OnePlus has launched the first gaming noise reduction true wireless earphones in the Ace series — OnePlus Buds Ace. As the 2023 PEL recommended earbuds, OnePlus Buds Ace brings a “Game For Peace” exclusive theme pop-up window and prompt sound, and has PEL game sound effects that enhance low-frequency footsteps and gunshots in the game.
OnePlus Buds Ace specs and features:
- Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC/SBC codec
- 5-7 hours playback of per charge (ANC on/off)
- Charging case can charge earbuds fully 4 times
- 47ms low latency game mode
- IP55 waterproof rating (earbuds)
- 12.4mm dynamic driver
- $40 – Check latest price on AliExpress or Banggood
Design and Comfort
The charging case adopts a rounded rectangular design, the case cover has a metallic texture, and the lower part has a matte texture. The contrast between the two materials highlights their own texture. And the matte material is not easy to be stained with fingerprints during daily use, and at the same time it is more resistant to scratches. The size and weight of the charging case are well controlled and can be put into any pocket.
There is an LED light designed under the charging case cover, so that we can understand the status of the earbuds more intuitively. The back of the charging case is equipped with a pairing button and a Type-C charging interface. Non-OnePlus mobile phones need to press and hold the pairing button for 2s to pair when connecting, and hold the pairing button for 15s to restore factory settings.
The earbuds adopt a handle-shaped in-ear structure as a whole, but the shape of the headset stem is wider and flatter, similar to the OnePlus Buds N (OnePlus Nord Buds). The circular area on the top of the headset stem is the touch sensing area. The top and bottom of the headset stem are equipped with a noise reduction microphone and a call microphone respectively.
After actual measurement, the overall weight of OnePlus Buds Ace is about 48.6g. A single earbud weighs about 4.8g. OnePlus Buds Ace adopts an in-ear design that fits the ear canal better, and the umbrella-shaped eartips evenly distribute the pressure on the ears, which can effectively reduce the burden even after prolonged use. It is worth mentioning that the earbuds support IP55 dustproof and waterproof, so you are not afraid of daily liquid splashes or light rain and other usage scenarios.
Connectivity and APP
OnePlus Buds Ace adopts Bluetooth 5.3 technology, which has good compatibility, strong anti-interference ability and stable connection. The earbuds support AAC codec, which can preserve more sound details during wireless transmission.
When used with the OnePlus mobile phone, it can be quickly paired and connected through a pop-up window, and the device connection status and remaining power will be displayed through a dedicated pop-up window during subsequent use. When other devices are connected for the first time, just select “OnePlus Buds Ace” in the phone’s bluetooth device list to quickly connect. Open the charging case for subsequent use to connect to a successfully paired bluetooth device.
When used with OPPO or OnePlus mobile phone, you can directly enter the earbuds management interface from the bluetooth settings. Other Android devices with non-ColorOS system can also maximize the experience of various functions of OnePlus Buds Ace through the HeyMelody APP. Such as noise reduction switch, master tuning, game mode, find earphones, firmware update and so on. The master tuning has three styles: balanced, clear and deep bass, and expands the customization of the equalizer. In addition, there are multiple gears to adjust the BassWave dynamic bass sound effect to be set.
Sound Quality of OnePlus Buds Ace
OnePlus Buds Ace adopts the second-generation dual-damping independent rear cavity design, using lower damping mesh, which greatly improves the performance of mid-low frequency. At the same time, it is equipped with a 12.4mm dynamic driver, combined with a titanium-plated composite diaphragm, to bring clear and bright mid-treble. Paired with the OnePlus mobile phone that supports Dolby Atmos, you can enjoy a highly restored on-site listening experience when listening to songs, watching videos and playing games.
OnePlus Buds Ace also supports BassWave™ dynamic bass, and users can independently adjust the bass intensity of the earbuds according to their preferences. Different from ordinary EQ, BassWave™ dynamic bass will intelligently analyze the sound source, and dynamically compensate some weak low-frequency sound sources. If the original sound source has a strong bass, only slight compensation will be made, regardless of the volume level, it will not cause excessive compensation distortion. While strengthening the low frequency, it can also ensure the sound quality of the mid-high frequency.
