Home Wireless Earbuds Huawei Freebuds 5 Vs. Oneplus Buds Z2

A Review By Comparison of the Huawei Freebuds 5 Vs. Oneplus Buds Z2

Last updated on Apr 17, 2023   7 min read
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Huawei FreeBuds 5

Huawei FreeBuds 5

Reasons why you might like the Huawei FreeBuds 5

Overall Score 6.0 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IP54
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 5 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 6 only
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode
VS
OnePlus Buds Z2

OnePlus Buds Z2

See price on Amazon

Reasons why you might like the OnePlus Buds Z2

Overall Score 6.0 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IP55
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 7 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 6 only

A summary of the review by feature comparison

Category Features Huawei FreeBuds 5 OnePlus Buds Z2
DESIGN ingress protection (ip) rating IP54 IP55
weight 10.8g 9g
has no wires or cables
sweat resistance
has stereo speakers
SOUND QUALITY has active noise cancellation (noise control)
has passive noise reduction
driver unit size 11mm 11mm
lowest frequency 16Hz 20Hz
highest frequency 40000Hz 20000Hz
POWER battery life 5hours 7hours
battery life of charging case 25hours 31hours
charge time 1.5hours
battery power 42mAh 40mAh
has a battery level indicator
CONNECTIVITY has usb type-c
bluetooth version v5.2 v5.2
maximum bluetooth range 10meters 10meters
has aac
has ldac
MICROPHONE number of microphones 6only 6only
has a noise-canceling microphone
EXTRAS has ambient sound mode
has in/on-ear detection
has find earbuds feature
supports fast charging
multipoint count 2only
has a mute function
control panel placed on a device
has voice prompts
travel bag is included
See price on Amazon

A breakdown of the review per specifications

Design

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Huawei FreeBuds 5 IP54
OnePlus Buds Z2 IP55

Ingress protection ratings refer to the rank of protection given by a casing, against dust and liquids. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value represents protection against solids say dust, while the second refers to resistance against liquids (water).

Scoring IP54, the Huawei FreeBuds 5's rating is read as, the first value of 5 denotes that ingress of dust is not totally prevented but dust does not enter in harmful quantities to interfere with the correct operation or impair safety, and of liquids that they can withstand low pressure spray similar to that of a shower head when tilted at 180° for 10 minutes.

In comparison to the Huawei FreeBuds 5, OnePlus Buds Z2 have a rating of IP55 meaning that they both have the same rating against dust and that of liquids is that, Huawei FreeBuds 5 has a lower liquid rating than OnePlus Buds Z2

Weight

Huawei FreeBuds 5 10.8g
OnePlus Buds Z2 9g

Huawei FreeBuds 5 have a weight of 10.8g . We take in account a lower weight better for the reason that lighter devices are more comfortable to move with.

OnePlus Buds Z2, at 9g are lighter than the Huawei FreeBuds 5 by -1.8g

Has No Wires Or Cables

Huawei FreeBuds 5
OnePlus Buds Z2

For a device to be true wireless it must have no wires linking any part of the device together, Huawei FreeBuds 5 are true wireless for this matter since they don't have wires. This is an important distinction since wireless earbuds have cables connecting the pair of earbuds .

OnePlus Buds Z2 also is true wireless because it doesn't have cables linking the two earbuds .

Sweat Resistance

Huawei FreeBuds 5
OnePlus Buds Z2

Huawei FreeBuds 5 are resistant to sweat

OnePlus Buds Z2's resistance to sweat makes both devices fit for use during long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc

Has Stereo Speakers

Huawei FreeBuds 5
OnePlus Buds Z2

Huawei FreeBuds 5 have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better listening experience.

Both OnePlus Buds Z2 and Huawei FreeBuds 5 have stereo speakers

Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

Huawei FreeBuds 5
OnePlus Buds Z2

ANC utilises advanced technology to actively cancel noise. ANC works when, it detects and analyzes the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and then inverts the soundwaves to cancel it out. Simply put, it's like having +1 (noise) and adding -1 (counter sound by the device) giving 0 therefore "diluting" the noise.

Huawei FreeBuds 5 have Active Noise Cancellation allowing you to listen at lower volume levels, good for your ears since you don't have to crank up the device volume to overcome background noise.

