Honor has announced its new TWS Bluetooth earbuds that land at a price point just under Rs 2,000. The Honor Choice Earbuds X5 were launched alongside the Honor X9b smartphone and the Honor Choice Watch. We’ve seen quite a few premium features trickle down to the budget earbuds segment and the Honor Choice Earbuds X5 also come with a whole bunch of features at a price tag of Rs 1,999.
To be sure, the earbuds-under-Rs 2,000 segment is quite crowded, with options from gadget makers like boAT (boAt Nirvana Ion TWS Earbuds with 120 hours playback and ‘Crystal Bionic Sound’ with Dual EQ Modes), OnePlus (the OnePlus Nord Buds 2r True Wireless in Ear Earbuds with Mic and playback up to 38 hours, are currently going for Rs 1,999 on Amazon.in) and realme (realme TechLife Buds T100 Bluetooth Truly Wireless in Ear Earbuds with mic, AI ENC for Calls, Google Fast Pair, and 28 hours playback).
The Honor Choice Earbuds X5 are a pair of true wireless earbuds that cater to budget-conscious users seeking a balance between features and affordability. Let’s delve deeper into their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if they’re the right fit for you.
Pros:
-
Decent Audio Performance: Equipped with 10mm drivers, the Honor Choice Earbuds X5 deliver well-rounded sound suitable for various music genres. While the bass presence is noticeable but not overpowering, the mids take center stage, offering clear vocals. However, the treble can feel subdued at times, and the soundstage might seem narrow, limiting the perceived spaciousness of the audio.
-
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): The earbuds come equipped with ANC technology, aiming to reduce unwanted background noise. While not the most potent ANC system on the market, it can effectively dampen low-frequency noises like airplane engine hum or ambient chatter in cafes. It’s important to manage expectations, as it won’t completely eliminate all noise, especially higher-pitched sounds.
-
Long-lasting Battery Life: The Honor Choice Earbuds X5 boast a remarkable battery life, offering up to 9 hours of playback on a single charge with ANC disabled. With ANC activated, you can still expect a solid 6 hours of listening time. The charging case further extends this to a total of 35 hours, making them suitable for extended use throughout the day.
-
Comfortable and Secure Fit: Weighing in at a lightweight design, the earbuds provide a comfortable fit for prolonged wear. They come with three different sizes of ear tips to ensure a customized and secure fit, crucial for maintaining sound quality and preventing them from falling out during activities.
Cons:
-
Unappealing Design: The design of the Honor Choice Earbuds X5 fails to impress, drawing comparisons to the Apple AirPods with its uninspired form factor. The charging case, constructed with white plastic, is susceptible to scratches and accumulating dirt, requiring careful handling to maintain its aesthetics.
-
Compromised Call Quality: While the earbuds function well for music playback, their call quality falls short. The microphones struggle to pick up your voice effectively, especially in noisy environments, potentially leading to difficulties for the caller to hear you clearly.
-
iOS Connectivity Concerns: Some users have reported encountering connection issues when using the Honor Choice Earbuds X5 with iOS devices. These issues can manifest as dropped connections or audio lag, which can be frustrating during calls or media playback.
The Choice Earbuds X5 feature 30dB of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). The ANC algorithm, combined with an in-ear engineering design, filters and minimises ambient noise. For a hands-free and enhanced calling experience, you can opt for the dual-microphone ENC feature to elevate noise reduction performance.
The Choice Earbuds X5 feature 30dB of Active Noise Cancellation
Story continues below Advertisement
30 hours plus battery life: these buds offer an extended audio experience with an impressive 35-hour battery life. They offer 9 hours of continuous music playing on a single charge.
Seamless switching: the Choice Earbuds X5 come with advanced connectivity with Honor AI Space and a new dual-mode Bluetooth 5.3, for seamless switching between two devices. This handy feature allows you to effortlessly transition between, for example, a smartphone and a tablet.
Sound stage: these buds are kitted with a 10mm large-size composite diaphragm moving coil for balanced and clear sound, AAC technology ensures crystal-clear beats. You get a choice of three EQ modes to customise your music experience.
Story continues below Advertisement
Lightweight design: each of these buds weighs 4.26 gm and feels light in your ears. The Choice Earbuds X5 feature an IP54 rating that secures them against dust ingress and water splashes.
The Honor Choice Earbuds X5 cost Rs 1,999.
Honor Choice Earbuds X5 offer a compelling package for budget-minded users seeking decent audio quality, ANC, and long battery life. However, their uninspired design, subpar call quality, and potential iOS connectivity issues should be considered before making a purchase. If these drawbacks are dealbreakers, you might want to explore other options that prioritize design, call clarity, or seamless iOS compatibility.
Discover the latest business news, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!