Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Review
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Sony LinkBuds S – the world’s smallest and lightest, noise cancelling, Hi-Res Truly wireless headphones.*
Looking for the perfect pair of wireless headphones? Sony presents the LinkBuds S, a groundbreaking product that combines cutting-edge technology with unbeatable convenience.
Let’s start with the size and weight. Weighing in at approximately 4.8 grams, these headphones claim to be the world’s smallest and lightest truly wireless option. While this may seem impressive, it’s important to consider whether such a compact design compromises other areas of performance.
But don’t let its size fool you. The LinkBuds S boasts noise cancellation capabilities, allowing you to immerse yourself in your favorite tunes without distractions. However, it’s worth noting that the effectiveness of this feature may vary, as noise cancellation can sometimes struggle to eliminate all environmental sounds.
When it comes to comfort, Sony claims to have nailed it. The LinkBuds S is designed to perfectly match the shape of the human ear, ensuring all-day comfort. This is backed by extensive research and evaluation, drawing on decades of experience in the field. However, personal preferences and individual ear shapes may still impact the overall comfort level.
But wait, there’s more! The LinkBuds S introduces Adaptive Sound Control, a smart function that adapts to your surroundings to provide the ideal listening experience. While this feature sounds promising, its effectiveness and accuracy in adjusting ambient sound settings remains to be seen.
When it comes to audio quality, Sony claims to offer crystal-clear vocals and powerful bass with the new 5mm driver unit. While this may be true, keep in mind that preferences for audio characteristics can vary greatly between individuals. What might be powerful and crystal clear to Sony may not match your personal taste.
Furthermore, Sony promotes LDAC, a codec that allows for the transmission of three times more data than regular Bluetooth audio. This enables you to enjoy High-Resolution Audio content in exceptional quality. However, the actual impact on audio quality and the availability of High-Resolution Audio content should be taken into consideration.
Now, let’s talk about call quality. Sony claims their Precise Voice Pickup Technology ensures crystal clear conversations, even in noisy environments. While this sounds impressive, it’s important to note that ambient noise suppression and voice extraction algorithms are not foolproof and may still encounter challenges in real-world scenarios.
The LinkBuds S also introduces some smart features for an effortless listening experience. Speak-to-Chat automatically pauses the music when you start a conversation, a handy function if your hands are full. However, the accuracy of speech recognition and responsiveness of this feature requires further scrutiny.
The intuitive touch control settings of the LinkBuds S add another layer of convenience to the user experience. Easily manage your music playback and calls with a simple touch. But as with any touch-sensitive controls, accidental touches and sensitivity issues may arise and impact the overall usability.
Battery life is always a concern with wireless headphones, and the LinkBuds S claims to offer up to 20 hours of listening time with the headphones and case combined. However, it’s important to bear in mind that battery performance can be influenced by various factors, such as volume level and usage of other features.
Lastly, the LinkBuds S boasts an IPX4 water resistance rating, making it resistant to splashes and sweat. This is a welcome feature for those on the move, but bear in mind that IPX4 is only a basic level of protection and may not withstand more extreme conditions.
In conclusion, the Sony LinkBuds S offer a range of features and claims that are certainly intriguing. However, it’s important to approach these claims with a healthy skepticism and consider how they match up to your personal preferences and priorities.
* As of March 30th 2022. According to research by Sony Corporation, measured using Strategy Analytics guidelines in the Truly Wireless style supporting noise cancelling and compatible with LDAC headphones market. LDAC is a certified codec of “Hi-Res Audio Wireless.”
Key Technical Specifications:
- Weight: Approximately 4.8 grams
- Noise cancellation: Supported
- Hi-Res Audio Wireless: Supported
- Ear shape design: Matches human ear
- Adaptive Sound Control: Adjusts ambient sound settings
- Driver unit: 5mm
- LDAC support: Transmits three times more data than conventional Bluetooth audio
- Precise Voice Pickup Technology: Ensures clear conversations in noisy environments
- Noise reduction algorithm: Developed with AI machine learning
- Smart features: Speak-to-Chat, proximity sensor
- Touch control settings: Intuitive
- Battery life: Up to 6 hours (headphones) + 14 hours (case), total 20 hours
- Quick charge: 5 minutes for up to 60 minutes of playback
- Water resistance: IPX4 rated
Are Sony LinkBuds S the Ultimate Truly Wireless Headphones for Audiophiles and Urban Dwellers?
The competitive landscape of truly wireless headphones is fierce, with brands like Apple, Samsung, and Bose vying for the top spot. Enter the Sony LinkBuds S, marketed as the world’s smallest and lightest noise-cancelling, hi-res truly wireless headphones. At just 4.8 grams, these earbuds pack a punch with High-Resolution Audio Wireless and Adaptive Sound Control. But how do they fare against their heavyweight competitors?
Weighing only 4.8 grams, the LinkBuds S are engineered for all-day comfort. Sony has leveraged decades of ear-shape data to design a product that fits snugly and comfortably. For those who wear their earbuds for extended periods, this could be a game-changer. However, the Apple AirPods Pro and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds also offer commendable comfort. Where the LinkBuds S appear to edge ahead is their superior lightness, but does this necessarily translate to better all-day comfort? It’s subjective and dependent on individual ears.
One of the most compelling features is Sony’s LDAC technology, which enables higher data transmission over Bluetooth, making these earbuds a haven for audiophiles. Combine this with a 5mm driver that reproduces powerful bass and crystal-clear vocals, and Sony stands out in terms of audio quality. Yet, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 also offers top-notch sound quality, giving the LinkBuds S a run for their money. Audiophiles will have to weigh their loyalty to brand preferences and specific sound profiles before committing.
Where the LinkBuds S truly shine is in their smart features. Adaptive Sound Control automatically adjusts settings based on your environment and activities, which can be really convenient for urban lifestyles. Speak-to-Chat, touch controls, and a proximity sensor add layers of seamless interaction. The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro also offer intelligent features but aren’t as refined. However, some users might find these endless smart features overstimulating or unnecessary.
The battery life, offering up to 20 hours with the case, is robust yet not industry-leading. Comparatively, Apple’s AirPods Pro and Bose’s earbuds offer similar battery longevity. Fast-charging with one hour of playback after five minutes of charging is commendable but not groundbreaking. Users with longer commutes may find themselves reaching for their charging cases more frequently than they’d like.
Despite their small form factor, the IPX4 water resistance adds a layer of durability, making them gym-friendly. Yet, brands like Jabra and Bose offer better water resistance, adding an extra layer of reliability for athletes or those regularly exposed to wet conditions.
One area where the LinkBuds S face stiff competition is call quality. Though they boast AI-powered noise reduction and crystal-clear voice pickup, the Jabra Elite 85t is renowned for its exceptional call clarity. While LinkBuds S holds its own, it might not be the best-in-class for those who prioritize call performance over other features.
The Sony LinkBuds S prove to be a versatile, feature-rich addition to the wireless earbud market. While they carve a niche in terms of lightness and advanced smart features, audiophiles and heavy users might still have reservations. They are likely best suited for urban professionals and general consumers seeking a balanced mix of comfort, sound quality, and smart functionality, but may not necessarily replace the top picks from other reputed brands.
