The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 are the latest addition to Huawei’s lineup of wireless earbuds, positioned as a premium alternative to Apple’s AirPods Pro 2. With competitive pricing and a robust suite of features, these earbuds aim to deliver a high-quality audio experience. This article provides a comprehensive review of the FreeBuds Pro 4, covering their design, listening experience, active noise cancellation (ANC), sound quality, and battery life.
Design
Premium Aesthetics and Build Quality
The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 are praised for their exquisite, almost luxurious design. The case opens and closes with a satisfying click, and the earbuds themselves have a nice heft, adding to their premium feel. The black and gold model, in particular, is noted for its classy appearance. However, the stiff button on the side of the case, meant for engaging pairing mode, is a minor drawback as it isn’t particularly comfortable to press. Moreover, the prominent Huawei logo on the stems of both earbuds may not appeal to all users, as some prefer less conspicuous branding on wearable devices.
Huawei’s attention to detail is evident in the choice of materials and the overall construction quality. The earbuds feel robust and durable, giving the impression that they can withstand the rigors of daily use without easily getting damaged. The high-quality finish and the thoughtful design elements reflect Huawei’s commitment to providing a premium product. The case fits comfortably in the hand and the earbuds themselves nestle securely within it, ensuring that they are easy to carry around and store when not in use. These design elements collectively contribute to the overall appeal of the FreeBuds Pro 4.
Comfort and Fit
The FreeBuds Pro 4 come with a selection of silicone and memory foam tips in various sizes, accommodating different ear shapes and preferences. Even without the rubber eartips, the earbuds can sit comfortably in the ears, although this compromises noise cancellation and bass reproduction. This versatility in fit ensures that users can find the most comfortable and secure option for their individual ear shape, enhancing the overall listening experience. The lightweight design also ensures that the earbuds can be worn for extended periods without causing discomfort or fatigue.
The ergonomic design of the FreeBuds Pro 4 ensures that they stay in place even during vigorous activities. This makes them suitable for a variety of situations, from commuting to exercising. The in-ear fit creates a good seal, which is crucial for effective noise cancellation and optimal sound quality. The memory foam tips, in particular, conform to the shape of the ear canal, providing a personalized fit that enhances both comfort and audio performance. While the earbuds are versatile, the extent to which they fit comfortably and securely can vary among users, depending on ear shape and personal preference.
Listening Experience and ANC
Smart Features and Modes
The FreeBuds Pro 4 are equipped with smart features that enhance the listening experience. The earbuds automatically switch to Noise Cancelling mode when both are worn and default to Awareness mode when only one is in use. This design is particularly useful for users who wear only one earbud while walking, as it maintains situational awareness. However, the ANC is slightly less effective at isolating sounds like nearby dialogue compared to Apple’s AirPods Pro 2. Despite this, the ANC in the FreeBuds Pro 4 is still effective for reducing ambient noise, making them suitable for use in various environments, from quiet offices to busy streets.
Additionally, the intelligent ANC adapts to the surrounding environment in real-time, adjusting the level of noise cancellation for the best experience. This feature is beneficial in dynamic environments where noise levels can change frequently. The earbuds also have a voice detection feature, which lowers the volume and deactivates ANC when the wearer starts speaking. This is especially useful in situations where quick communication is needed without the need to remove the earbuds. These smart features collectively enhance the overall usability and convenience of the FreeBuds Pro 4.
Control Gestures
The FreeBuds Pro 4 offer an extensive set of control gestures. Users can pinch the stem, set actions for double-tap or triple-tap, perform a pinch-and-hold gesture, and swipe up or down the stems to control volume. While these interaction methods can be a bit tricky due to the small size of the earphones, they are appreciated for their flexibility and functionality. The ability to customize the gestures allows users to tailor their experience to their preferences, making the earbuds more intuitive and user-friendly.
However, the small surface area of the earbuds means that precise control gestures may require some practice. The touch sensitivity is responsive, ensuring that commands are registered accurately, but the limited surface can sometimes lead to unintended actions. Despite this, the wide range of customizable gestures provides a comprehensive control scheme that enhances the overall user experience. Once familiar with the controls, users can efficiently manage their audio playback, adjust settings, and handle calls without needing to reach for their devices.
Sound Quality
Audio Performance
The sound quality of the FreeBuds Pro 4 is highly regarded, though it requires some experimenting with different modes to find the most appealing sound profile. The sound profile changes noticeably between Noise Cancellation, Off, and Awareness modes, which is significant for music listening but less so for calls or audiobooks. The earbuds sound great with ANC turned off, which also extends battery life. When switching to Noise Cancellation or Awareness, the sound becomes boomier, with heightened mids and boosted bass frequencies, which some users might find more engaging for certain types of music. These changes, while subtle, highlight the adaptability of the FreeBuds Pro 4 to different listening environments and personal preferences.
