In a world slowly abandoning wires and neckbands, OnePlus seems to be doubling down on them — and frankly, it’s not a bad bet. The Bullets Wireless Z3, priced at ₹1,699, may look like a throwback to 2019, but under the surface, they’re surprisingly competent and thoughtfully designed for people who still value practicality over aesthetics.
Let’s start with what’s obvious: yes, they look a little old school. The neckband style, rubberized finish, and magnetic buds might remind you of your college days or your first wireless headphones. In an era where TWS earbuds dominate pocket space, the Z3 can feel visually outdated — and that’s probably its biggest drawback if you’re buying with your eyes first. But if you’re buying with your ears (and your wallet), there’s a lot to like here.
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The Z3 features 12.4mm drivers, and the sound is tuned for mass appeal. There’s a healthy punch of bass, enough to give EDM and Bollywood tracks the oomph they need, without completely drowning out mids or vocals. Audiophiles will not find incredible detail or balance, but for workout playlists, Zoom calls, and Netflix binging, these buds hold up just fine. The highs can get slightly sharp at full volume, but you rarely need to push them that far.
Where the Z3 shines most is in battery life and usability. OnePlus promises up to 20 hours of playback, and in real-world testing, it comes close — especially if you’re keeping volume below 70%. Even better, a 10-minute charge gives you about 20 hours of playback thanks to OnePlus’ fast-charging feature, which continues to be one of the brand’s most underrated strengths.
Bluetooth 5.2 ensures a strong, stable connection, and the buds pair instantly with OnePlus devices — no surprise there. There’s also low-latency support, ideal for casual gaming or video watching, although this still works best within the OnePlus ecosystem.
The inline controls are tactile and easy to locate, and the magnetic play/pause feature still feels clever, even if we’ve seen it before. One minor complaint is the lack of app-based EQ customization, which might have helped refine the sound experience further. Also, the build quality, while solid, doesn’t feel premium — it’s functional plastic, and that’s fine at this price point.
To be clear, these are not for everyone. If you’ve already invested in a good pair of TWS earbuds, the Z3 might not wow you. But for anyone looking for a reliable, affordable pair of wireless earbuds with excellent battery life, comfort, and dependable audio, these are an easy recommendation — even if they do look like a slightly nostalgic throwback.
The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 are practical, bass-forward, and budget-friendly. They might look dated, but they perform like they belong in 2025.
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