Overview

OnePlus is a Chinese smartphone brand established in 2013, operating under BBK Electronics. Initially, the company gained global attention with its “flagship killer” concept, providing high-performance smartphones at affordable prices. In the audio product sector, OnePlus entered the wireless earphone market in 2020 with the OnePlus Buds series. Currently, they offer multiple wireless earphone products including the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 as their flagship model, along with the OnePlus Buds Pro 2, OnePlus Buds Pro, OnePlus Buds Z2, and OnePlus Buds N. The company emphasizes their commitment to acoustic technology through collaboration with Dynaudio for sound design.

Scientific Validity

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The measured data of the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 shows mixed results in terms of scientific validity. While it claims 50dB noise cancellation performance and achieves “90% reduction of unwanted sound” in actual measurements, meeting the transparent level (40dB+) in the measurement criteria table, there are significant issues with frequency response. The high-frequency range exhibits “aggressive treble response” resulting in “sibilant and fatiguing” sound quality, which deviates from the ±3dB problem level. Despite sound design collaboration with Dynaudio, listening fatigue may occur without equalizer adjustment, and transparent-level sound reproduction remains challenging. Scientifically meaningful improvements are partially confirmed, but overall sound balance issues persist.

Technology Level

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The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 features an ambitious technical approach with an 11mm woofer and 6mm tweeter dual-driver design, each driver equipped with dedicated DACs. Material engineering efforts include ceramic metal composite diaphragms and 35-micrometer planar voice coils. Support for the latest standards includes 50dB ANC, LHDC 5.0 codec compatibility, Bluetooth 5.4, and spatial audio support, meeting industry standards. While the collaboration with Dynaudio for sound tuning is technically meaningful, challenges remain in high-frequency adjustment. The technical approach is advanced and achieves above-average technical levels compared to products in the same price range.

Cost-Performance

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The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 is priced at 179USD. However, the market offers products with equivalent or superior features (especially ANC performance) and more balanced sound quality at a much lower price. For example, the Anker Soundcore Life A3i is available for around 59USD and serves as an excellent alternative. Based on the review policy’s formula CP = comparison_product_price / reviewed_product_price, the calculation is 59USD / 179USD ≈ 0.329, which rounds to a score of 0.3. The pricing of this product cannot be considered cost-effective due to the existence of cheaper and better-performing competitors.

Reliability & Support

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The OnePlus brand has global presence with product support maintaining certain standards in major markets. Basic durability design is ensured with IP55 water resistance and IPX4 protection rating for the charging case. Firmware updates are supported with functional improvement updates provided. However, being relatively new to the audio product field, long-term reliability data has not been accumulated. Repair service convenience and parts supply systems present challenges compared to specialized audio manufacturers. While warranty periods are at industry standard levels, the expertise of technical support for audio quality issues remains questionable.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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The design philosophy of the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 reflects the company’s basic concept of democratizing high-performance technology. The pursuit of technical advancement through dual-driver dual-DAC design and latest codec support is rational. The sound tuning collaboration with Dynaudio is a scientifically grounded approach that deserves recognition as a design philosophy. The noise cancellation function actually achieves the claimed 50dB performance, meeting the transparent level (40dB+) in the measurement criteria table. However, there are issues with excessive high-frequency emphasis in frequency response, and the design philosophy requiring equalizer adjustment has room for improvement. While the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 is commendable as a single product, OnePlus’s overall audio product lineup is limited, and there are challenges in the company’s comprehensive design philosophy and product strategy in the audio field.

Advice

The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 offers strong cost performance at 179USD. It provides flagship-class features (50dB ANC, dual-driver dual-DAC, LHDC 5.0 support, spatial audio support) at a competitive price point. However, with the Sony WF-1000XM5 now available at 198USD and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra at 229USD, the price advantage has diminished from the original launch prices.

Regarding sound quality, while there are challenges with excessive high-frequency emphasis, these can be improved through equalizer adjustment. When considering purchase, it’s important to conduct in-store listening tests to confirm compatibility with your hearing characteristics. Users particularly sensitive to high frequencies should consider usage with app-based equalizer adjustment as a prerequisite.

With a budget of 179USD, products with these features are limited, making this a recommended choice for users prioritizing cost performance. However, users who prioritize sound quality should consider the Sony WF-1000XM5 at 198USD, which offers superior sound balance without requiring equalizer adjustment. The small price difference of 19USD may be worthwhile for the improved audio experience. OnePlus’s overall audio products still face challenges in comprehensive product strategy and technical approach in the audio field as a company.

(2025.7.11)