Introduction

If this is ringing some Déjà vu bells for you, I should perhaps mention that we did take a look at the Lypertek PurePlay Z3 just a few weeks ago. I did not know at the time that it was on the way out already in favor of the newer, updated version announced in May. Adding to the confusion is that the PurePlay Z3 was originally called the TEVI, with the newer PurePlay Z3 2.0 now just called the PurePlay Z3 on the website. We can go on and on about bad naming schemes and confusions galore, but let's first thank Lypertek for sending TechPowerUp review samples!


This was originally going to be a quick-look article, before the whole set surprisingly arrived at my doorstep. That meant I had the black set, white set, and an accompanying accessory for either. This, coupled with these being the first TWS (true wireless) earphones to arrive after my frequency curve testing was established, made me want to test them out fully, resulting in this multi-page review to cover everything. Oh, and did I mentioned these are also the first ones I have to support Bluetooth 5.2? We as always begin with a look at the specifications in the table below.

Specifications

Packaging and Accessories

Given I had both the black and white versions here, I had to include both as much as possible to compare them for differences. Both use a very similar packaging scheme not only within themselves but compared to the older PurePlay (1.0), with a plastic wrap on the packaging. Removing it reveals a fairly squarish design with the company logo, product name, and a render of the ear buds on front The boxes are color coordinated, and funnily, it was only the white box that had a sticker reminder to download the first-party app. The back lists the salient marketing features, and a visual representation of the contents greets us on the side.


A single seal keeps the box intact, and we then see a wraparound top that unfurls to reveal the contents inside. Lypertek includes a quick-start guide and thank you note in a separate pouch. The ear buds and case are placed inside a piece of foam that has cutouts to snugly hold the three items, with a tab at the top to lift this layer and reveal the other accessories underneath.


I liked the unboxing experience of the PurePlay Z3 original, and the same goes for the updated version that has clean layers and markings throughout, and a good balance of function and form. The final set of accessories is inside a cardboard box with labels which reveal it contains replacement ear tips, and it is placed in a recess customized for the box, with more cardboard around for further protection. Lypertek includes three sets of replacement tips, with size S and L silicone tips as well as a set of size M foam ear tips, which is nice to see since foam makes for a snugger fit with better isolation for those who prefer it or are allergic to silicone. The white tips are a nice touch for the white set, although the bore on the foam tips is still black. We also get a Type-A to Type-C charging cable to charge the case.


One update with the PurePlay Z3 2.0 was the addition of wireless charging to the case, and Lypertek also introduced a first-party wireless charging pad to go with it. It is an optional extra available in only one color to match the case of the black set (which is not black, as you saw already). The packaging is much simpler, with a plastic blister inlay inside a thin cardboard box. Here, we find the charging pad along with a user manual and another charging cable that looks identical to the one included with the earphones.


The charging pad has the same blue fabric finish on top as the case for the black set. The Lypertek logo is in the middle, in black, and a round puck has more certification information on the back, along with four small rubber pads to lift it off the resting surface. On one side is a small bulge to accommodate the Type-C port, and the wireless charging protocol conforms to the Qi standard with a larger coil in the middle than I thought, to where there is a generous area for product placement.