OnePlus initially mocked Apple for killing the 3.5mm audio jack, but has now shifted its stance and committed itself to a wireless future. This makes room for new technology and perhaps is the way forward. To smoothen the transition, the company has introduced its own Type-C wired Bullets earphones that it also offered for free to everyone who pre-ordered OnePlus 6T (review). But are they really good enough to buy separately for Rs 1,499? Let’s find out in our OnePlus Type-C Bullets review.
OnePlus Type-C Bullets Review: Design and Built
The OnePlus Type-C bullets design is very much on the lines regular V2 Bullets, save for the Type-C port dangling on one end of the chord. There is nothing flashy about these headphones, which means they go well with anything you wear. The earbuds have a metal casing, which adds a premium touch to these otherwise affordable earphones.
The rubberized buds are comfortable and fit well in our ear. OnePlus also bundles a few extra buds in the box so you shouldn’t find it difficult to make these fit to your particular ear-size. The connecting cable is flat and tangle-free.
The in-line controls that include a volume up – down key and a button in the middle for answering calls or triggering Google Assistant – all made of plastic. The buttons are clicky and feel a bit cheap. As far as the build quality goes, OnePlus claims to have enforced the wire with aramid fibers which will supposedly improve its longevity. The OnePlus USB Type-C earphones are extremely lightweight and don’t pain ears with extended usage.
OnePlus Type-C Bullets Review: Audio Performance
Now, let’s dive into what matters the most – the Audio performance. The OnePlus Type C bullets come with an in-built Logic DAC which, as per the company, ensures improved dynamic range while suppressing digital noise. To test out Bullets to full potential I played Gaana’s International top 50 hits back to back and here are my findings.
What we liked about the OnePlus Type C bullets is their warm sound signature. The engineers at the Never settle brand have tuned them in a way that they emit an amiable bass without going overboard.
Having said that, in some songs, bass tends to suppress other instruments or low frequencies. Of course, people who prefer heavy bass will find them lacking. To me, the natural sound signature is important and it managed to deliver that.
While the sound staging is not perfect but it has a wide spectrum, ensuring a fun experience. The new bullets should appeal to those who are into funk rock, Alternative, Indie or hip-hop as they seem to have been tuned keeping these genres in mind.
We had particularly enjoyable experience listening to desi Bollywood music. Vocals were crisp and acoustics were sharp.
OnePlus Type C Bullets Review: Compatibility
These next-generation Bullets earphones work on all USB Type-C phones that we tried. Apart from OnePlus 6T, I have used them with Samsung Galaxy Note 9 (review), OnePlus 6 (review), Vivo Nex (review) and LG V30 + ThniQ (review). In some phones like OnePlus 6, you have to turn on OTG support first to route the audio via USB type C port.
OnePlus Type C Bullets Review Verdict: Should You Buy Them?
Well, Yes if you just bought the OnePlus 6T, Type-C bullets could come in really handy. These basic earphones make a lot of sense in their class and are certainly worth the Rs 1,490 price tag. They are also tuned well to handle most music genres, more so in line with Indian audience preferences.
Pros:
- Reasonable audio quality
- Affordable
- Tangle-free wire
Cons:
- Mids and lows take a back seat
- In-line control feels cheap
