Last year, I gave the OnePlus Buds Pro a review score of 9.3/10 because I was satisfied with the audio quality and the included features. Today, OnePlus Buds Pro 2 was launched for the Malaysian market at a price of RM869, which is RM90 more expensive. Is the audio quality better or vice versa?
I've had the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 as a daily TWS for three weeks. Surprisingly, the audio quality is better and satisfying. The difference is not much, but the experience of listening to music with TWS is more exciting.
Read: OnePlus Buds Pro review: Solid audio in an almost complete package
Specifications And Design
OnePlus Buds Pro 2
Type of in-ear headphones
Audio Driver 11mm woofer + 6mm tweeter
MelodyBoost Dynaudio
ANC – intelligent active noise cancellation
3x microphone microphone with anti-wind AI algorithm
Codec LHDC 4.0 (5.0 via future software update)
AAC, SBC, AC3
Auto sensor pause
Neck and spine detection
60mAh earphone battery
520mAh charging pod
9 hours
39 hours with charging pod
Bluetooth 5.3 tethering
Google Fast Pair
Dual Connection for OnePlus devices
USB-C charging
Wireless Qi
HeyMelody app support for non-OnePlus devices
Touch Control
IP55 waterproof capability – earphones
IPX4 – charging pod
Selling Price RM869
Although the design looks more or less the same as the previous model, the internal components have been improved. First is on the audio drivers which now use two 11mm+6mm combination drivers that have Dynaudio's MelodyBoost tuning. The new OnePlus flagship TWS also supports LHDC 5.0, which is the answer to LDAC – but for now it only supports LHDC 4.0 as 5.0 will only arrive in a future update.
The Bluetooth chip is BT 5.3 LE for Audio, with additional sensors to detect the position of the fist and spine for a good sitting position. But this feature will again only be provided in future software updates. This time, OnePlus Buds Pro 2 also supports Dual Connection for all OnePlus devices only.
OnePlus Audio ID 2.0 is also added to TWS this time to set an audio profile so that the audio quality is adjusted according to each individual. Then Zen Mode Air was also introduced to listen to soothing sounds if users want to meditate.
The design of the OnePlus Buds Pro 2, as I said earlier, is still the same as the previous model. 90% no difference, except for earphones that use larger sensors and soft ear buds for extra comfort. The body of the charging frame is still thin and the exterior looks updated with a soft finish. It is not made of shiny material that is easily scratched and dirty. The hinges on the outside use black. Also visible is a USB-C port, an LED light on the front and a green OnePlus text engraving.
For earphones, at first glance it looks like AirPods Pro. But the stem on the Arbor Green version uses a glossy dual tone to contrast with the main part of the earphones. Still uses tactile controls and a grippy enough finish to stay in the ear. IP55 support is also included on the earphones with IPX4 on the charging case.
Audio Quality
The audio quality of the Buds Pro 2 is more balanced and robust than the previous model. It also sounds denser because the silicone is soft and doesn't cause audio to leak out. OnePlus TWS this time is the second best TWS I've ever tested after Jabra.
Bass/Lows
The bass on the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 is one of the best for TWS, as it has a good impact. Each bang is lively enough that the feet also want to tap to the beat. If on TWS before the bass is too strong and there is no definition. Bass delivery is more balanced and controlled. The bass also does not interfere with any music being heard at the same time providing a satisfying experience.
Vocals/Mids
Just like before, the male singer's voice is better than the female one. Every vocal clearly sounds quite deep and melodious. The female singer's voice is still on the soft side, so it's a bit thin, only melancholy - making this OnePlus flagship TWS suitable for listening to the music of a male singer with a deep voice or a lot of bass. While female singing music is a pop genre or one that does not involve many instruments for clearer vocals.
High Tone/Highs
Also still has the same audio profile as the previous model. The treble may not be so high and reach at a satisfactory level. But the detail and clarity on it gets me excited, even more so on the instruments. Although there is already a 6mm tweeter audio driver, the 11mm woofer still plays the biggest role making the tweeter on this TWS seem marginalized.
