Home Wireless Earbuds Oneplus Buds Z2 Vs. Bowers & Wilkins Pi7

Oneplus Buds Z2 Vs. Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 Review

Last updated on Mar 30, 2024   7 minute read
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Bowers & Wilkins PI7

Bowers & Wilkins PI7

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Reasons why you might like the Bowers & Wilkins PI7

Overall Score 7.5 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IP54
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 4.5 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 6 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 6.8 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

Oneplus Buds Z2 Vs. Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 Review In Summary

Category Features Bowers & Wilkins PI7 OnePlus Buds Z2
DESIGN ingress protection (ip) rating IP54 IP55
weight 50g 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 9.2mm 11mm
lowest frequency 10Hz 20Hz
highest frequency 20,000Hz 20,000Hz
POWER battery life 4.5hours 7hours
battery life of charging case 18hours 31hours
charge time 3hours 1.5hours
has wireless charging
has a battery level indicator
CONNECTIVITY has usb type-c
bluetooth version v5 v5.2
maximum bluetooth range 10meters 10meters
has aac
has aptx adaptive
has aptx hd
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
has a mute function
control panel placed on a device
has voice prompts
travel bag is included
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Oneplus Buds Z2 Vs. Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 Review In Detail

Design

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 IP54
OnePlus Buds Z2 IP55

IP ratings is the rank of protection offered by an enclosure, against dust and water. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value means protection against solids say dust, followed by the one that refers to protection against liquids (water).

Having a value of IP55, the OnePlus Buds Z2'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 the second value of 5 means that they can withstand medium pressure jet that's 6.3mm diameter, similar to garden hose from any angle for 3 minutes at a distance of 2.5 to 3 metres.

In comparison to the OnePlus Buds Z2, Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a rating of IP54 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 Bowers & Wilkins PI7

Weight

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 50g
OnePlus Buds Z2 9g

OnePlus Buds Z2 have a weight of 9g . We take in account a lower weight better because lighter devices are easier to move with.

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7, at 50g weigh more than the OnePlus Buds Z2 by of 41g

Has No Wires Or Cables

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
OnePlus Buds Z2

For a device to be true wireless it must have no cables connecting any part of the device together, OnePlus Buds Z2 are true wireless for this case since they have no wires. This is a key difference as some wireless earbuds have cables connecting the two earbuds together.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 also is true wireless since it doesn't have cables connecting the pair of earbuds .

Sweat Resistance

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
OnePlus Buds Z2

OnePlus Buds Z2 have sweat resistance

Has Stereo Speakers

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
OnePlus Buds Z2

OnePlus Buds Z2 have stereo speakers, what this means is that OnePlus Buds Z2's speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better listening experience.

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 also have stereo speakers

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
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Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
OnePlus Buds Z2

Active noise cancellation uses advanced kind of tech to actively counter noise. How it works, it listens to the sound pattern of incoming noise and after inverts the soundwaves to counter it. Simply put, it's like taking +1 (noise) and adding -1 (inverted noise) to make zero therefore "diluting" the noise.

OnePlus Buds Z2 have Active Noise Cancellation allowing you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue as you don't need to crank up the device volume to overcome background sounds.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too have Active Noise Cancellation making both devices ideal for flights and rush hour commutes. Each work with different noise cancellation types, pick the setting that you prefer for travel or that suites your chill time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
OnePlus Buds Z2

OnePlus Buds Z2 stay well in place, this creates an acoustic covering that reduces background sounds well as preventing the earbuds sound from leaking out .

Both of these devices have passive noise reduction this implies that both tone down ambient noise instead of actively using technology to cancel it out.

Driver Unit Size

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 9.2mm
OnePlus Buds Z2 11mm

The OnePlus Buds Z2 have a unit size of 11mm in diameter, the bigger the unit the more powerful, therefor producing better bass. The driver unit is the component that makes sound in the device, its size dictates the sound made by the device.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 driver unit is 9.2mm in diameter, which implies that they have a smaller driver unit than that of OnePlus Buds Z2 by 1.8mm , many people have a misconception 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 imply that they deliver better quality sound.

Lowest Frequency

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 10Hz
OnePlus Buds Z2 20Hz

OnePlus Buds Z2's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well an audio component produces low audible frequencies and if it alters the signal on its way through.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7's lowest frequency is at 10Hz, this means that Bowers & Wilkins PI7 produce a juicier bass than the OnePlus Buds Z2

Highest Frequency

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 20,000Hz
OnePlus Buds Z2 20,000Hz

OnePlus Buds Z2's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response shows how well a particular audio device generates high audible frequencies and if it changes to the signal while at it.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this means that both devices generate equal treble

Power

Battery Life

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 4.5hours
OnePlus Buds Z2 7hours

The OnePlus Buds Z2's battery life is 7 hours, these last longer than 5 hours of listening which is considered average for a single charge. A device's battery life is usually given by the manufacturer, and with more battery hours, you get to use it for longer and have to charge the device less often.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7's battery life is less than that of OnePlus Buds Z2 by 2.5 hours . Every time you recharge your earbuds, they get a little less listening time. The effect is barely noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will no longer play for long like they used to.

