OnePlus recently entered the TWS earphone market with its OnePlus Buds, but rumours are already circulating that these could be swiftly followed by a budget-friendly version going by the name of the OnePlus Z or Lite.
We round up all the rumours so far about the expected new addition to the OnePlus range.
What will the new OnePlus earphones be called?
There’s a little confusion over this at the moment, which we think comes from rumours pertaining to different models being conflated into a single product. The first TWS (true wireless) earphones from OnePlus were the OnePlus Buds, and it makes sense that these will be followed up by the OnePlus Buds 2 in due course.
But there have already been sightings in the beta code for OxygenOS (the operating system used on OnePlus smartphones), that mention OnePlus Buds Z, suggesting that the upcoming release is a different model.
We’ve also seen a tweet from @MaxJmb, who seems to have decent connections at OnePlus, which revealed the name to be BudZ.
pic.twitter.com/mAN4k90s6M
— Max J. (@MaxJmb)
September 16, 2020
At this point OnePlus Buds Z would seem the most likely candidate for the name, with OnePlus Lite taking a back seat, and Buds 2 reserved for a product that we may see in 2021.
Of course, there already exists cheaper wireless earphones from OnePlus, in the form of the Bullets Wireless Z that launched in April 2020, so it could be that OnePlus has allocated the Z suffix for its more bank-balance friendly products.
When will the OnePlus Buds Z be released?
OnePlus has recently started teasing the arrival of new wireless earbuds on 14 October, to coincide with the release of the OnePlus 8T.
No matter the weather, you won’t miss a beat with our new IP55-rated Buds. See them October 14.
— OnePlus (@oneplus)
October 3, 2020
This would follow the pattern set earlier this year when the OnePlus Bullet Wireless Z earphones were introduced at the same event as the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro smartphones.
How much will the OnePlus Buds Z cost?
Again, details are scarce when it comes to the price tag for the OnePlus Buds Z. One thing we’re sure of is that they will be cheaper than the OnePlus Buds which cost £79/$79.
Now, with the Bullets Wireless Z priced at £49.95/$49.95, it could be that the new models sit in the middle, at around £54.95/$54.95 or OnePlus could go below that point and take on the likes of the Xiaomi Redmi Airdots which offer great value at £25/$25.
What specs can we expect with the OnePlus Buds Z?
No solid leads here either, except for the announcement from OnePlus that the upcoming earbuds will feature IP55 waterproofing. This means you’ll be able to listen to music or podcasts while working out, not having to worry that the sweat will damage the earbuds.
The will also be safe running in the rain, although you won’t want to submerge the buds as that would probably end badly.
In a rather interesting image (to put it politely) OnePlus has teased the new earbuds stating that they will offer a “comfortable fit” and “amazing sound”. Not that we’d expect anything else from a marketing post about the new buds.
Three reasons to take your new OnePlus Buds everywhere: ☔ Water and dust resistant 🧤 Comfortable fit 🎵 Amazing sound
— OnePlus (@oneplus)
October 9, 2020
The OnePlus Buds come with seven hours of battery life and a carrying case that can recharge them four times, with the latter taking ten minutes to power up enough to supply an entire charge for the buds. In the buds themselves are sensors that provide noise cancelling, plus 13.4mm drivers to deliver the sound.
The OnePlus Buds Z are unlikely to offer quite the same feature-set, but hopefully we won’t have to wait long to see what the company has managed to pack into its latest device.
If you want to see what the OnePlus Buds Z will be up against, read our roundup of the best budget wireless earbuds.
