Highlights
- The Nord Buds 2r maintain a resemblance to the Nord Buds 2, but with a few distinct changes. The 2r’s case is also redesigned, emphasizing a fresh yet familiar look.
- With an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance, the Nord Buds 2r ensure that comfort is not compromised.
- The Nord Buds 2r’s sound is characterised by a booming bass that appeals to bass enthusiasts.
- The mellow mids and dull highs create a unique sound signature that might polarize listeners
- The battery life stands at 6 hours and 30 minutes of continuous playback in testing.
- Priced at Rs 2,199, the Nord Buds 2r position themselves as a value-for-money option.
The OnePlus Nord Buds 2r are a fascinating addition to the OnePlus family, reflecting a design philosophy that builds upon the previous Nord Buds 2.
These earbuds, while quite similar to their predecessors, bring subtle changes and improvements to the table.
As a slightly more budget offering, they are meant to appeal to a broader audience without compromising essential features.
In this review lets delve into the earbuds’ design, features, sound quality, and battery life to see if they are the best fit for you.
OnePlus Nord Buds 2r: Key Specs
- Shape: Similar to Nord Buds 2, slightly smaller
- Colours: Deep Gray and Triple Blue
- IP Rating: IP55 for dust and water resistance
- Drivers: 12.4mm dynamic
- Bluetooth Connectivity: 5.3 with SBC/AAC support
- App support: HeyMelody (Android and iOS)
- Battery Life: 8 hours claimed, 6 hours and 30 minutes tested
- Charging: About 1 hour for a full charge
- Microphone: Decent performance with noise cancellation
- Price: Rs 2,199
OnePlus Nord Buds 2r: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Budget-friendly | Sound signature is not unique |
| Good design | Can feel a bit too bassy |
| Decent battery life | Quite similar to the Nord Buds 2 |
| IP58 rating |
OnePlus Nord Buds 2r: Design
Visually, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2r closely resemble the Nord Buds 2, sharing the same basic shape but with smaller dimensions. The stalks of the 2r have been rounded off, which differentiates them from the Nord Buds 2.
The case for the two models is quite similar, but the 2r case is ever so slightly smaller and showcases a redesigned interior.
However, it does lack the pairing button found on the Nord Buds 2 case. The Thunder Gray and Lightning White colors have been replaced with more vibrant shades of Deep Gray and Triple Blue.
In our opinion the design is an appealing blend of familiarity with subtle new touches that cater to the aesthetics of the target audience.
OnePlus Nord Buds 2r: Features
The Nord Buds 2r come with an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance, making them suitable for daily use and workouts.
Despite thinner and seemingly cheaper silicone ear tips compared to the Nord Buds 2 we found that the earbuds are quite comfortable for long durations.
If you are a OnePlus user, the Nord Buds 2r work natively, without using any app but for non OnePlus users, there is the HeyMelody which ensures broad compatibility. The app itself is quite simple and straightforward.
It packs in all basic features you would require from the app itself like volume control, EQ settings and more. However, the lack of wear detection means users will have to manually play and pause the earbuds.
We also found the touch response a bit finicky, especially when the buds are a bit wet.
This lack of automation might be a minor inconvenience for some. It is important to understand that when you are looking at TWS earbuds at this price, expectations are not very high as far as the feature set is considered.
However, the Nord Buds 2r have surprised us pleasantly.
OnePlus Nord Buds 2r: Sound Quality
Coming now to the meat of the matter, the Nord Buds 2r are equipped with the same 12.4mm dynamic drivers as the Nord Buds 2, contributing to their ability to produce sound across a wide frequency range.
Coupled with Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and SBC/AAC support, they provide stable and clear transmission, essential for a good listening experience.
During our testing process, we found that the Buds 2r had a sound signature that can be described as mellow in the mid-range frequencies, with a smooth timbre that avoids abrupt dips or peaks.
This contributes to a relaxed listening experience, making them suitable for a variety of music genres and spoken content. However, we perceived the highs as dull and lackluster, lacking the sparkle and clarity often desired in high-frequency sounds.
The bass response is boomy and prominent, pleasing listeners who prefer more robust low-end performance. It can give a sense of power to music genres like hip-hop and electronic dance music.
However, this emphasis on bass might overshadow the mid and high frequencies, leading to an unbalanced sound for those who prefer a more neutral profile.
Through our listening experience, we can say that the Nord Buds 2r will be pleasant for casual users but may leave audiophiles wanting more, especially those who seek a more balanced and accurate sound representation.
The dullness in the sound can be called as a typical feature of budget wireless earbuds, and it stands out particularly when compared to wired earbuds in a similar or lower price range.
As for the microphone performance, we had no problems with the Nord Buds 2r thanks to its reasonably clear voice capture in quiet environments.
It is also noteworthy for its noise cancellation capabilities in noisy surroundings, cutting out background noise effectively.
However we did observe some fluctuation in voice clarity which was possibly due to the noise cancellation algorithm.
OnePlus Nord Buds 2r: Battery
Battery performance is an essential factor for wireless earbuds, and the Nord Buds 2r offer a battery life of 8 hours of continuous playback. However in our testing this time stood at about 6 hours and 30 minutes of playtime.
A full charge for the Buds takes about one hour. This decent performance aligns well with the product’s budget positioning and should satisfy average users’ needs.
OnePlus Nord Buds 2r: My Mobile Rating
Design – 3.5/5
Sound Quality – 3/5
Comfort – 3.5/5
Battery Life – 3.5/5
ANC – 3/5
Overall – 3.5/5
OnePlus Nord Buds 2r: Final Verdict
The OnePlus Nord Buds 2r are priced at Rs 2,199 and offer a balanced mix of design, features, sound quality, and battery life.
While they make some compromises, especially in sound quality, they present a value proposition for budget-conscious consumers.
However, considering the relatively small price difference with the Nord Buds 2 and their superior overall quality, potential buyers might want to weigh their options carefully.
The Nord Buds 2r is a respectable product within its category, but consumers with a preference for better audio may find more value elsewhere.
FAQs
Ques) What distinguishes the Nord Buds 2r from the Nord Buds 2 in terms of design?
Ans) The Nord Buds 2r have a similar shape to the Nord Buds 2 but are slightly smaller. The stalks are rounded, and the colors have changed to Deep Gray and Triple Blue. The 2r’s case is also slightly smaller with a redesigned interior.
Ques) How does the sound quality of the Nord Buds 2r compare with other earbuds in the same price range?
Ans) The Nord Buds 2r offer a boomy bass and mellow mids but have dull highs. The sound is suitable for bass lovers but may not satisfy those looking for bright highs or a more balanced sound. Compared to wired earbuds in the same price range, they might be seen as underperforming.
Ques) How is the battery performance of the Nord Buds 2r?
Ans) The Nord Buds 2r provide a claimed battery life of 8 hours, with testing showing 7 hours and 14 minutes of continuous playback. A ten-minute charge from 0% offers an additional 2 hours and 9 minutes of playtime.
Ques) Are the Nord Buds 2r comfortable for long-term wear?
Ans) Despite having thinner and seemingly cheaper silicone ear tips, the Nord Buds 2r are comfortable for long durations. Their IP55 rating also adds to their suitability for various activities, including workouts.