To set the scene for this article, let me take you back five months. That day, I flew to CES. And I forgot my wireless headphones. I needed these headphones for lectures, editing videos. It was one of the busiest work weeks of the year. When I arrived in Las Vegas, my first task was to go to the local Apple Store to buy a pair of headphones.
Once in the store, I was guided to the headphone section, and it was there that I suddenly remembered that the Beats by Dr. Dre brand was still alive. And this nine years after its acquisition by Apple. The packaging of the Beats – darker than the Apple boxes – just made me take the bait.
And then I looked at the specs. To be clear, what really convinced me was the almost equal functionality available for iOS users and Android users. “Is Apple, a company renowned for creating one of the most robust ecosystems of products and services, really selling a pair of headphones that works equally well on Android as it does on iOS?” I wondered.
Beats headphones are the only headphones Apple offers with USB-C support
And beyond that, Beats emphasizes less flashy but equally beloved features. One example is battery life, now six hours per charge and up to 36 hours total with the case on. But also an improvement in active noise cancellation (ANC). The Studio Buds Plus also feature tiny ear tips, similar to the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen). The reduced size does not suit me, but I know it is an invaluable advantage for others.
The Beats Studio Buds Plus in an ivory color reminiscent of beige. June Wan/ZDNET
Thanks to the matte, rounded charging case, I found the Studio Buds to be easy to slip into pockets. The maneuverability of the headphone case is a plus for me. While there’s no wireless charging with this model, which is a shame for a $200 pair, I prefer USB-C charging over Lightning AirPods charging. Beats headphones are the only headphones Apple offers with USB-C support, which is another reason why they’re ideal for Android users.
When it comes to audio performance, I’m pretty happy with the Studio Buds Plus. They’re not as bass-heavy as I remember from Beats headphones, and I’d love to have an equalizer or an option to boost low frequencies through the Beats app. But the focus on highs and mids still makes pop, electronic and, of course, hip-hop tracks uplifting to listen to. If you like being able to hear most, if not all, of the vocal and instrumental layers of your music, these headphones are perfect.
An ANC function that is not there
Where the Studio Buds Plus fall short is when it comes to active noise reduction (ANC). Be careful though, on this point I compare them to reference models like the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and the AirPods Pro (second generation), which cost 30 € and 100 € more. Whether I’m walking in a park or taking the bus, there’s always going to be a chirping bird or a passerby disrupting the audio, weakening the immersion. But is this a decisive difference? No way.
Open the charging case and you’ll see quick pairing prompts on iOS and Android. June Wan/ZDNET
In fact, I would say that the transparency mode of these headphones compensates for the weak ANC. Given that we tend to be in our bubble, I would say that awareness of the space around you is more important than ever. And if you’re planning on buying a pair of headphones for working out or jogging outside, the ambient listening feature should come in handy.
Ultimately, these are fantastic headphones for Android and iOS users. The fact that I can open the charging case and both my Android device and iPhone show quick pairing prompts is a plus. And for a slightly cheaper price than the AirPods (3rd Gen), they not only feature padded ear tips for better passive noise cancellation and greater comfort, but they also support touch gestures. tapping. And it’s better than Apple’s earphone pressure system.
Source: “ZDNet.com”