The dumping of various types of earphones in the market clearly shows that the demand for them is increasing. Furthermore, many of the users are so selective and compare prices first before making a purchase. In general, this can help users find the most suitable product for their daily needs. In addition, Huawei FreeBuds 5i was launched in Malaysia with a selling price of RM399 per unit.
It is an updated model for the FreeBuds 4i announced last year with some improvements included. Among them, such as a larger battery capacity, in addition to a waterproof rating was also given this time. Next, the selling price offered is also quite high compared to before, but it can be said to be good in its class. To know more about the offerings and performance for this new Huawei earphone, you can check it out through the review article below.
Specifications & Design
HUAWEI FREEBUDS 5I
In-ear TWS type
Driver Two 11mm drivers
Microphone Two microphones
8.5 / 28 hour battery with charging pod
USB-C charging port
Wireless charging None
AAC/LDAC CODEC
Supported operating systems Android, iOS, HarmonyOS, Windows
Virtual assistant support No
Touchpad Press & hold
IP54 waterproof capability
Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.3
Offline Audio None
Pulse scanner None
Selling Price RM399
There aren't many comments we can give for the design of the Huawei FreeBuds 5i earphones. This is due to the elements used largely resembling the previous generation. A stemmed in-ear headphone with silicone buds and an elongated charging pod is also used this time. Also loaded is a built-in active noise cancellation (ANC) system capable of filtering noise up to 42 decibels (dB). Also through it, two microphones are loaded on the stem and another one inside each audio bud to make this ANC ability successful.
The noticeable difference that can be seen lies in the type of construction material which is now kind of rough and dull, at the same time making it not at all slippery when held. Not only that, the issue of dirt involving hiking, sweat and easily sticking fingerprints that happened on FreeBuds 4i before has also been successfully overcome this time. It is more interesting with the presence of a beautiful marble-like motif that also decorates it.
There are three color options available which is Isle Blue as the review unit received by us. Further it is followed by Ice White and Black colors which are seen as suitable for users with a simple and minimalist personality.
In general too, the build is good despite being made entirely of plastic and the holding experience doesn't feel cheap either. Its small and light size also makes it easy to use, where putting it in a trouser pocket or a small bag feels quite comfortable.
There is an indicator light on the front of the charging pod as an indicator of docking and battery status. The light shows a white color during the docking process and it can be made by pressing a few seconds on the special button on the right side. At the same time, this button can also be used for the reset process on any other smart device.
Next, the indicator light will turn green which shows the battery status at full level, then turn red when it starts to decrease or weaken. Finally, this lamp turns a liquid yellow color when the reset is done using the USB-C port connection placed at the bottom. The battery level can be checked only through the Huawei AI Life application, which we will tell you more about in the connection application and audio quality section. Then is there support for wireless charging on the FreeBuds 5i? The answer is NOT the same as previous generations.
Furthermore, this compact design is also matched with a hinge construction that is strong and does not come off easily due to the presence of strong enough magnets. As well as the magnet on the inside that makes both earphones can be stored neatly without worrying about falling out of the charging pod.
Several times we tried to shake it aggressively but the earphones didn't fall out at all. Then, the provided short stem has sensor support that can be used for various controls, including pausing or skipping the currently playing audio.
This control can be done in several ways, either by swiping or by pressing/holding for a few seconds on the stem. With an additional selling price of around RM20 compared to the previous generation, Huawei has added an IP54 waterproof rating feature as additional protection. It is now safer to use for exercise or outdoor recreation, but is not suitable for extreme water activities such as swimming or diving.
Extension Application
Moving on to the extension application, Huawei AI Life needs to be downloaded first for more comprehensive control. It is available directly from the Huawei AppGallery and AppStore app store, but a noticeable lack is starting to be found on Android devices not under the Huawei ecosystem that have to download it from third-party apps. This is quite worrying, especially regarding the security of the device.
Furthermore, quick tethering can be done through which can then also be connected between two devices simultaneously whether on smartphones, laptops and tablets. The connection process is automatic with a mini screen with the FreeBuds 5i image and press on the "Connect" tab to complete the pairing. Furthermore, tethering to other iOS and Android devices can be done through the bluetooth menu.
The app's interface doesn't show much difference for use on Huawei and iOS devices. But more comprehensive control can only be found on Huawei devices with some advantages. For example, such as the Connection Center feature to view and control devices connected to these earphones. Next, the option that allows users to choose whether they want the best connection or sound quality is also included for a more diverse user experience.
LDAC can also only be activated on Android devices using this application, then the Dynamic latency feature can also be found with the ability to change to low latency mode automatically for a better first session. This is also different from iOS devices that are only equipped with Low audio latency features to reduce the occurrence of audio errors. Three levels of active noise cancellation are also provided which include General, Cozy and Ultra for use in different situations.
Other additional features on both devices are the same, where the application supports Smart Wear Detection, Tip Fit Test and Find My Earphones. There is also a section named as Noise Control which allows the user to activate the ANC mode when needed easily. Furthermore, FreeBuds 5i also comes with an Awareness system that can increase the strength of the conversation and the environment.
Audio Quality
Further sharing about audio quality, Huawei FreeBuds 5i are earphones that emphasize bass and treble. It's fun but not in every way. For example, the sub-bass sounds quite punchy and fun, but still not perfect. The same experience also occurs in the mid-bass, especially for pop-type songs.
The vocals as a whole provide an inconsistent listening experience, especially for the male singer's vocals which sound somewhat submerged and unnatural. It's different from the female singer who sounds quite loud and clear. When switching to high pitches, clear audio quality can be enjoyed. At the same time, the detail is also good but still not enough to reach the level it should be.
Battery Endurance
The 410mAh battery loaded on the FreeBuds 5i can last up to 28 hours. This situation depends entirely on the help of the charging pod and the ANC system being completely turned off. It is however reduced to 18.5 hours when used with the ANC system.
Furthermore, the earphones each contain a 55mAh battery that can be used for 6 hours with ANC and increases to 7.5 hours otherwise. The experience in the real world however only lasted about 4 hours. Can think of it as something frustrating because it can't be used in the same period of time. This result is also completely different from what Huawei advertises through these earphones.
In addition, the earphones on the left also often run out of battery earlier than the right. All of these situations involve a fairly high volume level with the ANC function being activated all the time. However, it is not a surprising thing because this kind of battery life is also something we have often received when making reviews for some Huawei earphones before. The recharging process can also be done in a short period of time using the USB-A to USB C charging cable provided free of charge in the purchase box.
What's In The Box
Here's what you get with every FreeBuds 5i purchase in Malaysia.
1 X Huawei FreeBuds 5i.
1 X USB-A to USB-C charging cable.
3 x Install silicone buds of various sizes.
1 X User manual.
Conclusion
Here Huawei provides ANC support for wireless earphones with a retail price below RM400. It goes without saying that you don't necessarily need to spend more to get a set of earphones with good in-ear audio. It's true that there are still weaknesses that need to be improved, such as general audio quality and battery life. Likewise with the Huawei AI Life application which provides many additional options but is not available as a built-in in the Google Play Store.
At the same time, comprehensive settings can only be made with devices under the Huawei ecosystem only. Even so, the Huawei FreeBuds 5i still offers budget-friendly features, where it's suitable for good sound but not audiophiles. For those interested, Huawei FreeBuds 5i is sold in Malaysia at a price of RM399.
Pro
Compact storage pod design.
ANC support built up.
IP54 waterproof.
Responsive touchpad.
LDAC support.
Cons
Bass is not strong enough.
Complete control only through the Huawei ecosystem.
Short battery life.