Huawei’s FreeBuds Pro 4 represent a significant advancement in in-ear headphones, featuring enhanced battery life and audio performance. With a sleek design, comfortable fit, and intuitive controls, they prioritize user experience. Advanced sensors improve functionality, while the inclusion of the HWA codec ensures high-quality sound. Exceptional active noise cancellation and a dual transducer system provide a rich audio experience. Overall, these earbuds combine innovative features with ergonomic design, positioning them as strong contenders in the market.
Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4: A New Era in In-Ear Headphones
Huawei has officially positioned itself among the top five in-ear headphones on the market with the introduction of the FreeBuds Pro 4. This latest release marks the fourth generation of the brand’s premium in-ear offerings, and instead of resting on the success of the impressive FreeBuds Pro 3, Huawei has opted for innovation. The newest model boasts significant enhancements, particularly in the realms of battery longevity and audio performance.
Design and Comfort: A Thoughtful Approach
While the FreeBuds Pro 4 maintain a classic design reminiscent of their predecessors, they feature subtle updates, such as a sleek, shiny finish on the flat stem. These earbuds are lightweight and crafted for long-term comfort, ensuring a snug fit that contours to the outer ear without causing discomfort. A variety of ear tips are included to accommodate different ear shapes, enhancing the overall user experience.
The control interface combines a touch-sensitive area with a pinch function, similar to popular models like Apple AirPods 2. The volume control is impressively sensitive, while the pinch control may require a little more effort to activate. However, users will quickly adapt, mastering playback, active noise cancellation (ANC), and call functions with ease.
The charging case is compact, featuring an elegant pearlescent finish and a user-friendly design. It includes a pairing button and a USB-C port for convenient charging, alongside compatibility with wireless charging, further showcasing Huawei’s commitment to quality.
Advanced Features for Everyday Use
The FreeBuds Pro 4 come equipped with a sophisticated array of sensors designed to elevate the user experience. An infrared sensor automatically pauses playback when the earbuds are removed, while a gyroscope and accelerometer enhance ANC based on user movements. Additionally, a bone conduction sensor captures jaw vibrations, significantly improving call clarity.
These earbuds are not only versatile but also user-friendly. The Huawei AI Life app streamlines control customization, offering options for individual adjustments for each earbud and a comprehensive equalizer that allows for personalized sound settings. While the app includes a useful feature for locating misplaced earbuds, it currently lacks conversation detection, which would allow for seamless transitions to transparency mode during discussions.
Impressive Sound Quality and Connectivity
The FreeBuds Pro 4 herald a major advancement in wireless audio with the introduction of the HWA (Hi-Res Wireless Audio) codec, enabling lossless audio transmission at 2.3 Mbps in 24 bits. For Android users, the LDAC codec provides a high-fidelity alternative, while iOS users can rely on the AAC codec for superior listening quality. The Bluetooth connection remains stable up to 10 meters, even through light obstacles, ensuring a reliable audio experience.
When it comes to active noise cancellation, the FreeBuds Pro 4 truly shine, effectively reducing low-frequency sounds commonly found in public transport. Despite competition from the Apple AirPods Pro 2, these earbuds allow for enjoyable music listening even at lower volumes in bustling environments. The adaptive ANC mode automatically adjusts to ambient noise levels, while the transparency mode—renamed “perception” by Huawei—offers a clear representation of the surroundings during playback.
Sound Signature: A Harmonious Experience
Huawei has made bold claims about the FreeBuds Pro 4’s acoustic capabilities, touting an impressive frequency range and advanced codecs. However, it’s essential to consider that the human ear cannot perceive frequencies above 16 kHz and standard audio files do not typically dip below 20 Hz. The earbuds feature a dual transducer system, combining an 11 mm dynamic speaker for robust bass and low-mid frequencies with a balanced armature transducer for precise mid and high frequencies. This innovative configuration allows for a richer and more natural audio experience, akin to high-fidelity speakers.
In summary, the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 not only deliver on sound quality but also provide a range of thoughtful features and an ergonomic design, making them a worthy contender in the competitive in-ear headphone market.