OnePlus Buds 3 launch with advanced ANC and generous battery life

OnePlus has delivered the Buds 3 alongside the Ace 3 as promised in a launch event underpinning their hype as premium TWS hardware for the people. To this end, they are rated for very nearly top-end 49 decibel (dB) noise reduction capabilities, touted to eliminate up to 99.6% of unwanted noise.

The Buds 3 also belie their unassuming in-ear wireless look by packing LHDC 5.0 as well as Bluetooth 5.3, just like some flagship earbuds of 2023. Then again, the fancy codec might require a compatible smartphone to work, and the only other alternatives is the profoundly standard SBC/AAC combination.

Then again, the Buds 3 also offer an estimated battery life of 44 hours, mostly derived from their new, slightly squashed-looking 520mAh case. It is finished in either Deep Sky Gray or Clear Sea Blue to match the buds they house.

Nevertheless, it will now be interesting to see what OnePlus can have possibly reserved for a potential Buds Pro 2 successor in 2024. Then again, wireless charging might be an option, as the Buds 3 only support fast charging via USB-C - which apparently requires the type-A to -C cable in the box.

The Buds 3 are currently valued at a full price of 499 yuan (~$70, or 399 yuan (~$56) when ordered with a new Ace 3 from OPPO China), which might hint at a similarly attractive price should they go global alongside the rumored 12R soon.

Buy a pair of OnePlus Buds Pro 2 on Amazon