Advanced Audio Features
When paired with a modern Huawei phone, additional high-quality sound modes are unlocked, such as the high-bitrate L2HC 4.0 audio codec and HD Spatial Audio. These features are particularly beneficial for those listening to lossless audio tracks, although they may not be noticeable to the average user listening to standard quality tracks on services like YouTube Music. Changing modes requires a moment for the earbuds to adapt, possibly due to an AI algorithm or other processing. The advanced audio features enable a differentiated listening experience, especially for audiophiles who appreciate fine details in music.
These high-quality sound modes are particularly valuable for in-depth music appreciation and immersive listening experiences. Spatial Audio creates a three-dimensional auditory space, enhancing the realism and clarity of audio. This is beneficial not just for music but also for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications, providing a more immersive experience. Even though such advanced features may not stand out to every user, they represent the sophisticated technological prowess embedded within the FreeBuds Pro 4, ensuring that whether the user is a casual listener or an audiophile, there is a sound experience available to suit diverse auditory preferences and scenarios.
Battery Life
Listening Time
In terms of battery life, the FreeBuds Pro 4 are comparable to their predecessor and competitive with other premium earbuds. They offer up to 7 hours of listening time with ANC off and up to 5 hours with ANC on. With the charging case, the total battery life extends to 33 hours with ANC off, or 23 hours with ANC on. The promise of extended battery life ensures that users can enjoy a full day of uninterrupted audio without concern, making the FreeBuds Pro 4 a reliable option for those on the go. Users can recharge quickly with the portable case, guaranteeing minimal downtime and maximizing availability throughout the day.
The battery efficiency of the FreeBuds Pro 4 is an essential factor for users who frequently use their earbuds throughout the day, be it for work, commute, or recreation. The ability to get multiple hours of use from a single charge, paired with the convenience of the charging case, amplifies the practicality and convenience of the earbuds. The straightforward design and functionality of the charging case mean that it is easy to charge the earbuds while on the move, ensuring that one can continue with their activities without additional inconvenience, making them an indispensable gadget for the modern professional.
Comparison with Competitors
Comparatively, the AirPods Pro 2 offer up to 7 hours with ANC off or 6 hours with ANC on, so the difference is minimal. The FreeBuds Pro 4’s battery performance is robust, making them a reliable choice for extended use. The overall resilience and battery performance of these earbuds make them a noteworthy consideration for anyone looking to invest in long-lasting, contactless earbuds. Forward-thinking technological design ensures that the FreeBuds Pro 4 keep pace with or surpass industry benchmarks. In doing so, they deliver an impressive and reliable end-to-end audio experience.
However, the FreeBuds Pro 4 take it one step further and offer a more extended overall usage span when combined with the charging case. This makes them exceptionally well-suited for users who seek a high level of endurance from their gadgets. The ultra-durable battery backup exemplifies how advanced technology and innovation lend substantial direct value beyond what is demanded by current practical demands. Not only does this industry-standard achievement benefit users in typical day-to-day use, but it signals a general shift towards aspirational technology design, masterfully optimizing both longevity and efficiency in modern audio devices.
Overall Value Proposition
Pricing and Features
The FreeBuds Pro 4 are positioned as a strong alternative to the AirPods Pro 2, offering a premium design, smart features, great sound quality, and competitive pricing at EUR 199 (about $208). They excel in most areas, particularly music listening, despite some minor drawbacks like the slightly less effective ANC and the stiff button on the case. Their design, robust feature set, and pricing make them highly competitive and an attractive option that offers a high value-for-money proposition. The intricate blend of reliability, premium aesthetic, and in-depth performance firmly positions them as one of the top products on the market under this price category.
While these unique facets derive independently and strongly from ongoing rigorous market evaluations, the FreeBuds Pro 4 distinguish themselves with an enhanced value proposition. They dynamically adjust to match market trends and technological advancements while addressing end-user functionalities and accessibility needs, making them an extraordinarily pivotal product in this price segment.
Target Audience
The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 are ideal for users looking for a premium, feature-rich alternative to Apple’s AirPods Pro 2. Their competitive pricing, combined with high-quality audio, advanced smart features, and robust battery life, makes them suitable for audiophiles, professionals, and casual listeners alike. With a sleek design intended to rival top-tier competitors, the FreeBuds Pro 4 promise users advanced audio technology and reliable performance. By exploring these aspects, this review aims to give you a clear understanding of whether the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 are worth your investment, especially if you’re considering an alternative to the popular AirPods Pro 2. Whether you’re an audiophile or just someone who appreciates good-quality sound and functionality, the FreeBuds Pro 4 have set high expectations in the crowded market of wireless earbuds.
