I really like audio products from Chinas device manufacturers like OnePlus Buds Pro 2. But I like what realme and Xiaomi bring which are premium audio products at many times cheaper price.
Recently I tried the realme Buds Air 5 Pro which costs RM399. It is realme's flagship TWS in their Buds Air series. Interestingly at this affordable price realme can include LDAC, ANC, Spatial Audio and more. The question is is this TWS good enough for you?
SPECIFICATIONS
realme Buds Air 5 Pro
Type True wireless earphone set
Audio Driver 11mm bass driver
6mm micro-planar tweeter
Microphone Volume – not disclosed
Type – 4000Hz UWB Noise Cancellation
Noise Cancellation Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Battery Endurance reaches 40 hours
Bluetooth 5.3 tethering
Google Fast Pair
Codec AAC, SBC, LDAC
USB-C charging
Wireless charging
Realme Linkl app support, iOS & Android
Touch Control
IPX5 waterproof capability (Earphones only)
Sale Price RM399 (Sunrise Beige, Astral Black)
realme is no stranger to offering various types of audio products. Their Buds Air series is one of our favorites because it offers great audio with great features at a very affordable price. Not forgetting realme's efforts to develop its own accessory ecosystem through the potential of realme Link. realme Buds Air 5 Pro is their new flagship TWS and it's not what I expected.
Buds Air 5 Pro specs are undeniably good on paper. It uses dual micro-planar audio drivers and bass, supports ANC, can play lossless audio with LDAC and an application that gives users the freedom to customize the audio capabilities of this TWS.
DESIGN AND USE
There is no denying that this TWS design is similar to Apple AirPods Pro. Only realme uses a longer and flat stem. The color of the unit I tested is Sunrise Beige which is the same as their realme 11 Pro+ color choice. The finish is a glossy type that easily leaves traces of oil stains and fingerprints.
The design of the charging pod is also thin and looks attractive with a good quality cover because it uses a good hinge. Also available on the side is a silver-colored tether button that is quite tactile. Each earphone uses soft silicone ear buds similar to those offered on the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 but thinner. It is easy to remove for replacement.
realme Buds Air 5 Pro also has an LED light in front of the charging pod to show the battery level and docking status. In the ear each earphone feels comfortable, not too sharp and no problem for long-term use. It's just that when my fingers are sweaty, each of these earphones is a little slippery and easy to fall and dirty them.
AUDIO QUALITY
The audio quality of the Buds Air 5 Pro did not react the same when I first tried the Buds Air 2. realme seems to maintain the same sound profile regardless of their TWS category. Buds Air 5 Pro should have better audio quality than their other non-“Pro” TWS. In addition to having features and customization functions that really change the listening experience.
It's a pity this time Buds Air 5 Pro only focuses on bass with submerged mids and cluttered highs. Bass that is too strong makes the listening experience less exciting because you can't enjoy the music with full soul. True, realme says their new TWS is all about bass, but if it goes too far it doesn't feel lively and boring.
Features such as Golden Sound for sound profiles according to the user's age, Sounf Effect Modes for equaliser, as well as Audio fit test do not seem to play a role. Even more frustrating is LDAC audio files when played as if they were no different from MP3s.
What disappointed me most was the ability of the ANC. When turned off it cancels out ambient noise more than when turned on. The TWS ANC doesn't seem to work as well as its sound-through mode which drowns out people's voices more than it should be improved.
APPLICATION AND CONTROL
Buds Air 5 Pro can be fully controlled with a touch on the stem. It is quite sensitive so all controls are easy to do even when fingers are sweaty. Some controls like double-tap or tap and hold are all fine.
The main controls and settings of this TWS are on the realme Link application or if using a realme device it is built in Bluetooth settings. There is a Spatial Audio feature that can be tried but I don't encourage it because it's not good, a connection feature to two devices at the same time, an equalizer, increasing the bass level and more. User-friendly interface, all settings are easily accessible, including software updates.
It's just that I don't like the realme Link app that requires users to register or log in to a realme account to use it. Not only that, after logging in the verification code often has problems to be accepted with the performance of the application being quite slow by imitating the interface of the Apple Home application.
BATTERY
realme claims their new TWS can last up to 10 hours of continuous use and reach 40 hours with a charging pod. In my use, it only lasted around 8 hours with the proven long-lasting charging pod. There is no fast charging support but each earphone takes 50 minutes to charge on its pod. The charging of the pod is by USB-C and realme does not include wireless charging support.
IN THE BOX
Here's what's included in the box.
1x Pair of realme Buds Air 5 Pro.
1x 2 pairs of extra ear buds.
1x USB-A to USB-C charging cable.
1x Manual.
CONCLUSION
realme Buds Air 5 Pro is for bass lovers only. If you don't care about audio clarity, high, mid, and low levels to really appreciate the artist's work, this is a good TWS. It is also suitable for premiering and watching action-themed video content. The selling price of RM399 packed with premium TWS features and functions is good for starters and want to try before one day owning Sony WF-1000XM5, AirPods Pro 2, OnePlus Buds Pro 2 or Nothing Ear (2).
Pro
Attractive design with cheerful colors.
Earphones with soft and comfortable silicone.
Many interesting features and functions are on par with premium TWS.
Competitive selling price.
Cons
Unsatisfactory audio quality.
Awkward realme Link application.
Many features and functions are more gimmicks to provide value.