OnePlus has announced its latest pair of true wireless (TWS) earbuds, the OnePlus Buds Z2. Successor to last year’s $49.99-priced budget offering Buds Z, the new pair is more of a mid-range product. They add some premium features over the 2020 model and also cost double them — debuting at $99.99. OnePlus is seemingly launching the Buds Z2 as a middle ground between the Buds Z and the flagship Buds Pro, which are currently selling for $149.99.
OnePlus Buds Z2: Design, specs, and features
Design-wise, the OnePlus Buds Z2 doesn’t look too different from the original Buds Z. They sport that AirPods-esque design with that reflective touchpad for quick controls. The new buds feature marginally shorter stems though.
The OnePlus Buds Z2 keep the same 11mm dynamic audio drivers that can be found inside the Buds Pro. They also support ANC (active noise cancelation) complete with a transparency mode for listening to your surroundings. There are three ENC (electronic noise cancelation) mics for improved voice quality during calls. The buds feature Bluetooth 5.2 for connectivity with 10 meters range.
OnePlus has stuffed the same amount of battery capacity (40mAh) inside the new buds as the Buds Z. However, the company is promising significantly improved battery endurance on the new model. The Buds Z2 can provide up to seven hours of music playback on a single charge with ANC turned off. You will get up to five hours of playback time with ANC turned on. The buds will run for up to 3.5 hours if continuously used for phone calls.
Combined with the case, the OnePlus Buds Z2 are rated to last for up to 38 hours on a single charge (27 hours with ANC turned on). The case packs a 520mAh battery and charges via a USB Type-C port. It also supports Flash charge, quickly topping up the battery for five hours of playback time in ten minutes of charging. There’s no wireless charging here.
The new OnePlus TWS buds are IP55 rated for dust and water resistance. So you should be able to take for a run during light drizzle or wear them during sweaty workout sessions without causing any harm. You might still want to avoid dropping them in the water though.
Other notable features include support for Google’s Fast Pair. So setting up the OnePlus Buds Z2 for the first time shouldn’t be an arduous task. The new buds also support Dolby Atmos. And if you’re using a non-OnePlus smartphone, the buds are compatible with the HeyMelody app for settings and controls.
The OnePlus Buds Z2 come in Obsidian Black and Pearl White colors and are now available to buy in the US and Canada. OnePlus plans to launch the new buds in more regions including Europe later this month.
2021-12-17 15:06:25