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Business Standard
07-07-2025
- Business Standard
OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 review: Neckband-style earphones on budget
If you are looking for a neckband-style earphones with modern features and great audio, the Bullets Wireless Z3 from OnePlus should be in your list New Delhi OnePlus has refreshed its neckband lineup in India with the launch of Bullets Wireless Z3, aimed at budget buyers who still expect quality audio and reliable performance. Priced at Rs 1,699, the Z3 sticks to the basics – there's no active noise cancellation or flashy premium materials, but what it does offer is a balanced mix of comfort, features, and sound quality. With large 12.4mm drivers, and support for 3D Audio, the Z3 looks to be a strong contender in the affordable wireless audio space. I've been using it for the past few weeks and here's how these fared. Design The design of the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 retains the lightweight, neckband-style build seen in previous generations. The construction primarily uses plastic, with a standard non-braided wire for the cable. While it doesn't feel particularly premium, this design choice keeps the headset lightweight and comfortable, even during long listening sessions, it's easy to forget you're wearing it. The Z3 carries an IP55 rating, making it resistant to sweat and light splashes. The in-ear fit is reasonably secure and comfortable out of the box, and OnePlus includes additional silicone ear tips to help users find a more personalised fit. Charging is handled via USB-C, though it's worth noting that OnePlus no longer includes its signature red cable in the box. Audio The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 neckband features 12.4mm dynamic bass drivers that deliver solid sound output for its price segment. Vocals come through clearly, and the overall sound signature leans slightly toward the bass-heavy side, though not to the point of overwhelming the mids or highs. Instrument separation isn't especially precise, but that's expected given the price. The Z3 gets impressively loud, though this focus on volume does compromise clarity at higher levels. Personally, I found that keeping the volume below 80 per cent helps maintain a cleaner listening experience, as distortion and muddiness become more noticeable beyond that point. The Z3 is compatible with OnePlus' HeyMelody app, available on both Android and iOS. While it doesn't offer advanced features like a fully customisable equaliser, it does include a handful of preset EQ modes such as Balanced, Serenade, Bass, and Bold. These can noticeably change the sound profile. Among these, the standout is the BassWave mode. Even though the Bass preset already boosts low-end frequencies, BassWave takes it a step further by enhancing the bass response with finer control. You can even customise its intensity across 10 levels, allowing you to fine-tune the output based on your preference. Another notable inclusion is OnePlus 3D Audio, a spatial audio mode that creates a broader, more immersive soundstage. While not as advanced as Dolby Atmos implementations, it works surprisingly well and adds depth to certain types of content. Calling experience The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 holds up well when it comes to voice calls, even in less-than-ideal environments. The microphone quality is commendable for the price, effectively capturing your voice while minimising background noise. It even manages to suppress wind interference to a noticeable extent, which is impressive in this segment. Another highlight is the solid Bluetooth range. The stable connection allows you to move freely around your home or workspace without needing to carry your phone – making it convenient for attending calls while multitasking. Battery and charging Battery performance continues to be a strong suit for the OnePlus Bullets series, and the new Z3 model doesn't disappoint. OnePlus claims up to 36 hours of continuous music playback at 50 per cent volume, and while I didn't test it nonstop, the Z3 easily lasted nearly four days of regular use. This included music streaming, watching videos, and light gaming, all without needing a top-up. Charging is equally convenient. The neckband supports fast charging and can go from near empty to around 60 per cent in just 15 minutes – enough to comfortably get through two days of use with minimal downtime. Verdict Priced at Rs 1,699, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 delivers great value for budget-conscious buyers seeking a bass-forward audio experience. The sound signature leans toward heavier lows, which, when paired with the standout BassWave mode, makes it especially appealing to those who enjoy thumping beats. The call quality is solid too, with reliable noise suppression and stable Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to move around freely during conversations. Battery life is another highlight. Support for Google Fast Pair is a nice touch, although the lack of multipoint connectivity might disappoint users who juggle multiple devices. If you are looking for a feature-rich neckband with solid audio performance, great bass, and excellent call handling at an affordable price, the Bullets Wireless Z3 makes a strong case for itself.
