Xiaomi
is back at it again with another pair of enticing
true wireless earbuds
that won't cost you an arm and a leg. Enter the
Redmi Buds 5
- this flashy new entry aims to deliver premium features like
active noise cancellation
for less than 3,000 rupees.
Embracing an ultra-slim design reminiscent of the
Apple
AirPods, the Buds 5 sport 12.4 mm drivers, a claimed battery life of 30 hours, and IP54 sweat resistance.
And perhaps most impressively - over the ear noise cancellation rated for up to 35 dB ambient sound reduction. That's right - active ANC at this budget tier! But are they all hype, or do they deliver the goods? We took these buds out for a spin, and this is what we think about them.
Design and build
Straight out the gate, the Buds 5 in the Fusion White turned heads with their slim stems and chrome metallic finish. It was like everyone around was fascinated by their glow. Folks were stopping left and right, asking, "Ooo fancy earbuds! How much did that set you back?" More than a few folks stopped to admire them, asking, "Wow, those earbuds look high-end! What'd you pay for those?" When told the price, they could not believe it.
Beyond the flashy aesthetics, the Buds 5 boast an IPX4 water resistance rating, allowing them to withstand splashes and sweat. Each bud weighs merely 5.3g, perfect for those long listening sessions. The case is compact with a matching chrome accent that gleams when hit by light. It's like having a mini disco ball to carry your tunes. Groovy! There are other colour options as well, namely, Fusion Black and Fusion Purple.
We do wish Xiaomi opted for more premium materials instead of plastic for the case. It feels flimsy, especially the lid when opening and closing. Durability takes a backseat to maintain that sweet, sweet budget price tag. Can't win 'em all! As long as you handle it with care, the Buds 5 should hold up well enough. And don't be surprised if strangers stop you to compliment their slick looks!
Connection, setup, and features
Bluetooth 5.3 allows the Buds 5 to connect easily to all your devices. Dual device connectivity means you can be watching a video on your tablet while still taking calls from your paired phone. The addition of Google Fast Pair makes linking up these buds a complete breeze. Just open the lid, and your Android device will automatically detect and prompt you to connect; convenience at its finest.
Touch controls let you manage music playback and toggle noise cancellation modes. Customizations like gestures and EQ presets are available through Xiaomi's Earbuds app. Firmware can also be updated seamlessly through the app. No need to memorise any occult incantations; the user-friendly interface has you covered.
Our only gripe is the lack of a low-latency gaming mode. Without it, you may notice some audio delay when gaming, especially on competitive titles. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's worth noting if gaming is a priority.
Sound quality and noise cancellation
Xiaomi outfitted these buds with 12.4mm drivers to pump up the low-end and really make your music thrive. The sound profile caters nicely to bass-heavy genres like EDM, hip-hop, and Bollywood bangers. Mids take a bit of a backseat, leading to some muddiness with vocals. Treble is plenty sparkly lending itself well to pop anthems. Overall, the dynamic range can feel somewhat unbalanced at times but still should satisfy most casual listeners.
Noise cancellation uses a combination of AI and active blocking for a rated 26dB of isolation. It works decently against ambient chatter and whirring fans. But don't expect it to eliminate the roar of vehicles or other extreme noises. Transparency mode pipes in environmental sound while allowing music to still play gently in the background. Again, it gets the job done but falters with nuance compared to more premium offerings. For the price, though, not too shabby!
Battery life and charging
Stamina is on point with 8 hours of playback on a single charge. Combined with the reserved juice in the case, you can enjoy tunes for up to 40 hours before needing to refuel. Not the highest capacity out there but enough to get you through the daily commute and then some. Charging only takes about an hour for a full go from 0 to 100%. The Type-C port means most modern cables will work to top up when needed.
Verdict
For Rs 2,999, the
Redmi
Buds 5 brings some serious style and decent substance to the budget true wireless segment. Their mirror-like finish turns heads while vibrant audio and capable noise cancellation keep listeners engaged. Given the limitations of their budget-friendly pricing, these buds punch way above their weight.
That said, some definite shortcomings are holding them back from being a knockout hit. The flimsy plastic case and lid feel prone to damage if treated roughly. And the bass and treble-heavy sound, while fun for pop music, lacks nuance and balance. Though, some might look for this specific flavour. Active noise cancellation, while impressive for the cost, still allows a fair amount of ambient noise to leak in.
On the plus side, battery life is a highlight with around 8 hours playback for the buds and 32 extra hours from the charging case. Then, water resistance and personalisation lend the Buds 5 to active lifestyles beyond just casual listening.
Sure, there are a few rough edges, but considering the tradeoffs needed to hit this pricing, Xiaomi deserves some credit for essentially pulling off a compelling package. So, if you want to dabble in the truly wireless lifestyle without breaking the bank, the Buds 5 makes for an appealing choice.
English (US) ·