Though compatible with any Bluetooth-enabled device, the Google Pixel Buds in-ear active noise-cancelling headphones are optimised for use with Android mobile devices.
Google has promoted the Pixel as the best Android rival to the iPhone, and the Pixel Buds Pro are meant to be the equivalent of Apple’s AirPods in terms of providing a seamless, easy-to-use experience while also delivering high-quality audio.
This Evaluation Is a Part of Tech Hive’s Extensive Coverage of Noise-Cancelling Headphones
The Pixel Buds Pro are outstanding headphones in every respect, boasting a cutting-edge design that meshes perfectly with Android. Their competitors provide higher-quality codecs, which they do not. Unfortunately, it is not aptX or LDAC compatible. The success or failure of Google’s Pixel Buds will depend on the AAC and SBC codecs, the company has decided.
Realizing that most customers will be happy to pay the premium for these earbuds because of the experience and won’t care much about the details of audio codecs, Google has focused on developing a superior user experience for Android users.
How Can I Achieve the Fidelity of The Pixel Buds Pro?
Design-wise, the Pixel Buds Pro is top-notch. The pebble-shaped charging case is off-white to beige in tone. Compared to other cases, this one is the most comfortable to hold, and its rounded corners make it simple to store and retrieve from a pocket.
The buds themselves narrow toward the stem that supports the ear tips. In order to use the touch controls, there is a broad, flat surface placed outside the ear. Although the actual buds are black, customers can choose from four other colors: coral (more of an orange), fog (blue-grey), charcoal (light grey), and lemongrass (yellow/green). There’s a charcoal option for those who prefer to keep a low profile, and the other three colors are a fun departure from the market’s standard of boring black earbuds.
Pixel Buds Pro: What Comes with Them
In addition to the case and the two earbuds themselves, Google thoughtfully includes a cardboard tube that can be opened to reveal two additional ear tips of varying sizes (small and large) to use in conjunction with the medium-sized tips already affixed to the earphones themselves.
Although there is a USB-C connector on the underside of the case for wired charging, no charging cable is included with the package. Since the case is Qi-compatible, Google may have decided to forego the standard charging cable and case combination in order to save a few dollars.
Detailed Information About Google’s Top-Tier Pixel Buds Pro
In the transparency option, Google estimates 11 hours of battery life, whereas using ANC drains the battery in 7 hours. When using the case as well, you may expect up to 31 continuous hours of listening time on a single charge.
The three microphones and 11mm dynamic speaker driver in each earphone is a unique designs. They weigh a mere 0.22 oz. each and have an IPX4 water resistance rating, so you won’t have to worry about sweat during a workout, though they won’t be able to withstand an extended swim. (All the information you could possibly want to know about IP addresses is included in this article.)
Pixel Buds Pro have Bluetooth 5.0 and is compatible with AAC and SBC codecs. For those who don’t need the superior audio quality of aptX or LDAC, these headphones work nicely with both iOS and Android.
Google Pixel Buds Pro’s Touch-Screen Controls
Google has done a great job of coordinating the Pixel Buds Pro with the Pixel Buds Android app. When you first open the case with your Android device, a pairing screen will appear. You may connect the Pixel Buds Pro to two separate gadgets at once thanks to its multipoint connectivity.
As shipped, a single tap on either earbud activates play/pause, double taps to the next song, and triple taps to the previous one. With just one tap, you can accept a call, and two will put an end to the conversation.
You may adjust the volume by swiping the earbud either forward or backward to increase or decrease the volume, respectively. In addition to changing the volume, the “Hey Google” command can be used to do other things.
When Using the Pixel Buds App
More customization options for the touch controls may be found in the Pixel Buds app. The Pixel Buds Pro have a touch-and-hold gesture that can activate the Google Assistant or the ANC, switching between noise cancellation and transparency. Furthermore, you can designate which ear will perform which task.
When using the “Hey Google” voice command to engage the Google Assistant, you have the option of assigning the ANC function to either the left or right earpiece. However, if you have Google Assistant assigned to both earbuds, you will need to use the app in order to adjust the noise cancelling settings.