OnePlus unveils cheaper Buds Pro 3 to take on Pixel Buds Pro 2

When it comes to wireless earbuds, both Google and OnePlus have brought some serious contenders to the table with the launch of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and OnePlus Buds Pro 3. The question on many people’s minds, though, is whether Google’s higher price tag is justified. Let’s dive into what both sets of earbuds offer in terms of specs and features and why the Pixel Buds Pro 2 might just be worth the extra investment.

At first glance, both the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and OnePlus Buds Pro 3 boast sleek and modern designs. But Google’s design philosophy goes beyond aesthetics, focusing on the ergonomics of comfort. According to Google, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are 27% smaller and 24% lighter than their predecessors, and they include wing fins to ensure they stay put during intense workouts. On the other hand, OnePlus offers a premium vegan leather aesthetic with a redesigned charging case, which does look and feel high-end but doesn’t significantly enhance the earbuds’ in-ear comfort during prolonged use.

Both earbuds are equipped with impressive noise cancellation technology. The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 offers up to 50dB of Adaptive Noise Cancellation (ANC), adjusting dynamically based on your environment. This is indeed a clever feature, but Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 take it up a notch.

Thanks to the custom-built Tensor A1 chip, Google promises noise cancellation that’s twice as powerful as the first-gen Pixel Buds Pro. This new chip not only adapts to your surroundings with unmatched precision but does so without compromising sound quality. The Tensor A1 processes up to 3 million data points per second, ensuring that your listening experience is immersive and free from distractions. While the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 offers solid noise cancellation, the sheer processing power and custom silicon of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 should give them a definitive edge.

OnePlus has pulled out all the stops with the Buds Pro 3’s dual-driver and dual-DAC setup. Collaborating with Dynaudio, they’ve crafted earbuds that promise crisp highs and deep bass with minimal crosstalk. These improvements are certainly notable, especially for audiophiles who appreciate a rich, full-bodied sound.

However, Google has also stepped up its game with the Pixel Buds Pro 2, featuring 11mm drivers and multi-path processing, thanks to the Tensor A1 chip. This ensures that your music remains untainted by ANC processing, delivering a pure and accurate sound. The ability to separate the music signal from noise-cancellation processing is rare, even in premium earbuds. This should make the sound experience on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 not just good, but exceptional.

When it comes to smart features, Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 are in a league of their own. The integration with Gemini AI brings hands-free voice commands, conversation detection, and even the ability to have extended, meaningful conversations with your virtual assistant. Imagine walking down the street, having a chat with Gemini AI, or getting directions without ever needing to reach for your phone.

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 also packs in a lot of smart tech, like Google Spatial Audio and fast pairing, but it doesn’t offer the same level of AI integration or user interactivity. Google’s focus on seamless interaction and voice control gives the Pixel Buds Pro 2 a distinct advantage in everyday usability.

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 does hold its own in the battery department, offering up to 43 hours of total listening time and a quick charge feature that gives you 5 hours of playtime from just a 10-minute charge. This is fantastic, especially for those who need their earbuds to last through a long day without a recharge.

However, Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 are no slouch, providing up to 8 hours of listening time with ANC on and up to 30 hours with the charging case. The Tensor A1 chip’s efficiency promises to get the most out of your battery without sacrificing performance. While OnePlus offers a longer battery life, Google’s balance between battery efficiency and power consumption, especially in ANC mode, makes a strong case for its superior engineering.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 ($229/£219/€249) and OnePlus Buds Pro 3 ($179/£199/€199) both offer impressive features for their price points. But when you consider the overall package — superior noise cancellation, smarter features, seamless AI integration, and a design built for comfort — the Pixel Buds Pro 2 justify their higher price.

Sure, OnePlus Buds Pro 3 might save you $50, but if you’re a Pixel smartphone owner looking for an all-encompassing experience that offers top-notch tech and fits perfectly into your daily routine, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are well worth the investment. Google didn’t just make another pair of earbuds; they’ve crafted a companion that’s always a step ahead, making your life a little easier and a lot more enjoyable.