Huawei has redesigned its wireless earbuds in pursuit of improved sound.
Huawei has a new flagship pair of wireless earbuds that promise significant improvements in their audio performance, as well as improved acoustic sealing and increased comfort.
The FreeBuds Pro 5 take over from the outgoing FreeBuds Pro 4, whose design and comfort we admire, even if their flexibility, rhythm accuracy and bass control lag behind (cheaper) rivals.
Each driver is housed in its own acoustic chamber, each unit with two DACs and two DSPs near the rear air vents – all in an effort to improve sound and reduce interference.
The Pro 5 has a “Dual-Engine ANC architecture”, where two drivers work independently together to effectively target specific frequencies for attenuation. With three HD microphones on each array combined with AI capabilities, Huawei claims its noise canceling capabilities are “220 percent” more effective than the previous model.
Call quality is also said to be clearer thanks to the combination of a new microphone, a bone conduction microphone and an AI noise cancellation algorithm. The ‘anti-wind’ design also ensures that every spoken word is heard clearly even with background noise.
There are new tap controls on the stems, while the antennas are positioned to provide better Bluetooth range and coverage, as well as increased resistance to interference.
Another new feature is conversation awareness, similar to the technology found in Sony and Apple earbuds, which detects when you’re talking and lowers the volume of what you’re listening to for a quick conversation. Other features such as dynamic volume (which adjusts the sound according to the sound levels around you) and local sound (which works regardless of the device or streaming source) are also available.
The Pro 5 has nine hours of battery life on a single charge with ANC off, down to six hours with ANC on. You get a total of 38 hours on a playable charge (ANC off).
Elsewhere, the charging case features a revised hinge and LED display, and the earbuds feature an IP57 dust and water resistance rating.
The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 are available in four colors – white, grey, blue and sand – for the low price of £180 in the UK, just like their FreeBuds Pro 4 predecessors which we reviewed last year. Australian price is TBC.
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