Apple’s New AirPods 4: In-Depth Review
Which AirPods Suit Your Ears? 🎧
There are two types of people in this world: Those for whom AirPods fit perfectly and those who struggle with them. If you fall into the former category, keep reading; if you fall into the latter, you may still find something of interest here.
Silicon Tips: Love Them or Hate Them? 🤷
Another division arises between those who love silicon-tipped in-ear buds and those who detest them. Add to this the noise cancellation debate, and you have a complex decision to make. But Apple aims to serve both camps with its latest offerings: the AirPods 4 and the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).
Key Announcements and Pricing 💰
Pricing
- Base AirPods 4: $129
- AirPods 4 with Noise Cancellation: $179
The differences between them extend beyond just the price, so let’s dive into the essential features and determine if they are worth your investment.
Design Enhancements 🖌️
Shape and Fit
- Improved curves and angles
- Driver points directly into your ear
- Shorter stem
Despite these tweaks, the redesigned hard tips may still be problematic for those who’ve historically had issues. These new AirPods retain their IP54 dust and water resistance, upgraded from last year’s IPX4.
Performance and Features 🛠️
Sound Quality 🎶
Both versions of AirPods 4 offer great sound quality, tailored to handle various types of audio smoothly, from podcasts to music. They maintain a good balance across different frequencies without any customizable EQ options.
Noise Cancellation vs. Noise Reduction 🔇
Let’s cut to the chase: the ANC on the AirPods 4 is decent but nowhere near the level of AirPods Pro.
Comparison
- AirPods Pro: 8/10
- AirPods 4: 4/10
The hard tips leave small gaps allowing some noise to filter through, so consider this a noise reduction feature rather than full noise cancellation.
Transparency Mode 🕵️
The transparency mode on these new AirPods is likely the best you’ll hear, providing a natural boost to the outside world, thanks to the hard tips already allowing some sound in.
Enhanced Case Details 💼
New Features
- Smaller size
- USB-C Charging
- Speaker for locating and charging notifications
- Wireless charging (no MagSafe)
The case has USB-C compatibility, a step up for convenience. The ANC version has a tiny speaker for location-tracking and charging notifications. However, it lacks MagSafe, which could be a bummer for some users.
Battery Life 🔋
ANC Impact
- With ANC: 4 hours, 20 hours with case
With ANC activated, you can expect slightly lesser battery life compared to its non-ANC counterparts.
Special Features 🌟
Integration with Apple Watch puck chargers and lacking the physical pairing button, the new AirPods use a capacitive touch area beneath the pairing light for pairing and reset functions.
H2 Chip Benefits 🧠
The H2 chip provides an array of enhancements, including improved background noise reduction during calls, better ANC, superior transparency mode, and even letting you nod or shake your head to answer Siri questions.
Comparisons and Choices 🆚
If you’re considering the AirPods Pro, they are still a solid choice for those who prioritize a better fit and superior ANC. They are currently available for just $20 more on certain platforms, making them a tempting option over the new AirPods 4 with ANC.
Other Alternatives 🏆
If you’re willing to step outside the Apple ecosystem, other earbuds might offer a better fit, improved battery life, or superior sound quality. Yet, Apple still retains its edge with seamless device switching and excellent frequency response across a range of audio types.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice 🌐
The choice between the new AirPods models boils down to your specific needs regarding fit, noise cancellation, and cost. While these AirPods are not the top performers in every category, they hold their own as versatile, ecosystem-friendly earbuds.
Still have questions? Take the plunge and see how the new AirPods fit into your lifestyle. ✌️