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First Post
04-07-2025
- First Post
OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 Review: A good wireless neckband that OnePlus did not need
Not a bad product at all but the Bullets Wireless Z2 successor had ample time to be a lot more special than it is read more Pros: Loud and punchy sound output after tweaks Lightweight and comfortable to use for long hours IP55 rated dust and splash resistance Very good battery backup, super-fast charging Good call quality Magnetic On/Off switch Cons: Default sound is extremely bass-heavy Fewer sound tweaks than usual No dual-pairing support Very few changes as compared to its predecessor Price: Rs 1,699 Rating: 3.7/5 Many wonder if wireless neckband earphones still need to exist with quality TWS earbuds selling under Rs 2,000. I would answer in the affirmative. While TWS earbuds are a lot cooler and offer freedom from cables, the neckband form factor still has its merits. Many fear losing TWS buds in transit or at home and prefer to have their earphones securely fastened to themselves (almost). Neckband batteries last longer too (not just battery backup) as they have to endure fewer charging cycles. TWS buds start charging everytime you place them in their case. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD That justifies the existence of the wireless neckband segment, but can OnePlus justify the launch of the Bullets Wireless Z3 neckband? It has been over three years since the launch of its predecessor, the Bullets Wireless Z2, and OnePlus even released its ANC (active noise cancellation) variant in 2023. The company had ample time to add a lot more to the Z3 than a few extra hours of battery backup and upgraded Bluetooth version. Let's find out if they did. OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 is a simple uncomplicated product that offers good value for your money OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3: Design and Comfort (7/10) OnePlus hasn't changed their neckband design in years, and the Z3 looks pretty much like its predecessors. It is a standard looking OnePlus neckband with a smooth matte finish and a bit of gloss at the back of the earbuds. The OnePlus branding is subtly present on the battery module. The other module hosts the inline controls that include a volume rocker and a multi-functional button, in addition to a USB-C charging port. A multifunctional button and volume rockers are all the controls you get on this neckband The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 comes in two colour options - Mambo Midnight (black) Samba Sunset (red). This neckband is quite light, weighing just 26 grams, and you can barely feel the presence of the skin-friendly silicone band around your neck. The earbuds sit nicely into the ears without any discomfort. The fit is quite snug with the right sized ear-tips. This neckband is IP55 rated dust and sweat resistant and can be worn during workouts. The earbuds sit snugly in the ears without causing any discomfort OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3: Features and Specifications (6/10) The Z3 feels like a downgrade as compared to the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC - the last neckband the company released almost two years ago. But then, the Z3 is meant to succeed the Z2 and not the Z2 ANC, so the absence of ANC can be overlooked. What is hard to overlook is the lack of dual pairing support even after all these years, something that's available even in certain TWS earbuds around Rs 2,000, including the OnePlus Nord Buds 3. You do get Google Fast Pair here, though it's not the same. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Each earbud is fitted with a 12.4 mm dynamic driver, and the back of the buds have magnetic tips that act as an On/Off switch for this device (Off when stuck together and On when separated), something common to all OnePlus neckbands. The reconnection is pretty quick and generally done by the time you put the earbuds back in your ear. The Bluetooth version has been upgraded to 5.4 but the codec support remains limited to SBC and AAC. The back of the buds have magnetic tips that act as On-Off switch for this device The companion app gives you access to certain features of this neckband but fewer than what you get on the Z2 ANC. If you use OnePlus or Oppo phones, you get the option in the phone's Bluetooth settings itself, and for all other smartphones, you need to install the HeyMelody app. Though there's an Earbud Controls option, you cannot alter any controls of this wireless neckband (not Earbud) from there. You can simply check which gesture does what in that list. You can tweak the sound output though, but again, the options are fewer than usual. More on that in a bit. