OnePlus Buds Z2 Review: Balanced Bass Performance for the Price

OnePlus has launched the Buds Z2 as a follow-up to the 2020 Buds Z, doubling the price while retaining the original design and borrowing features from the more expensive Buds Pro. Over the past few weeks, we have tested the Buds Z2 to understand what it brings to the table for Nepali consumers.

Design and Comfort

The Buds Z2 retains the same in-ear design as its predecessor but is 15% shorter, bringing its dimensions closer to the Buds Pro and Apple’s AirPods Pro. Weighing just 4.6 grams per bud, the earbuds are lightweight and comfortable for extended use. The inclusion of soft silicone ear tips ensures a secure fit, and the design is IP55-rated for dust and water resistance, with the charging case holding an IPX4 splash-resistant rating. This level of protection is notable for earbuds priced around USD 100.

Pairing and Connectivity

The Buds Z2 utilizes Bluetooth 5.2 for improved power efficiency and supports Google Fast Pair, enabling automatic pairing with Google devices. Initial pairing requires pressing the function button on the case for a few seconds, after which the earbuds become visible to nearby devices. While connection stability was generally solid, occasional stereo sound disruptions occurred, where audio split into separate left and right channels temporarily.

Controls and Customization

Each earbud features a flat, circular touch-sensitive area that feels intuitive and less prone to accidental inputs compared to arched controls on some competitors. Controls include playback management, call handling, noise cancellation adjustment, and device switching. While most functions are accessible through the touch controls, full customization requires the HeyMelody app, except for OnePlus phone users who can access settings directly through their device’s Bluetooth menu.

Noise Cancellation

The Buds Z2 includes active noise cancellation (ANC) that can reduce noise by up to 40dB, though it is not adaptive and offers three fixed levels, including a Transparency mode. In real-world testing, the ANC performed well against consistent low-frequency sounds like bus engines and background chatter but struggled with high-frequency noises such as keyboard clicks. The Transparency mode worked effectively, allowing clear and natural ambient sound without amplifying it.

Audio Quality and Call Performance

Equipped with the same 11mm dynamic drivers as the more expensive Buds Pro, the Buds Z2 delivers a sound profile tuned for strong bass and bright treble. This results in an overpowering bass response that can muddy some tracks and make vocals sound sharp. The lack of a built-in equalizer means users must rely on third-party apps like Wavelet or ViPER4Android FX to achieve a balanced sound. Call quality benefits from environmental noise cancellation (ENC), though voices may sound muffled when speaking with a mask on.

Battery Life

Each bud contains a 40mAh battery, with the charging case holding a 520mAh battery. With ANC enabled and volume around 70-80%, we achieved roughly 4 to 4.5 hours of playback, slightly below OnePlus’s claimed 5 hours. Turning off ANC adds around two more hours. A notable feature is the quick charging capability, providing approximately two hours of playback from just 10 minutes of charging, which proved handy during low-battery situations.

Verdict

In global markets, the Buds Z2 is priced at USD 99, making the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2—a better-sounding, better-canceling option with wireless charging—a more compelling choice for an additional USD 20 to 30. However, in Nepal, where the price gap between these models is more pronounced, the Buds Z2 presents good value for those who appreciate a bass-heavy sound. Users seeking balance can still achieve it through third-party EQ tools, making the Buds Z2 a viable option for the price.