SoundPEATS Air4 Review: Headphones pleasantly surprised
The SoundPEATS Air4 true wireless earphones combine quality sound, comfortable design, and a notable feature: active noise cancellation. Serving as the next iteration after the successful Air3 Deluxe and Air3 Deluxe HS models, these earphones continue the tradition of delivering impressive sound performance at an affordable price point.
The new SoundPEATS model has a slightly bulkier housing. This design change is reminiscent of the Apple AirPods 3, offering users a snugger and more secure wearing experience. This upgrade is likely to appeal to those who prioritize comfort and a secure fit, especially during activities like workouts or commutes.
The standout feature of the SoundPEATS Air4 is its active noise cancellation (ANC). While the earlier Air3 models lacked this feature, the inclusion of ANC in the Air4 adds value to the product. However, the ANC performance on the Air4 earphones falls short of some of the premium ANC offerings on the market. This suggests that while ANC reduces ambient noise to some extent, it may not provide the same level of noise isolation as higher-end alternatives.
As with any purchasing decision, individual preferences and priorities will play a significant role in determining whether the SoundPEATS Air4 is the right fit.
SoundPEATS Air4: Video Review
| Specs | SoundPEATS Air4 |
| Driver diameter | 13mm |
| Audio Codec | aptX Lossless/AAC/SBC |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Noise Cancellation | Adaptive ANC |
| Microphone | 6 Microphones |
| Connector | Type-C |
| Chip | QCC3071 |
| Control Type | Touch Control |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20KHz |
| Mutiple Connection | Yes |
| Game Mode | Yes |
| Battery Capacity | 2 x 35mAh + 330mAh |
| Charge Time | Earbuds ≤1.5h, Charging Case ≤2h |
| Water resistance | IPX4 |
| Weight | Single Earbud: 4g / Earbuds+Charger: 38g |
| Size | Earphones 18.3 x 19.1 x 34.4mm / Charging Case 53.5 x 24 x 58mm |
Unboxing
SoundPEATS Air4 comes in a compact white box that contains all the necessary information about the headphones. For example, the headphones have a Bluetooth 5.3 version, operate in the frequency range from 20 to 20,000 Hz and have a maximum working distance of 10 meters. Each individual earbud is equipped with a 35 mAh battery, while the charging case houses a 330 mAh battery. The earphones run time on a single charge is 6.5 hours. Operating time from a charging case – 26 hours. We also have a 13 mm Dynamic driver and a hybrid active noise cancellation feature.
Upon opening the package, you’ll find a curious arrangement. Instead of the expected accessories, a photograph of ear tips greets you. This might be a bit puzzling, especially considering that the SoundPEATS Air4 are semi-open earbuds and do not actually include ear tips. It’s possible that the packaging template was carried over from another pair of earbuds. However, the package does include a USB-C cable for charging. It’s important to note that there is no support for Qi wireless charging; you’ll need to use the provided cable for recharging.
SoundPEATS Air4: Design
SoundPEATS Air4 headphones come in a plastic charging case. The body of the case has a pleasant to the touch rubber texture, which is easy to hold. The compact nature of the case makes it highly portable, fitting comfortably in the palm of your hand. Impressively, the case exudes a sense of durability, and the hinge mechanism boasts a satisfying firmness, preventing any wobbling or flimsiness. When the case is open, it securely locks into position.
A front-facing LED indicator graces the exterior of the case, providing essential battery information and status updates.
Positioned nearby is a button that likely serves as a reset function, enabling users to troubleshoot issues as needed. At the bottom of the case lies the USB-C charging port.
Let’s take the earbuds out of the charging case and see what’s inside. The interior presents the charging contact points at the base, which ensure a seamless charging experience.
The earbuds themselves offer a design reminiscent of the open-style earbuds, like the AirPods (not the Pro variant). This design is futuristic in appearance and distinctly lacks traditional ear tips, explaining the absence of ear tips in the packaging. It’s important to clarify this point, as the box graphics may suggest otherwise.
Examining the earbuds, you’ll notice the presence of vents on the top, likely contributing to sound quality and comfort. The earbuds also feature a touch sensor area that facilitates convenient control over playback, calls, and other functions.
At the core of the earbuds, there are components that house the audio drivers. The nozzle of the earbuds presents a slightly different design from standard ear tips, hinting at a unique acoustic setup. Furthermore, the corresponding connectors for charging are clearly demarcated, allowing for seamless recharging when placed in the case.
Specs
One of the features that sets the SoundPEATS Air4 apart is the inclusion of Snapdragon Sound technology. This compatibility with phones utilizing Snapdragon chips allows for impressive audio capabilities. Notably, these earbuds offer aptX lossless playback, a remarkable feature that enables 24-bit audio playback up to 96 kilohertz. This translates to a level of audio quality akin to that of CDs.
