OnePlus Bullets Z3 review: Practical operation, solid performance

Time of India

2 days ago

Rating: 3.5/5
There was a time when neckband-style wireless earphones were all the rage in India. But as TWS (True Wireless Stereo) earbuds took over, offering convenience in all shapes and sizes, neckbands seemed to take a backseat. The trend gradually faded but
OnePlus
's Bullets range held the ground, providing top-notch quality in a relatively low price point. The company recently launched Bullets Wireless Z3 (priced at Rs 1,699) as a successor to the Bullets Z2.
Fundamentally, the Bullets Z3 looks and feels quite similar to its predecessor but it does pack some notable upgrades. If you're one of those who still prefer the comfort and reliability of a neckband over TWS earbuds, read on this full review to know what has changed in the latest generation of the OnePlus Bullets Z series.
OnePlus Bullets Z3 design
If we are to summarise the design of the OnePlus Bullets Z3, it is nothing but familiarity with a fresh hue. There isn't much groundbreaking news here as the latest neckband largely retains the familiar aesthetic of the Bullets Z2. It carries forward the signature magnetic on-and-off function, which is handy for pausing music when you're not listening, the skin-friendly silicone material build, and its ergonomically curved shape that ensures a snug fit.
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So, whether you're heading to the office or hitting the gym, you can comfortably wear these around your neck without worrying about them falling off, thanks to that magnetic lock. The OnePlus Bulltes Z3 is available in two colour options: Mambo Midnight and Samba Sunset. All the physical controls – volume rockers and buttons – are located on the left side of the neckband, are tactile and provide satisfying feedback. There's a USB Type-C charging port and an LED indicator that lights up in red and white.
OnePlus has also added an IP55 water and sweat resistance rating, making the Bullets Wireless Z3 suitable for outdoor use and capable of withstanding splashes of rain.
OnePlus Bullets Z3 performance
OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 neckband earphones can be used with both Android phones and iPhones. If you are using a OnePlus phone, you can access some basic functions directly through their Bluetooth settings to personalise the audio output.
The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 features 12.4mm dynamic bass drivers, which are the same as those found in the Bullets Z2 model from 2022. Out of the box, the Z3 offers a decent sound profile with a balanced approach. Vocals come through clear and natural to a good extent. The treble is clear and extended but don't expect it to deliver a top-notch, high-quality audio with nuanced musical details.
Coming to the bass, the earphones provide a punchy thump, which sometimes may prove overwhelming to some users. If you love bass, then you'll appreciate the punch and complemented clarity. Lows are a bit tight and controlled, allowing other instruments to flourish. Mids and highs are well pronounced, which means guitar solos like
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Free Bird
and
Jimi Hendrix's Purple Haze
sounded great.
While there may be some music tracks that sound 'unclear' due to lack of separation in musical instruments but vocals are clearly pronounced. For example, when listening to tracks like
Eminem's "Animals"
and
Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us,"
we found the vocals were exceptionally clear, making it easy to recognise every word.
The neckband handles volume changes smoothly, from quiet passages to loud music, without any harshness and they are loud. Pop Rap songs like
On To The Next One by Jay-Z and Swizz Beatz
were a treat for the ears.
You also get the OnePlus 3D Audio function, which aims to create an immersive sound environment. The earphones have a wide soundstage that's decent at best. All in all, we found the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 resonate more with House Music, Dance Music and EDM and perform well for various other genres.
OnePlus has included AI-powered Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) that essentially enhances call clarity by reducing background noise during conversations. Like the Bullets Z2, these earphones lack Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), however, we may see an ANC version like the Bullets Z2 ANC model.
Battery and features
Battery life is also robust. The neckband packs a 220mAh battery and is claimed to deliver 36 hours of audio playback. During our review, we got a week's battery on one charge, often using the earphones for up to 5 hours a day. The fast-charging feature is a bonus as OnePlus claims that just 10 minutes of charging can provide up to 27 hours of playback.
The Bullets Wireless Z3 earphones support Google Fast Pair and Bluetooth v5.4. In terms of audio codecs, the neckband supports AAC and SBC, which is expected given its price point.
Verdict
At Rs 1,699, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 is a pretty good deal, especially for those who still prefer the comfort and convenience of neckbands over TWS earbuds. The audio output is balanced and its fantastic call clarity is appreciable. The robust battery backup and fast-charging support are the added benefits. The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 offers a compelling value proposition, combining balanced performance credentials with a solid battery life.
OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3: Why This Neckband Still ROCKS in a TWS World!
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