What is so special about Air Pods Pro? Apple Wireless Headphones Review

At the end of last fall, Apple abruptly and without any announcements presented the new Air Pods Pro wireless headphones, the advantages and disadvantages of which we will consider in this article. As a rule, the corporation does this with small upgrades - when, for example, the next generation of an existing device differs only in performance parameters and other insignificant trifles.

In the case of new headphones, in fact, this is not the case. The appearance has changed, added functionality and changed management. Within the framework of this material, we will understand to what extent all these innovations were successful.

Positioning

Apple's branded Air Pods are the world's most sought after wireless headphones. They are positioned as fully wireless (True Wireless). In addition, this is a special model that works in tandem not only with iPhones, but also with phones running on the Android operating system.

The first version became a hit. By the release of the second version, the model has acquired a huge number of rivals eating away their share, but even their total sales volumes are far from Air Pods. Recognizable appearance, plastic materials in white colors - this model has become an indicator of modernity and an expression of a specific status.

In all contexts, Apple headphones are a social phenomenon, especially when you consider that their sound quality is much better when compared to competing positions in the market. Something similar happened with the wired Ear Pods. They were uncomfortable to wear, the sound quality left much to be desired, but they were eagerly purchased and shown by users without an iPhone.

It was a demonstration use and even a kind of cargo cult, in which recognition was identified with the presence of an "expensive" gadget, because it was this that made it possible to understand that the user also had some version of the iPhone.

There are a huge number of examples in history when a super-known product instantly conquered the hearts of consumers, but at the same rate it lost its own relevance, since it becomes too famous.

This has already begun to happen with Air Pods, as headphone sales peaked in the fall of last year. By the way, the contribution of Apple to this is incommensurable. It is worth remembering that the top management of Apple is trying to take the limit of its capabilities from the market and raises the price tags, in the literal sense of the word, for all gadgets.

Headphones are no exception, so the release of the improved Air Pods with wireless charging support is a hidden price hike. Rivals have long since integrated wireless charging into cases, while Apple demanded 5,000 rubles for such a case, including taxes. Alternatively, the Apple company offered users to buy sets with such a case for 12,700 rubles.

Specifications

Equipment

The kit includes:

• headphones;
• charging case;
• Lightning-USB Type-C adapter;
• silicone inserts in 3 sizes;
• user's manual.

The model is sold in a compact white box. Everything in the box is placed in the style of the Apple corporation. It is worth noting that the case is of a wireless type, but it has a Lightning port, so users have the opportunity to recharge the model via a cord.

There is also a Lightning to USB Type C adapter, which was a pleasant surprise. To charge in this way, users will need a charger from the iPhone or a modern laptop with such a port.

Directly charging the device in a case from an iPhone is unrealistic, since the most expensive phone in the world does not have wireless reverse charging, and there is still no way to connect the cord and recharge the case from the battery.

Appearance and features of ergonomics

The appearance of the model is easily recognizable, so it cannot be confused with other devices. The charging case is rather small, its dimensions are 61x45 mm, and its weight is 46 g, so it easily fits into a pants pocket.

An indicator is provided on the case, which is activated during charging, and when the headphones are fully charged, the indicator changes from yellow to green. It is possible to open the case with one hand, but it is literally impossible to take out the headphones with one hand. The point is that they are magnetized.

Interesting information! If you turn the case upside down, the headphones will not fall out.

It is noteworthy that the updated form factor of the model is such that the headphones have to be removed. This is done with 2 hands and is uncomfortable. By the way, the roundish case of the glossy headphones does not simplify this task.

Expert opinion! The ergonomics of the model are the worst when comparing all TWS type headphones.

The first generation Air Pods lacked any silicone inserts. There was only one size of the earphone, which, most often, did not cover the ear canal well. In the model we are considering, for the first time, silicone earbuds were provided for the headphones, which are individually selected for each person.

Interesting information! Air Pods Pro calculate by themselves if the user has chosen the wrong earbuds.

The model has a pressure sensor, which is used not only for sound control. The fact is that the device is equipped with a system that prevents excessive pressure in the ear canal. This is a really useful technology that most of the competition doesn't have.

