In a world overrun by true wireless earbuds, OnePlus has boldly stepped up to keep the neckband trend alive with their latest release, the Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC. Building upon the foundation of the previously successful Bullets Wireless Z2, this new iteration promises to take your audio experience to the next level. Let’s delve into the review to find out whether they hold water to that claim or not.
OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC Review
Editor’s rating: 3.8/5
Design
Connectivity, Control & Features
Sound and ANC
Battery
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Pros
- Long Battery life
- Good sound
- Good at suppressing ambient sound
- IP55 ratings
Cons
- No LDAC or aptX audio codec
- No dedicated low-latency mode
OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC Price
The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC comes in Grand Green and Boomin Black shades for ₹2,299 via OnePlus.in, Amazon, Croma, Myntra, and Stores near you.
OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC Review: Design
The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC sports a robust hard plastic body with rubberized wires, giving it a premium and durable feel. At a mere 29.2g, it’s light as a feather and comfy to wear all day. Plus, it boasts an IP55 rating, making it water and sweat-resistant. The magic happens with the magnetic earbuds that snap together when not in use. They even auto-connect and disconnect, making pausing and resuming a breeze. You’ll spot numerous microphones, vital for ANC and voice calls.
On the right side, you’ll find a USB Type-C charging port, LED indicator, and a cluster of buttons, including a power/multi-function button, volume adjustments, ANC toggle, and a function button for pairing, resetting, and device switching. All this houses a hefty 220mAh battery. But remember, it can handle sweat and light rain, not full-on swimming.
OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC Review: Connectivity, Controls & Features
These earphones rock Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring a speedy connection with Android, iOS, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Pairing is a cinch; just hold down the multi-function button for a few seconds to enter pairing mode. And bonus, you can connect to two devices simultaneously by double-pressing the function button.
OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC Review: Audio & ANC
Let’s talk sound. These headphones deliver some impressive audio quality, with a strong emphasis on bass, thanks to their 12.4mm drivers designed for bass enthusiasts. No need to worry about distortion at high volumes either, thanks to anti-distortion algorithms. Though it lacks LDAC Hi-Res support, it does include AAC codec. And for those craving customization, there are Balanced, Bold Serenade, and Bass modes. You can even fine-tune your sound via Bluetooth settings or the Hey Melody app on Android and iOS.
OnePlus didn’t skimp on call quality. These earbuds provide excellent noise isolation, and the triple microphones ensure crystal-clear voice calls. Plus, they excel at reducing background noise, perfect for bustling environments or windy travel days, courtesy of their noise-canceling algorithm. The Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) kicks in like a champ, blocking up to 45dB of ambient noise, and adapting to your surroundings. No more dealing with the constant hum of the world outside. It uses a clever combination of feedforward and feedback noise cancellation mics, operating in a wide 3,500 Hz frequency range.
OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC Review: Battery Life and Charging
Now, let’s talk juice. The 220mAh battery promises a whopping 28 hours of playback without ANC, and still a solid 20 hours with ANC activated. In our tests, we managed over 16 hours at 50-60% volume with ANC on. Your mileage may vary depending on ANC usage and volume levels. Charging up from 0 to 100% takes just over half an hour. And don’t forget the fast-charging option, granting 20 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge. Handy, right?
Review Verdict: Should you buy OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC?
The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC is a welcome addition to the Bullets Wireless Z family. With its potent 45dB ANC, dual-pairing capability, impressive battery life, and fast charging, it’s a steal at its price point. But, there’s a catch. It’s missing advanced audio codecs like LDAC or aptX. Still, if you’re on the hunt for budget-friendly neckband-style earphones with top-notch noise cancellation, these bullets are worth a shot.
Reasons to buy
- Long Battery life
- Good sound
- Good at suppressing ambient sound
- IP55 ratings
Reasons to not buy
- No LDAC or aptX audio codec
- No dedicated low-latency mode