In a world dominated by true wireless earbuds, the neckband-style earphones are making a surprising comeback. Leading this resurgence is OnePlus with the launch of its Bullets Wireless Z3 in India on June 19, 2025. Aimed at users who prioritize extended battery life, crystal-clear call quality, and immersive sound—all without breaking the bank—the Z3 offers a feature-rich experience under ₹2,000.
This new iteration builds on the success of its predecessor, the Z2, while packing upgrades in battery, connectivity, and smart features that make it a standout in the budget audio segment.
🚀 First Impressions: Familiar Yet Fresh
The Bullets Wireless Z3 doesn’t stray too far from the classic OnePlus neckband design formula. It still sports a flexible neckband with magnetic earbuds, inline controls, and a lightweight build. However, this isn’t just a cosmetic refresh. The Z3 introduces meaningful enhancements like improved fast charging, longer battery life, AI-based call clarity, and even 3D Spatial Audio—an uncommon feature in this price range.
Targeted at budget-conscious consumers who don’t want to compromise on quality, the Z3 offers a refined experience in a price bracket where performance often takes a back seat.
🔋 Battery Life: A New Benchmark
One of the most impressive highlights of the Z3 is its 36-hour battery life on a full charge. That includes over 21 hours of talk time, which is ideal for daily commuters, remote workers, and music enthusiasts alike.
But what truly makes it shine is its rapid charging capability. With just 10 minutes of charging, users can enjoy up to 27 hours of playback—a noticeable improvement over the Z2, which offered 20 hours with the same charge time. This is made possible by the built-in 220 mAh battery and efficient USB-C charging. However, users should note that the charging cable isn’t included in the box.
In the crowded market of neckbands and wireless earphones, this kind of endurance gives OnePlus a definite edge.
🎧 Sound Quality: Bass, Balance & Beyond
The Bullets Wireless Z3 retains the trusted 12.4 mm dynamic drivers from the Z2. These drivers are fine-tuned to deliver the signature OnePlus bass-heavy audio profile without compromising midrange clarity or high-end detail.
Whether you’re listening to Bollywood beats, hip-hop, or podcasts, the sound reproduction is energetic and balanced. There’s a warmth in the sound signature that many users have come to appreciate in OnePlus audio products.
For connectivity, the Z3 features Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring strong signal stability, lower latency, and extended range. Support for both AAC and SBC codecs ensures compatibility across Android and iOS devices, and the addition of Google Fast Pair means users can instantly connect the earphones to their smartphones with a single tap.
At just 26 grams and with IP55 water and dust resistance, the Z3 is well-suited for gym sessions, running, and everyday wear.
📞 Calls & Communication: AI on Duty
Call clarity is often where budget earphones falter—but not here. The Bullets Z3 comes equipped with AI-powered Environmental Noise Cancellation (AI-ENC). This technology filters out ambient noise and enhances vocal pickup, ensuring that your voice comes through clearly, even in crowded environments or during outdoor use.
While the Z3 lacks active noise cancellation (ANC), the effectiveness of AI ENC for calls still delivers a premium-like experience, especially for users frequently attending calls on the move.
🌐 3D Spatial Audio: A Rare Bonus
OnePlus has also introduced 3D Spatial Audio in the Z3—a surprising and welcome addition. This feature provides an immersive audio experience by simulating a multi-directional soundstage, making it ideal for watching movies, gaming, or enjoying spatial music mixes.
It’s a feature typically reserved for mid-to-premium earbuds, making its inclusion in a budget neckband quite noteworthy.
🎨 Comfort, Controls & Colors
Design-wise, the Z3 maintains a minimal yet sporty aesthetic. The neckband is flexible and sits comfortably around the neck. The earbuds are angled for a secure fit, and the magnetic back lets users pause and resume music simply by snapping them together or pulling them apart.
Inline controls allow you to adjust volume, skip tracks, take calls, and activate voice assistants with ease. The earphones are available in two eye-catching shades: Mambo Midnight (a classic black) and Samba Sunset (a vibrant orange-red blend). These color options give the Z3 a trendy vibe without going overboard.
🇮🇳 Made in India: Smart Manufacturing, Smarter Pricing
In line with India’s growing push for local manufacturing, the Z3 is proudly made in India under the Project Starlight initiative. The production is handled by OnePlus’s local partner, Optiemus Electronics, at a facility in Noida.
This not only helps reduce production costs and shipping delays but also makes the product more accessible to Indian customers by maintaining aggressive pricing without sacrificing quality.
🎓 Z3 vs. The Competition: A Value Champion
Let’s see how the Z3 stacks up against the competition:
| Feature | OnePlus Z3 | Average Competitor |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | 36 hours | 20–30 hours |
| Fast Charging (10 min) | 27 hours playback | 10–15 hours max |
| Driver Size | 12.4 mm | 10–13 mm |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.2–5.3 |
| Codec Support | AAC/SBC + Fast Pair | Mostly SBC |
| AI ENC | Yes | Rare |
| 3D Spatial Audio | Yes | Very rare |
| IP Rating | IP55 | IPX4 or none |
| Weight | 26 grams | 25–35 grams |
| Price Range | ₹1,999 (expected) | ₹1,500–₹2,500 |
It’s clear that the Z3 punches above its weight, offering better specs than most rivals in the same bracket.
✅ Pros & Minor Drawbacks
Why You’ll Love It:
- Class-leading battery life and ultra-fast charging
- Excellent audio with solid bass and clarity
- AI ENC makes calls crystal clear
- Water-resistant and lightweight design
- 3D Spatial Audio is a bonus at this price
Things to Consider:
- No Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- USB-C cable not included in the box
- Lacks premium materials found in high-end neckbands
💬 Early Buzz and Public Sentiment
The OnePlus community and online forums are already buzzing about the Z3. Many users who previously owned the Z2 are excited to upgrade, especially for the improved mic quality and longer battery life.
The anticipation is further boosted by the brand’s strong reputation for delivering quality audio gear at reasonable prices.
🛒 Availability & Pricing
The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 will be available from June 19, 2025, across major online platforms including OnePlus India’s official website, Amazon, and Flipkart. Select offline OnePlus Experience Stores will also stock the product.
Expected pricing is around ₹1,999, making it one of the most compelling options in its category.
🔮 Final Thoughts: Should You Buy It?
If you’re in the market for an affordable, reliable, and powerful neckband that offers more than just the basics, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 is a no-brainer.
It brings together everything you’d want in a wireless earphone—long battery life, smart features, clear calls, decent bass, water resistance, and a sleek design—without the premium price tag. Whether you’re an office goer, student, or fitness enthusiast, the Z3 offers exceptional value and functionality in a stylish package.
In a sea of true wireless options, the Z3 is a reminder that neckbands still have plenty to offer—and OnePlus just made the best case for them yet.
