OnePlus Nord Buds 2R Review: Power-Packed Audio on a Budget
The affordable TWS earbuds with 12.4mm drivers, 38-hour battery life, and IP55 rating – but how do they really perform?
Introduction
OnePlus continues its strategy of offering premium features at competitive prices with the Nord Buds 2R. Launched on July 5, 2023, alongside new Nord smartphones, these true wireless earbuds aim to deliver robust audio performance at just ₹2,199 in India (about $26) and AED 119 in UAE, making them one of the most value-packed options in their category.
At a Glance
- 12.4mm Titanized Drivers: Large dynamic drivers for powerful bass
- 38-Hour Total Battery: 8 hours from earbuds, 30 more from case
- IP55 Rating: Protection against sweat and light rain
- AI Call Noise Cancellation: Dual mics per earbud for clear calls
- 94ms Low-Latency Mode: Optimized for mobile gaming
- No ANC for Music: Unlike pricier Nord Buds 2 (₹2,999)
Complete Technical Specifications
| Category | Specification | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Audio | Driver Size | 12.4mm Dynamic Drivers |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz | |
| Battery | Earbuds Battery | 36mAh (8 hours playback) |
| Case Battery | 480mAh (30 additional hours) | |
| Charging | USB-C (No wireless charging) | |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | |
| Latency | 94ms (Gaming Mode) | |
| Range | 10 meters | |
| Design | Weight (each) | 4.3g ± 0.2g |
| Dimensions (each) | 28.5 × 20.2 × 23mm | |
| Case Dimensions | 68.9 × 36.6 × 28.2mm | |
| Durability | IP Rating | IP55 (Earbuds only) |
| Microphones | 4 total (2 per earbud) | |
| Features | Fast Pair | Yes (OnePlus devices) |
| Touch Controls | Customizable | |
| Companion App | HeyMelody | |
| Price | India | ₹2,199 (July 2023 launch price) |
| UAE | AED 119 (Discounted from AED 171.70) |
Detailed Comparison: Nord Buds 2R vs Nord Buds 2
| Feature | Nord Buds 2R | Nord Buds 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation | No (call noise reduction only) | Yes (up to 25dB) |
| Battery Life | 38 hours total | 36 hours total |
| Driver Size | 12.4mm | 12.4mm |
| Latency | 94ms | 94ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| IP Rating | IP55 | IP55 |
| Microphones | 4 (2 per earbud) | 4 (2 per earbud) |
| Price (India) | ₹2,199 | ₹2,999 |
| Price (UAE) | AED 119 | AED 106 |
Design & Comfort
The Nord Buds 2R follow OnePlus’s minimalist design language with a sleek, ergonomic shape that sits comfortably in the ear. Available in Deep Grey and Triple Blue color options, they feature a subtle matte finish that resists fingerprints. Each earbud weighs just 4.3g, making them lightweight enough for extended wear without fatigue.
The charging case is compact (68.9 x 36.6 x 28.2mm) with a satisfying magnetic closure. It fits easily in pockets while providing three additional charges for the earbuds. OnePlus includes three sizes of silicone ear tips (S, M, L) to help achieve a secure fit – crucial for both comfort and sound quality.
Durability
With an IP55 rating, the Nord Buds 2R can handle sweat, light rain, and dust exposure. This makes them suitable for workouts and outdoor use, though they’re not fully waterproof for swimming. The build quality feels solid for the price, with no creaks or loose parts.
Audio Performance
The standout feature of the Nord Buds 2R is their 12.4mm dynamic drivers with titanized diaphragms – unusually large for budget TWS earbuds. This hardware delivers surprisingly powerful bass response that doesn’t overwhelm mids and highs. Audio quality is well-tuned for pop, hip-hop, and electronic music genres.
Sound Customization
When paired with a OnePlus smartphone, you unlock additional audio enhancements:
- Dolby Atmos: For more immersive spatial audio
- Dirac Audio Tuner: Optimizes frequency response
- Sound Master EQ: Three presets (Bold, Bass, Balanced)
Non-OnePlus users can access basic EQ settings via the HeyMelody app, but won’t get the full audio optimization experience.
Call Quality
The dual-mic AI noise cancellation works effectively for calls, suppressing background noise like traffic or cafe chatter. Voice transmission is clear, though not quite as natural-sounding as premium earbuds. For Zoom meetings or phone calls, they perform well above their price class.
Gaming Mode
The 94ms low-latency mode makes these earbuds surprisingly capable for mobile gaming. In fast-paced titles like Call of Duty Mobile, we noticed minimal audio delay between actions and sound effects. This is a standout feature at this price point.
Battery Life & Charging
OnePlus’s claim of 38 hours total playback (8 from earbuds + 30 from case) holds up in real-world testing. With moderate volume levels, we consistently achieved:
| Usage Scenario | Battery Life |
|---|---|
| Continuous music playback (earbuds only) | 7 hours 45 minutes |
| Total with case | 36-38 hours |
| Call time (earbuds only) | 4 hours |
| Call time with case | 20 hours |
The USB-C charging case supports fast charging (10 minutes = 5 hours playback), though wireless charging isn’t included at this price. A full charge takes about 1.5 hours.
Connectivity & Controls
Bluetooth 5.3 provides stable connections up to 10 meters with minimal dropouts. OnePlus’s Fast Pair technology makes initial setup nearly instant with compatible Android devices.
Touch Controls
The capacitive touch controls are responsive and customizable via the HeyMelody app:
- Play/Pause: Single tap
- Next Track: Double tap right
- Previous Track: Double tap left
- Volume Control: Swipe up/down (can be enabled in app)
- Gaming Mode: Triple tap either side
While functional, the controls lack the precision of physical buttons and can sometimes misfire during adjustments.
What’s in the Box
The retail package includes everything you need to get started:
- OnePlus Nord Buds 2R earbuds
- Charging case
- USB-C charging cable
- 3 sizes of silicone ear tips (S, M, L)
- Quick start guide
- Warranty card
- Nord-branded sticker
Pros
- Exceptional battery life (38 hours total)
- Powerful 12.4mm drivers with good bass
- IP55 rating for workouts and outdoors
- Clear call quality with AI noise reduction
- Low-latency gaming mode (94ms)
- Very competitive pricing
Cons
- No active noise cancellation for music
- Touch controls can be finicky
- Limited codec support (AAC, SBC only)
- Best features require OnePlus phone
Final Verdict
At just ₹2,199 in India and AED 119 in UAE, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2R deliver exceptional value, offering premium features like 12.4mm drivers, 38-hour battery life, and IP55 durability that outperform many competitors at this price point.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want long battery life, good sound, and durability without paying for ANC (saving ₹800 compared to Nord Buds 2).
Alternatives: Consider the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 if you need ANC, or the Nothing Ear (Stick) for a more neutral sound signature at a similar price.
