When Itel announced the BudsNeo 3 wireless earbuds with 100 hours of playtime, 30-minute fast charging, and a ₦13,000 price tag, the numbers sounded almost too good to believe. But after two months of real use, do they live up to the hype?
We tested their battery life, sound quality, comfort, and durability to see if these budget-friendly earbuds are the best value in Nigeria right now.
Introduction: The Budget Earbuds That Sound Too Good to Be True
When Itel announced the BudsNeo 3 wireless earbuds with 100 hours of playtime, 30-minute fast charging, and a ₦13,000 price tag, the numbers sounded almost too good to believe. But after two months of real use, do they live up to the hype?
We tested their battery life, sound quality, comfort, and durability to see if these budget-friendly earbuds are the best value in Nigeria right now.
Design & First Impressions
The Itel BudsNeo 3 come in a compact, lightweight charging case that easily slips into your pocket. Inside the box, you’ll find:
- The earbuds
- A USB-C charging cable
- User manual
The minimalist design makes them comfortable for long listening sessions, though our reviewer Chijioke noted:
“They can slip out occasionally if you’re moving around a lot.”
Notably, the design won the Golden Winner award at the French Design Awards 2025, adding prestige to their budget appeal.
Pairing & Connectivity
- First setup requires charging the buds to 100%, unusual, but only once.
- Bluetooth 5.3 ensures stable connections up to nearly 10 metres.
Durability & Water Resistance
With an IPX5 rating, the BudsNeo 3 are splash and sweat-resistant, making them suitable for casual workouts and rainy commutes.
Two months in, Chijioke reported no drop in performance or sound quality.
Battery Life: The Star of the Show
Here’s where the Itel BudsNeo 3 shine.
- Per charge: 14 hours of listening
- With case: Up to 100 hours
- Charging: 0–100% in just 30 minutes
Chijioke used them 16 hours per week and only had to recharge once in two months. That’s practically unbeatable at this price.
Compared to Competitors
- Oraimo FreePods 4: 25 hours with case, 9 hours standalone, 2-hour charging.
- Itel BudsNeo 3: 100 hours with case, 14 hours standalone, 30-minute charging.
Verdict: One of the longest-lasting earbuds batteries under ₦15,000.
Sound Quality: Clear but Bass-Heavy
The sound profile is punchy and bass-forward:
- Pros: Loud enough for office use, good for bass-heavy tracks.
- Cons: Vocals sometimes get drowned out.
Noise Cancellation
Despite promises of AI noise cancellation, the performance is average at best. Fine in quiet rooms, but background noise leaks through in crowded environments.
Chijioke’s verdict: “Mid to poor noise cancellation.”
Maintenance Tips: Extend Your Earbuds’ Life
To keep your Itel BudsNeo 3 performing well:
- Keep them dry: Wipe after workouts or rain.
- Store in the case: Avoid scratches and dust.
- Avoid heat: Don’t leave in cars or sunlight.
- Charge smart: Recharge only below 20% for better battery health.
- Clean ear tips: Maintain hygiene and sound clarity.
Who Should Buy the Itel BudsNeo 3?
Buy it if:
- You want earbuds that last for weeks without charging
- You’re on a budget under ₦15,000
- You don’t mind average noise cancellation
Skip it if:
- You need premium ANC for calls or travel
- You do intense workouts and need a super-secure fit
Final Verdict
The Itel BudsNeo 3 wireless earbuds are a game-changer for budget-conscious buyers in Nigeria. With 100 hours of battery life, 30-minute charging, and a comfortable design, they outperform many rivals at double the price.
While the bass-heavy sound and weak noise cancellation may not please audiophiles, for everyday use, these are arguably the best budget wireless earbuds under ₦15,000 in 2025.