In the actual experience session, I randomly selected some popular music for trial listening. The sound of OnePlus Buds Ace is quite natural, and the tuning is relatively balanced. The audition performance of many songs is remarkable, and there will be no obvious partiality.
Low Frequency: The large-sized dynamic driver does not have the “boom, boom, boom” timbre, but prefers delicate low-frequency dynamic expression. Because it has a dynamic bass compensation algorithm, you can still feel good low-frequency strength and texture when testing with drum music. Although the low-to-mid frequency transition is not perfect, but considering that this is the design of wireless earbuds, you can understand the bottleneck of tuning. The low-frequency extension and transient balance expression are well done, which is suitable for the original soundtrack of movies and game responses that are strong and lively without losing dynamic extension.
Mid-Frequency: The smoothness of mid-frequency is still very good. The human voice ensures a delicate timbre curve and a certain saturation density, ensuring the discrimination and resolution details that male and female voices should have. As a restoration of high-definition recording, mid-frequency tuning is no less than the timbre expression of wired headphones. Both the mid-frequency instrumental music and vocals of the music have a good display of delicate lines and density.
High Frequency: Considering the high-tempo sound field perception and restoration, and the tone style for long-term listening. The high frequency of OnePlus Buds Ace has good brightness, but it tends to be smooth and less dense. This satisfies the timbre balance of the music, and allows the balanced timbre of the front and rear cavity of the dual-damping earbuds to be played with a variety of DSP timbre adjustments.
Noise Reduction, Calls and Controls
OnePlus Buds Ace is equipped with the dual-core noise reduction chip, which can effectively generate reverse noise reduction waves, superimpose and cancel noise. Long press to switch to transparent mode. In terms of noise reduction strength, OnePlus Buds Ace can basically meet the strength needs of daily commuting, and can also block part of the noise in quieter scenes. At the same time, the music curve performance of the earbuds has not decreased due to the noise reduction being turned on.
Although the noise reduction level of earbuds is still far behind that of OnePlus Buds Pro 2. However, in terms of the timbre expressiveness of a single dynamic driver, especially after ANC is turned on, the music performance is more delicate, which is more pleasing to audiophiles.
In terms of calls, the built-in dual microphones in the earbud can accurately pick up and amplify the human voice. With the powerful AI algorithm and physical anti-wind noise design, it can filter the environmental noise in life, make voice calls clearer and without interference, and fully ensure that the content of game voice communication is clear and smooth.
The circular area on the top of the headset stem is the touch sensing area. By single-tap, double-tap and triple-tap, you can realize functions such as play/pause, answer/hang up, song switching, and wake-up the voice assistant. Press and hold for 1s to switch the noise reduction mode, and hold for 3s to reject calls.
Game, Videos and Battery Life
OnePlus Buds Ace adopts Bluetooth 5.3 low-latency dual transmission, which is more anti-interference, and the latency is as low as 47ms. When watching videos and playing games, the audio and picture are synchronized, and the experience is smoother. After testing, the actual latency is almost negligible, and the synchronization of audio and video is truly achieved. In addition, OnePlus Buds Ace also has an exclusive PEL sound effect, which can bring shocking scene sound effects when turned on, and enhance the sound of footsteps and gunshots in the game.
When the ANC is turned off, the earbuds can last up to 7 hours, the charging case can provide an additional 29 hours of battery life, and the overall comprehensive battery life can reach up to 36 hours. The battery life is 5 hours when the ANC mode is turned on. In addition, OnePlus Buds Ace supports super fast charging function – charging for 10 minutes, listening to music for 5 hours.
Conclusion
In terms of appearance, OnePlus Buds Ace does not have an exaggerated design like other gaming earbuds. The earbuds adopts a handle-shaped in-ear structure, and the headset stem is wider and flatter, and the size is smaller and more compact. The overall style is low-key and simple, without losing texture and recognition.
In terms of experience, OnePlus Buds Ace supports Bluetooth 5.3, 47ms game low latency. Support active noise cancellation, transparent mode and dual-mic call noise reduction. The earphone built-in 12.4mm dynamic driver, supports BassWave™ dynamic bass and exclusive game tuning and other functional configurations, providing excellent mobile games and movies experience.
Check the OnePlus Buds Ace price:
- Check latest price on AliExpress
- Check latest price on Banggood
