VP Tech Review: realme Buds Air 5 Takes Audio Excellence to New Heights
realme Philippines has recently unveiled the latest addition to their lineup of affordable wireless earbuds, the realme Buds Air 5. It comes equipped with features found in more expensive devices. It represents a major upgrade from its predecessor, the Buds Air 3.
We have thoroughly tested the unit and are excited to share our full #VPTechReview of the new realme Buds Air 5.
Sleek and Clean Design
For this review, we have the Arctic White variant with a glossy finish. At first glance, this gives the unit a clean and visually appealing look, offering a premium appearance. Additionally, it is incredibly sleek and lightweight, weighing only 36.8g, including the charging case. Furthermore, it is also available in the Deep Sea Blue color, providing users with the option to match their own style.
Similar to AirPods, it features a stem design that ensures a comfortable fit in the ears. I appreciate the sensation of not really feeling that I have something in my ears, which provides comfort no matter where I go.
Moreover, due to its lightweight and compact design, the charging case can be easily carried in my pocket without the inconvenience of bulkiness.
Improved Audio Quality
As mentioned earlier, the realme Buds Air 5 delivers a significant upgrade in its audio features. Most of which you typically find only in more expensive audio devices. Fortunately, the realme team consistently offers their customers a premium experience at a very reasonable price point.
Notably, both earbuds of the realme Buds Air 5 feature Dolby Atmos Quad Speakers. Furthermore, both speakers carry Hi-Res Certification and Dolby Atmos Certification, enveloping users in a surround sound experience that resembles a theater.
Enhanced Noise Cancellation Feature
The realme Buds Air 5 comes equipped with 50dB Active Noise Cancellation, currently one of the strongest noise-cancelling technologies in the industry. This technology employs a dual-mic noise cancellation parameter. Moreover, utilizing two embedded microphones (feedback microphone + feedforward microphone) to detect unwanted external sounds and excess noise in the ears. Additionally, it counters opposing sound waves to cancel up to 50dB of noise.
The device also features 4000Hz Ultra-Wide Band Noise Cancellation, an advanced noise reduction technology that effectively blocks mid-high frequency noises, making it especially useful for reducing noise in outdoor and busy street environments.
In comparison to its predecessor, which had only four built-in microphones. The Buds Air 5 now boasts an additional two microphones, totaling six. This allows the device to further refine the noise-free audio experience. Furthermore, phone call experiences are significantly enhanced. Additionally, the device accurately captures and enhances a person’s voice during calls while canceling out external noise and other unnecessary ambient sounds.
In our testing, we can guarantee that this feature works effectively. We conducted a clear call conversation outdoors, even amidst the loud noises of traffic and vehicles. Our team experienced minimal to no noise and vehicle sounds at all. However, please note that this feature functions well when you connect the earbuds to an Android phone with the realme link app activated. In other tests with an iPhone without the realme link app, there were slight, noticeable noises. We recommend installing the realme link app to adjust the audio settings and activate noise cancellation.
Larger Audio Driver and Lower Latency for better performance
A larger audio driver implies more power and the ability to produce better bass. Moving away from the previous 10mm driver, the realme Buds Air 5 now features a 12.4mm Large Audio Driver, a 2.4mm upgrade.
Moreover, it has upgraded its diaphragm with a titanium coating. Furthermore, it enhances its ability to deliver a more solid and crisp audio quality.
For gaming enthusiasts and streamers who encounter audio synchronization issues in their broadcasts. The realme Buds Air 5 includes a 45ms Super Low Latency. Lower latency reduces audio lag and ensures nearly perfect audio-video synchronization during gameplay or streaming. When paired with Bluetooth 5.3 technology, the device allows for unrestricted use within a maximum range of 10 meters, even while on the move. The device also utilizes Dual Antenna Switching technology to maintain connection stability.
Improved Convenience, Performance, and Durability
In terms of performance and convenience, the realme Buds Air 5 sets a higher standard by integrating finely tuned premium features while still maintaining an affordable price for its target market.
Longer Battery Life and Improved Charging Time
On paper, the realme Buds Air 5 can deliver up to 38 hours of total playback time, combining the batteries of both earbuds and the charging case. The charging case has a 640mAh battery, and each earbud features a 43mAh battery. Moreover, with ANC turned on, both earbuds can last up to 4.5 hours with 50% use of volume. When ANC is turned off, it can last up to 7 hours. With the charging case, the total battery life of the device can reach up to 22 hours at 50% volume with ANC turned on, or up to 38 hours at 50% volume with ANC turned off.
In our testing, the earbuds left a lasting impression. I used the earbuds for 5 days, recharging them only with the charging case until it drained. In my testing, the earbuds lasted up to 5 hours on a daily basis with continuous music listening and video watching on YouTube. We charged the buds four times before the charging case was drained.
Furthermore, despite the claim of full-charging the charging case with earbuds in 2 hours, we were able to fully charge it in just 1 hour and 50 minutes, which is 10 minutes faster than claimed. However, please note that this time may vary depending on the capability of your charging adapter.
Better Connectivity Experience
Equipped with the latest Bluetooth 5.3, it can support new Bluetooth versions. This contributes to a more stable connection with potentially lower latency. Moreover, Bluetooth-transmitted audio is compatible with A2DP, HFP, and SPP.
Additionally, this device is also supported with Fast Google Pair. With the app installed on your smartphone, you can instantly detect and connect to the Buds Air 5 with just one click using Google Fast Pair. This offers a level of convenience similar to Apple’s AirPods.
Intelligent Touch Controls and Water Resistance
The realme Buds Air 5 also features helpful intelligent touch controls on its earbuds, adding extra convenience for users. You won’t need to manually control it on your connected device or smartphone; with its intelligent control, you can simply touch it.
- Double Tap to Play / Pause music or Answer / Hang Up a call.
- Triple Tap to skip to the next song.
- Long Press on one side for 2 seconds to switch on noise cancellation mode or reject a call.
Moreover, these touch gestures are also customizable via the realme Link App to allow volume adjustment, voice assistant activation, game mode activation, and previous song playback.
Although being water resistant in most earphone devices is no longer a surprise these days. Evidently, it’s still a valuable feature to have in earbuds, especially for people who are always on the go, go to the gym, or work out on a daily basis. With IPX5 Water Resistance, it offers resistance to splashes of sweat, water, and other light liquid substances during use. Please note that only the earbuds are equipped with IPX5 water resistance. Moreover, they are not recommended for submersion in liquids.
VERDICT
The emergence of online shopping platforms like Shopee, Tiktok Shop, and Lazada has flooded people with a multitude of audio device choices as alternatives to better-known brands like Apple and Samsung.
However, consumers must be cautious when buying such devices, especially if they lack certifications from relevant agencies for safety protocols.
If you are looking for alternatives to Apple AirPods or Samsung’s Galaxy Buds, you should not overlook the realme Buds Air. It offers cutting-edge technology at a price that is wallet-friendly.
The realme Buds Air 5 boasts nearly identical premium features to those found in flagship brands. It delivers a quality audio experience embedded with convenient technologies and ensures durability. Furthermore, this device is of great value at an affordable price point.
PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
The realme Buds Air 5 is available for purchase at PHP 3,499 and can be found at any realme store nationwide, as well as on realme’s flagship stores on Shopee and Lazada.
