Are you on the hunt for a pair of wireless earbuds that can effortlessly drown out distractions and deliver a premium audio experience? If that sounds like you, it's time to turn your attention to the recent releases from Realme - the Buds Air 5 and the Buds Air 5 Pro. These cutting-edge earbuds have recently hit the Indian market, boasting an impressive active noise cancellation (ANC) capability of up to 50dB, an IPX5 waterproof rating, and a slew of other standout features. In this in-depth review, we'll delve into the features, pricing, and performance of these earbuds to help you make an informed decision about their worth.
Introducing the Realme Buds Air 5 and Buds Air 5 Pro
The Realme Buds Air 5 and the Buds Air 5 Pro are the latest additions to Realme's lineup of wireless earbuds. As the successors to the popular Realme Buds Air 2 and Realme Buds Air 2 Neo, both earbuds have a lot to live up to. One key difference between the Buds Air 5 and the Buds Air 5 Pro is that the latter boasts a dual-driver setup and supports the LDAC codec, which translates to an enhanced sound quality. Notably, both models offer ANC capabilities, as well as support for Dolby Atmos and Google Fast Pair.
Pricing and Availability
The Realme Buds Air 5 retail for Rs 3,699 in India, but keep an eye out for the introductory sale where they'll be available for Rs 3,499. Meanwhile, the Pro version of these earbuds, initially launched in China at CNY 399 (approximately Rs 4,600), is priced at Rs 4,999, but during the initial sale, they'll be up for grabs at Rs 4,499. The Buds Air 5 will be ready for purchase starting August 26th through Flipkart, Realme's official website, and various retail outlets. As for the Buds Air 5 Pro, they'll hit the shelves on August 29th through Flipkart, Amazon, Realme's official website, and retail stores. The Buds Air 5 flaunts two color variants - Deep Sea Blue and Arctic White, whereas the Buds Air 5 Pro comes in Astral Black and Sunrise Beige hues.
Design and Comfort
Maintaining a design language akin to their predecessors, both the Realme Buds Air 5 and Buds Air 5 Pro feature a stem-shaped design with touch controls integrated into the earbuds. Despite their lightweight build, they offer comfortable wear for extended durations. The inclusion of three sizes of silicone ear tips ensures a snug and customized fit. These earbuds hold an IPX5 rating, which translates to resilience against water splashes and sweat.
The charging case accompanying the earbuds is both sleek and compact. Outfitted with a USB-C port for charging and an LED indicator to indicate battery levels, the case also boasts a wireless charging feature - a noteworthy addition in this price range.
Audio Performance
The Realme Buds Air 5 and Buds Air 5 Pro pack a punch in the sound department. Boasting a 12.4mm sound driver setup coupled with dynamic bass enhancement, they deliver a well-balanced and immersive sound quality. Furthermore, the support for Dolby Atmos heightens the auditory experience. Gamers will appreciate the low latency mode which drastically minimizes the audio-video delay to an impressive 45ms.
Unveiling the Active Noise Cancellation
At the heart of these earbuds lies their star feature - the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) capability that can silence ambient noise by up to 50dB. Equipped with six built-in microphones, these earbuds adeptly pick up and nullify unwanted sounds. The ANC feature is accessible through three modes: the general mode suitable for most environments, the transparency mode allowing external sounds like traffic to filter through, and the noise-off mode that completely deactivates ANC. While the ANC proves effective across most scenarios, it might not fully suppress low-frequency noises like engine rumble or fan hum. Nonetheless, considering the price point, the ANC performance is still commendable.
Enduring Battery Life
Battery longevity is satisfactory for both models. With ANC deactivated, the Realme Buds Air 5 can last up to 38 hours, while the Buds Air 5 Pro can go up to 40 hours. Engaging ANC reduces this to 28 hours and 30 hours, respectively. Rapid charging is another asset, with just ten minutes of charging granting up to seven hours of playback.
Seamless Connectivity and Smart Features
Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, the Realme Buds Air 5 and Buds Air 5 Pro ensure a stable and seamless connection. The added support for Google Fast Pair simplifies the pairing process with Android devices down to a single tap. Moreover, these earbuds facilitate simultaneous pairing with two devices, such as your smartphone and laptop.
