Audio Devices
Review of the Soundcore P20i True Wireless Earbuds in the UAE
The true wireless earbuds market is overcrowded right now with hundreds of brands peddling thousands of devices to an ever-confused consumer landscape. While some are top-notch, they cost an arm and a leg to purchase, which drives away many potential consumers. Some are affordable, but perform terribly when it comes to the overall audio quality. How about a pair of true wireless earbuds that are very affordable, and at the same time offer a very good audio listening experience?
Enter, the new Soundcore P20i True Wireless Earbuds from Anker. Though these earbuds come in at a price point of AED 99, these are currently available until July 3, 2023, for a very affordable price of AED 69. We got out hands on a unit and put it through a quick test.
So, inside the box, you get the P20i earbuds in a charging case that has a little lanyard attached to it. You also get a USB-C charging cable, a pair of extra silicone ear tips, and the quick start guide. Setting up the device is quite simple – download the Soundcore app for your Android or iOS device, remove the earbuds from the charging case, start the pairing process and keep pressing on top of the earbuds for 3 seconds and it will enter into pairing mode.
Follow the onscreen instructions and once it is paired, you are good to go. The charging case is quite small and lightweight, with rounded edges – so it’s quite pocket friendly. The P20i offers a comfortable and secure fit. Regardless of my head, face, or jaw movements, I was able to achieve a seal that remained intact. To achieve a secure seal, simply insert the earbuds with the stems facing downward and then twist them upward at an angle of approximately 30 degrees.
The P20i packs in 10mm drivers and comes with two AI-enhanced mics for all your calls. You get around 10 hours of playtime on a single charge and 10 minutes of recharging in the case offers two hours of listening time. With the charging case, you get a total playtime of 30 hours, which is great for a pair of true wireless earbuds available for a very pocket-friendly price.
You also get IPX5 waterproof rating for protection from rain and sweat. The P20i offers a touch control setup that encompasses most expected features of TWS earbuds in 2023. The accompanying Soundcore app allows you to assign volume control to specific touch commands and customise the touch control schematic according to your preferences. The default tuning of the P20i is the “Soundcore Signature” EQ pre-set. However, you can use the EQ settings in-app to further enhance your audio experience. The app offers 22 different pre-set EQ options, allowing you to simply click and choose the one that suits your preferences.
The sound performance is very good for the price point. The Soundcore P20i focuses prominently on the bass and lower mid-tones. The bass is primarily delivered through the mid-bass, providing a powerful and impactful experience. The lower mid-tones are robust as well, featuring deep electronic tones and even adding texture to bass guitars.
Call quality is also pretty good, whether it was used for phone or video calls. The earbuds effectively suppress surrounding noises, minimising their interference with your voice. The volume level of your voice is quite good and the audio from the other end is also crystal clear.
The Soundcore P20i is a pair of good true wireless earbuds that offer good comfort, very good audio performance, and nice call quality – all at an attractive offer price of AED 69, which is available until July 3, 2023. Go for it, if you are looking for affordable wireless earbuds, that also do not compromise on quality.
Price: AED 99 (offer price until July 3, 2023: AED 69)
Soundcore P20i True Wireless Earbuds AED 99 (offer price until July 3, 2023: AED 69)
Summary
The P20i packs in 10mm drivers and comes with two AI-enhanced mics for all your calls. You get around 10 hours of playtime on a single charge and 10 minutes of recharging in the case offers two hours of listening time.
User Review
( votes)Audio Devices
SoundPEATS GoFree 2 Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds Review: Worth the Investment?
The SoundPEATS GoFree 2 open-ear wireless earbuds offer a compelling combination of affordability, comfort, and decent sound quality, making them a solid choice for budget-conscious consumers. These earbuds have gained popularity for their ability to deliver a good audio experience without breaking the bank.
Design and Comfort
The GoFree 2 earbuds adopt an open-ear design with a compact charging case. The earbuds themselves are lightweight and fit comfortably outside the ear using ear hooks to keep them in place. The charging case is small enough to easily slip into your pocket or purse, making it convenient for on-the-go use.
The SoundPEATS GoFree2 boast a sleek design and comfortable fit, even during prolonged wear. While they offer IPX5 water resistance, they may not withstand complete submersion. However, they should be able to handle splashes, sweat, and light rain, making them suitable for outdoor activities.