Complementing this audio prowess is the utilization of Bluetooth 5.3, which not only enhances connectivity but also provides a foundation for a lag-free experience. The Air4 further supports aptX Adaptive HD and aptX Low Latency, catering to both high-quality audio streaming and minimizing audio-video synchronization issues. The inclusion of a gaming mode further reduces lag, with a reported latency of just 88 ms.
The Air4 boasts a multi-point connection capability. This means you can simultaneously connect the earbuds to multiple devices, allowing for seamless switching between devices without the need for constant re-pairing.
App
The SoundPEATS app complements the earbuds, though it’s worth noting that it’s not a particularly feature-rich application. However, it serves crucial functions such as keeping the earbuds updated. The app introduces an adaptive EQ feature, which conducts a hearing test to curate a personalized EQ setting based on your preferences. This offers a tailored audio experience that caters to your unique hearing profile. Additionally, the app provides control over noise cancellation, offering both a noise-canceling mode and a normal mode for your listening preference.
In addition to its practical functions, the app also offers a selection of pre-built EQ options. These presets cater to different sonic preferences and music genres, providing a quick and convenient way to tailor your audio experience.
ANC
The noise-canceling capabilities of the SoundPEATS Air4 are a noteworthy surprise, especially given the semi-open design that doesn’t typically incorporate ear tips for isolation.
To experience the best noise-canceling performance, it’s important to ensure that the earbuds are properly positioned to create a reasonable seal. Once the noise-canceling mode is activated, the microphones immediately spring into action, capturing external sounds and applying a dampening effect.
Upon turning on the noise canceling, you’ll notice an immediate reduction in surrounding noise. It adeptly mutes voices and higher-frequency disturbances, offering a more serene listening environment. While the noise canceling might not completely eliminate all external sounds, it shines particularly in suppressing lower-frequency nuisances like air conditioning units and engine noises.
Sound quality
The SoundPEATS Air4 is equipped with 13-millimeter dynamic drivers, and my initial listening experience was met with pleasant surprise. However, the initial sound out of the box didn’t quite hit the mark for me, feeling a touch too warm and perhaps lacking in the finer details of the midrange and treble frequencies. Yet, as I delved deeper and experimented with the various settings, a transformative audio journey unfolded.
Once I engaged the noise-canceling feature and opted for the vocal or treble boost mode, I was met with a remarkable alignment of the sound profile. With this combination, the treble frequencies took a leap forward, unveiling an array of details without verging into excessive brightness or harshness. This adjustment effectively breathed new life into the audio, ushering in a heightened sense of sonic clarity.
Interestingly, the noise-canceling feature had a tangible impact on the bass frequencies. It fortified the bass presence, imbuing it with an extra punch while still maintaining a commendable level of tightness and control. This was in stark contrast to the out-of-the-box bass response, which initially presented itself as somewhat bloated. Activating the noise-canceling mode rectified this, providing a more refined and balanced bass presentation.
The midrange frequencies on the SoundPEATS Air4 struck a harmonious balance. The vocals and other elements in this frequency range weren’t overly accentuated or pushed too far forward, yet they never felt overshadowed or relegated to the background. Instead, they occupied a central position in the audio mix, offering a balanced and engaging listening experience. Notably, when combined with the activated noise-canceling feature and the boosted settings, the midrange seamlessly integrated into the overall sonic landscape.
The Air4’s dynamic sound profile was further complemented by its adept Sound Stage and sound imaging capabilities. The semi-open design of these earbuds engendered a sense of openness in the sound, allowing for greater spatial awareness and the ability to discern the origin of various sound elements. The resulting sound stage offered an expansive and immersive listening experience.
Microphone quality
For those seeking to use the SoundPEATS Air4 for phone calls, the earbuds are equipped with six microphones and utilize Clear Voice Capture (CVC) technology. This technology prioritizes your voice during calls, ensuring clear and focused audio transmission to the person on the other end of the line. The implementation of CVC helps to minimize background noise and interference, allowing for effective communication even in noisy environments.
To provide a practical demonstration, a microphone test was conducted to showcase the Air4’s performance in different scenarios. In the test, the earbuds are shown to excel in capturing the user’s voice when making a call. The CVC technology works to emphasize the user’s voice while diminishing background noise, thereby delivering a clear and crisp call quality. Additionally, the test includes the microphone’s ability to handle crowd noise, revealing how effectively the earbuds manage to maintain clarity even in the presence of external audio disruptions.
Autonomy
The SoundPEATS Air4 boasts a commendable battery life, offering approximately six and a half hours of playback time on a full charge for the earphones themselves. When coupled with the charging case, this duration extends significantly to provide a total of around 26 hours of usage. While the battery life is a strong suit, there seems to be no indication of fast charging capabilities, which could be a slight letdown for users accustomed to the convenience of quickly topping up their earphones.
SoundPEATS Air4: Conclusion
SoundPEATS has once again managed to deliver impressive value with the Air4. Its remarkable combination of features, comfortable design, and remarkable price point make it a standout contender in the wireless earbud market.
For those seeking quality audio and advanced functionalities without breaking the bank, the SoundPEATS Air4 emerges as a highly recommended choice.
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