Smart features abound, including wear detection that pauses/resumes music based on whether the earbuds are worn. Activating Google Assistant or Siri involves a simple long press, and touch controls can be tailored for play/pause, volume adjustment, ANC mode shifts, and more. Realme's dedicated Link app serves as a hub for managing and personalizing the earbuds, allowing firmware updates, equalizer tuning, touch control customization, and more.
The Pros and Cons
The Realme Buds Air 5 and Buds Air 5 Pro certainly shine in their price bracket, offering numerous advantages:
- Exceptional sound quality and performance
- Versatile ANC with three modes
- IPX5 rating for water resistance
- Wireless charging functionality
- Rapid charging feature
- Low latency gaming mode
- Google Fast Pair support
- Dual device connectivity
- Smart features with customization options
However, as with any product, there are some downsides to consider:
- Limited effectiveness in blocking low-frequency ambient noises
- Absence of on-earbud volume control
- Lack of ambient sound mode
- No dedicated wind noise reduction
Final Verdict
In summary, the Realme Buds Air 5 and Buds Air 5 Pro present a compelling case for those seeking budget-friendly wireless earbuds with strong ANC capabilities and commendable audio performance. These earbuds deliver an impressive array of features, often associated with pricier alternatives. They cater to various scenarios like music listening, gaming, calls, and professional tasks, all while ensuring comfort and durability during prolonged use.
However, if top-notch sound quality and cutting-edge ANC performance are your primary requisites, it might be worth exploring higher-end alternatives. It's important to note that these earbuds might not completely neutralize low-frequency disturbances like engine sounds or fans. Furthermore, the absence of certain features like on-earbud volume control, ambient sound mode, and active wind noise reduction could be deal-breakers for some users. In conclusion, the choice depends on your specific preferences and requirements.
FAQs
Q1: What are the key features of Realme Buds Air 5 and Buds Air 5 Pro? A: The Realme Buds Air 5 and Buds Air 5 Pro boast impressive features, including up to 50dB active noise cancellation (ANC), Dolby Atmos support, IPX5 rating for water resistance, wireless charging, fast charging, low latency mode for gaming, and Google Fast Pair compatibility.
Q2: How much do the Realme Buds Air 5 and Buds Air 5 Pro cost? A: The Realme Buds Air 5 are priced at Rs 3,699, with an introductory offer at Rs 3,499. The Buds Air 5 Pro retail for Rs 4,999, but during the initial sale, they're available at Rs 4,499.
Q3: What's the main difference between Buds Air 5 and Buds Air 5 Pro? A: The Buds Air 5 Pro features a dual-driver setup and supports LDAC codec for enhanced sound quality, setting it apart from the Buds Air 5. Both models support active noise cancellation, Dolby Atmos, and Google Fast Pair.
Q4: Are the Realme Buds Air 5 and Buds Air 5 Pro comfortable to wear? A: Yes, both earbuds feature a lightweight design that's comfortable for extended use. They come with three sizes of silicone ear tips to ensure a snug fit.
Q5: How effective is the active noise cancellation (ANC) feature? A: The ANC feature can reduce ambient noise by up to 50dB, aided by six built-in microphones. It comes with three modes: general, transparency, and noise-off. While effective in most cases, it might not fully block low-frequency noises.
Q6: What is the battery life of these earbuds? A: The Realme Buds Air 5 offer up to 38 hours of playback with ANC off and up to 28 hours with ANC on. The Buds Air 5 Pro provide up to 40 hours with ANC off and up to 30 hours with ANC on. Both models support fast charging.
Q7: Can I connect the Realme Buds Air 5 and Buds Air 5 Pro to multiple devices? A: Yes, both models support dual-device pairing, allowing you to seamlessly switch between two connected devices, such as a phone and a laptop.
Q8: Do the earbuds come with any smart features? A: Absolutely, the earbuds include wear detection for automatic pause/play, voice assistant activation through long presses, and customizable touch controls for functions like play/pause, volume adjustment, and ANC mode switching.
Q9: Are there any drawbacks to these earbuds? A: While the Realme Buds Air 5 and Buds Air 5 Pro offer impressive features for their price range, they might not completely block low-frequency ambient noises and lack certain features like on-earbud volume control and active wind noise reduction.
Q10: Are the Realme Buds Air 5 and Buds Air 5 Pro worth purchasing? A: If you're looking for affordable earbuds with strong ANC capabilities, solid sound quality, and numerous features, these earbuds are definitely worth considering. However, for those seeking premium sound and top-tier ANC, exploring higher-end options might be advisable.
