Review of OnePlus Nord Buds 2R

The OnePlus Nord Buds 2R are the company’s entry-level earbuds and a cutdown variant of the Nord Buds 2. Compared to the Nord Buds 2, the 2R model lacks ANC (Active Noise Cancellation), transparency modes, and a few other minor features while retaining core audio performance and features.

Brand	OnePlus
Model Name	TWS Nord
Color	Deep Grey
Form Factor	In-Ear
Connectivity Technology	Wireless

Design: 

The Nord Buds 2R shares a similar design with the Nord Buds 2, with slightly smaller earbuds and rounded-off stalks. However, this makes them a bit more delicate to handle compared to the Nord Buds 2. The case is slightly smaller and lacks the pairing button, requiring you to press and hold the touch-sensitive area on both earbuds simultaneously to enter pairing mode. The build quality and finish are decent, and they come with an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance.

Comfort: 

The Nord Buds 2R, like the Nord Buds 2, is comfortable to wear for extended periods. The silicone ear tips feel thinner and cheaper than those on the Nord Buds 2 but do not affect comfort significantly.

Software: 

The Nord Buds 2R is natively supported on OnePlus devices and can be used with the Hey Melody app on non-OnePlus Android devices. However, the iOS version of the app does not detect these earbuds. The software experience is basic, offering a choice of three EQ presets (one less than the Nord Buds 2) and a custom EQ with six bands. Gesture controls can be adjusted for individual taps. The lack of wear detection and firmware update option is worth noting.

Performance: 

The Nord Buds 2R features 12.4mm dynamic drivers, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, and SBC/AAC support. They offer a bass-heavy sound signature with mellow mids, smooth timbre, and dull highs. The overall sound is boomy and pleasant for bass lovers or those who prefer subdued highs. The Bold EQ preset reduces the low-end and boosts the highs for a more balanced sound, though it comes with a dip in the mids. Wired earbuds at a lower price point often provide better sound quality and resolution.

The microphone performance is decent, providing clear voice reproduction in quiet rooms and effective noise cancellation in noisy environments. The earbuds offer good latency performance and reliable connectivity.

Battery: 

The Nord Buds 2R has a claimed battery life of 8 hours of continuous playback. In testing, it lasted for around 7 hours and 14 minutes, with an additional 2 hours and 9 minutes after a quick ten-minute charge. The battery life is slightly shorter than the Nord Buds 2 due to a smaller battery capacity