Audio Staging & Isolation
OnePlus Buds Pro 2 if seen on the audio graph, uses the V-sound profile. With Dynaudio's dual MelodyBoost drivers, the audio staging is quite wide and spacious. But the overall sound still feels close to the user's head, which makes listening to bass music for long periods of time or streaming explosive action videos can quickly feel suffocating or tiring.
ANC, Noise Canceling Mode And More
OnePlus once again uses a smart noise cancellation system. Although marketed as ANC Adaptive Noise Cancellation, OnePlus representatives stated that their flagship TWS is actually Active Noise Cancellation which supports active noise cancellation with intelligent control. This is for longer battery life.
Although not the best, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 is enough for me if I want to focus on writing articles without distractions in the office. Moderately sound-through mode is satisfactory for me to hear the remarks of employers and colleagues.
Microphone
OnePlus Buds Pro 2 still uses three microphones on each earphone with its own AI algorithm. This algorithm is to ensure that there is no wind noise interference and I can confirm, this OnePlus claim is true because the third time I received a voice call using this TWS my voice was clearly heard by the caller.
Not only that, using with the OnePlus 11 5G ad a voice recorder application that is good enough for various modes such as meetings, interviews or normal. I'm still surprised by the microphone's ability to keep vocals clear and free of noise.
Battery
According to OnePlus, this TWS offers a usage period of up to 39 hours with the charging frame and up to 9 hours for direct use. While charging at a rate of 10 minutes can last for 10 hours. Wireless charging support is also provided for the convenience of users. In three weeks of use, I can say real-world usage is on par with the advertised.
Applications And Controls
Looking at the entire use of the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 I used with the OnePlus 11, no app was needed because all the features and functions and controls are already built into Oxygen OS via the Bluetooth settings. This TWS already supports Google Fast Pair for easy and fast tethering. Its unique feature is spatial audio support, the quality of which is not good and there are gaps except for listening to podcasts.
Golden Sound sounds like it works because it can set the audio profile according to the user's hearing ability, but there wasn't much difference when I tried it with two different profiles from two different individuals.
The main control on this TWS is by touch which can be changed in the settings. The controls are also responsive and work well even with sweaty hands. The auto pause capability is also nice and fast once the earphones are removed from the user's ears.
In settings, there are many features on offer including useful tuners. I only use Balanced mode because it offers the best listening experience compared to other modes.
Disappointingly, the LHDC 5.0 and Hanz Zimmer Soundscape features will only be provided through an update that has not been given a date yet. As a result, the product tastes like half-cooked and less complete.
If the user does not have a OnePlus device, the HeyMelody app can be used with almost the same features and functions. It's just that on the Samsung device I reviewed for example there is no support for LHDC and Spatial Audio modes.
For the best audio experience OnePus device is required. This is a current trend that all manufacturers do. The best features of AirPods Pro can only be enjoyed on iPhone, the best features of Buds2 Pro only on Samsung devices and the best features of FreeBuds Pro only on Huawei devices. It is up to the user to choose which ecosystem is most compatible with their needs.
In the box
This is what's in the box with every OnePlus Buds Pro 2 purchase.
1x OnePlus Buds Pro 2
1x USB-A to USB-C charging cable
3x Ear buds of different sizes
1x Manual
Conclusion
OnePlus Buds Pro 2 in my opinion is the best TWS after Jabra Elite 7 Pro that I have ever tested. To this day I use this TWS only as a daily audio accessory, being satisfied with the solid quality. Comfortable on the ears, packed with interesting and user-friendly features and functions. It's just a bit disappointing that it's been three weeks of using it, many features are still not available as they will only be provided in future updates.
The price of RM869 may be expensive for some people. But the price is about the same as AirPods Gen 3 and cheaper than AirPods Pro 2. If AirPods are a price benchmark, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 is cheaper. With satisfying audio, comfortable attractive design, packed with interesting features – this is the flagship TWS for Android that you should have.
Pro
The audio is quite interesting.
Simple and comfortable design.
Clear quality microphone.
The battery is long lasting and supports fast charging.
Attractive price for TWS mercu.
Cons
ANC is not satisfactory enough.
Many interesting functions are not yet usable.
Spatial audio still can't match Apple.
Requires the OnePlus ecosystem to enjoy full features.