The OPPO Enco X3i and OnePlus Buds 3: two seemingly identical earbuds from sister companies OPPO and OnePlus, both under the BBK Electronics umbrella. This detailed comparison review delves into the subtle yet significant differences that set these nearly indistinguishable earbuds apart. While sharing a striking resemblance in design and core functionality, including the HeyMelody app and spatial audio, closer inspection reveals variations in software features, codec support, and sound profiles. These differences, often dependent on the operating system (iOS vs. Android), ultimately impact the user experience.This review meticulously compares the earbuds' equalization settings, microphone performance, active noise cancellation, transparency mode, sound quality, and codec support. We'll explore how seemingly minor variations in software translate to distinct listening experiences, and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each model. Ultimately, we aim to help you determine which earbuds – the OPPO Enco X3i or the OnePlus Buds 3 – best suit your needs and preferences.
Pros And Cons
- Good mic quality in quiet and noisy conditions
- Richer set of sound settings on iOS (including bass wave mode and graphical EQ)
- Slightly more bass-heavy sound than Oppo Enco X3i, described as 'heavier' and 'smoother'
- Better sound settings overall compared to Oppo Enco X3i
- No significant disadvantages mentioned compared to Oppo Enco X3i; differences are subtle.
- Good mic quality in quiet and noisy conditions
- Decent noise cancelling
- Thin and compact case
- Lets in a bit more ambient noise than OnePlus Buds 3 (minimal difference)
- Doesn't support LDAC codec, only LHDC (not the latest version)
- Sound is described as 'thin and tiny' compared to OnePlus Buds 3
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Identical Twins? The OPPO Enco X3i and OnePlus Buds 3
The OPPO Enco X3i and OnePlus Buds 3 share an uncanny resemblance, leading many to believe they're the same product. This isn't entirely surprising given that both brands, OPPO and OnePlus, are under the BBK Electronics umbrella. They share a common app (HeyMelody), similar menus, and features like spatial audio and sound calibration, albeit with different names. This shared heritage explains the significant overlap in design and core functionality.
However, subtle differences exist depending on the platform (iOS vs. Android). The close relationship between the brands raises interesting questions about their market segmentation and target audience.
Software Differences: iOS vs. Android
The EQ settings reveal a key difference. On iOS, the OPPO Enco X3i offers only four presets, while the OnePlus Buds 3 provides a more comprehensive set. The OnePlus Buds 3 boasts a bass wave mode for precise bass control and even a graphical EQ customizer. Android users find a slightly different scenario; the OPPO Enco X3i includes a bass wave mode but still lacks a graphical EQ, unlike its OnePlus counterpart.
These software variations illustrate how the same underlying hardware can be tailored to offer distinct user experiences. The features offered are optimized based on user expectations of each particular brand. Although similar at first glance, closer inspection reveals how OS preferences determine available features. This is a key distinction for users to consider.
Microphone Quality and Active Noise Cancellation
Testing the microphone performance in both quiet and noisy environments (cafe and wind noise) yielded almost identical results. Both earbuds demonstrated excellent voice pickup and background noise reduction in both scenarios. This consistency across varying conditions is remarkable and suggests meticulous engineering and testing.
Active noise cancellation performance also showed minimal differences. While the OPPO Enco X3i might let in slightly more ambient noise, this difference is negligible and could be attributed to variations in ear fit. Overall, both models provide impressive noise cancellation capabilities.
Transparency Mode and Sound Quality
The transparency mode is nearly identical on both earbuds, allowing for similar levels of ambient sound pass-through. However, neither model excels in voice amplification during conversations, potentially leaving users feeling slightly isolated. This aspect could be a significant drawback for individuals requiring clear voice pickup in noisy environments.
Sound quality is virtually indistinguishable. Frequency response tests revealed a slight difference: the OnePlus Buds 3 leans towards a bass-heavy profile, creating a smoother, fuller sound. While the OPPO Enco X3i sounds slightly thinner, this difference is subtle and may only be noticeable to discerning listeners after careful A/B comparison.
Codecs and Spatial Audio
Codec support reveals a notable difference. The OnePlus Buds 3 supports LDAC, a widely used codec. However, the OPPO Enco X3i only supports LHDC, a less common codec, limiting its compatibility, particularly with non-Chinese smartphones, which primarily support AAC. This significantly impacts the quality of audio streaming.
Spatial audio performance is quite similar; both provide a decent spread without excessive reverb. However, the choice of codec affects the overall audio experience. The lack of broader codec support in the OPPO model represents a significant technical limitation.
Conclusion: Which Earbuds Should You Choose?
The OPPO Enco X3i and OnePlus Buds 3 are practically identical in terms of core performance and microphone quality; excellent across the board. The OnePlus Buds 3 emerges as a slightly superior choice due to its richer sound settings, wider codec compatibility (LDAC), and a potentially slightly more refined sound signature (more bass). However, the OPPO Enco X3i is not a bad buy; it's a great choice if it's more accessible for purchase in your location.
Ultimately, the best choice hinges on personal preferences and regional availability. Both offer exceptional microphone quality and decent sound, making either a solid choice. Consider your priorities: richer sound customization and wider codec support favor the OnePlus Buds 3. Superior convenience in the local market might favor the OPPO Enco X3i.
