Huawei FreeBuds 5i review: The cheapest way to get LDAC compatible hearing aids

Huawei is not an impromptu brand in Audio, and over time have learned to improve their building skills. Together with the French company DEVIALET, they have offered the world interesting high-quality reproduction options for home, outdoor or travel. FreeBuds are already a weight family in the tough TWS market and we’ve tested this new generation. 5i to answer the question Are they worth it? This is the opinion of NIUSGEEK.

Huawei FreeBuds 5i: Specifications

Huawei FreeBuds 5i: that’s all you need to know

Not many design changes. Compared to the 4i, this fifth generation of FreeBuds changes little. In the “Isle Blue” model we tested, the matte finish on the case is much more attractive, although the earphones have a surface. glossy. Otherwise, it is very similar to the previous model, although the magnets are slightly stronger at the base of the sticks and the closure of the lid.

The earphones are slightly thicker in the stick area to add sensors for volume control, although they do not cause discomfort. The drive is slightly wider than the 4i’s by increasing the battery capacity from 215 to 410. Despite this, the box is slightly lighter in weight compared to the previous model.

Same driver, different algorithms. Huawei has successfully transferred the experience of its premium lines to this cheaper model. To start with, we have a 10mm driver covered in good quality, replaceable and hypoallergenic silicone, as well as a set of microphones that allow you to better interpret the environment for noise cancellation and activation of the “awareness” mode.

At the same time, the device has a pairing button on the right side of the case, which allows you to activate device recognition via Bluetooth systems, be it iOS or Android. It is always recommended to use the AI ​​Life app to set up equipment usage.

I have to confirm two details. Firstly, it is the ability to play simultaneously with two teams, as well as the ease of transition between teams. I was flying back from Madrid to Lima and used these FreeBuds for over 11 hours of flight time on my Tab S7 and S23 Ultra. Precious.

Secondly, despite my enthusiasm, the headphones instantly lost connection. it happened to me with Edge 30 Ultra, S23 Ultra, Magic 5 Pro and Tab S7. In these 4 commands, I lost the signal from time to time until I restored it.

Things “only for Huawei”. This is a separate item in the review. As you know, and due to certain market conditions that limit its relationship with suppliers, Huawei has learned to develop an ecosystem that, in addition to the absence of the West, is cohesive and offers various advantages without benefiting other brands. Huawei is taking these licenses for the first time, the same ones that Samsung and Apple are constantly taking – um, AirTags or SmarTags –

For starters, pop-up pairing can only be done with phones running EMUI, a setup that Huawei does on top of AOSP. After pairing, you can double-tap the headset to take a photo. cock which is only available with Huawei software.

Compatible with LDAC. These commands, despite the cost, are Hi-Res and play FLAC tracks in 24-bit format and at 96Khz transmission. In addition to being AAC and SBC, they also get the ability to play LDAC seamlessly. I tested it with a bank of hi-res files combining Kool and The Gang, James Brown, Steve Vai, System of a Down, Pink Floyd, Joe Satriani and other spices. He really manages to move huge amounts of data in real time without bothering.

Cancel the “Ultra” level. Here Huawei wants to grab our attention with three levels of noise reduction, from something light to “Ultra” 42 dB. Plus, it’s nice to feel like a headset in this price range has that much leeway, including an Awareness mode with microphone pickup. They are fine, no doubt. It’s not the best, but it’s good. Now, as far as calls are concerned, we recommend that you listen to the audio test we recorded with these FreeBuds 5i.

How do they sound? Very good, depending on the price range. Huawei makes sure we have drivers capable of operating in the range from 20 Hz to 40 kHz. In truth, the FreeBuds 5i sound good, without much artificial “coloration” and are solid in the mids, right through the full vocal range. Instruments reach a short distance when playing up to 90% power, after which slight distortion begins.

No problems with autonomy. I was able to get 5 hours of active noise canceling listening to music on a flight from Madrid to Lima before putting them in a case and charging to 100% to get through the second stage of active noise canceling. without playing music. I only had one charge in the middle of my routine for a 12-hour flight. Phenomenal.

Huawei FreeBuds 5i Are they worth it?

Yes, without a doubt. As biased as it is by brand or price range, these 5i manage to bring to the segment a lot of what we considered premium a couple of years ago: 42dB active cancellation, Hi-Res compatibility, fast charging, haptic controls. . All. Perhaps the most frustrating thing is to control everything with an app that you need to download from the AppGallery without having a Huawei phone, but we have excellent portable equipment at a low price compared to high-end. Follow them.

* Hardware provided by Huawei Peru from January 26th until review published. Price in the local market: 299 soles on the Huawei Peru website.