An open-fit design for all your sporting and daily comfort needs.
Audio performance is a core part of the earbuds experience, but there’s more to the selection process than that. While it’s always nice to own a great-sounding device, other considerations will have to come into play when picking the right fit, such as comfort, price, build quality, and the like.
An ergonomic build for a comfortable wearing experience
The Huawei FreeBuds 4 looks to enter the market as a lightweight, ergonomic, and handy companion for day-to-day activities. Available in Silver Frost or Ceramic White, it features an open-fit design that sits on the outside of the ear canal, and lets in ambient sound so users can be aware of their surroundings. The build, Huawei claims, is the result of undergoing simulation tests with over 10,000 human ear models to find the optimal fit.
Getting started on the wireless journey proves simple: just open the case, turn Bluetooth on, and the pairing is good to go. Latency, which can be an issue in some cases, is absent here, so users are set for a lag-free, instantaneous response. A nifty feature also makes itself known in the form of dual-device connectivity, allowing for simultaneous connection to two different devices.
Putting the FreeBuds 4 through its paces outdoors demonstrates another layer of competence. The earbuds feel weightless in the ear, such that its presence is easily forgotten in the midst of sporting activities, with no bounce detected when running or cycling on the track. This sense of compact mobility is further emphasised with a no-frills, circular earbud case that can easily fit into one’s pocket.
Intuitive controls to deliver high-res sound quality
The act of exercising and working out, however, means an increased need to change settings on the fly. Fortunately for active individuals, the FreeBuds 4 packs in a handful of shortcuts, where assigned controls can be adjusted with one or two swipes or taps. For an added touch of customisation, Huawei’s very own AI Life App is where you can tweak with extra features, including EQ levels, and bass or treble boost modes.
On the side, the earbuds also offer active noise cancellation (ANC), but not in the way most are used to. While not noticeable outdoors, white noise will be picked up in quieter indoor settings, though Huawei has bumped up the noise-cancelling threshold to 25dB, as compared to 15dB from its predecessor.
Keeps you pumped up and powered through the day
Battery life, meanwhile, isn’t all that shabby. The device is able to last 4 and 2.5 hours alone, as well as 22 hours and 14 hours with a fully-charged case without and with ANC respectively. Where juicing up is concerned, the FreeBuds 4 offers USB-C and wireless charging, with 15-minute of wired charge granting 2.5 hours of use.
Final thoughts
At S$198, the Huawei FreeBuds 4 may be a more affordable alternative to the premium models on the market, but it’s far from being a slouch. Not only does it work great with iOS and Android devices, the newest member of the family has also established itself to be a well-rounded companion for work, play, and exercise.
The HUAWEI FreeBuds 4 is available at all Huawei Experience Stores, selected consumer electronic stores including Best Denki, Challenger & Hachi.tech, COURTS, Gain City, Harvey Norman, Sprint-Cass Online as well as on Lazada Huawei Flagship Store and Shopee Huawei Official Store.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
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