Google Pixel Buds A-Series Review: An Android-Centric Alternative to AirPods
The Apple AirPods have undeniably set the standard for true wireless earphones, but they’ve always been heavily tied to Apple’s ecosystem. While Android users have had plenty of options, there hasn’t been a clear "hero" product in the true wireless segment that truly embraced the Android experience – until now. The Google Pixel Buds A-Series, priced at Rs. 9,999, is the first in Google’s true wireless lineup to officially launch in India, and it aims to bridge this gap. While it may not be as feature-packed as some of its competitors, the Pixel Buds A-Series are designed specifically to work seamlessly with Android devices, and particularly with Google Assistant. But is this enough to justify its price, or does it fall short of the competition? Let’s dive into this detailed review to find out.
Seamless Integration with Google Assistant
Rather than comparing the Google Pixel Buds A-Series to top-tier competitors like the OnePlus Buds Pro and Oppo Enco X, it’s more accurate to place them alongside the Apple AirPods series. However, instead of prioritizing the Apple ecosystem, the Pixel Buds A-Series are specifically tailored to function with Android’s ecosystem, leveraging the full potential of Google Assistant.
While Bluetooth connectivity allows you to pair them with any compatible device (including computers and iOS devices), you’ll miss out on the full set of features if you’re not using an Android smartphone. On Android, the Pixel Buds app unlocks a world of customization options and allows seamless hands-free interaction with Google Assistant, similar to using a smart speaker. The effortless pairing process facilitated by Google Fast Pair provides an immediate on-screen pop-up displaying the battery levels of both earbuds and the charging case every time you connect.
Design and Features
Staying consistent with the Pixel Buds line, the Google Pixel Buds A-Series doesn’t deviate much stylistically. Both earbuds feature an in-canal fit with fixed rubber ear hooks for comfortable and secure wear, along with rounded plastic exteriors showcasing the Google logo prominently. The areas around these logos are touch-sensitive, allowing for playback control, call management, and activation of Google Assistant.
The earbuds themselves offer a comfortable fit with decent passive noise isolation. It’s interesting to note that Google deliberately allows some ambient sound to filter through even when music is playing, enhancing safety during outdoor use. This is a welcome departure from the complete isolation provided by many other in-canal earphones. You won’t find any active noise cancellation or hear-through modes on these earbuds.
The Google Pixel Buds A-Series boasts IPX4 water resistance for a degree of protection against sweat and splashes. They utilize Bluetooth 5 for connectivity, supporting the SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs. Each earbud is equipped with a 12mm dynamic driver and in-ear detection sensors. In India, the earbud are currently only available in Clearly White, though Dark Olive is available in other markets.
Battery Life and Charging
The Google Pixel Buds A-Series offer decent battery life for a true wireless headset in this price range. Each charge provides approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes of listening time, with the charging case providing nearly four full charges for a total of around 22 hours listening per charge cycle. My usage primarily involved music playback, a couple of calls per day, and occasional Google Assistant commands. Heavier reliance on Google Assistant and voice calls will naturally consume battery quicker.
All-Round Sound and Google Assistant Integration
While many true wireless headsets prioritize music listening, the Google Pixel Buds A-Series aims for a more comprehensive experience. The focus is on enhancing smart connectivity, mimicking the experience of smart speakers like the Google Nest Audio. However, the earbud still deliver on sound quality, presenting a reasonably balanced sonic signature with a slight emphasis on the mid and high frequencies.
The Google Assistant integration is fully featured, functioning identically to a smart speaker as long as your paired smartphone is connected to the internet. Hands-free functionality is responsive, recognizing both "OK Google" and "Hey Google" wake words and deciphering voice commands even in moderately noisy environments.
I was able to adjust device controls (volume, playback), request specific tracks, and receive personalized responses to queries and account-linked requests. Adjusting volume through voice commands proved particularly useful, as this isn’t possible with touch controls.
Music Listening Experience
The music listening experience on the Google Pixel Buds A-Series is comparable to the second-generation AirPods and several other options in the sub-Rs. 10,000 price range. While the Pixel Buds A-Series doesn’t deliver bass as impactful as the OnePlus Buds Pro, nor the detailed soundstage of the Oppo Enco X, it strives for an all-encompassing experience suitable for daily use.
Listening to "Butterflies" by Skrillex, Starrah, and Four Tet, the Google Pixel Buds A-Series produced a clean, detailed sound. The track’s fast beats, though not as tight and aggressive as on the OnePlus Buds Pro, possessed a more refined and gentle feel. Despite lacking support for advanced Bluetooth codecs, the sound is reasonably detailed, and the earbuds kept pace with the track without sacrificing cohesiveness or character.
The mid-range response is particularly noteworthy, allowing vocals and speech to shine through. Watching voice-centric content like YouTube videos, movies, and TV shows proved satisfying, with a loud, clean, and detailed sound. This translated well to slow, mellow tracks like "I Don’t Trust Myself" by John Mayer, allowing the vocals to take center stage without sacrificing the melodious guitar riffs and beats.
Call Performance
Call quality is excellent. I could seamlessly place and receive calls using voice commands to Google Assistant, and the sound quality was commendable. Moderate volumes around the 70 percent mark resulted in a loud, detailed, and rich listening experience.
Verdict
Objectively, the Google Pixel Buds A-Series is a solid headset, provided you use an Android smartphone. You get decent sound quality for both music and calls, reasonable battery life, good comfort, and decent voice assistant responsiveness – all contributing to an all-day usage experience. If you prioritize seamless connectivity and functionality with Google Assistant, these earbuds represent a suitable Android-friendly alternative to the AirPods range.
However, at Rs. 9,999, the Google Pixel Buds A-Series isn’t quite at par with the competition in terms of features and sound quality. Features like active noise cancellation and wireless charging, which are becoming increasingly common in this price range, are absent. Therefore, you might want to consider alternatives like the OnePlus Buds Pro and Oppo Enco X, unless you specifically seek the Google-centric features and design offered by the Pixel Buds A-Series.
