OnePlus Buds Pro 2 vs OnePlus Buds Pro: OnePlus is back in the spotlight with their newest release, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2, taking the good parts of the OnePlus Buds Pro and making them even better. In this comparison, we’re going to look closely at what makes these two earbud models different.
We’ll explore how they look, how they sound, what they can do, and how they feel to use. The Buds Pro 2 come out on top with a stronger Bluetooth connection, a sound that’s just right (not too bassy, not too flat), and even more ways to make them your own with the MyMelody app.
The original Buds Pro, though, still impresses with its ability to block out unwanted noise and deliver clear, enjoyable sound in all kinds of music.OnePlus has listened to its users and upgraded its earbuds, keeping what people loved about the Buds Pro and adding new, exciting features in the Buds Pro 2.
The new OnePlus Buds Pro 2 are a bit pricier than the OnePlus Buds Pro, costing $148. That’s a small jump from the previous generation’s starting price of $99.
Table of Contents
Design and Comfort
Buds Pro 2: Sleek design with comfortable wear. Includes three pairs of silicone tips for a customized fit.
Buds Pro: Stick design, also comfortable with a stable fit during activities. Comes with three silicone tip sizes.
The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 maintain the familiar design of their predecessors, the OnePlus Buds Pro, sporting a rod shape with voluminous earphones, much like the Apple AirPods Pro. They are neither too small nor too large, fitting comfortably in the ear. The Buds Pro 2 earphones measure 1.8 cm wide, 3.3 cm high, and 2.6 cm deep, which is quite standard for true wireless headphones. They weigh 5 grams each, contributing to their comfortable fit and staying securely in place even during sports activities.
The charging case of the Buds Pro 2 is slightly larger than its predecessor but remains compact enough to fit in any shirt or trouser pocket. The new Arbor Green and Obsidian Black color options replace the white variant, with the Arbor Green particularly standing out for its dignified look.
In contrast, the OnePlus Buds Pro, while similar in design, come in different dimensions (2.5 cm wide, 3.3 cm high, and 1.3 cm deep) and are a bit lighter at 4.3 grams per earphone. They too offer great comfort and a secure fit, ideal for active noise cancellation and physical activities.
Build Quality
Both models boast high-quality craftsmanship. The Buds Pro 2 and its predecessor have visible transitions between housing parts but no significant gaps or burrs. The plastic used feels premium and durable, capable of surviving falls from heights like 2 meters.
Both the Buds Pro 2 and the original Buds Pro have robust charging cases made of hard plastic with sturdy metal hinges. They come with IP55 certification, meaning they can handle sweat and rain. The charging case of the Buds Pro 2 also has an IPX4 rating, making it suitable for outdoor activities.
Sound Quality
Buds Pro 2: Offers impressive, balanced sound quality suitable for various music genres.
Buds Pro: Features 11-mm drivers with a slightly bass-heavy sound but good detail in mids and highs.
The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 steps up in sound quality, thanks to a collaboration with Dynaudio. They feature an 11 mm driver and an additional 6 mm driver, producing a dynamic sound with detailed trebles and solid mids. The Buds Pro 2 offer various equalizer settings, including a BassWave option for enhanced bass.
In contrast, the original Buds Pro uses 11mm drivers to deliver a warm and analytical sound. They handle all frequencies well, though the low tones can be a bit dominant. They perform well across various music genres, from classical to rock, providing clear voice reproduction and a wide stereo panorama.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Buds Pro 2: Effective ANC that significantly reduces background noise.
Buds Pro: Good ANC with adjustable levels, effectively reducing ambient noise.
The Buds Pro 2 excel in active noise cancellation, filtering out noises up to 48 decibels. They effectively absorb background noises like those from a train or a construction site. The transparency mode is a notable feature, allowing certain frequencies through for situational awareness.
Controls
OnePlus Buds Pro 2
The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 sticks to a familiar control scheme, making it easy for those accustomed to its predecessors. Newcomers might need a bit of time to get used to it, but overall, the earbuds boast a user-friendly operating concept.
Touch-Sensitive Controls: Interaction is primarily through the touch-sensitive rods. A combined press with the thumb and forefinger, confirmed by a clicking sound, registers the input.
Limited Functionality: Both earphones offer identical control options, which somewhat limits functionality. For example, you cannot adjust the volume directly from the earbuds.
Basic Commands: A simple press pauses or plays music, a double press skips to the next song, and a triple press goes back to the previous track. Holding down switches between transparency mode and active noise cancellation (ANC).
Zen Mode Air: Pressing for 3 seconds activates Zen Mode Air, playing natural sounds like birds chirping or wind blowing for a calming effect.
OnePlus Buds Pro
The original OnePlus Buds Pro also features touch-sensitive controls, but with a slightly different user experience.
Finding the Right Touch: Users press the rods lightly to interact, which might take some time to get used to. Even with prolonged use, finding the right pressure point can be challenging.