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Companion app provides only a handful of sound tweaks and none for controls OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3: Performance (7/10) These earphones are quite loud and perfectly audible at 50% loudness when indoors, and you may need to push the volume just a notch higher in noisy areas. The passive noise isolation is average at best, and ANC is missed in places like public transport. But once the audio starts playing loud enough, it tends to drown the ambient noise sufficiently. The wireless range is as advertised with a strong connection up to 10 metres with a clear line of sight. Moving on to the audio quality, the default sound signature on the 'Balanced' preset is distinctly bass-heavy; typical of OnePlus. But in the case of the Z3, it feels excessive. Yes, a sizable target audience for this product prefers a bit more bass, but the excess bass here severely suppresses the midrange frequencies. It makes the sound soft, fatiguing at times and impacts the vocals too. Even the highs don't sound sharp enough to balance the extra bass in this mode. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This product lacks the multi-band equaliser present on most OnePlus earphones including the Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC, but you do get the BassWave slider that can also be used to reduce the Bass. One can play around with that to regain some balance and sharpness or simply switch to the Bold preset that is way more balanced than anything available for this neckband, and makes it sound way better. In that mode, the mids have a reasonable presence, vocals sound sharp, the highs find a bit of sparkle too, and all this without sounding bass-deficient at all. The soundstage here is decently broad, but the detail in audio is average at best. There are two more audio presets of which Serenade is largely suited for voice-heavy content like podcasts rather than music. And then there's the Bass preset! I am not sure for whom, but my guess would be for those in need of an ENT specialist. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Jokes apart, I missed the 6-band equaliser, not just to tweak the sound more granularly but to create custom sound profiles too. I feel it would have brought a bit more out of the Bullets Wireless Z3. Probably OnePlus wanted to keep things a bit too simple for the target audience of this product, which is understandable. You do get OnePlus 3D Audio to indulge in, something that can always be disabled if it doesn't appeal to you. There were no latency issues when streaming videos, with no perceptible lag between the video and audio. OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3: Call quality (8/10) The call quality is quite good on this wireless neckband. Those on the line were clearly audible to each other. The voices sounded clean at either end and hardly anybody could guess I was using wireless earphones during the calls. Ambient noise is kept in check reasonably well, and though not eliminated completely, it barely impacts the conversation or the voice clarity even in the middle of a busy street. Yes, the sound of horns does go through, which is the case with pretty much all wireless earphones. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3: Battery life (8.5/10) The Bullets Wireless Z2 were already pretty good in this department, and the Z3 bumps up the overall battery backup by 20%, now taking it to 36 hours. The fast charging figures see even more improvement, wherein a 10 minutes charge promising 27 hours of playback as opposed to 20 hours before. More importantly, the actual battery backup figures during our testing were pretty close to these claims. The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 could manage close to 35 hours of audio playback on a full charge at 50% loudness for most parts, which is very good. The fast charging figure is on the money too with the neckband going on for 25 hours after changing it for exactly 10 minutes; that's even more impressive! If you indulge in a lot of calling, the battery does deplete relatively faster and will last a few hours less. But in most cases, if you use the neckband for a couple of hours daily, you may need to charge it only twice a month. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 charge insanely fast through its USB-C port OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3: Price and verdict The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 is priced at Rs 1,699 with a one year warranty. That is a very reasonable price tag for what it offers. In addition to wearing comfort, you get a loud and punchy sound output in Bold mode, impressive call quality and battery backup and super-fast charging. If you look at it in isolation, it is pretty much worth its asking price. The only real concern for this product is competition and that too in-house. For starters, its predecessor, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 sells for Rs 300 less, and you would only miss out on a few extra hours of battery backup if you opt for that. I believe it will be phased out soon and should stop being a concern for the Z3. However, the Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC sells for just Rs 250 more, and for that small premium, you get active noise cancellation, better sound and more tweaks through the app, making it a much better value proposition. The Z3 is not a bad product but it is certainly a missed opportunity for OnePlus given the amount of time they had to create something remarkable in this segment again.
