At the launch of the OnePlus 6 this May, OnePlus also took the wraps off a special accessory — the Bullets Wireless earphones. In addition to the OnePlus 6, these will work with the OnePlus 5 and 5T optimally as well, and otherwise with any other phone.

The Bullets Wireless are actually not a hundred per cent wireless. The earbuds are connected to each other with the neckband that also houses the electronics and controls needed. But they’re wireless enough in that they work on Bluetooth. Hence, the user is free to go for a run or travel about without having to worry about keeping them connected to the phone with a cumbersome cable.

The OnePlus earphones come very nicely packaged in a box that has a tiny USB Type-C cable, extra ear wings and tips and a lovely silicone case in a brilliant shade of red. That case looks delightful and will keep both earphones and cable protected and in one place and will easily slip into a bag or pocket. The only problem is that the earphones don’t really bend to be an ideal fit into the case. You have to force them in. While this may do them no harm, it’s a cumbersome task.

Snap to stop

The Bullets are very comfortable and stable around the neck where they’re also safe from being dropped. One clever feature is that the outside of the earbuds is magnetic and they snap together. This makes a loop around the neck and makes them even safer, and also has the effect of stopping the music in its tracks. When you pull them apart, the music resumes. This feature works with the OnePlus 6, 5, and 5T. Exercising or running with them has clearly been factored in because sweat, splashes or a bit of rain isn’t going to damage them. A swim however, will. They don’t fall out — not if you choose the correct ear tips for your ears.

The Bullets have the usual three-button set-up to control music and volume. The Play button will also trigger the phone’s personal assistant when long pressed. On the left is a button that when pressed for very long will make the set pairing-ready. It didn’t make any fuss pairing with either Android or iOS devices.

The sound quality on the Bullets is clean, clear, and detailed.

For my own tastes however, I found I needed more bass and also tended to find the sound too sharp — enough to make me yell ‘ouch’ at times. The earphones have 9.3 mm dynamic drivers and support Qualcomm aptX for higher quality Bluetooth streaming, not something you find on all Bluetooth earphones. They also use ‘energy tubes’ to reduce distortion and do a good job of it. While you can’t fault these on clarity, many may like a more full-bodied sound.

One thing’s for certain — ten minutes of charging with any charger does indeed give you hours of listening, as OnePlus claims. A full charge will give eight hours of play and a quick ten-minute charge provides five hours. This is a rare convenience. OnePlus has chosen to go with a USB Type C charging cable for this one, which is nice as most new devices are now using this standard.

Price: ₹3,990

Pros: Quick charges, supports aptX, distortion-free, comes with a nice case, clear sound quality, magnetic stop-play feature, splash proof, comfortable

Cons: Doesn’t fit its case easily, sound a little sharp for all tastes

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