Huawei FreeBuds 5i launch with better ANC, longer battery life and improved design
Huawei unveiled the FreeBuds 5i, a follow-up to the FreeBuds 4i from last year. The new model has much improved active noise cancellation, lighter design and longer battery life.
The 5i buds offer three levels of noise cancellation. When you dial it up to the maximum setting, it reduces noise by 42dB – a massive improvement over the 22dB that the 4i managed. This is also a couple of decibels better than the FreeBuds Pro. For calls, an AI-powered system with two microphones that extract and boost your voice for clearer calls.
Anyway, the buds feature 10mm dynamic drivers and automatically tune their output to best match the shape of your ears. For great quality sound, the buds support the LDAC codec and are Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified.
The FreeBuds 5i use Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint connectivity. With the companion app you can quickly switch their connection between your phone, tablet, TV and whatever else you are using them with. There is a gaming mode, which reduces the latency to 94ms.
Huawei FreeBuds 5i in Blue, Black and White (smooth finish)
Compared to the 4i, the new model has a carrying case with a softer, pebble-like texture. The case is also 18% lighter, weighing 33.9g (each bud is around 4.6g). Even so, overall battery life has improved – the buds + case can now last up to 28 hours (up from 22 hours) with ANC off and up to 18.5 hours with ANC on.
The buds alone offer uninterrupted listening time of 7.5 hours (6 hours with ANC). The extra longevity is thanks to a bigger battery in the case (410mAh vs. 215mAh) and improved efficiency on the buds (same 55mAh battery). Once the battery is depleted, a full charge takes an hour, but if you’re in a hurry, a 15 minute top-up is good enough for 4 hours of playback.
The Huawei FreeBuds 5i are available for pre-order in China starting today at a price of CNY 600 ($90/€85/₹7,000). You can find the TWS headset on Huawei.com, open sales will begin on June 18.
Reader comments
- dbjungle
- N%B
I have the Honor Earbuds 2 Lite which is a rebrand of the Freebuds 4i. I agree wholly. They're great all around earbuds, but the bass could have a bigger presence. These are great for phone calls. My preferred affordable TWS for music is the...
- Anonymous
- TSN
I own the 4i and love them although the bass is not that punchy. The clarity is pretty good at low volume. Though the soft touch is quite limited but for the affordable price point, can't complaint. Particularly love the pause feature when I tak...
- zanifakingbani
- pq{
I really need to know when these are officially launching. Huawei said they are launching globally on the 18th of June but there has been no sight of them whatsoever. Please let me know where will I be able to purchase them. Thank you.
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