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While Samsung continues to dominate the smartphone market this Fall, the battle for headphone supremacy continues to heat up. With offerings from Samsung, OnePlus, Sony, and others, Huawei is set to throw its hat into the mix with two new sets of headphones.
Huawei FreeBuds 3i Review
Earlier this year, Huawei launched the FreeBuds 3i, which earned a Phandroid Editor’s Choice award. Despite a rather generic design, the FreeBuds 3i offered great value for just $150, with fantastic noise cancellation and overall fit. But Huawei isn’t stopping there, as the company has announced the Huawei FreeBuds Pro.
Huawei FreeBuds Pro
The Huawei FreeBuds Pro take everything that was great about the FreeBuds 3i, and improved in just about every facet. There’s improved Active Noise Cancellation, longer battery life, and even Bluetooth 5.2 onboard.
Specs
- 11mm dynamic driver
- 40 dB ANC noise reduction
- Battery: 55mAh (per bud), 580mAh (charging case)
- Battery life:
- 4.5 hours per charge w/ ANC enabled
- 7 hours per charge w/ ANC disabled
- Additional 14.5 hours with the case
- 1 hour charge time
- 3-mic system with bone conduction mic
- Active Noise Cancellation
- Awareness mode
- Bluetooth 5.2
- Wear Detection Sensor
- Simultaneous connection
Part of the issue for some, with these truly wireless earbuds is that they don’t always fit the right way. Some headphone makers are trying to combat that, and Huawei is doing the same, provided that you have the Huawei AI Life app installed. This will allow you to find the perfect fit, so you make sure that you are wearing the right-sized ear tips.
Active Noise Cancellation is always a hot topic, and Huawei’s FreeBuds Pro look to deliver with 40dB noise reduction. This, paired with the in-ear fit, will pair up to be quite the convenient combo for canceling out noise when it’s time buckle down and get some work done.
There are two more key features, which could turn out to be defining reasons to get the FreeBuds Pro. The first of which is dual-device connection, allowing for seamless switching between your smartphone and PC. Recently, we’ve seen the WH-1000XM4’s do this, but not as many truly-wireless earbuds are capable of this.
The second feature requires you to be using a Huawei device powered by EMUI10, but that’s Wear Detection. There’s a sensor built into these headphones which will automatically pause and restart your music when the earbuds are removed and then put back in.
Huawei FreeLace Pro
For those who aren’t really into the “truly” wireless scene, Huawei has you covered with the FreeLace Pro. These have a more traditional design for Bluetooth headphones, as you have the wrap-around band which rests on your neck, and then the earpieces that pop into your ears or hang down when not in use.
Specs
- 14mm dynamic driver
- 40 dB ANC noise reduction
- Battery: 150mAh
- Battery life:
- 16 hours per charge w/ ANC enabled
- 24 hours per charge w/ ANC disabled
- 5-minute charge provides 5-hours of playback
- 3 microphone system
- Active Noise Cancellation
- IPX5
- Bluetooth 5.0
You’ll find all the many of the same great features as the FreeBuds pro, including Active Noise Cancellation, a 3-microphone system, and more. Water-resistance is on board with an IPX5 rating, making these perfect for a light workout.
Huawei packs 16 hours of battery life with ANC enabled, and up to 24 hours if you have ANC turned off. There’s even Quick Charge capabilities, as a 5-minute charge will give you up to 5 hours of additional playback time.
One pretty nifty feature is that the left-earbud detaches from the neckband, revealing the USB-C charging port. This not only is how you can quick-charge your headphones, but you can also use Huawei HiPair for connecting to your devices faster than ever. Then, you can plug the headphones into anything, including a smartphone or computer, and the FreeLace Pro’s will charge.
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