Hardware platform

Apple just loves unification, which is why all the latest generation headphones are based on the same H1 chipset. Compared to the previous processor, this one has voice command processing. Simply put, users can use the voice assistant Siri, but it, one way or another, refers to the connected smartphone.

There is no NFC in the device and case, there is only Bluetooth 5 version. Since Apple's basic audio codec is AAC, it is built-in here by default (connection with devices running on iOS is performed exclusively with it). For devices that do not have this codec, or for some reason it is not supported correctly, an ordinary SBC codec is provided. Audio playback control and the ability to answer calls is in the stalks. Users have the option to click on them. By the way, it doesn't matter at all which earphone you press - left or right.

Important! One touch - play, two - next track, three - previous track.

You can answer calls by pressing. If you hold down the button, then the noise suppression mode or the sound purity mode will turn on. Most users liked how the controls were done. It is intuitive and simple. At first, of course, it is unusual, but after reading it, the user will immediately get used to it. Those people who want to use 1 headset are given the opportunity to set such a parameter in the settings. This will allow you to answer calls and use the microphone.

Interesting information! If the owner for some reason did not put one of the headphones in the case, then the headphones will notify about this.

Noise reduction and sound clarity

The performance of the noise cancellation function was of the greatest interest to Apple fans, as it is the main innovation in this model. The device has been tested in the subway, outdoors, and on an airplane. It should be noted right away that compact plugs, by definition, are not able to guarantee the level of noise suppression similar to full-size devices. This is primarily due to the size, as well as the need to install a powerful chip and microphones.

Interesting information! The first headphones to integrate noise cancellation were the WF-1000XM3 from Sony. This is a direct contender for the model we are reviewing.

We will not compare these gadgets, but it is worth highlighting that the Sony model has a more thoughtful and flexible noise suppression system that monitors the user's movement, the environment around him, and it is also possible to adjust them "for yourself."

Apple developers considered the above unnecessary. In the model we are considering, an adaptive equalizer is provided, but no settings are provided to the user.

Important! Equalizer functions by default.

How the equalizer works is unknown to anyone, but users are told that it is. You cannot turn it off, so it is also not possible to feel the differences. In terms of how noise cancellation works, there are practically no questions.

In a city environment, extraneous noises are removed, in an airplane, the device tries to normalize the sound level, becoming louder, but does not sound as good as full-size devices. The purity of the sound allows the owner to hear the surrounding sounds, which is necessary if, for example, a person moves along a city street and does not want to completely cut himself off from the outside world.

According to experts, the quality of noise suppression is average, but for such a compact plugs, this is an excellent indicator.

Autonomy and charging

In iOS, during connection, the user sees the remaining percentage of charging both for the headphones (each separately) and for the case. Representatives of the "apple" company say that the autonomy of the device with activated noise suppression function at a volume level of 50% - 4.5 hours.

Important! The mentioned time interval is different on iOS and Android devices.

The charging case makes it possible to recharge the device a number of times, so the total autonomy is a day. According to experts, such indicators are quite enough to walk with the device for several days. For 5 minutes of charging, the user can use the headphones for about an hour. Charging wirelessly takes about one and a half to two hours, but here everything is in the charger. Charge recovery via a cable via a PC is slightly faster. So, in 35-40 minutes the battery will recover up to 70%, but after that the process slows down.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is worth noting that these are headphones designed for both the city and for everyday wear. Whereas they have the usual sound quality, which makes it impossible to listen to your favorite tracks properly, these are good headphones for podcasts and phone calls.

With the latter, by the way, there are also nuances - since the stalk was shortened, and the microphones are the same as they were. Consequently, the device transmits voice worse when compared to the first generation Air Pods.The differences are not critical, but tangible.

• active noise suppression function;
• clear sound mode;
• supports work with the voice assistant Siri.

• overpriced, according to users, the cost;
• you need to get used to management;
• earplugs.

Attention! The above information does not serve as a call to purchase. Be sure to consult with a professional before purchasing the Apple Air Pods Pro wireless headphones.