OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC Review

OnePlus aims to maintain the popularity of neckband-style earphones as the brand recently launched the Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC. The earphones stand out by incorporating active noise cancellation (ANC) technology, capable of reducing ambient noise by up to 45 decibels, a feature notably absent in its predecessor neckband models. Let’s see what it has to offer.

Box Contents

OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC neckband-style earphones
Different sets of ear tips (Small, Medium (Nestled) and Large)
USB Type-C cable
User manual

Available Colours

Booming Black and Grand Green

Design

The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC has a robust plastic exterior with rubberised cable coatings akin to its prior iteration, enhancing its premium appearance and durability. The lightweight construction ensures comfort when worn around the neck for prolonged periods. Additionally, the earphones bear an IP55 rating, imparting resistance against water and sweat.

Sound Quality

The earphones are equipped with a 12.4mm driver and deliver robust audio output while maintaining sound clarity along with a strong bass. OnePlus has transitioned from producing well-balanced audio headsets to those with an excessive emphasis on bass since they have understood consumers strongly prefer bass-heavy sound. The active noise cancellation feature excels in both voice calls and audio playback, thereby enhancing the overall auditory experience beyond what was attainable with the previous model. The HeyMelody app by OnePlus grants access to personalised sound adjustments, and essential earphone features, including three distinct ANC modes and a transparency mode. Further sound customisation is enabled by including four preset equaliser settings and the option to craft a bespoke configuration.

Voice Call Quality

Highlighted by a tri-microphone configuration, the earphones incorporate AI-powered call noise cancellation technology to suppress background noise during voice calls. While effectively reducing ambient noise, this mechanism occasionally results in declining voice quality. Consequently, optimal performance for voice calls is achieved in environments with minimal or no ambient noise.

Battery Life

A notable advantage of these earphones lies in their battery life and rapid charging capabilities. OnePlus proclaims a commendable battery life of 28 hours when ANC is deactivated and 20 hours with noise cancellation active, and at some length, it’s accurate. A mere 10-minute fast charge session also yields approximately 15 hours of battery life.

Functionality and Connectivity

The newly introduced OnePlus Bullets feature a play button situated alongside the volume controls, inadvertently leading to unintended adjustments in sound levels while attempting to play or pause a track. The recently incorporated function button offers limited utility, primarily concerning pairing options that were previously integrated within the play button of earlier-generation neckband models.

Verdict

Priced at Rs 2,299, these neckband-style earphones excel through their multi-point connectivity and active noise cancellation attributes. These distinguishing features are notably absent in wireless earbuds within the same category.