The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC, priced at Rs. 2,299, retains the familiar design and features of its predecessor but introduces active noise cancellation (ANC) as a notable addition. Despite the growing popularity of true wireless earphones, the neckband-style form factor remains relevant, with OnePlus being a prominent proponent of this design. The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC maintains the classic design while offering the convenience of ANC, enhancing its appeal in the market.
The design of the neckband-style wireless headset remains mostly unchanged, making it nearly identical to the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2, especially in the black color variant. An interesting addition is the green color option available exclusively for the ANC variant. The headset features a flexible neckband, short cables connecting to the earpieces, and control buttons on the neckband. However, the magnetic switch on the earpieces for power control can lead to accidental activations when separating or linking the earpieces.
The control buttons, located on the left module of the neckband, offer functions such as volume control, playback, ANC and transparency mode toggling, and device switching. The left module also houses the USB Type-C charging port, while the right side features the OnePlus logo. The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC maintains its IP55 rating for dust and water resistance.
The key enhancement in the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC is the inclusion of active noise cancellation, promising up to 45dB of noise reduction. Other notable features include rapid device switching between two paired devices, automatic low-latency mode activation, and support for Google Fast Pair on compatible devices.
While it is uncommon for neckband earphones to have app support, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC offers compatibility with the HeyMelody app on Android. Users of compatible OnePlus or Oppo smartphones can access settings through the system’s Bluetooth settings when the headset is paired.
The available controls and customizations in the app are relatively basic but cover essential functionality. Users can check the approximate battery level, switch between active noise cancellation and transparency modes, customize the two modifiable buttons, and adjust equalizer settings. Four equalizer presets are available for easy selection, with advanced users having the option to create custom equalizer modes to suit their preferences.
In terms of specifications, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC retains its core components, featuring 12.4mm dynamic drivers, a frequency response range of 20-20,000Hz, and a sensitivity rating of 112dB. The headset uses Bluetooth 5.2 for connectivity, an improvement over Bluetooth 5 in the non-ANC model, and supports the SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs.
Sound-wise, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC offers a bass-heavy sonic tuning, which can be adjusted using the equalizer settings. The headphones can achieve high volume levels, suitable for genres like EDM that emphasize bass. However, the strong bass emphasis may overshadow vocals and melodies in certain tracks, although it can be fine-tuned with equalization.
With active noise cancellation, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC performs reasonably well, effectively reducing low-pitched ambient sounds both indoors and outdoors. Transparency mode, on the other hand, may sound artificial and over-amplified, leading to its infrequent use. Call quality is generally decent.
The headset boasts impressive battery life for a neckband-style wireless device, particularly considering the addition of ANC. It provides approximately 18 hours of usage on a single charge with ANC active and moderate volume levels. The 220mAh battery supports fast charging, allowing for a full charge in as little as 15 minutes.
In summary, the neckband wireless earphones market, while less prominent today, still offers viable options, especially in the affordable segment. The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC maintains its classic design while introducing ANC, enhancing its value proposition. While it may not represent a groundbreaking innovation, it offers good performance and features at its price point, making it a relevant choice for users seeking an affordable yet capable audio solution.