India Today
26-06-2025
- India Today
OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 review: Deep bass and outstanding battery life make these earphones a steal deal
Walk into any store looking for good earphones and chances are the salesperson will show you a bunch of True Wireless (TWS) earbuds, or maybe even a pair of over-ear headphones. The once-popular wired and semi-wired Bluetooth earphones have quietly slipped into the background. However, they are not forgotten. There are still users who love to go the old-school way, those who appreciate the reliability of wired or neckband-style earphones. They don't want to constantly worry about misplacing tiny earbuds or their limited battery for these users, OnePlus, while actively expanding its audio portfolio with TWS options across various price points, still makes and refreshes its neckband options. It has recently launched the Bullets Wireless Z3 in India. Coming after a near three-year-long hiatus, the sequel to the Bullets Wireless Z2 s brings in some significant upgrades in audio quality, battery life and, a few tweaks in design. But most importantly, the pricing is now more affordable, down from Rs 1,999 for Z2 to Rs 1,699 for the we will be talking more about the features and how they perform in the real world, but before that, here's a quick glance at what the Z3 earphones bring to the table. For starters, you get 12.4mm dynamic drivers, support for Bluetooth 5.4 and Google Fast Pair, and IP55 splash resistance—ideal for active users. The 220mAh battery boasts an impressive 36 hours of playback, at least on paper, and a 10-minute charge gives you up to 27 hours of listening. Audio codec support includes both AAC and SBC, setting the stage for a solid wireless experience on a Bullets Wireless Z3 look and feeladvertisement The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 keep things simple on the design front. In fact, they look almost identical to their predecessor—the original Z and Z2. That said, there are some subtle refinements: the control buttons now have a matte finish, and the wires connecting the earbuds have a slight texture to them. The neckband feels lightweight weighing 26 grams and is comfortable enough to wear all the past few days, I have used the Z3 as my primary earphones during commutes, work calls, and while doing chores around the house. Not once did they feel cumbersome or slip out of my ears. That is also one of the biggest advantage of neckbands—you just wear them and forget they are even there. For this review I used the Mambo Black variant, which has a clean, all black look with some red accents on the buttons. If you like a bit of colour, the Samba Red option is also available and adds a nice bit of flair. Still, I do wish OnePlus had introduced some fresh design elements instead of sticking so closely to the same old let's talk about controls. Both the Z2 and Z3 follow the same three-button layout: volume up, volume down, and a multifunction button for play/pause and pairing. It is a familiar setup, but I honestly miss the original Bullets Wireless design, where the volume controls were placed along the wire and the power/Bluetooth controls were located on the neckband itself. That older layout felt more intuitive and easier to operate—especially during workouts or while walking or buds attach to each other magnetically and allow for quick auto power on/off, which is convenient. The magnets are decent and pause music when snapped together. However, while the magnetic control seems to be the best way right now for a quick pause or power off, it is not ideal for clumsy hands or bumpy rides. I noticed that during commutes or while doing chores, a slight tug or jostle would separate the buds. This ends up waking the earphones and reconnecting them to the phone which could drain the battery unknowingly. Now this problem is not unique to the Z3—I have experienced the same issue with the Z2 and even the original Bullets Wireless Z. It is more of a general limitation with magnet-based controls. Having a dedicated power switch could be more Bullets Wireless Z3 soundNow, coming to the sound. As mentioned earlier, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 offer a snug fit, and while there is no active noise cancellation, the passive noise isolation is surprisingly impressive. During commutes or while working in a moderately noisy environment, the earphones helped me in reducing most ambient noises to a level that didn't interfere with my listening terms of music playback, the Z3 deliver a sound signature that leans slightly towards bass but still tries to maintain balance. By balanced, I mean that