Huawei Freebuds 5 is a new true wireless earphone set that falls in the premium mid-range class. It doesn't offer Devialet features like the FreeBuds Pro 2, but has a unique design that has never been seen before.
I've been using their new TWS for about a month. In this article I will share my usage experience and tell you if it is worth having Freebuds 5. You will also find out if this TWS can be used with other devices or is limited to Huawei only.
SPECIFICATIONS
Huawei FreeBuds 5
TWS type semi-in-ear headphones
11mm Audio Driver
Dual-magnetic dynamic drive
Dynamic EQ
Noise Canceling AI Microphone Microphone
Accelerator Sensor
Infrared
Hall
42mAh earphone battery
505mAh charging frame
Endurance up to 30 hours
Bluetooth 5.2 tethering
Huawei quick dock
Wireless Audio HWA Codec
Hi-Res
LDAC
USB-C charging
Wireless charging
Huawei Device app support
Huawei AI Life Android/iOS
Touch Control
IP54 waterproof capability
Selling Price RM699
After a lot of use of TWS with ANC support I am very comfortable with this feature. I again tried another ANC like the Sony WF-C700N which uses software. For Huawei FreeBuds 5 it is AI Noise Cancellation.
Not only that, the microphone on this TWS also uses artificial intelligence technology to cancel noise so that phone calls have the best audio quality. The 11mm dual-magnetic dynamic driver used also supports a dynamic equalizer.
FreeBuds 5 is also equipped with a battery that can last up to 30 hours with USB-C charging support and wireless charging. In terms of audio this TWS supports LDAC, recognized by LHDC for HWA Audio Wireless and Hi-Res. For connectivity it uses Bluetooth 5.2 and TWS can be connected via quick tethering on Huawei devices. On Android and iOS devices tethering is done through the Huawei AI Life application.
IP54 water protection support is also provided which allows it to be worn during exercise without having to worry about being damaged due to sweat. For the control system, there is a contact pad on both ear buds.
DESIGN AND USE
All this year, I can say that FreeBuds 5 is the TWS that comes with the most unique design after Nothing Ear (2). Huawei uses the Seamless Curve earphone design which is said to be suitable for any ear shape. Not only that, each earphone also comes with a shiny chrome-like finish that looks luxurious.
There is a sensor on the audio bud that pauses the music as soon as it is removed from the ear. The music will stop within a second of removing one (or both) ear buds. Then when it is returned to the ear, the music resumes after a second.
Although these ear buds are smooth and have an unconventional shape, they are easier to pull out of the charging pod than the FreeBuds Pro 2. This is helped by the shape of the ear buds that have a "waist" where a finger can easily pinch them out.
Huawei also includes a silicone case for the ear buds. This is for extra grip due to the overly smooth finish. The charging frame uses a smooth rock-like shape with a USB-C port below, a docking button on the right side, an LED light in front and a very nice cover to open or close. As a bonus, the FreeBuds 5 also support wireless charging.
AUDIO QUALITY
Huawei FreeBuds 5 is the first TWS I've ever seen in front of my eyes that looks strange. It looks like an alien product in a science fiction movie. The strangeness of this audio product does not stop at the design but is also affected by the audio quality. As weird as it is, it's still entertaining. This TWS relies heavily on AI technology to improve audio quality. It will sound unnatural as if the audio is completely processed from a computer.
BASS/LOWS
The bass that the FreeBuds 5 produce is quite enjoyable to listen to. It is not extreme, balanced, and just adequate. Although not very satisfying, the feet still want to stomp and pull to the beat because of the lively bass. Singers with deep voices will sound computer-generated and details on instruments are difficult to enjoy well.
VOCALS/MIDS
Usually most TWS will include a Bass Boost feature to improve audio quality. But on this TWS all parts use software and artificial intelligence to ensure clear vocals and at the same time loud enough. The vocals produced are not drowned out, but long-term listening to music will quickly get boring. Except if listening to a podcast that gives extra comfort because the voice is not harsh.
HIGH TONE/HIGH
The high tone is also the same, it's not the best still for TWS RM699 I'm not disappointed. Loud level that is almost accurate and not disturbed by mids and lows. It's just that some music will sound a little sharp, making the fun impossible to enjoy in the long run.
AUDIO STAGE AND ISOLATION
The staging on the Huawei FreeBuds 5 is wide enough and doesn't feel cramped. But the isolation is irregular and fibrous. Each instrument cannot be heard clearly in most music and it makes it tiring to listen to music using this TWS.
APPLICATION AND CONTROL
Throughout my use I only used the FreeBuds 5 with the Huawei Mate X3 so no additional apps were needed. All the settings I want to do such as enable LHDC mode, use noise canceling mode, change the equalizer, search for earphones, update software and more can all be done in the Bluetooth settings of the device.
However if there is no Huawei device, the Huawei AI Life application allows this TWS to be used on any Android and iOS device easily. All the features and functions that are already built into Huawei devices can be used unlike a few years ago. This includes with touch control settings.
Officially, Huawei AI Life is only offered through the App Store. On Android devices the app is no longer listed for the past few months. For this review I tried the Freebuds 5 on a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and the Honor Magic Vs. Then the Huawei AI Life APK needs to be downloaded directly from the Huawei site and installed through Chrome.
Speaking of controls, the touch on each earbud is quite sensitive and can detect my fingers well. Undoubtedly at first the smooth surface on it gives concern for the touch not being detected. Turns out I was wrong.
BATTERY
The battery life of the FreeBuds 5 is less than satisfactory as continuous use only lasts up to 5 hours for basic use. If LHDC is used, noise cancellation is activated and various other modes are turned on this TWS only lasts about 3.5 hours.
Luckily fast charging support is included. Where the audio bud can be recharged in 20 minutes to full and the frame itself takes 40 minutes to fully charge. When the battery level is 100% on both the endurance can reach 30 hours which for me is enough. As I mentioned above, wireless charging can also be done but takes a slower time.
IN THE BOX
Here's what's included in the box.
1x Pair of Huawei FreeBuds 5 earphones.
1x Charger Frame.
2x Install silicone ear buds.
1x USB-A to USB-C charging cable.
1x Manual.
CONCLUSION
The Huawei FreeBuds 5 are a great set of wireless earphones. There is no doubt that the shape of the earphones is strange and the audio profile offered is also not very natural. If the included equalizer feature could be controlled like the Nothing Ear (2) or the Sony WF-C700N, the FreeBuds 5 would be even better. In fact if the built-in AI feature to improve audio quality could be turned off I would probably appreciate this TWS more.
The selling price of RM699 is not the most expensive. But the price we usually see for premium mid-range audio products. If you want a unique shape, interesting colors and complete the ecosystem of this TWS even if it is strange it is quite entertaining. For those who want to appreciate the music produced by the artist I would recommend choosing Nothing, Sony or Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro.
Pro
A whimsical design, beautiful and light.
User friendly and not limited to Huawei devices.
Entertaining audio quality.
Supports LHDC, LDAC and LC3.
Cons
No active noise cancellation (ANC) support.
Not comfortable to use for long periods of time.
Silver color construction material that is smooth and easy to get dirty.