As the market for true wireless earbuds continues to expand, consumers are increasingly presented with a plethora of choices.
Two of the most notable contenders in this competitive arena are the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro and the OnePlus Buds Pro 2R.
What sets these earbuds apart is not only their impressive features but also the significant price disparity between them.
While the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro are priced affordably at just $99.99, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2R comes in at a higher price point of $129.99.
In this in-depth comparison, we will explore the intricate details of both earbuds, from design and build quality to sound signatures and special features, to help you make a well-informed decision based on your unique preferences.
Realme Buds Air 5 Pro Vs Oneplus Buds Pro 2R: Specs Comparison
| Feature | Realme Buds Air 5 Pro | Oneplus Buds Pro 2R |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 | $129.99 |
| Driver Configuration | Dual Driver (11mm main driver + 6mm Tweeter) | Dual Driver (11mm main driver + 6mm Tweeter) |
| Active Noise Cancellation | 50 dB | 48 dB |
| Environmental Noise Cancellation | 3 mic in each earbud | 3 mic in each earbud |
| Audio Codec | LDAC | LHDC (optimized for OnePlus devices) |
| Spatial Audio Feature | Fixed (with Realme Link app control) | Fixed (optimized for OnePlus 11 and 11R) |
| Battery Life | 40 hours playback time | 39 hours playback time |
| Game Latency | 40 ms | 54 ms |
| Water Resistance | IPX5 | IP55 |
| Sound Profile | Bass-focused | Treble-focused with balanced sound |
| Controls | Touch controls | Pressure controls |
| Special Features | – | Collaboration with DYNAUDIO, Hans Zimmer’s special tuning |
| Best Deal | View on AliExpress | View on AliExpress |
Realme Buds Air 5 Pro Vs Oneplus Buds Pro 2R: key differences explained
Design and Build Quality
Oneplus Buds Pro 2R exudes a premium feel, striving to offer a high-quality build that rivals the likes of Apple AirPods.
They feature a unique pressure control system instead of the typical touch controls, reducing accidental inputs — a boon for those wearing them during naps or active sessions.
The material quality is commendable, adding to the overall premium experience.
Realme, on the other hand, presents a decent build quality with the Buds Air 5 Pro.
While it might not match the premium feel of the Oneplus, it certainly doesn’t fall short in offering a solid, reliable design.
The aesthetic is pleasing, and the earbuds feel durable for everyday use.
Sound Quality and Performance
Dual Drivers
Both earbuds boast a dual-driver setup, with an 11mm main driver and a 6mm tweeter.
This configuration is pivotal in providing a balanced sound output, encompassing both bass and treble efficiently.
Audio Profile
Realme Buds Air 5 Pro targets bass lovers, offering a pronounced and boomy bass experience. There’s a noticeable 10% increment in bass compared to its predecessor, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer bass-heavy music.
Oneplus Buds Pro 2R, conversely, focuses more on treble, delivering crisp and clear sound. The bass is present but not as dominant, making these earbuds suitable for users who prefer a more balanced audio profile.
Audio Codecs and Customization
Realme utilizes the LDAC codec, offering broader compatibility across various smartphones.
Oneplus, however, employs the LHDC codec, which, while offering high-resolution audio, is best suited for Oneplus devices.
Both earbuds allow for EQ customization, catering to personal preferences in audio tuning.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode
Realme Buds Air 5 Pro takes a slight lead in ANC, offering up to 50 dB of noise cancellation compared to the 48 dB by Oneplus.
This feature is particularly effective in indoor environments, efficiently cancelling out fan and AC noises.
However, the difference in real-world usage between 48 dB and 50 dB is minimal.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Realme edges ahead with a 40-hour playback time, slightly outperforming the 39-hour capacity of the Oneplus.
Both earbuds support dual pairing and Google Fast Pair, ensuring easy and versatile connectivity.
Gaming Performance
For gamers, latency is a critical factor. Here, Realme offers a lower latency of 40ms compared to the 54ms by Oneplus, making it a more suitable option for gaming enthusiasts.
Durability
In terms of durability, Realme provides an IPX5 rating, while Oneplus offers an IP55 rating.
Both are sufficiently protected against dust and water, making them suitable for outdoor and exercise use.
Realme Buds Air 5 Pro Vs Oneplus Buds Pro 2R: Final Verdict
In conclusion, both the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro and the OnePlus Buds Pro 2R present distinct strengths and cater to different types of users.
The Realme offering emerges as an exceptional value-for-money product, boasting impressive bass, spatial audio capabilities, and LDAC support for hi-res audio. Its affordability, combined with competent ANC performance, makes it a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers.
On the other hand, OnePlus Buds Pro 2R caters to those who value premium build quality, a balanced sound signature, and exclusive features tailored to OnePlus devices. The LHDC codec and collaboration with audio experts elevate the listening experience for OnePlus users, albeit at a higher price point.
In the end, the choice between these two earbuds hinges on your budget, musical preferences, and device compatibility.
Realme Buds Air 5 Pro offers remarkable value, while the OnePlus Buds Pro 2R appeals to users seeking a premium audio experience with their OnePlus devices.
The decision should align with your individual needs and musical tastes.
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Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