The OnePlus Buds Z2 too have Active Noise Cancellation making either of the earbuds ideal for plane rides and rush hour commutes. The Huawei FreeBuds 5 and OnePlus Buds Z2 work with different noise cancellation settings, pick the setting that suits your travel or that enhances your chill time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Huawei FreeBuds 5
OnePlus Buds Z2

OnePlus Buds Z2 sit well in place, creating an acoustic seal that reduces background noise well as preventing the device sound from leaking out .

Driver Unit Size

Huawei FreeBuds 5 11mm
OnePlus Buds Z2 11mm

The Huawei FreeBuds 5 have a unit size of 11mm in diameter, the bigger the unit the more powerful, and can produce better bass. A driver unit is basically a mini speaker that makes sound in the device, its size dictates the loudness of the earbuds.

OnePlus Buds Z2 driver unit is 11mm in diameter, making both OnePlus Buds Z2, and Huawei FreeBuds 5 similar in how loud their sound gets , a common assumption that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.

However, large drivers find it difficult to produce high frequencies so yeah, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not indicate that they produce better quality sound.

Lowest Frequency

Huawei FreeBuds 5 16Hz
OnePlus Buds Z2 20Hz

The Huawei FreeBuds 5's lowest frequency is at 16Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well an audio device generates low frequencies that can be heard, and if it alters the signal while at it.

OnePlus Buds Z2's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this means that Huawei FreeBuds 5 produce a juicier bass than the OnePlus Buds Z2

Highest Frequency

Huawei FreeBuds 5 40000Hz
OnePlus Buds Z2 20000Hz

The Huawei FreeBuds 5's highest frequency is at 40000Hz, high-frequency response shows how well a particular audio component produces high recognizable frequencies and if it makes any adjustments to the signal on its way through.

OnePlus Buds Z2's highest frequency is at 20000Hz, this means that Huawei FreeBuds 5 can generate a clearer and crispier treble than the OnePlus Buds Z2

Power

Battery Life

Huawei FreeBuds 5 5hours
OnePlus Buds Z2 7hours

Huawei FreeBuds 5's battery life is 5 hours, these last less than 5 hours of listening which is considered average before recharge. A device's battery life is usually given by the manufacturer, and with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and requires fewer chargings.

OnePlus Buds Z2's battery life is more than that of Huawei FreeBuds 5 by 2 hours . Each time you recharge your earbuds, they get a little less listening time. The effect is not noticeable at first, but over a few years, your wireless earbuds will no longer play for long like they used to.

Battery Life Of Charging Case

Huawei FreeBuds 5 25hours
OnePlus Buds Z2 31hours

The battery life of the charging case is given by the manufacturer, and the Huawei FreeBuds 5's case has a full charge of 25 hours. A charging case with a longer battery life allows you to recharge your earbuds on the go many times before recharging the case itself.

OnePlus Buds Z2's charging case has a battery life of 31 hours, more than that of Huawei FreeBuds 5 by 6 hours

Charge Time

Huawei FreeBuds 5
OnePlus Buds Z2 1.5hours

It takes 1.5 hours to fully charge the OnePlus Buds Z2's battery. It is recommended to fully charge the battery before using the earbuds when they have been in storage for long periods.

Battery Power

Huawei FreeBuds 5 42mAh
OnePlus Buds Z2 40mAh

Huawei FreeBuds 5's battery capacity is 42mAh, battery capacity, represents the amount of electrical energy that a battery can keep.

OnePlus Buds Z2's battery power is 40mAh. less than that of Huawei FreeBuds 5 by 2mAh

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Huawei FreeBuds 5
OnePlus Buds Z2

The Huawei FreeBuds 5 have a battery level indicator, an indicator notifies you when the earbuds has a low battery. The battery indicator lights display the charging status of your device and charging case.

OnePlus Buds Z2 too have a battery level indicator, these enable you tell the charging state of your device, if charged fully, or the battery is running low.

Connectivity

Has Usb Type-C

Huawei FreeBuds 5
OnePlus Buds Z2

The Huawei FreeBuds 5 use USB TYPE-C, a standard connector for transmitting both data and power in a single cable.

OnePlus Buds Z2 too have USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug is part and parcel of most current laptops, phones, and tablets.