Battery Life Of Charging Case

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 18hours
OnePlus Buds Z2 31hours

This is given by the manufacturer, and OnePlus Buds Z2's case is said to have a charge of 31 hours. A charging case with more battery hours enables you to recharge your earbuds on the go several times before recharging the case itself.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7's charging case has a battery life of 18 hours, less than that of OnePlus Buds Z2 by 13 hours

Charge Time

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 3hours
OnePlus Buds Z2 1.5hours

It requires 1.5 hours to fully charge the OnePlus Buds Z2's battery. It is recommended to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds for the first time.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 takes 3 hours to fully charge the battery, more than that of OnePlus Buds Z2 by 1.5 hours

Has Wireless Charging

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
OnePlus Buds Z2

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7, the device supports wireless charging. To charge the earbuds, you simply place down on a compatible charging pad.

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
OnePlus Buds Z2

The OnePlus Buds Z2 have a battery level indicator, an indicator alerts you when the device has a low battery. The battery indicator lights show the charging status of your device and charging case.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too have a battery level indicator, these allow you to determine the charging state of your earbuds, if charged fully, or having a low battery.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
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Connectivity

Has Usb Type-C

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
OnePlus Buds Z2

OnePlus Buds Z2 have USB TYPE-C, an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power through a single cable.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too support USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug is part and parcel of most current laptops, phones, and tablets.

Bluetooth Version

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 v5
OnePlus Buds Z2 v5.2

OnePlus Buds Z2 have Bluetooth version of 5.2, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that enables data transfers between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 has a Bluetooth version of 5, older than that of OnePlus Buds Z2 . Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 10meters
OnePlus Buds Z2 10meters

OnePlus Buds Z2 have a 10meters distance connecting via Bluetooth.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the OnePlus Buds Z2

Has Aac

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
OnePlus Buds Z2

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

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

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support AAC as well. Designed to be the successor of the MP3 format, AAC generally achieves higher sound quality than MP3 encoders at the same bit rate.

Has Aptx Adaptive

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
OnePlus Buds Z2

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support APTX Adaptive, an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that are developed by Qualcomm. It has a variable bit rate (between 279kbps and 420kbps).

Has Aptx Hd

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
OnePlus Buds Z2

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support APTX HD, an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that are developed by Qualcomm. It supports high-quality 24-bit audio (at a bit rate of 576kbps).

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 6only
OnePlus Buds Z2 6only

The OnePlus Buds Z2 have 6 microphones.

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 microphones are 6, equal to that of the OnePlus Buds Z2 . More microphones record better sound quality and enable the device to filter out background sounds.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
OnePlus Buds Z2

The OnePlus Buds Z2 use a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are designed to reduce background sounds from the desired sound.

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too have a noise-canceling type of microphone. Especially useful in noisy areas.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
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Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
OnePlus Buds Z2

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient sound so that they can still be heard even while wearing the earbuds

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
OnePlus Buds Z2

The OnePlus Buds Z2 have in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the earbuds can detect when removed from your ears so that the music is paused.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too 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

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
OnePlus Buds Z2

When misplaced in a room, or can't be found in your bag, OnePlus Buds Z2 have a find earbuds feature.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 also have the find earbuds feature. You can use the device app on your phone to play a sound from your earbuds to help you locate them.

Supports Fast Charging

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
OnePlus Buds Z2

OnePlus Buds Z2 support fast charging. Usually, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to lower the amount of time it takes to charge the earbuds.

Also the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too support fast charging. It's very similar to regular charging, just that the battery is filling up much faster. Say, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in just thirty minutes.

Has A Mute Function

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
OnePlus Buds Z2

The OnePlus Buds Z2 have a mute function, they have the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds.

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too support the mute function. It means that you are in position turn off the earbuds' microphone, but you can still hear the other party's voice.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
OnePlus Buds Z2

The OnePlus Buds Z2, so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the earbuds.

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too have a control panel on them.

Has Voice Prompts

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
OnePlus Buds Z2

OnePlus Buds Z2 have voice prompts. Automatically receive information via audio messages, say if there is an issue with the connection.

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too have voice prompts .i.e the earbuds will notify you when the battery is low, and you need to recharge the earbuds.

Travel Bag Is Included

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
OnePlus Buds Z2

The OnePlus Buds Z2 come with a special case. Carrying earphones openly, or putting them in your bag without a casing may easily damage them.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 also have a case included, which is useful for safe transportation.