Put everyone on notice. The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 might just be the best true wireless earbuds that OnePlus has to offer. And it has a legitimate claim to being one of the best at its price point.
To put things into perspective, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 currently retails for PhP 9,990 / US$ 179. That’s a fraction of the price of more mainstream options like the AirPods Pro and Sony WF-1000XM4. The aforementioned devices both hover around US$ 200.
At a lower price you’re getting Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Dual Drivers, a promise of up to 39 hours of playback, Hi-Res audio, fast charging, and something rarely found at this price point – Spatial Audio.
But we’re getting ahead of ourselves, let’s take a quick look at the packaging and design first.
“Dim the Headlights” (Unboxing and Design)
It starts with a stare. We’re both well aware. You’re pulling closer. Pulling me in.
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Quick notes from the unboxing:
The box still has OnePlus’ signature red. The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 opens like a clamshell. Most other earbuds have a vertical orientation that opens from the top with the stems magnetically sliding into a couple of slots. Only real advantage is that it’s easier to put down on a table or on your palm without it feeling wobbly. That’s great for not losing your earbuds or its case.
Controlling the device is also pretty straightforward. You only need to pinch the stem. Once to play/pause, twice to play the next track, thrice to go back to the start of the current track or go back to the last track.
If you pinch and hold, you cycle through the ANC settings. That’s ANC to shut everyone out, Ambient, to hear what’s going on in your surroundings, and Zen to play relaxing audio that’s stored on the earbuds itself.
Nope, there are no volume controls. Perhaps that’s the biggest bummer on this pair of earbuds.
“A Method to Chaos” (Audio Features)
Voices aren’t loud enough. You’re tuning your ears, while waiting for something to hear.”
Perhaps the primary reason anyone splurges at all for earbuds is the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature. ANC is implemented a little differently by each manufacturer and has varying degrees of success depending on the price point.
The best ones use both hardware and software to achieve a credible ANC. The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 does something similar. It promises to shut out up to 48dB of noise, provided you do the whole ear scan thing they have going on.
The ear scanning thing isn’t new at all. If you’ve owned any pair of smart earbuds, many manufacturers do this to help tune the device optimally for your pair of ears. If the more premium earbuds are a 9-10/10 on ANC, I’d say the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 are a solid 7-8/10. Not the best, but not a pushover either. It does enough to drown out sounds, especially when music is blasting. It just doesn’t achieve the same level of quiet when no music is playing. But that’s to be expected for something that’s relatively cheaper.
Spatial Audio is a nice little addition. But the feature on the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 specifically only works on Android 13 phones on YouTube and Disney+. Might seem limited but it’s there and offers a different audio experience. Spatial Audio still feels a little gimmick but it tickles your ears just enough to make it interesting.
My favorite feature, however, is the support for Hi-Res audio. Specifically, the LHDC 4.05 codec which is the best you can get when streaming via Bluetooth. OnePlus also promised an update to support LHDC 5.0.
But I have a rather peculiar experience with Hi-Res audio.
“Evidence” (Pairing on OnePlus vs iPhone)
Caught you in the arms of another. I’ve been dying everyday since then.
I used the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 on both the OnePlus 11 and the iPhone 14 Pro Max. For some reason, the audio comes out better when paired on the iPhone 14 Pro Max. And this is across many apps: Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, Netflix, and more.
I personally can’t give an explanation why. But this happened even after I did the whole audio personalization thing by OnePlus.
But I’m skipping ahead again. Pairing is naturally faster between OnePlus devices. You get the fast pair option that shows up without diving into the settings. And when the OnePlus devices are paired, you don’t need a separate app to access the more granular settings. That includes EQ, Game Mode, Dual Connection, and more.
When pairing with an iPhone 14 Pro Max, you have to go into the device’s settings first. And to access EQ, Game Mode, and other settings, you need to download the HeyMelody app.
Seems odd but that’s how it is. Also, with the iPhone 14 Pro Max, you don’t have access to the Spatial Audio settings.
But like mentioned earlier, Spatial is a nifty trick but one that I don’t think is made for more daily listening. For that purpose, I value the support for Hi-Res audio more. Which, in this case works so well on Apple Music played with an iPhone paired with the OnePlus Buds Pro 2.
It’s an unlikely combo but it works and one that I’ve been rocking with for the most part of my time with OnePlus’ earbuds.
Is this your GadgetMatch?
The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 has cemented its place as my primary in-ear earbuds, relegating my Freebuds Pro 2 as backup (Sorry, Huawei). Personally, it’s the Hi-Res audio that really does it for me. Listening to my favorite tracks, whether that’s rocking out to UrbanDub, dancing to TWICE, or just chilling to my favorite K-RnB titles, it felt like experiencing the music again.
As for the other features, they’re what you can expect from earbuds at this price point. The ANC isn’t perfect but it’s more than good enough. The battery life hovers around the 39-hours advertised. Naturally, it’ll vary depending on your usage. Personally, I only charge once a week on moderate usage.
The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 is a good pick-up if you can’t splurge for the mainstream choices but want a feel of their premium audio features. The no volume control is a bummer if you plan on using this while working. But that’s a minor gripe on an otherwise excellent value device.
Anker has just unveiled the soundcore Liberty 5 Pro series earbuds in New York during Anker Day. They are available in the Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty 5 Pro Max variants.
