Home Wireless Earbuds Huawei Freebuds 5I Vs. Oneplus Buds Z2

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

Last updated on Apr 17, 2023   8 min read
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Huawei FreeBuds 5i

Huawei FreeBuds 5i

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Reasons why you might like the Huawei FreeBuds 5i

Overall Score 6.8 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IP54
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 7.5 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 4 only
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode
VS
OnePlus Buds Z2

OnePlus Buds Z2

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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 5i OnePlus Buds Z2
DESIGN ingress protection (ip) rating IP54 IP55
weight 9.2g 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 10mm 11mm
lowest frequency 20Hz 20Hz
highest frequency 40000Hz 20000Hz
POWER battery life 7.5hours 7hours
battery life of charging case 20.5hours 31hours
charge time 1hours 1.5hours
battery power 55mAh 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
audio latency 94ms
MICROPHONE number of microphones 4only 6only
has a noise-canceling microphone
mic sensitivity -47dBV/Pa
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
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A breakdown of the review per specifications

Design

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Huawei FreeBuds 5i IP54
OnePlus Buds Z2 IP55

IP ratings refer to the level of protection offered by a casing, against solids and water. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values The first value of the IP rating represents protection against solids such as dust, while the second refers to protection against liquids (water).

Having a value of IP54, the Huawei FreeBuds 5i's rating for solids indicates 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 the second value of 4 means that they can withstand low pressure spray similar to that of a shower head when tilted at 180° for 10 minutes.

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

Weight

Huawei FreeBuds 5i 9.2g
OnePlus Buds Z2 9g

Huawei FreeBuds 5i have a weight of 9.2g . We prefer a lower weight better because lighter devices are more comfortable to move with.

OnePlus Buds Z2, at 9g are lighter than the Huawei FreeBuds 5i with a difference -0.2g

Has No Wires Or Cables

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
OnePlus Buds Z2

For a device to be true wireless it must have no cables linking any part of the device together, Huawei FreeBuds 5i are true wireless for this matter since they don't have cables. This is a key difference since wireless earbuds have wires linking the 2 earbuds .

OnePlus Buds Z2 also is true wireless since it has no wires linking the two earbuds together.

Sweat Resistance

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
OnePlus Buds Z2

Huawei FreeBuds 5i are resistant to sweat

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

Has Stereo Speakers

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
OnePlus Buds Z2

Huawei FreeBuds 5i 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.

The OnePlus Buds Z2 also have stereo speakers

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
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Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
OnePlus Buds Z2

Active noise cancellation uses more advanced kind of tech to actively counter noise. How it works, it detects and analyzes the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and after inverts the soundwaves to cancel it out. In simple terms, it's like having +1 (sound from your surrounding) then producing -1 (counter sound by the device) giving 0 therefore "diluting" the noise.

Huawei FreeBuds 5i have Active Noise Cancellation enabling you to listen at lower levels of volume, good for your ears since you don't need to crank up the earbuds volume to overcome background sounds.

The OnePlus Buds Z2 too have ANC making both earbuds ideal for plane rides and morning travels. The Huawei FreeBuds 5i and OnePlus Buds Z2 work with different noise cancellation settings, pick the noise cancellation type that suits your commute or that suites your relaxation time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
OnePlus Buds Z2

The Huawei FreeBuds 5i stay tightly in place, creating an acoustic seal that tones down background noise and also prevents the earbuds music from leaking out .

Both OnePlus Buds Z2, and Huawei FreeBuds 5i have passive noise reduction which means that they tone down ambient noise without using technology to cancel it out.

Driver Unit Size

Huawei FreeBuds 5i 10mm
OnePlus Buds Z2 11mm

Huawei FreeBuds 5i driver unit is 10mm in diameter, the bigger the unit the more powerful, and can produce better bass. A driver unit is basically a mini speaker that produces sound in the device, the unit size dictates the sound produced by the device.

OnePlus Buds Z2 driver unit is 11mm in diameter, making them have a larger driver unit than that of Huawei FreeBuds 5i by 1mm , 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 yes, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not indicate that they produce better quality sound.

Lowest Frequency

Huawei FreeBuds 5i 20Hz
OnePlus Buds Z2 20Hz

Huawei FreeBuds 5i's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well an audio device produces low audible frequencies and if it alters the signal while at it.

OnePlus Buds Z2's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this means that both devices make sound with equal bass

Highest Frequency

Huawei FreeBuds 5i 40000Hz
OnePlus Buds Z2 20000Hz

The Huawei FreeBuds 5i's highest frequency is at 40000Hz, high-frequency response indicates how well an audio component makes high recognizable frequencies and if it adjustments to the signal while at it.

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

Power

Battery Life

Huawei FreeBuds 5i 7.5hours
OnePlus Buds Z2 7hours

The Huawei FreeBuds 5i's battery life is 7.5 hours, these last longer than 5 hours of listening which is considered average for a single charge. A device's battery life is commonly given by the manufacturer, and with more battery hours, you get to use it for longer and have to charge the device less often.

OnePlus Buds Z2's battery life is less than that of Huawei FreeBuds 5i by 0.5 hours . Every time you recharge your device, they get a little less playing time. The effect is barely noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time.

