OnePlus’ affordable buds get better

OnePlus has announced an upgraded addition to its budget true wireless earbuds roster. Joining the OnePlus 9RT at the company’s launch on Wednesday, the OnePlus Buds Z2 brings many improvements to the original Buds Z formula.

Aesthetically, you’d have a tough time playing spot the difference between the two generations. The Buds Z2 still uses its predecessor’s long-stalked, silicone-tipped design but does smooth out a few edges on the earphone body itself. In terms of colorways, you’re still looking at either black or white.

Related: The best true wireless earbuds you can buy

The interest really lies in the OnePlus Buds Z2’s internal improvements. The new buds bump up the number of microphones from two to three. This trio aids the Buds Z2’s 40dB active noise reduction smarts, too. Latency now falls under 100ms which should benefit gamers and media bingers.

In terms of audio, the Buds Z2 gains slightly larger 11mm drivers, although that’s still noticeably smaller than the 13.4mm drivers in the pricier OnePlus Buds. The OnePlus Buds Z2 also gains a transparency mode, allowing ambient audio to pass through to the listener.

Other additions include lengthy battery life. OnePlus claims a total battery runtime of 38 hours with top-ups from the case. This drops to 27 hours with noise reduction active but still trumps the original Buds Z’s 20-hour figure. The Buds Z2 also packs an IP55 water resistance rating and land with Bluetooth 5.2 support. Dolby Atmos support makes a return too for Color OS 12-powered phones.

OnePlus Buds Z2: Price and availability

The OnePlus Buds Z offered stellar, unpretentious performance for just $49. The OnePlus Buds Z2 starts at 499 yuan (~$77) in China and goes on pre-sale starting today. General availability kicks off on October 19. There’s no word on when the buds will be available internationally.