OnePlus Buds Pro

Design and Build Quality

The OnePlus Buds Pro are premium true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds designed to offer a high-end audio experience combined with sleek aesthetics and smart functionality and is available at Mobihub Electronics Kenya.

• Form Factor:
  The earbuds have a stem-style design, similar in appearance to Apple’s AirPods Pro but with their own distinct identity. Each earbud features a dual-tone finish—matte plastic for the main body and glossy metallic coating on the stems. This design not only adds a stylish flair but also helps distinguish touch-sensitive areas.

• Comfort and Fit:
  With an ergonomic in-ear shape and interchangeable silicone ear tips (usually three sizes: small, medium, large), the Buds Pro are engineered for a secure yet comfortable fit, suitable for extended listening sessions or active use such as walking or working out. The lightweight build contributes to minimal ear fatigue.

• Water and Dust Resistance:
  The earbuds are rated IP55 for water and dust resistance, which means they can handle sweat and light rain. The charging case itself typically has an IPX4 rating, offering basic protection against splashes.

Audio Quality

The OnePlus Buds Pro deliver high-quality audio with an emphasis on balance, clarity, and active noise control.

• Drivers:
  Each earbud houses an 11 mm dynamic driver. These drivers produce a rich and punchy sound signature, delivering deep bass, detailed mids, and clean highs. The tuning leans slightly toward a V-shaped profile, favoring bass and treble without overly muddying vocals or instruments.

• Codec Support:
  The Buds Pro support AAC, SBC, and LHDC (Low Latency High-Definition Codec), depending on the paired device. LHDC enables high-resolution audio transmission, which is especially beneficial when paired with OnePlus phones or other compatible devices. However, support for aptX is notably absent.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

The Buds Pro feature adaptive active noise cancellation, which dynamically adjusts the noise reduction level (up to 40 dB) based on the surrounding environment. This is achieved through:

• Hybrid ANC:
  The earbuds use both feedforward and feedback microphones to cancel out a wide range of ambient noises, including low-frequency sounds like engine hum and higher-frequency chatter.

• Transparency Mode:
  For situations where awareness of the environment is important (e.g., crossing the street), Transparency Mode allows outside sounds to pass through clearly without removing the earbuds.

Smart Features

• Zen Mode Air:
  A signature feature of the Buds Pro is Zen Mode Air, which plays ambient soundscapes like white noise or nature sounds directly from the earbuds to help users relax or focus.

• Smart Adaptive ANC:
  The system automatically determines the level of noise cancellation required in real time, offering a more intelligent experience than fixed-level ANC.

• Pressure-sensitive Controls:
  The stems include capacitive pressure sensors, allowing you to squeeze once, twice, or hold for different functions (play/pause, skip, ANC on/off, etc.). This approach minimizes accidental touches compared to traditional tap controls.

• Fast Pairing and Customization:
  The Buds Pro pair quickly with OnePlus phones via Fast Pair. The HeyMelody app (for non-OnePlus devices) allows firmware updates, ANC control, and earbud customization.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery performance is a strong point for the Buds Pro.

• Earbuds:
  With ANC on, each earbud offers up to 5 hours of playback. With ANC off, this extends up to 7 hours.

• Charging Case:
  Combined with the case, total battery life reaches 28 hours with ANC on and up to 38 hours with ANC off.

• Fast Charging:
  The case supports Warp Charge, allowing up to 10 hours of playback with just 10 minutes of charging. Both USB-C wired charging and Qi wireless charging are supported.

Connectivity and Latency

• Bluetooth 5.2:
  Ensures stable connectivity with minimal latency, efficient power use, and multipoint-like switching (primarily optimized for OnePlus devices).

• Low Latency Mode:
  When paired with OnePlus phones in Pro Gaming Mode, latency can be reduced to around 94 ms, making the earbuds suitable for mobile gaming.

• Dual Connection:
  The Buds Pro do not natively support true multipoint connection, but quick pairing and switching between previously connected devices is seamless.

Microphone and Call Quality

Each earbud is equipped with a triple-microphone array combined with AI-powered noise reduction for enhanced voice clarity during calls.

• Call Quality:
  The microphones do a solid job of isolating your voice from background noise, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor calls. Wind noise resistance is moderate, with performance varying depending on environmental conditions.

Summary

The OnePlus Buds Pro are a well-rounded set of true wireless earbuds aimed at users looking for a refined balance of sound quality, smart features, and strong ANC performance. Highlights include:

• Stylish design with IP55 resistance

• Dynamic 11 mm drivers with LHDC support

• Adaptive ANC up to 40 dB

• Excellent battery life and fast charging

• Pressure-sensitive controls and app support

• Best experience when paired with OnePlus devices

They are ideal for users already in the OnePlus ecosystem or those seeking a competitive alternative to more expensive flagship earbuds.