life.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve put these earbuds through their paces, testing them in various scenarios – from bustling commutes to quiet home listening sessions. This review will delve into my experience, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of the OnePlus Nord Buds 3.
Features
The Nord Buds 3 boasts several key features: 12.4mm Titanized Diaphragm Drivers for enhanced sound, up to 32dB Active Noise Cancellation to block out unwanted distractions, BassWave 2.0 for a powerful bass response, and a surprisingly impressive battery life advertised at up to 43 hours with the case. The inclusion of TÜV Rheinland Battery Health certification is also a notable plus, promising longevity.
| Colour Name | Melodic White |
|---|---|
| Department | Adult Unisex |
| Connection Type | Wireless |
| Audio Jack | No Audio Jack |
| Audio Headphone Type | In-Ear |
| Model Number | E514A-cr |
| Model Name | OnePlus Nord Buds 3 |
Performance
The sound quality is genuinely impressive. The 12.4mm drivers deliver a well-balanced audio profile with a noticeable emphasis on bass, thanks to BassWave 2.0. Vocals remain clear even at higher volumes, and the overall soundstage is surprisingly spacious for earbuds in this price range. The 32dB Active Noise Cancellation is effective in reducing ambient noise, although it doesn’t completely eliminate all sounds, which is typical for earbuds at this price point. I found it particularly helpful on noisy commutes and in busy coffee shops.
The battery life lived up to its claims. I consistently achieved around 7-8 hours of playback on a single charge, and the charging case easily provided several additional charges, exceeding the advertised 43-hour total playtime. The fast charging is a real boon; 10 minutes in the case provided enough juice for several hours of listening.
The fit was comfortable for extended listening sessions. However, I experienced minor connection dropouts in areas with significant Wi-Fi interference, a common issue with Bluetooth devices.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Excellent sound quality, effective ANC, long battery life, fast charging, comfortable fit, affordable price.
- Cons: Occasional Bluetooth connection dropouts, ANC isn’t perfect.
Final Verdict
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 (E514A-cr) offer exceptional value for money. The combination of impressive sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and long battery life makes them a strong contender in the budget-friendly true wireless earbud market. While minor connection issues occasionally surfaced, they didn’t significantly detract from the overall positive experience. If you’re looking for a pair of reliable, well-performing earbuds without breaking the bank, I highly recommend the OnePlus Nord Buds 3.