Similar Control Options: Like the Buds Pro 2, the original Buds Pro offers the same functions on both earphones, including play/pause, track skipping, and switching between transparency mode and ANC.
Zen Mode Air: This feature is also present in the original Buds Pro, offering a tranquil listening experience with natural sounds.
Bluetooth Connection
Bluetooth connectivity sees a major improvement in the Buds Pro 2, using Bluetooth 5.3 LE Audio for a more stable connection. This addresses the main issue of the original Buds Pro, which had occasional playback interruptions due to Bluetooth instability. Both models support the LHDC 4.0 codec, though not all smartphones are compatible with this.
Battery Life
Buds Pro 2: Up to 6 hours of playback with ANC on; the case provides additional charges.
Buds Pro: About 4-4.5 hours of battery life with ANC on; the case offers 4.5 additional charges and supports fast charging.
The Buds Pro 2 offer up to 6 hours of playtime with noise cancellation on, extending to 7-8 hours without it. The charging case provides 3 additional full charges, and the earphones support quick charging and inductive charging via the Qi standard.
The original Buds Pro, on the other hand, offer up to 5 hours of battery life with noise cancellation, extending to 7 hours without it. Their charging case provides up to 4.5 additional charges, with fast charging capabilities similar to the Buds Pro 2.
Additional Features
Buds Pro 2: Includes advanced features like spatial audio and personalized sound profiles. IP55 rated for water and dust resistance.
Buds Pro: High build quality with an IP55 rating. Notable for its durability.
App Integration
OnePlus Buds Pro 2
The Buds Pro 2 comes to life with the HeyMelody app, available for both Android and iOS users.
Customization with HeyMelody: This app allows users to choose from different equalizers, adjust sound settings, and add the BassWave function for enhanced low frequencies.
Hearing Test: The app includes a hearing test that tailors the sound quality to the user’s preferences.
Adjustable ANC Levels: ANC can be set to Light, Medium, Maximum, or Intelligent, which adapts to the ambient noise level.
Exclusive Features for OnePlus 11 Users: Some features, like Google Spatial Audio and Neck Health, are reserved for OnePlus 11 smartphone users.
OnePlus Buds Pro
The original Buds Pro also benefits from smartphone integration but with slightly different offerings.
Smartphone Integration: OnePlus smartphone owners can access settings directly via the Bluetooth interface, while others require the HeyMelody app.
Personalized Sound Settings: Like the Pro 2, a hearing test is available to improve sound quality according to the user’s hearing.
Three Levels of ANC: Users can choose between normal, maximum, or smart ANC settings, which also adjust based on ambient noise.
Conclusion
Advancements in OnePlus Buds Pro 2
The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 marks a significant step forward from its predecessor. They show considerable improvement in several key areas:
Enhanced Bluetooth Connectivity: The Pro 2 version boasts a more stable Bluetooth connection, greatly reducing interference issues that were noticeable with the Buds Pro.
Balanced Sound Quality: While the Buds Pro delivers quality sound across all frequencies, the Pro 2 steps it up with a sound that is less bass-heavy and more balanced, offering a warm and detailed audio experience.
Effective Noise Cancellation: The noise cancellation feature, especially effective in removing monotonous background noises, is another area where the Buds Pro 2 shines.
Customization with MyMelody App: The app allows users to fine-tune the sound to their preferences, enhancing the overall user experience.
Retaining the Essence
Despite these improvements, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 maintains the essence of what made the original Buds Pro popular:
Familiar Operation: Those who have used the Buds Pro will find the operation of the Pro 2 familiar and easy to adapt to. The touch controls on the bars, while lacking volume control, are intuitive and user-friendly.
Design and Build Quality: The Pro 2 continues the trend of sleek design and high-quality construction, making them both stylish and durable.
Areas for Improvement
While the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 excels in many areas, there are still aspects where improvement would be welcome:
Lack of On-Device Volume Control: Both the Buds Pro and Pro 2 lack on-device volume control, a feature that many users would find convenient.
OnePlus Buds Pro: A Solid Foundation
The original OnePlus Buds Pro set a high standard with its own set of strengths:
Sound Quality: The Pro offers a harmonious sound profile across all frequencies, making it a solid choice for various types of audio content.
Effective Noise Cancellation: The Pro also features good noise cancellation, although it’s not as advanced as in the Pro 2.
Room for Improvement: The original Buds Pro’s operation is less intuitive and its Bluetooth connection can be unstable, especially when a phone is in a pocket.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 represents a clear advancement over the OnePlus Buds Pro. They retain the core features that made the original popular, such as sound quality and design, while improving on aspects like Bluetooth connectivity and sound balance. The Pro 2 stands out with its advanced noise cancellation and customization options via the MyMelody app.
The original Buds Pro, meanwhile, remains a competent option with its own merits, particularly if OnePlus addresses its few shortcomings through updates. Both models are testament to OnePlus’s commitment to quality and innovation in the true wireless headphone market.
