True wireless earphones are quite popular these days for personal audio, but the older neckband-style earphones are still in demand. One of the leading brands in this category is OnePlus, known for its Bullets Wireless earphones.
OnePlus Z2 ANC Review
OnePlus has recently launched the Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC in India, a neckband-style earphone with active noise cancellation. In this review, we’ll see if this addition makes it a worthy choice compared to true wireless earphones.
The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC retains the classic neckband design, which may look almost identical to its non-ANC counterpart, especially in the black color variant. However, it also comes in a green color option, which is unique to the ANC version.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Hybrid ANC reduces up to 45dB of unwanted noise |
| 12.4mm titanium-coated dynamic drivers | Deliver powerful bass and clear highs |
| Bluetooth 5.2 | Provides a stable connection with low latency |
| Battery Life | Up to 30 hours with ANC off, up to 20 hours with ANC on |
| Fast Charging | 10 minutes for 20 hours of playback |
| Water and Sweat Resistance | IP55 rating – can withstand light rain and sweat |
| Quick Device Switching | Switch between two devices with ease |
| Smart Assistance | Access Google Assistant or Siri with a tap |
Like most neckband earphones, it features a flexible neckband, short cables connecting to the earpieces, and controls on the neckband. The power can be controlled using magnets on the earpieces, which can be a bit prone to accidental activation.
Design and Features
The left module of the neckband houses buttons for volume control, playback, switching between ANC and transparency modes, and quickly switching between two paired devices. The left module also includes a USB Type-C port for charging, while the right side has the OnePlus logo. The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC is rated IP55 for dust and water resistance, just like its predecessor.
The major change in the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC is the addition of active noise cancellation, which claims to reduce noise by up to 45dB. Other features include quick device switching between two paired devices, automatic low-latency mode, and support for Google Fast Pair on compatible devices.
App and Specifications
Unusually for neckband earphones, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC supports an app called HeyMelody on Android. This app allows you to access settings related to the earphones, and if you have a compatible OnePlus or Oppo smartphone, these settings can be accessed through the system Bluetooth settings.
The app provides basic controls and customizations, including checking the battery level, switching between ANC and transparency modes, customizing the two buttons, and adjusting equalizer settings. There are four preset equalizer settings, but advanced users can create their own custom equalizer modes to suit their preferences.
In terms of specifications, the earphones feature 12.4mm dynamic drivers, a frequency response range of 20-20,000Hz, and a sensitivity rating of 112dB. It uses Bluetooth 5.2, an improvement over the non-ANC model, and supports the SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs.
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Performance and Battery Life
The sound quality of the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC is similar to its non-ANC predecessor, with a strong emphasis on bass in the default equalizer setting.
The earphones used the AAC codec on both OnePlus and Apple devices, and the sound quality was consistent. The earphones can reach very loud volumes, making them suitable for various genres of music. However, the intense bass might overpower vocals and melodies in some tracks.
The active noise cancellation on the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC is reasonably effective for a headset in its price range. It reduces most low-pitched ambient sounds, making it useful for music and calls in different environments. The transparency mode, on the other hand, may sound artificial and over-amplified.
Battery life is impressive, offering around 18 hours of usage with ANC enabled at moderate volume levels. The 220mAh battery can be rapidly charged, with just a 15-minute charge providing a significant boost.
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Verdict
The neckband wireless earphone category may not be as popular as before, but it still offers worthwhile options, especially in the affordable segment. The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC doesn’t bring a revolutionary change but remains competitive in its price range.
The bass-heavy sound may appeal to some music genres but not others, and the magnetic power switch can be accidentally triggered.
However, the earphones excel in most other aspects, including active noise cancellation. While there is a non-ANC variant available at a lower price, the ANC version is worth considering for the added features and performance.
FAQ’s
What is the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC?
The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC is a neckband-style wireless earphone from OnePlus, featuring active noise cancellation (ANC) as one of its key features.
How does the design of the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC compare to its predecessor?
The design of the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC is very similar to its non-ANC predecessor, with minor differences such as the addition of ANC and color options.
What controls and features does the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC offer?
The earphones have controls on the neckband for volume adjustment, playback, ANC, and device switching. They also support quick device switching, low-latency mode, and Google Fast Pair on compatible devices.
Does the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC come with an app?
Yes, it supports the HeyMelody app on Android, allowing users to access settings and customize their earphone experience.
What are the key specifications of the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC?
The earphones feature 12.4mm dynamic drivers, a frequency response range of 20-20,000Hz, and a sensitivity rating of 112dB. They use Bluetooth 5.2 and support the SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs.
