Is the OnePlus Buds 3 worth the upgrade from the Technics EAH-AZ100?
Verdict
Downgrade
The OnePlus Buds 3 actually scores 11.9 points below the Technics EAH-AZ100, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. It loses ground on noise cancelling (8.6 to 6.0) and battery (8.7 to 7.0). On paper: weight 11.8 g to 4.8 g, battery incl. case 28 h to 44 h and driver size 10 mm to 11 mm. Worth checking: battery life goes 12 h to 10 h and battery life (anc on) goes 10 h to 6.5 h. It is at least $152 cheaper, so the lower score comes with a saving. Only worth it if a specific feature above matters more to you than overall quality does.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound9.28.0
- Noise cancelling8.66.0
- Battery8.77.0
- Calls7.88.0
- Value8.18.0
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | EAH-AZ100 | Buds 3 | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 12 h | 10 h | |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC | SBC, AAC, LHDC | |
| Weight | 11.8 g | 4.8 g | |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IP55 | |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 10 h | 6.5 h | |
| Battery incl. case | 28 h | 44 h | |
| Driver size | 10 mm | 11 mm | |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 | |
| Microphones | 2 | 6 | |
| Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
| Wear detection | Yes | No | |
| Quick charge | 15 min → 1.2 h | 10 min → 7 h | |
| Driver | 10 mm dynamic | 2-driver hybrid | |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 40 kHz | 15 Hz - 40 kHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "EAH-AZ100 to Buds 3". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across true wireless and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.