OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 neckband. Photo: OnePlus
A phrase like “Don’t mess with a good thing” could easily apply to a range of tech products, with companies regularly rolling out newer versions of their offerings each year (sometimes, at even shorter intervals).
In the race to capture attention from burgeoning consumer bases for all kinds of technology—phones and audio gear especially—tech products sometimes get unnecessary, sweeping features added on, and only minimal upgrades at other times. Either way, the numeric sequence must be followed, as though we’re building up to the cinematic universe of software update sequels.
When it comes to the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 earphones, OnePlus has played it safe. While its predecessor, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2, had a specific model with Active Noise Cancelation (ANC) come out later on, the Z3, for now, is sticking to Environmental Noise Cancelation (ENC), suggesting the brand is in no rush to shake things up.
That said, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 are an all-around great neckband for those who are always on the move, whether you’re chasing beats or deadlines. Available in a Mambo Midnight black and Samba Sunset red, the Z3 definitely passes the test for all-day wear. A bit of sweat is no biggie and the lightweight nature makes it feel easy and durable. The 220 mAh battery life that claims up to 36 hours of runtime feels sufficient, and if it does run out, OnePlus promises a fast charge of 10 minutes can make it run for 27 hours at 50 percent volume.
What they keep the same, or similar to the Z2, are aspects like the three buttons on the left side. The Z3 also has the standard volume up and down buttons, and a third button at the center to take calls, pause, play and activate a voice assistant. Another similarity—a usual feature for all neckbands—is the magnetic earbuds that make sure things stay tangle-free as well as ready for use and rest.
When you plug in and play, the Environmental Noise Cancelation is powerful enough that it can give you a clear listening experience. The 12.4 mm dynamic bass drivers are touted as the USP for music listening on the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3, and they’re certainly doing a bit of heavy lifting. We tested everything from the subtle and colorful jazz of Sanjay Divecha, to punishing metal by Inner Sanctum and Demonstealer, bass-infused heavy music by Northlane and the electronic fusion of Raagrani. The Z3 has a fairly good enough hold on balanced sound, although it does tend to keep things bass-focused, a feature in most wireless earbuds targeted to the average consumer.
The Z3 does a great job when it comes to calls in terms of clarity, especially in noisier outdoor environments. It no doubt picks up a bunch of background noise, but it thankfully also keeps the voice clear and audible. We also tested the 10-meter Bluetooth connection range with music, and it’s promising. Although a charging wire isn’t provided, the Z3 can be charged via USB-C cables.
Priced at ₹1,699 (marked down from ₹1,999), OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 are an easy buy that scores well in terms of form and function. It’s much more proficient for gamers, regular music listening and calls than, say, the Elver Active Gen One, but might be (excuse the pun) neck and neck in competition with ANC-armed neckbands like the Noise Airwave Pro, CMF by Nothing Pro and the Realme Buds Wireless 5.
Find more details on the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 here.
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