Huawei just recently launch a competitor for Apple’s prime earphone, Airpods, which the former called Huawei Freebuds 3.
Placing side by side, Freebuds 3 looks strikingly similar to the older Airpods that you’ll need a second look at it if you mistakenly mixed it up with the other. But is much affordable with almost a USD 100 difference from Airpods Pro. I’ve been such a fan of both products but decided to get the Freebuds over the Airpods.
Continue Reading will tell you more about my personal experience about the Freebuds.
It wasn’t my first time to use a wireless earphone, I previously owned a handful already but after my last one retired, I wasn’t really able to get a new one. Honestly speaking, I’ve been really eyeing to get an Airpods Pro for most of my gadgets were apple products but the really high price turned me off.
But just recently, Huawei released something that would turn my head back. And because I also owned a few gadgets from Huawei (that includes my Huawei band), why not consider getting this one instead.
The Huawei’s FreeBuds 3 are actually the world’s first truly wireless open-fit earbuds with active noise cancellation and offer a lot of features for theirP8,990 (around $176) price tag.
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WHAT’S INSIDE THE BOX
Excited to use the product I instantly opened the box as soon as I was able to get hold of it. Basically, it includes the following:
- Earbuds
- Charging case
- USB-C charging cable
- Quick start guide
- Safety information
- Warranty card
FREEBUDS 3 Comfort & Fit
Seeing the Freebuds for the first time, my initial worry was it might fall off my ears while I am using it specially while working out or running. But luckily, I have no incidents of having it fall of my ear after using it for weeks. The open-fit design is very comfortable that it was design to just sit in your ear, rather than plug into your ear canal (which can feel irritating over long hours of use).
I sometimes forgot I was wearing one. The unit is okay to be wet due to sweat or rain but don’t go washing it or used it while you’re on a pool. The FreeBuds 3 are IPX4-certified.
If ready to take it off, you can easily put it back to the Freebuds very handy case that can fit perfectly in your pocket. The case also acts as a charger that includes its own battery (410mAH) that will allow one to charge the freebuds on the go. The Huawei FreeBuds 3 can give up to 4 hours of battery on the earbuds and another 16 hours through the charging case.
Huawei FreeBuds comes in two different color: Black and White. I prefer the latter for sometimes it is quite difficult to find black items inside my bag if its colored black.
It also got this active noise cancelling (ANC) feature that can make you zone out while listening to music. I kind of like that feature actually and the option to turn on and turn it off specially while I am commuting. Where I would need to have all my senses working properly specially when crossing the streets.
Going back, the Freebuds doesn’t have any other buttons except the one located in the charging case. To activate the other functions, you would need to simply double tap to either left or right. Will tell you more about this function in just a short while.
For now, let me give you first Huawei Freebuds 3 specification.
HUAWEI FREEBUDS 3 Specs
- Codecs: AAC, SBC
- Isochronous dual channel connection (smaller power consumption, higher transmission rate)
- Active Noise Cancellation (world first for open-fit earphones), adaptive, up to 15dB
- 190ms minimum latency (with compatible devices)
- 2.5 second connection time
- Bone sensor for clear voice pick-up
- Anti-wind-noise design
- IPX4
- 14mm driver with dedicated bass tube
- Wired charging: USB Type-C (5V 1.2A 6W)
- Wireless charging: Qi standard (2W)
- Battery: 30mAh per earbud, 410mAh per case.
- Battery life: 4h (earbuds only), 20h (with charging case)
- Weight: about 4.5g per earbud, 48g for the case
How to use the FreeBuds 3
Excited to really used the product when I had it, I forgot or really ignored reading the manual. Eventually, I found myself looking for answers over a few days. For I eventually and/or sometimes activated functions unknowingly.
These are the things I’ve learned.
Pairing FreeBuds via Bluetooth
The FreeBuds works to either android or iOS units. Simply open the case leaving your earphones in. Locate the button on the side and press it for about 2 seconds until the LED inside the case starts blinking. Now, pairing mode is on. You can simply connect it now to your favorite devices.
I sometimes used my FreeBuds consecutively from phone to laptop and vice versa. Switching unit without pairing it again works flawlessly.
Double Tapping your Huawei FreeBuds 3
Double tapping the FreeBuds to either left or right activates two different function. The right to play / switch music, while on the left to turn on/off the ANC function. The good thing about the Freebuds, playback pauses whenever you take it off your ears and resumes once you put it back. Nice right.
Though it lacks volume control, I usually end up taking it off my ear if I wanted to fully hear what my colleague are saying.
Handsfree Calling
One of the things I truly enjoy with the unit is the handsfree calling specially during longgggg calls. We can simply thanks the A1 intelligent chipset, this HUAWEI FreeBuds 3 can simply eliminate the background noise during calls and enhance my voice simultaneously. Seems like you were talking to someone face to face.
As to what I have read, Freebuds also have this so called Aerodynamic Mic Duct Design that can suppress the wind passing by to reduce wind noise efficiently so you can have clear calls during walking in a windy day, jogging or even riding at 20 km/h. Nice right?
How Does it sounds Like?
Well I am no technical reviewer but I am pretty happy with the sounds the FreeBuds 3 can give. Freebuds 3 got this high-precision, high-sensitivity 14 mm dynamic driver which has been carefully tuned to allow every note to be restored to its original brilliance. Meaning even the smallest detail of the music can be heard. While listening honestly I sometimes felt some sounds I’m hearing are those in real life. You get what I am saying?
It got that right kind of bass with a nice stronger and tighter punch. Add the noise cancelling feature then you’ll suddenly feel the zoning out like you were inside of a music video performing your favorite tunes.