Bluetooth Version

Huawei FreeBuds 5 v5.2
OnePlus Buds Z2 v5.2

The Huawei FreeBuds 5 have Bluetooth version of 5.2, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that enables data transfers between devices placed in range, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves.

OnePlus Buds Z2 has a Bluetooth version of 5.2, equal to that of the Huawei FreeBuds 5 . Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Huawei FreeBuds 5 10meters
OnePlus Buds Z2 10meters

The Huawei FreeBuds 5 have a 10meters distance to connect via Bluetooth.

OnePlus Buds Z2 have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the Huawei FreeBuds 5

Has Aac

Huawei FreeBuds 5
OnePlus Buds Z2

OnePlus Buds Z2 support AAC, a codec used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Since it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it provides better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate.

Since its the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the OnePlus Buds Z2 will work fine with your iPad. If you intend on using these with Android you need to pay even closer attention to codec support for if they only have AAC they won't provide the best audio quality possible, ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well.

Has Ldac

Huawei FreeBuds 5
OnePlus Buds Z2

The Huawei FreeBuds 5 support LDAC, a codec developed by Sony which allows streaming high-resolution audio over Bluetooth connections at up to 990 kbps at 32 bit/96 kHz. It is capable of a very high bitrate of 990kbps, providing high-resolution audio.

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

Huawei FreeBuds 5 6only
OnePlus Buds Z2 6only

The Huawei FreeBuds 5 have 6 microphones.

The OnePlus Buds Z2 microphones are 6, equal to that of the Huawei FreeBuds 5 . More microphones result in better sound quality and help the earbuds to filter out noise.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Huawei FreeBuds 5
OnePlus Buds Z2

Huawei FreeBuds 5 have a noise-canceling microphone, these microphones are intended to reduce background sounds from the earbuds' sound.

The OnePlus Buds Z2 too use a noise-canceling type of microphone. Especially useful in noisy environments.

Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Huawei FreeBuds 5
OnePlus Buds Z2

Huawei FreeBuds 5 support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient noises to still be heard even when wearing the earbuds

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Huawei FreeBuds 5
OnePlus Buds Z2

Huawei FreeBuds 5 have in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when they are removed from your ears .

OnePlus Buds Z2 support in/on-ear detection, automatically pauses your music, or audiobook when you remove earbuds from your ears improving your listening experience.

Has Find Earbuds Feature

Huawei FreeBuds 5
OnePlus Buds Z2

If misplaced in a room, or can't easily find them in your bag, Huawei FreeBuds 5 support the find earbuds feature.

The OnePlus Buds Z2 also have the find earbuds feature. Simply use the earbuds app on your smartphone to play an alarm from your device to help you find them.

Supports Fast Charging

Huawei FreeBuds 5
OnePlus Buds Z2

Huawei FreeBuds 5 support fast charging. Usually, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to lower the time it takes to charge the earbuds.

Also the OnePlus Buds Z2 support fast charging. This kind is similar to regular charging, only that the battery fills up much faster. For example, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery is charged to 50% in just 30 minutes.

Multipoint Count

Huawei FreeBuds 5 2only
OnePlus Buds Z2

Huawei FreeBuds 5 have a multipoint of 2 connections, this feature allows you connect to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. Say, you can easily switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.

Has A Mute Function

Huawei FreeBuds 5
OnePlus Buds Z2

Huawei FreeBuds 5 have a mute function, they have the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device.

The OnePlus Buds Z2 too have the mute function. The mute function means that you unilaterally turn off the earbuds' microphone, but you can still hear the other party's voice.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Huawei FreeBuds 5
OnePlus Buds Z2

The Huawei FreeBuds 5, so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the earbuds.

OnePlus Buds Z2 too have a control panel on them.

Has Voice Prompts

Huawei FreeBuds 5
OnePlus Buds Z2

The Huawei FreeBuds 5 have voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information through audio messages, like if there is an issue with the connection.

The OnePlus Buds Z2 also support voice prompts meaning the earbuds will notify you if the battery is running low, and you need to recharge the device.

Travel Bag Is Included

Huawei FreeBuds 5
OnePlus Buds Z2

The Huawei FreeBuds 5 come with a special pouch. Carrying earphones openly, or placing them in your bag without a casing may easily damage them.

OnePlus Buds Z2 too have a case included, which is useful for safe transportation.

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