Released by Giznext, the Z2 looks nearly identical to its predecessor when it comes to the exterior design. There is one noticeable difference though if the leaked images are to be believed: the position for one of the outward-facing microphones seems to have been moved and could be the “physical anti-wind noise design” that was mentioned in the leaked specs.
Speaking of microphones, the biggest upgrade of the Z2 could be the three microphones that enable AI-powered active noise reduction for voice calls as well as hybrid ANC, a feature that the original Buds Z lacked. Apparently, the noise cancellation feature will be capable of reducing noises up to 40 decibels, similar to the recently-released OnePlus Buds Pro. Other similarities with the Pro variant include a bigger 11mm audio driver, support for Bluetooth 5.2, IP55 dust and water protection for the earbuds, and an IPX4 rating for the case. The only part where the Z2 is lagging behind the Buds Pro is the battery, which lasts up to 7 hours on a single charge and only 27 hours with the case, as opposed to the Pro’s 33 hours. Aside from battery life and design, there doesn’t seem to be much differentiating the Z2 from the Pro if these specs reveal to be true. The Pro version is sold for EUR 150 (RM~728) while the Buds Z was launched in Malaysia at RM229, so we expect the OnePlus Buds Z2 to be priced somewhere in between. (Sources: Giznext.)