Battery Life Of Charging Case

Huawei FreeBuds 5i 20.5hours
OnePlus Buds Z2 31hours

This is given by the vendor, and the Huawei FreeBuds 5i's case is said to have a charge of 20.5 hours. A charging case with more battery hours enables you to recharge your earbuds on the go multiple times before having to recharge the case itself.

OnePlus Buds Z2's charging case has a battery life of 31 hours, more than that of Huawei FreeBuds 5i by 10.5 hours

Charge Time

Huawei FreeBuds 5i 1hours
OnePlus Buds Z2 1.5hours

It takes 1 hours to fully charge the Huawei FreeBuds 5i's battery. It is highly adivsable to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds for the first time.

OnePlus Buds Z2 takes 1.5 hours to fully charge the battery, more than that of Huawei FreeBuds 5i by 0.5 hours

Battery Power

Huawei FreeBuds 5i 55mAh
OnePlus Buds Z2 40mAh

Huawei FreeBuds 5i's battery capacity is 55mAh, battery capacity, shows the amount of electrical energy that a battery can store.

OnePlus Buds Z2's battery power is 40mAh. less than that of Huawei FreeBuds 5i by 15mAh

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
OnePlus Buds Z2

The Huawei FreeBuds 5i have a battery level indicator, an indicator shows you when the earbuds has a low battery. Its lights indicate the charging state of your earbuds and charging case.

OnePlus Buds Z2 too have a battery level indicator, these enable you to determine the charging state of your earbuds, whether fully charged, or having a low battery.

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
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Connectivity

Has Usb Type-C

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
OnePlus Buds Z2

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

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

Bluetooth Version

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

The Huawei FreeBuds 5i have Bluetooth version of 5.2, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in close proximity, 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 5i . Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Huawei FreeBuds 5i 10meters
OnePlus Buds Z2 10meters

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

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

Has Aac

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
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 can provide better results than other codecs at the same bit rate.

Since its the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the OnePlus Buds Z2 will work well with your iPad. If you are planning on using these with Android , ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well.

Has Ldac

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
OnePlus Buds Z2

Huawei FreeBuds 5i 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, which provides high-resolution audio.

Audio Latency

Huawei FreeBuds 5i 94ms
OnePlus Buds Z2

Latency refers to the time it takes for the audio signal to be transmitted to your earbuds. Huawei FreeBuds 5i have a latency of 94ms, a lower latency reduces audio lag and is particularly important when playing games or watching videos.

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

Huawei FreeBuds 5i 4only
OnePlus Buds Z2 6only

The Huawei FreeBuds 5i have 4 microphones.

OnePlus Buds Z2 microphones are 6, more than that of Huawei FreeBuds 5i by 2 . More microphones record better sound quality and enable the earbuds to filter out background sounds.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
OnePlus Buds Z2

Huawei FreeBuds 5i use a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are designed to filter out noise from the earbuds' sound.

The OnePlus Buds Z2 too use a noise-canceling type of microphone. This is useful in noisy areas.

Mic Sensitivity

Huawei FreeBuds 5i -47dBV/Pa
OnePlus Buds Z2

The Huawei FreeBuds 5i microphone sensitivity is measured at -47dBV/Pa. The extent of the analog or digital output signal from the microphone with its input stimulus is a measure of its sensitivity. It's the 'loudness' of the sound that the earbud microphone can pick up.

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
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Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
OnePlus Buds Z2

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

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
OnePlus Buds Z2

Huawei FreeBuds 5i support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the earbuds can detect when removed from your ears so that the music is paused.

The OnePlus Buds Z2 too support in/on-ear detection, automatically pauses your music, or audiobook when you remove earbuds from your ears saving battery life.

Has Find Earbuds Feature

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
OnePlus Buds Z2

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

The OnePlus Buds Z2 also have the find earbuds feature. Use the device app on your phone to play a sound from your device to help you find them.

Supports Fast Charging

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
OnePlus Buds Z2

Huawei FreeBuds 5i support fast charging. Usually, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to lower the time it takes to fully charge the earbuds.

The OnePlus Buds Z2 support fast charging. It's very similar to regular charging, just that the battery fills up much faster. For example, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in just thirty minutes.

Multipoint Count

Huawei FreeBuds 5i 2only
OnePlus Buds Z2

The Huawei FreeBuds 5i have a multipoint of 2 connections, the multipoint feature allows you to link to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. For example, you can easily switch calls from one device to another without manually disconnect and reconnect.

Has A Mute Function

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
OnePlus Buds Z2

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

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

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
OnePlus Buds Z2

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

OnePlus Buds Z2 also have a control panel on them.

Has Voice Prompts

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
OnePlus Buds Z2

The Huawei FreeBuds 5i support voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information through audio messages, say if there is a problem with the connection.

OnePlus Buds Z2 also have voice prompts .i.e the earbuds will notify you when the battery is running low, and you need to recharge them.

Travel Bag Is Included

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
OnePlus Buds Z2

Huawei FreeBuds 5i come with a special pouch. Carrying earbuds without a case, or placing them inside your bag without a cover can easily damage them.

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

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