no frequency feels aggressively boosted or overly recessed. The bass has definitely improved compared to previous generations, offering a decent thump in most tracks. It is not overpowering, but it gives a low-end presence that many budget earphones struggle with. advertisementHowever, while the bass is impressive, the overall sound stage could be better. While listening to tracks with layered vocals or intricate instrumentation—like Rihanna's Umbrella, Ed Sheeran's Sapphire, Bollywood hits like Ilahi, Oh Ho Ho Ho by Sukhbir, or even fast-paced K-pop like BTS's Mic Drop or ON, —there is a noticeable muddiness in the mids and vocals. The clarity drops a bit when multiple elements are playing at once, making the overall audio feel flat and a little to be fair, at under Rs 2,000, I was not expecting premium-grade sound. And for casual listening—be it lo-fi, podcasts, or chart-toppers—the overall sound quality is decent. The Z3 manage to offer clear sound and enjoyable playback, if you keep aside the technicalities of the audio has also included AI-powered call noise cancellation, which cuts down on noise to offer clear and stable audio quality during calls. During my use, I faced no issues with Bluetooth pairing or stability. Whether taking calls on the move or switching between music and voice assistants, everything worked smoothly without noticeable said, it is worth noting that the earphones do not support simultaneous multi-device connectivity. While not exactly a dealbreaker at this price point, it is something to keep in mind if you frequently switch between, say, a laptop and phone. You will need to manually disconnect from one device before connecting to Bullets Wireless Z3 batteryNow let's talk about the battery. This is also one of the biggest upgrades in the Z3 compared to the Z2. OnePlus claims the Bullets Wireless Z3 can deliver up to 36 hours of playback at around 50 per cent volume—and in my experience, that is pretty accurate. With a daily usage of about 4 to 5 hours, a single full charge easily lasted me through an entire workweek without needing a also impressive is the fast-charging support. Just 10 minutes of charging gave me roughly 35 percent battery, which was more than enough to get through a full day of use. Should you buy the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3?If you're looking for a reliable pair of earphones with really good battery performance under Rs 2,000, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 should be high on your list. The bass is punchy and satisfying—definitely a step up from past iterations—and while the overall soundstage is not the most refined, it is more than good enough for everyday listening. The sound remains enjoyable and clear for most life is a major highlight with the convenience of fast charging. The design is functional rather than flashy, and while the buttons could have been more intuitive, these are minor quirks in an otherwise solid package. All things considered, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 stand as one of the best earphones you can buy under Rs 2,000 particularly if you are eying neckband-style ones.- Ends
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tigé Boats, Inc. Debuts Fully Redesigned Z3 for 2026
ABILENE, Texas, June 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Tigé Boats, Inc. is proud to release the all-new 2026 Z3. Representing the third generation of Tigé's best-selling model, the all-new Z3 marks a significant evolution since the original model's debut over 15 years ago. The Z3 has been completely redesigned and reimagined for 2026, incorporating advanced engineering and refined luxury styling that reflects more than two decades of innovation. "The Z3 is one of our all-time best-selling models, and as a family-owned company, legacy is incredibly important to us," said Charlie Pigeon, owner and founder of Tigé Boats. "We are excited to continue the Z3's legacy with a fresh design and innovations that raise the bar once again. This boat represents our commitment to past, current, and future owners who trust Tigé to deliver the ultimate on-water experience." Building on the legacy of the original Z3 that sparked the wakesurf movement, the all-new 2026 Z3 marks a bold new chapter not just for Tigé but for surf boats as a whole. Reimagined with aggressive new styling and advanced technology, the Z3 blends trusted performance with a modern edge—engineered to lead in every area of its segment. Powered by the intuitive GO System with TAPS 3T, the 2026 Z3 delivers precise, unbeatable performance across all watersports—wakesurfing, wakeboarding, foiling, and skiing. The 2026 