Huawei FreeBuds

Introduction:

When comparing the FreeBuds 4 to Huawei’s previous high-end TWS earbuds, the FreeBuds 3, there is a slight boost in sound quality. The FreeBuds 4 feature an open ear design with active noise cancellation, which according to the company may lower ambient noise by up to 25 decibels (dB). Additional features include updated Bluetooth 5.2 connection as well as a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Design and build quality:

It’s tough to deny the uncanny similarities between the open-fit design of the FreeBuds 4 and the long stems of the conventional AirPods when looking at them side by side. In order to make the FreeBuds 3 more convenient to carry in a purse or a pocket of a pair of pants, a smaller and lighter charger has been developed. With the new AirPods, the case is more square-shaped, giving the appearance that you’re carrying a dental floss kit in your pocket.

A conventional charger, which was utilised in this review, as well as a wireless charger, which has not yet been made available, are also options for charging the FreeBuds 4. Along with the delivery, you’ll get an instruction booklet and a USB-C charging cable. When it comes to water and dust protection, the earphones satisfy IPX4 standards.

Features:

As soon as the earbuds are inserted into your ears, a beeping sound indicates that they have been successfully linked. For the purpose of distributing your music to a buddy, you may utilise them independently. Any video playing on smartphones and tablets is immediately paused when any of the earphones are withdrawn from the device.

After opening the case, holding down the pair button for a few seconds, and selecting the FreeBuds 4 Bluetooth option from the Bluetooth menu, the procedure is quite similar to that of most other TWS earbuds. Lifting the top cover of a Huawei smartphone is all that is required to use it. The buds are also animated to demonstrate that they have been linked together.

Even in congested locations, Huawei claims to have microphones that can record at a sampling rate of 48Khz, making it easy to pick up clear conversations even in the busiest of settings. More information about sound quality may be found in the next section. Low latency is available for individuals who choose to play games, with a delay of 90ms on HarmonyOS 2 phones and 150ms on EMUI devices available.

Battery life:

When the ANC function is enabled, Huawei promises a battery life of 2.5 hours, and a battery life of up to 4 hours when the feature is deactivated. The charging case increases their battery life to 14 or 22 hours, depending on the model. With a 15-minute rapid charge, you can obtain up to 2.5 hours of music listening time.

After doing my own testing, I discovered that these figures were correct. The FreeBuds 4 was able to last me two full days of work and exercise before flashing a low battery warning notice on the screen. From 60 to 80 percent of my hearing capacity was usual for me. It took around 30 minutes to charge the device completely from 0 percent to 100 percent, which is an outstanding outcome.

Sound quality:

The dynamic coil drivers of the FreeBuds 4 have a 14.3mm diameter, which is rather large. During my testing time, I listened to a diverse spectrum of musical genres, including podcasts, YouTube videos, and a few basketball games, among other things. With no overuse of bass in any of the settings, the earphones produced sound that was clean, sharp, and full of depth and detail. Despite the fact that they are not the heaviest TWS buds on the market, they do provide a well-balanced sound profile that is a substantial upgrade over the more budget-friendly choices we’ve tested in the last year.

Despite the fact that the on-board microphones were capable of picking up sounds clearly, muffled recordings were created. The 48Khz recording rate used by Huawei did not make a discernible difference in my listening experience, and I continue to regard Apple’s AirPods as the gold standard for precise speech pickup. In phone conversations, the other party reported that a strong and clear signal came from my end of the line. The microphones were installed in a waterproof duct by Huawei, and they continue to function well even under strong wind conditions.

When it came to noise reduction outdoors or when working out, the FreeBuds 4 did not impress me, but this may have been due to the fact that my ears were too small for the device. The result is that recommending them as a substitute for in-canal earphones that come with suitable silicone tips becomes increasingly challenging.

Verdict:

Huawei FreeBuds 4 open-fit earphones are a realistic option for anybody seeking for a set of premium open-fit earphones that provide incredible sound quality without the requirement for exceptional noise cancellation. Huawei’s FreeBuds 4 open-fit earphones are available in black and white. Although minor, the addition of multipoint pairing, redesigned gesture navigation, and enhanced microphone technology all contribute to the FreeBuds 4 being a significant improvement over the previous generation. Because your in-ear fit will decide which kind you pick, we recommend the FreeBuds 4, which are an excellent choice if you want open-ear headphones but don’t need the same amount of noise suppression as the other two models. Despite the fact that the battery life is not exceptional, it is enough.

Despite the fact that the FreeBuds 4’s multi-point pairing and gesture controls have been skillfully executed, it’s difficult to recommend them owing to their shaky fit. If you can get your hands on a pair of Huawei’s FreeBuds 4 TWS earbuds during a Huawei sales event and if your ear canals are capable of supporting them, they are a viable choice.