HUAWEI rounds off its 2020 lineup with its FreeBuds Pro that not only cancels out noises but also delivers on picking up audio.
The usual ANC (active noise control) functionality, that is now a keystone for many recent earbuds, is present in the FreeBuds Pro. HUAWEI first introduced ANC functionality for the FreeBuds 3 and with the Pro model, only seeks to level up on this, especially when it comes to phone calls. The device can distinguish between human voice and environmental noises, in-coming calls sound as though as the person is next to you and the FreeBuds Pro captures the user's voice accurately, thanks to its three-directional mic system. The earbuds have a bone sensor detection that picks up on the vibrations in your noggin and tailors the audio pick-ups.
There isn't any IP grading to the FreeBuds Pro so we can't really say how dust- and water-resistant it is. They say that it is water-resistant but maybe hold off from exercising with these? I dunno. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ For in-ear usage, the FreeBuds Pro comes with three differently-sized silicone ear tips for comfort and greater mileage on the ANC mode. With the Compactness Detection feature on the HUAWEI app, you can check how well the earplugs fit your ears.
With noise-cancellation function turned on, you get about 4.5 hours of listening; sans noise-cancelling, and you get 7 hours. It comes in a charging case that looks like it was zapped in from the future (though I must confess a slight difficulty in saliently removing the earbuds from the case).
The FreeBuds Pro has improved on its own touch system. It could only tap in the FreeBuds 3 but for the Pro version, you can pinch, tap, squeeze, slide to control the volume, calls and music playback. Yes, yes, we know that the HUAWEI's FreeBuds Pro look similar to the Apple AirPods. Not knocking on HUAWEI's design team but I suppose that if you add a touch system to earbuds, a stem is probably the best way to go and there's only so much you can improve on that.
Still, with the same capabilities as the AirPods and an edge in the quality of in-calls, as well, as in the pricing, the Android-based FreeBuds Pro is a lovely alternative to the Apple's signature earpiece.
Huawei's FreeBuds Pro retails for SGD238 and is available at major electronic outlets and online at Lazada and Shopee. The FreeBuds Pro comes in three coulourways—silver, white and black.
