The budget true wireless earphone space in India is crowded, but OnePlus continues to carve out its place with the Nord Buds lineup. The newly launched Nord Buds 3r come with an affordable price tag yet manage to deliver performance and features that punch above expectations. After spending weeks with them, here is a closer look at what makes them a smart buy.
Design and Build
OnePlus has moved away from the pebble shaped case of the earlier models, opting instead for a rectangular design with slanted edges. The matte finish adds a premium touch and keeps smudges away. While the magnets inside the case hold the buds firmly in place, the lid feels slightly loose. The charging case has a USB Type C port at the bottom along with an LED indicator.
The buds themselves weigh just around 5 grams each, offering a snug fit that feels secure during workouts or runs. With an IP55 rating, they can handle sweat and light splashes without worry.
Features and Connectivity
The Nord Buds 3r support Google Fast Pair, making setup quick and seamless for Android users. OnePlus device owners can access settings natively while others can use the Hey Melody app to tweak sound profiles and customize controls. Dual device connectivity is supported but there is no dedicated pairing button.
The buds feature touch controls that let you pause or play music, skip tracks, adjust volume and even capture photos. A unique feature called AI Translate, available only on OnePlus phones, adds extra value for multilingual users.
Sound and Performance
For their price, the Nord Buds 3r offer well balanced sound with a clear bias toward bass. Vocals remain decent and the overall output is enjoyable across genres, whether you are streaming music or watching films. The Hey Melody app allows fine tuning through an equalizer or by selecting from preset sound modes.
Noise isolation is acceptable, though these buds do not feature active noise cancellation. In noisy environments you may find outside sounds creeping in, but for everyday use they perform reliably.
Battery Life
One of the standout aspects of the Nord Buds 3r is battery performance. The case and buds combined deliver up to 54 hours of playback, with the earbuds themselves lasting up to 12 hours on a single charge. In real world use they easily cross 40 hours without needing frequent top ups. A quick charge of 10 minutes gives around two hours of playtime, making them ideal for busy routines.
Verdict
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3r are priced at ₹1599 but often available for under ₹1500 during sales. At this price point, they deliver a compelling mix of design, comfort, battery life and smart features. The absence of ANC is the only notable drawback, but considering the value they provide, these TWS are one of the strongest budget options in the market right now.
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