Available colors are:
- Pro Max: Midnight Black, Titanium Gold
- Pro: Pearl Blue, Midnight Black, Pearl White, Rose Gold
These latest TWS earbuds feature Anker’s first neural-net chip, the Thus AI chip. This breakthrough architecture introduces neural-net compute-in-memory processing.
It means AI computation directly inside NOR Flash Memory is enabled, instead of continuously transferring data between memory and processor.
Thus applies compute-in-memory principles inspired by the human brain, allowing AI models to process information where the data already resides.
Earbuds that think
Applying the Thus AI chip to the new soundcore Liberty 5 Pro series, Anker has integrated an advanced AI-powered 10-sensor fusion system.
This system combines eight MEMS microphones and two bone conduction sensors to isolate the user’s voice from environmental noise in real time.
Such system continuously cross-references airborne audio with vibrations captured directly from the speaker’s cranial structure. The result is significantly clearer voice isolation during calls, even in loud environments.
The Liberty 5 pro series also debuts Adaptive ANC 4.0. It is soundcore’s newest intelligent noise cancellation platform.
This system dynamically adjusts cancellation depth across varying environmental frequencies, while also minimizing pressure fatigue commonly observed on traditional ANC systems.
Integrated smart display
Both variants of the Liberty 5 Pro series come with Control at a Glance, an integrated smart touch display built directly into the charging cases.
Users can switch between ANC modes, customize EQ settings, manage playback, and answer calls from the case.
The Pro Max variant, in particular, comes with a 1.78-inch AMOLED smart screen which has an AI Note-Taker for AI-powered recording, real-time transcription, speaker identification, intelligent summaries, and more.
Furthermore, both models support three-device multipoint connectivity, IP55 dust and water resistance, Bluetooth 6.1, and up to 28 hours of total battery life.
From phone cases to luggage, the collaboration turns the classic virtual pet into a lifestyle collection
CASETiFY has announced a new collaboration with Bandai Namco Entertainment inspired by Tamagotchi.
The collection mixes retro digital pet nostalgia with modern accessories. Designs feature bright colors, pixel-inspired graphics, and classic Tamagotchi characters.
First released in 1996, Tamagotchi became a global hit. The interactive virtual pet encouraged players to care for their digital companion. More than 100 million units have been sold worldwide.
The new collaboration includes phone cases, tech accessories, straps, charms, and customizable luggage.
One of the highlights is the CASETiFY Travel Tamagotchi luggage collection. Customers can choose their favorite Tamagotchi character and add custom text using the franchise’s signature font style.
The 21-inch Carry-On Bounce Suitcase comes in Primrose Pink and Cobalt Blue.
The collection also introduces a CASETiFY-exclusive Tamagotchi device. It features a custom CASETiFY shell design.
Fans can also pick up the Tamagotchi Plush Earbuds Pouch designed by Bandai. CASETiFY is also offering themed straps and charms for added personalization.
Accessories include a 3-Way Strap with adjustable lengths and a silicone phone charm with a detachable plush accessory. A Tamagotchi-shaped metal charm hook is also available.
CASETiFY is also launching Tamagotchi Chase Cards alongside the collection. The collectible cards come in seven rarity levels. These range from Common to Supreme Ultra Rare.
To celebrate the launch, CASETiFY will host activations at its Shibuya PARCO store in Tokyo and its Dosan flagship store in Seoul.
Visitors can try the exclusive CASETiFY Tamagotchi device and enjoy interactive photo activities.
Price and availability
The CASETiFY x Tamagotchi collection starts at US$36. It launches on May 29 through CASETiFY and select CASETiFY STUDiO stores worldwide.
Accessories
The UGREEN Nexode Air 65W is the only charger I travel with now
Why carry five chargers when one does everything?
Traveler guilt sets in the moment you open your carry-on and realize half of it is occupied by cables.
Not clothes. Not souvenirs. Cables. A brick for the laptop, an adapter for the tablet, a dongle for the country you’re visiting because you forgot it has different outlets, and a portable battery that is, somehow, the size of a hardcover novel.
I used to be that person. Then the UGREEN Nexode Air 65W happened, and I’ve been reformed.
The case for a single standard
This charger is roughly the size of a golf ball. It weighs 72.9 grams — lighter than most lipstick cases — and yet it pushes enough power to fast-charge a MacBook Air or an iPad Pro without breaking a sweat.
It measures 33 x 31 x 40.4 millimeters, which means it disappears into any bag with an almost smug confidence. In the best way.
For the outlet you didn’t plan for
You know that crowded café in an airport lounge where the only available outlet is suspiciously close to a stranger’s elbow? The Nexode Air is designed for exactly that scenario.
It runs on universal voltage — 100 to 240 volts — so whether you’re in Singapore or Santorini, it simply works. No adapter required. (And we all know the adapter is always the first thing we forget.)
ThermalGuard technology manages heat during the charging process, so your expensive devices are protected from voltage spikes and thermal stress even when you’re running on your third hour of a delayed flight.
The single USB-C port is a design philosophy in itself. One cable. One brick. That’s one less thing to think about.
Less bulk, same power
The bulky laptop brick that came in the box of your MacBook is retired.
The Nexode Air handles your laptop and tablet both, which means that space is now available for the things that actually matter — like that extra pair of shoes you were debating.
Travel isn’t about packing for every possible scenario. It’s about packing for the life you actually live. And this little charger, this impossibly compact overachiever, makes moving through the world feel a little more effortless.
The UGREEN Nexode Air 65W Charger retails for US$ 39.99 and now available in the United States through the UGREEN Official Store and Amazon.
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