Z3 has been completely reimagined with significant upgrades across every aspect of the boat. 2026 Z3 Features: Premium Design Elements - Features striking new body lines while maintaining Tigé's signature diamond-stitch upholstery for a refined luxury feel. Deepest Freeboard Design In Its Segment - The Z3 features the deepest freeboard and interior design in its segment, providing unmatched safety and comfort for all passengers on board. Redesigned Bow - New bow design inspired by the Ultré ZX that maximizes both form, function, and depth. Expanded Storage Solutions - Significantly increased storage capacity throughout the boat, includes a dedicated surf locker for organized gear storage, a built-in trashcan located behind the driver and dedicated cooler space. New E4 Powered Tower - All-new for 2026 is the E4 Powered Tower. It's available in black or white, with your choice of custom color accent. Features include built-in dome lighting and matching upholstery accents for a finished, premium look. Your choice of two biminis—ShadeForce and SolidShade. CLEAR Horizon Touchscreen - Features Tigé's revolutionary 12.1" glare-free touchscreen with unparalleled simplicity, the world's most intuitive controls, and unprecedented instant response for professional-grade wake control. Audison Pro-Audio System - Tigé's premium sound system delivers clear audio throughout the boat and extends coverage to riders in the wake. Electric Steering and Thruster - Optional electric steering and thruster system with thruster controls integrated into the throttle for enhanced stern maneuverability. Specs: Length: 23'5"Weight: 6,500 lbsBeam: 102"Ballast: 3,800 lbsFuel Capacity: 75 galSeating: 16 Explore the all-new Tigé Boats Z3 at or connect with your nearest Tigé Boats dealership to experience the Z3 first-hand. Tigé Boats, Inc. is a world-renowned innovator, designer, and manufacturer of high-performance inboard boats. Celebrating their 35th anniversary, Tigé has cultivated its iconic brand image through their industry-leading innovation, luxurious diamond-stitched interiors, and multisport versatility. From their world-class manufacturing facility and across their product line, Tigé's consistent design-driven mentality has refined the marketplace while forever intensifying the love for wakesurfing, wakeboarding, and waterskiing. Experience the Tigé and ATX lineups now at / CONTACT: Tige Boats Marketing, marketing@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Tige Boats Inc Sign in to access your portfolio
India.com
20-06-2025
- Business
- India.com
OnePlus Unveils Bullets Wireless Z3 Neckband with 27-Hour Playback in 10-Minute Charge
New Delhi – OnePlus has officially launched the Bullets Wireless Z3, a next-generation wireless neckband aimed at delivering immersive audio, ultra-fast charging, and smart calling features at an affordable price of ₹1,699. The Z3 promises to be an ideal daily companion, combining long battery life with AI-enhanced communication and deep bass performance. The neckband stands out with its impressive battery capabilities — offering up to 27 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge, while a full charge delivers up to 36 hours of music playback and 21 hours of talk time. It is powered by 12.4mm dynamic bass drivers and a proprietary BassWave™ algorithm, designed to deliver punchy low-end sound without compromising vocal clarity. Commenting on the launch, Robin Liu, CEO of OnePlus India, said, 'Our vision is to build an interconnected ecosystem, and the Bullets Wireless Z3 reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality audio products. With this launch, OnePlus continues to lead the Indian neckband market in the ₹1.5K+ segment, as per IDC Q1 2025.' The Z3 introduces 3D Spatial Audio for a more immersive experience, placing users in the center of a 360-degree sound environment. To enhance voice clarity on calls, it features AI Noise Cancellation with ENC, filtering out ambient sounds for clearer conversations—even in noisy outdoor settings. Additional features include Bluetooth 5.4, Google Fast Pair, magnetic earbuds for auto power control, and IP55 water and dust resistance, making it ideal for workouts and everyday use. The Voice Assistant Shortcut also allows hands-free control over calls, music, and reminders. Available in two colorways – Mambo Midnight (black) and Samba Sunset (red) – the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 offers both style and function. Sales begin on June 24 at 12 PM across Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, and major offline retailers like Croma, Reliance Digital, Vijay Sales, and Bajaj Electronics.
