[shresan23]

This is a review of the OnePlus Buds Nord 2R which i purchased for 1600 bucks during the Amazon Sale.

I am a huge headphones fan. An addict if you can call it. Since this is one of my favourite segments of the electronics strata, please expect it to be long and winding.

Before i post a review, i need to have benchmarks, because every base requires some sort of comparison to be able to rank its performance effectively.

I have atleast one headphone from all types. Not a sleek flex, its an addiction and it goes a long way when it comes to the type of content to be consumed.

So, first. Why this?

It was a close call between oppo enco buds 2 and this one, with the main difference being price and some features here and there. I finally decided mainly due to the fact that for a hundred extra, i am getting IP55 and a larger driver.

Although large driver does not mean better sound.

I was previously using a Skullcandy Spoke, which the enthusiasts must know is one of the most silent earbuds out there. The volume has to be above 70% to be able to hear every instrument, in closed quarters itself. It becomes pretty much non hearable outside. So, even if the decision to get oneplus turns out to be bad, i wouldnt be stuck with a TWS that cannot be loud when it needs to be.


LIKES

1. Great Design. The quality is just too good, not at all flimsy
2. Good Sound quality for the price
3. Long Battery life, although not market leader
4. Stem type, so looks nice and provides a snug fit
5. That quick switch feature


DISLIKES

1. Lack of some tech like an working game mode, volume controls on the bud
2. Accidental touches while wearing and removing. Not really a dud, but something that is present in the industry as a whole.
3. The fear of losing the buds while doing physical activity.
4. A bit more customisations in the app, would have been welcome.
5. Somehow, the large eartips fit worse than the medium ones. (i used the large tips in my 1+ neckband


So, lets break it down.

SOUND QUALITY

I have used both oppo and oneplus before and i know their strengths and weaknesses. Although Oppo was a music brand, i always preferred Oneplus because of how well sorted it seemed to me and how much room it left for customisation. People might disagree with me here, but oppo tunes it a bit more finely when compared to Oneplus, leaving very little room to customise the sound. Oneplus on the other hand gives you a bit more to choose from and i am the type of person whose preferences change on the go.

As far as sound quality is concerned, I am gonna compare it to the likes of Skullcandy, Sony, Oppo, Motorola, JBL, Boat and Ptron.

Now, I would place the quality above every brand except Sony and Skullcandy. It is way better than the bass heavy Ptron and Boat, way better than the detail less Moto and a little bit better than Oppo for reasons mentioned above.

The drivers can handle pretty much any kind of music, if you know how to use the EQ app, Hey Melody. The existing modes dont do justice to its powers, so use a custom one, with boosted bass and boosted treble, so to access both ends of the spectrum.

Fit and Finish

Now, i have to compare this with only TWS, so the brands are Skullcandy, JBL and Oppo.

This one ranks way above all.

Skullcandy is a close second when it comes to heft and durability mainly because, i have absolutely terrorised the Skullcandy Spoke and still, it works just fine (touch wood.....?). I havent terrorised this one yet, mainly because its still in the honeymoon phase, but by the looks of it, i think it can fare well.

While the Skullcandy is durable, it is not fine. Not the agreement wala "fine", but the finish wala "fine". JBL was the torchbearer in that, but now Oneplus managed to snatch it. The hinge has a good soft feel and still has the *snap* close.

The buds really fit in well. It is snug, blocks out some noise passively and gives a mini bubble feel.

Design and Comfort

Design is great. It is subjective. I got the white one which i absolutely love, due to the marble like design.

Comfort. Now this is where, i am scared.

The buds by themselves are the most comfrotable ones i have ever used. The oppo which i used had to be twisted in so hard that my ear would pain everytime i tried to use it. JBL fit well but also fell well. Skullcandy fit well and stayed there but the it had a button and no touch, which was a hassle and a half. The buds are way better than the competition in my....garage..? I have used it for long gaming sessions with no irritation.