Each earbud features touch-based controls for adjusting volume, skipping tracks, and managing calls. While they are quite responsive, the company also offers a companion app that comes with an option to completely disable touch controls.
The companion app also provides detailed information, including the battery level of each earbud. You can also customise your listening experience by adjusting volume, selecting a preset equaliser, or enabling Adaptive EQ. Adaptive EQ conducts a personalised hearing test to optimize sound quality based on your hearing profile.
To control playback and volume, simply tap the earbuds. A double tap pauses playback, while single taps on the right or left earbud increase or decrease volume. Long presses on the left or right earbud skip tracks backwards or forward. These gestures also apply to managing phone calls.
Sound Quality
Given their budget-friendly price point, the Soundpeats GoFree 2 earbuds offer surprisingly decent sound quality. The bass is punchy and satisfying, providing a solid foundation for various genres of music. The mids are clear and well-balanced, allowing vocals and instruments to shine through.
The highs are crisp and detailed, although they may occasionally sound slightly harsh at higher volumes. Overall, the sound quality is more than adequate for everyday listening and casual gaming. The SoundPEATS GoFree2 offer independent earbud functionality, allowing you to wear either bud individually or both together. Each bud connects to your phone or laptop separately, which is a value-add.
The SoundPEATS GoFree2’s open-ear design places the driver unit outside your ear, allowing you to remain aware of your surroundings. This means you can easily hear traffic, other cyclists, or noises around your home such as the doorbell, children, or pets.
Battery Life
The GoFree2 earbuds feature a 60mAh battery, providing up to 9 hours of continuous listening before requiring a charge. The included charging case offers an additional 35 hours of playback and features a USB-C charging port for convenient recharging. The compact charging case securely holds the earbuds and is easy to open.
A single LED indicator on the front of the case displays the charging status, while the USB-C port is located on the back. A full charge from zero takes approximately 90 minutes, and the GoFree2 does not support fast charging.
Verdict
The SoundPEATS GoFree 2 earbuds offer excellent value for money. Considering their affordable price, decent sound quality, comfortable fit, and respectable battery life, they are a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable pair of wireless open-ear wireless earbuds without spending a fortune.
Price: AED 215
Buy Now: https://amzn.to/4dLOu4G
SoundPEATS GoFree 2 Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds AED 215
Summary
The GoFree 2 earbuds adopt a open-ear design with a compact charging case. The earbuds themselves are lightweight and fit comfortably outside the ear using ear hooks to keep them in place.
User Review
( votes)Audio Devices
OneOdio’s OpenRock X Earbuds Arrive with BassDirect
OneOdio has announced the launch of OpenRock X, an open-ear headphone. Aimed at fitness enthusiasts and audiophiles alike, these advanced earbuds blend exceptional sound quality with state-of-the-art design, offering a seamless blend of performance, comfort, and safety for all sporting activities. The OpenRock X is available for $179.99 and can now be purchased worldwide from the OpenRock website.
At the heart of the OpenRock X is its custom dynamic driver. This 14.2 mm long-stroke loudspeaker features a high-quality nanometer bio-fibre and cis-molecular polymer diaphragm. This unique construction ensures extremely low distortion and high resolution, delivering a richer and more delicate sound. Enhancing this setup is a magnetic circuit system with a high-tension 9999 pure copper large black coil and an N45 neodymium magnet, boosting low-frequency density for a powerful auditory experience.
OneOdio’s proprietary BassDirect bass acoustic cavity technology further elevates sound quality by efficiently transmitting energy to the ear canal. This ensures unparalleled bass response and sound leakage prevention, making the OpenRock X stand out among open-ear designs. Equipped with the industry-leading LISO 2.0 algorithm, the OpenRock X has undergone over 200 days of testing and refinement. Supported by HiFi 5 DSP supercomputing, it optimizes sound quality across its full frequency range, ensuring each detail is reproduced with precision.
Understanding the needs of active users, OneOdio has integrated professional sound effects tailored for sports. The Rock Mode enhances deep bass and rhythmic audio, perfect for running, cycling, and HIIT, helping reduce exercise fatigue and boosting performance. Relax Mode offers a natural, comfortable sound ideal for yoga, stretching, and meditation, while Boom Mode maximizes sound pressure levels to deliver powerful music experiences even in noisy environments. Additionally, the Spatial Sound feature, enabled via the app, simulates theatre-like acoustics for an immersive audio experience.
