| Bluetooth 5.4 | LHDC Codecs | ANC & Transparency Mode |
| Up to 44 hours Battery Life | Squeeze-based Controls | IP55 |
Today, we’re diving into an epic showdown between two powerhouse earbuds: the new flagship OnePlus Buds Pro 3 and my trusty Realme Buds Air 6 Pro.
With OnePlus coming in at a higher price point, it’s time to see if the upgrade justifies the extra cash when compared to Realme's excellent value for money offering.
First off, both the OnePlus and Realme earbuds sport a similar pebble-shaped charging case, perfect for slipping into your pocket. The OnePlus case weighs in at 61 grams compared to the Realme's lighter 46 grams, thanks to a larger battery.
Realme goes for a chrome look, while OnePlus opts for a premium vegan leather finish, which isn't real leather but it still feels nice. Now, it's hard to say how this material will hold up against wear and tear in the long run but we should point out that the chrome on Realme’s case is already showing signs of wear after just a month of use.
Both earbuds feature a stem-style design, but the OnePlus adds a nice touch with a matte and glossy combo. Fit-wise, they both stay snug in your ears, but OnePlus edges out for all-day comfort. And while both have an IP55 rating, the OnePlus case itself doesn’t have any IP protection, so keep that in mind.
On the connectivity front, both earbuds pack Bluetooth, with Realme at version 5.3 and OnePlus stepping it up to 5.4. They both support dual-device connections, which is a huge plus, and it means you can seamlessly switch between let's say your phone and tablet without the hassle of disconnecting and reconnecting.
Both buds get app support - HeyMelody app for OnePlus and Realme Link for, well, Realme. These apps work on both Android and iOS, but Realme Link offers a few more extra settings.
Now, about audio codecs: Realme supports LDAC, while OnePlus uses LHDC, both boasting Hi-Res audio capabilities.
But there’s a catch, OnePlus buds can’t use Hi-Res on iOS, so you’ll need an Android device for that feature. When it comes to quick pairing, Google Fast Pair is available for both. It allows your earbuds to instantly connect to your Android device with just a tap, similar to the way AirPods work with iPhones.
Realme also advertises a lower latency of 55ms compared to OnePlus' 94ms. Lower latency is crucial for gamers because it reduces the delay between audio and video, providing a more synchronized experience.
In our experience, though, the difference in gaming performance was negligible. Just remember that Realme’s low latency mode needs to be activated in the app.
We might as well talk a bit about the touch controls. The Buds Pro 3 gets customizable squeeze-based controls. You can even adjust the volume right from the stem! Although, we have to admit, the volume control on the inner side threw us off at first. It took us a couple of tries to get the hang of it.
Now, the Realme earbuds go for touch controls. While they're easy enough to use, they don’t offer a volume control option, and they can be a bit finicky at times. On the bright side, both earbuds have wear detection, which is always a nifty feature!
The OnePlus buds continue the legacy of their predecessors with Dynaudio, featuring a 6mm tweeter and an 11mm woofer. Realme’s bass is there but needs a boost from the equalizer, while OnePlus delivers more punch right out of the box.
The mids and vocals on OnePlus are crisp and clear with a touch of bass, but at 100% volume on default settings, it can be a bit much. Realme, on the other hand, handles high volumes better.
Active noise cancellation is a highlight for both, each claiming to block up to 50 decibels of ambient noise. In our testing, OnePlus provided superior noise cancellation and a more comfortable fit.
Plus, the transparency mode on the OnePlus is stellar it’s so natural, that it feels like you’re not even wearing earbuds. Both earbuds come with noise cancellation for calls. We tested them in a noisy outdoor setting and felt that both sounded equally good.
Battery life is another strong suit for both, with OnePlus boasting 44 hours of combined playback and Realme offering 40 hours. These numbers don’t include noise cancellation, but even with it on, both managed to last four days without a full recharge. However, OnePlus scores extra points with wireless charging for the case.
So, is the extra cost for the OnePlus earbuds worth it? If you’re all about premium sound quality or need top-notch noise cancellation, OnePlus should be your go-to choice. But if you want reliable performance without breaking the bank, Realme might just hit the sweet spot.