OnePlus Buds Z2: a full specs leak points to some crucial upgrades in the OEM's next upcoming TWS earbuds

An earlier tip has indicated that the OnePlus Buds Z were in line for an update; however, it also hinted these TWS earbuds were destined to stay more or less constant in terms of specs, not to mention looks, for a another year. Now, a new leak partially countermands that report and asserts that the Z2s might yet improve on their predecessors in some important respects.

According to this new leak, the OnePlus Buds Z2 will have the same charging capacity and estimated run-times (40 mAh and 3 to 5 hours when used for calls or audio playback respectively) as their predecessors. However, the newer model is now said to come with an upgraded charging case, rated for up to 38 hours in total, as opposed to 20 in the first-gen Zs.

However, that figure applies only in the absence of the Z2s' new feature: noise reduction. It is defined as hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC), as opposed to the more 'authentic' forms of this technology found in higher-end accessories; nevertheless, it will still be a series first for these TWS earbuds.

The feature may thus be based on an algorithm applied to input from a 3-mic system, combined with "anti-wind" measures baked into the Buds Z2 hardware. It is said to act on the output from 11mm drivers (compared to 10mm in the first generation), driven by non-low-energy Bluetooth 5.2 with the standard SBC and AAC codices.

The Z2s' inaugural hybrid ANC is now thought to reduce their total battery life to 27 hours per charge, to be done via USB type C as before. On that note, they are also now slated to take 90 minutes to power back up, thereby hinting at a lack of Warp Charge in these upcoming peripherals.

As for a possible confirmation of all these new specs, it is still possible the OnePlus Buds Z2 might debut alongside a new 9RT smartphone later in 2021.

Buy the OnePlus Buds Z on Amazon