HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4 Wireless Earbuds Review


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In the realm of wireless audio, the HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4 emerges as a contender with promises of enhancing your streaming and calling experiences. Presenting itself as the world’s pioneer in featuring HUAWEI Sound, the headphones seek to elevate your auditory journey with acoustic aesthetics in collaboration with acoustic experts.

Designed to deliver ‘Real Sound,’ the FreeBuds Pro 4 introduces Dual Driver technology to indulge your ears in immersive audio. Additionally, supporting lossless transmission through its audio codec, wind-resistant calls, and dynamic intelligent ANC, it vows to cater to your audio needs with an array of promising features.

Not just satisfied with sound quality, the FreeBuds Pro 4 also boasts a visually appealing ‘Silver String Design,’ reflecting elegance reminiscent of string instruments. Moreover, its multi-device connectivity and gesture control features attempt to streamline your daily audio interactions, although challenges may arise.

Key Technical Specifications:

  • Dual Driver: Supports lossless transmission of 2.3Mbps
  • Audio Codec: Huawei’s exclusive L2HC 4.0
  • NearLink Technology: Enhanced for high-quality sound
  • ANC: Dynamic Intelligent Active Noise Cancellation
  • Call Clarity: Wind speeds up to 10m/s & noise levels up to 100dB
  • Design: Silver string design with laser-etched finish
  • Multi-device Connection: Connect two devices simultaneously
  • Gesture Control: Answer calls with head gestures

HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4: A Leap Forward in Wireless Audio?

The new HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4 have just been unleashed on the market, offering what seems to be an enticing package of innovative features, yet how do they fare against fierce competition in the wireless earbud arena?

Superior Sound Transmission

The crowning achievement of the FreeBuds Pro 4 is their lossless transmission capabilities, boasting a 2.3Mbps rate with Huawei’s exclusive L2HC 4.0 audio codec. This places them ahead of many competitors like the Apple AirPods Pro and Sony WF-1000XM4, which do not support such high transmission speeds. Yet, the market for lossless audio is still niche, catering largely to audiophiles. For everyday users streaming from typical services like Spotify or YouTube, the difference may be less perceptible.

Dynamic ANC and Acoustic Collaboration

Huawei’s collaboration with acoustic experts and the introduction of dynamic intelligent ANC presents a compelling proposition for users who travel frequently or find themselves in bustling urban environments. While rivals offer noise cancellation, the customizable features of the FreeBuds Pro 4 aim to provide a tailored experience. However, with giants like Bose and Sony setting a high standard, Huawei still faces a tough battle to outperform these leaders in real-world noise cancellation efficacy.

Seamless Device Compatibility

Device versatility is a strong suit of the FreeBuds Pro 4, accentuated by its multi-device connection capacity, a feature that’s undeniably advantageous for users within the Huawei ecosystem. While non-EMUI device users can switch between two devices, those within the Huawei universe have enhanced functionality, potentially alienating those loyal to other tech ecosystems.

Gesture Control Limitations

One of the more novel features is the gesture control, allowing users to answer calls with just a nod. Although intriguing, the practical efficacy of such gestures in less-than-ideal conditions remains in question. Competing products often rely on more established touch controls, which might offer more reliability and ease of use.

Design Meets Acoustics

The silver string design is undoubtedly an aesthetic win, offering a unique take on elegance with laser-etched finishes that rival both the functionalities and the chic of brands like Sennheiser and Bang & Olufsen. However, while visuals are essential, they are not the primary factor consumers consider, particularly when price and performance enter the fray.

In sum, the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 are likely targeting tech enthusiasts and Huawei ecosystem users who value advanced sound quality and innovative technology like gesture controls. However, with tough competition from industry stalwarts, as well as potential limitations on ecosystem compatibility and gesture-based usability, these new earbuds from Huawei must navigate a challenging landscape to carve out their niche.

Price: 248.14

Posted by Matthew Miller

Matthew Miller is a Brisbane-based Consumer Technology Editor at Techbest covering breaking Australia tech news.