OnePlus Nord Buds 2r review: Rain or shine, these earbuds excel

Look and feel

When it comes to design, there is no significant difference between the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 and OnePlus Nord Buds 2r. In my review of the Nord Buds 2, I described its Thunder Grey as having a “facade of a miniature trunk draped in shades inspired by cosmic elements”. While the design language is the same, the essence, or the feeling of holding on to something that will test the travails of time, was quite evidently missing when I held aloft the Nord Buds 2r. It felt feather-light, and the buds with their minuscule stems felt papery to the touch and ultra-light. They come in Triple Blue and Deep Grey colour options.

The earbud stems are designed for their purpose, and they come with three extra pairs of buds. I used the medium-sized buds, they fit me well and offered decent noise cancellation and sound quality. The additional pairs of earbuds offer some form of customisation for listeners.

The earbuds are lightweight and thoughtfully designed. (Image: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express)

Pairing and connecting the OnePlus Nord Buds 2r is a straightforward process while using OnePlus handsets. Users simply need to enable Bluetooth, open the charging case, and follow the prompts. When it comes to non-OnePlus phones or desktops/laptops, the device can be connected by keeping the charging case open with the buds inside. It takes a few seconds to connect.

Listening experience

I tried the OnePlus Nord Buds 2r on my laptop, iPhone, and another Android device. The new offering from OnePlus comes with neat acoustics; the bass and treble are decent. However, it needs to be noted that at just a slightly higher price, consumers have access to TWS devices with ANC and ENC. In my experience, the sound profile on the OnePlus Nord Buds 2r is some notches lower than the predecessor. The sound quality is decent enough to cater to both casual listeners. However, I feel the OnePlus Nord Buds 2r may not entice hardcore audiophiles.

The OnePlus Nord Buds 2r features 12.4mm drivers, Dolby Atmos support, dual mics, and an AI Clear Call Algorithm. Claimed to house the largest driver, OnePlus asserts that the TWS brings out finer details when listening to a wide range of music genres.

When it comes to equalisers, the Nord Buds 2r comes with Sound Master Equaliser which offers three modes – Balanced (default), Bass, and Bold. This opens up new possibilities as it also lets users customise the way they want to enjoy the device. It also features the Dolby Atmos or Dirac Audio Tuner that optimises the audio output and offers an immersive sound experience.

To gain a better understanding of the sound profile, I tried a variety of tracks. ‘Devotion’ by the US-based pop band Emotional Oranges felt elevating, and ‘Dandelion Eyes’ by Patrick Martin popped with the colours of summer. ‘Water Flow’ by Klyne was motivational. Closer to home, ‘Nagumo’ by Karthik felt divine. The famed ghazal ‘Duniya Kisi Ke Pyar Main’ by Mehdi Hassan brought out the purity of his towering vocals.

The latest Nord Buds 2r does not bring any significant design change. However, it has its own distinct character. (Image: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express)

Calling experience, battery life and durability

I used the OnePlus Nord Buds 2r for a variety of tasks beyond listening to music and streaming content. My calls and extended Zoom sessions put the earbuds to the test. The device comes with an AI noise cancellation algorithm that filters ambient noise and enhances human voice.

Besides, Dual Mics and AI Clear Call Algorithm ensured that I had an all-clear calling experience. I found these features to work great in blocking out background noise during calls, ensuring crystal-clear conversations for those like me who always end up in noisy environments.

OnePlus claims a battery life of up to 38 hours of playback with the charging case. During my usage, I enjoyed full days of calls, music, and streaming content without worrying about running out of battery. Moreover, each earbud delivers up to eight hours of audio playback. I found this to be particularly impressive and well-suited for long journeys.

My day also includes brisk walk sessions that last for nearly 1.5 hours, and I sweat a lot. At first, I was apprehensive about whether the Nord Buds 2r will endure my rigorous stomping across the park. Thankfully, the earbuds are IP55 water and sweat-resistant which makes them a great device for sweaty gym sessions or rainy days.

Verdict

Priced at Rs 2,199, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2r is a great pair of earbuds for those seeking quality sound, comfort, and durability. It comes with some of the best features that promise an enhanced audio experience. These nifty earbuds can be a great companion on your travels and even intense workout sessions.