The case is too smooth. The case ranks last when it comes to TWS. There is the inherent fear of it just slipping out of your hands. There is no small indent, to help you open the case which means you have to hold it in both hands and hope that it doesnt slip. Somehow, the worse finish in Skullcandy helped.

Tech and Battery

Well now, the models i have used are older models so it wouldnt be fair to compare with them. However, this "tech" can be compared with the market.

It is good and useful. The "hey melody" app provides a lot of customisations ranging from remapping the touch gestures to EQ customisations etc.

There is no volume control on the earbuds which was a fair trade compared to the fact that there is something called quick switch.

This basically is a feature wherein you can switch between paired devices with a gesture. It is extremely useful because I can be watching a movie on my laptop and switch to my phone if i get a call.

Quick pair is well, fast enough. If not, you can always use the quick switch to force it to connect to a previously paired device.
Since there is no volume control in the buds themselves, you have to use it at Absolute Volume at all times because of which, sometimes some sounds may be too jarring.

The game mode is just hogwash and it is so, in every device at this price point. The lag is there and it will always be a tradeoff if you are using bluetooth devices. Luckily i dont play online games much, so it is not a dealbreaker for me.

Noise cancellation when it comes to calls is also good. Not the best, but does a good job all the same.

Battery life is terrific. Out of the box i used it for seven days straight, with more than four hours of use everyday. These buds also hold up really well.

Touch recognition has come a long way but still needs improvement. Although there is an indent in the area where you need to touch, which really helps you develop a sort of muscle memory

Conclusion

I should say, for the price i am really happy with the purchase. There is not much to criticise apart from the buttery grip (non existent at that) and the lack of volume controls. I have not had a chance to test the water and dust capabilities and do not intend on doing it anytime soon. The sound is loud enough and can be used outside and in traffic without having to raise the volume above 60% at the worst (perks of having larger driver). Good quality. Not flagship level but definitely worth it. Acceptable battery life for a daily driver although i would recommend Oneplus Bullets Z2 neckband or any other neckband over any kind of TWS as a daily driver. IMHO, TWS are meant to be used at home/office and not outside where the fear of losing it is really high.

That said, i would definitely recommend this over the Oppo Enco 2 and the Boat ones which are literally scattered like Peas

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[ObsessedByFIAT]

I too got a set of Nord 2R about a week back. Loving every bit of it!

I managed to drop the right side bud in a glass full of drink already. Took it out and blew dried it. The buds have have sustained the drop and I sustained a heart attack.

I find the volume of these a little too loud for my liking. Is there anyway I can reduce it? I haven't installed the app yet, just connecting through Bluetooth on my phone.

[recshenoy]

Hello,

I am looking for a TWS in which we get mute functionality. My primary usage will be calls so I am looking for a TWS in which we can mute an ongoing call (both phone call or Zoom call) through gesture like double tap.

Is this functionality available on Nord 2R Or are there any buds which offer mute functionality?

[shresan23]

Originally Posted by ObsessedByFIAT

I find the volume of these a little too loud for my liking. Is there anyway I can reduce it? I haven't installed the app yet, just connecting through Bluetooth on my phone.

Congrats. It has IP55 rating, so a splash or a small dunk should not be an issue. However, be careful with them as the drivers may get damaged, if dropped into water with force (the whole breaking of surface tension, inertia etc.,)
The volume is a bit louder yes, the only way is to use the app and change EQ settings. Otherwise, enter dev mode in your phone and disable absolute volume. However, this will end up with the sound being erratic and unbalanced between both sides itself. There is a reason why such an option is available only in the dev mode.

Originally Posted by recshenoy

Is this functionality available on Nord 2R Or are there any buds which offer mute functionality?

I think you can customise them like that using the app. Many phones recognize one tap as mute when it comes to calls. As far as i know, only wired headphones offer this feature where if you tap the inline button, the call will be muted. Even then, in meetings and zoom call, such option isnt available when it comes to TWS (atleast, to the best of my research)