The open-ear design of the OpenRock X ensures the ear canal remains dry and breathable, reducing the risk of otitis. This design also enhances situational awareness, providing a safer workout environment. The unique adjustable biaxial joint, crafted with inspiration from luxury watch brands, ensures ergonomic comfort and stability, customizable to any exercise intensity or ear size. For seamless connectivity, the OpenRock X utilizes Bluetooth 5.3 and supports multipoint connections, allowing effortless switching between devices. The earbuds offer an impressive 48-hour battery life with the charging case and feature fast charging capabilities. With IPX5 water and sweat resistance, the OpenRock X can withstand rigorous workouts.
Safety and user comfort are paramount. The OpenRock X includes a max volume limiter, over-time wear reminders, and adaptive volume control, all adjustable via the app. The four AI noise-cancelling microphones ensure clear communication even in windy conditions. OneOdio’s commitment to quality extends to the design and materials. The earbuds and charging case are crafted from high-strength, corrosion-resistant stainless steel and solid aluminium alloy, respectively. The elegant silver-black and gold-white finishes undergo meticulous processes to achieve a sophisticated appearance. The ear hooks are made from soft, skin-friendly liquid silicone rubber, enhancing comfort during extended use.
Audio Devices
Sonos Ace Headphones Review: A Stylish Entry with Excellent Performance
Sonos, the renowned home audio brand, took a bold step into the world of personal audio by introducing the Sonos Ace headphones. This premium, over-ear wireless headphones boast a sleek design, active noise cancellation (ANC), and the promise of signature Sonos sound.
Design and Comfort
Sonos doesn’t disappoint when it comes to aesthetics. The Ace headphones exude a minimalist elegance. Available in black and soft white, they feature a matte finish with metallic accents. The build quality feels substantial, with a mix of plush memory foam earcups and a sturdy, lightweight frame. These headphones are comfortable to wear for extended periods, thanks to the generous earcup padding and a well-distributed weight balance.
Controls and Functionality
Sonos opts for physical buttons over the now-commonplace touch controls. A multi-function “Content Key” on the right earcup handles playback, volume, and track skipping. A separate button cycles through ANC modes and voice assistant activation. The buttons offer a satisfying tactile response, a welcome change from the finicky nature of touch controls.
The Sonos app, though not as feature-rich as some competitors’ offerings, provides basic controls such as ANC adjustments and a five-band EQ, which allows for some sound customisation. One notable feature is multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously. This is a convenient feature for users who switch frequently between phones and laptops.
Sound Quality
The Sonos Ace delivers a pleasant listening experience. The sound signature leans towards the warm side, with a satisfying bass presence without overwhelming the mids and highs. The instruments are well-defined, and the vocals come through clearly. For audiophiles, the Sonos Ace offers an outstanding soundstage.
The ANC is excellent, effectively blocking out low-frequency noise such as aeroplane hum and traffic rumble. Call quality is also very good, with the built-in microphones doing an adequate job of picking up your voice during calls.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Sonos boasts a stellar battery life of 30+ hours with ANC turned on. This is a major plus for frequent travellers and long listening sessions. The headphones use Bluetooth 5.3, offering a reliable connection with minimal latency.
A unique feature of the Sonos Ace is its potential integration with the Sonos ecosystem. The app allows you to switch seamlessly between the headphones and your Sonos home speakers. This functionality is currently limited, but future updates could unlock features such as using the headphones as surround sound speakers for your Sonos home theatre setup.
Verdict
The Sonos Ace headphones are a solid first entry into the wireless headphone market. They boast excellent noise cancellation, a comfortable design, and long battery life. The sound quality is quite good, too. The potential for deeper integration with the Sonos ecosystem is intriguing, however, the hefty price tag might deter some budget-conscious consumers.
If you’re a Sonos loyalist looking for a pair of stylish headphones with excellent ANC and good sound quality, the Sonos Ace is a compelling option, especially if the promise of future ecosystem integration appeals to you. The Sonos Ace headphones are a promising debut with a clear focus on comfort, noise cancellation, and design. They offer a well-rounded listening experience with the potential for exciting future developments within the Sonos ecosystem.
Price: AED 2099
Sonos Ace Headphones AED 2099
Summary
The Sonos Ace delivers a pleasant listening experience. The sound signature leans towards the warm side, with a satisfying bass presence without overwhelming the mids and highs. The instruments are well-defined, and the vocals come through clearly.