The Google Pixel Buds Pro: A Feature-Rich Android Companion with a Fun Sound Signature
Many smartphone brands engineer their audio products to work seamlessly with their devices, hoping to create a locked-in ecosystem. The Apple AirPods Pro, OnePlus and Oppo’s true wireless headsets, and Samsung’s Galaxy Buds are all examples of this, often offering enhanced features and capabilities when paired with their respective brand’s smartphones. Google’s Pixel Buds lineup has also followed this approach, optimizing their usability and features for Android devices. However, Google has been missing a true flagship true wireless headset, until now. The Google Pixel Buds Pro, priced at Rs. 19,990 in India, aims to change that.
Boasting active noise cancellation, wireless charging, and hands-free access to Google Assistant, the Pixel Buds Pro is a feature-packed TWS option looking to challenge top-tier true wireless headsets from brands like Apple, Samsung, and Sony. But is this the ultimate flagship true wireless headset for Android users? This review dives deep into the Pixel Buds Pro to answer that question.
Google Pixel Buds Pro: Design and Features
Google maintains a consistent design language for its Pixel Buds series, and the Pixel Buds Pro stays true to this aesthetic. The earpieces are noticeably larger and bulkier than the Pixel Buds A-Series, but their shape prevents them from sticking out excessively. This bulk serves a dual purpose: ensuring a secure and comfortable fit while providing excellent passive noise isolation.
Each earpiece houses three microphones – one internal and two external – along with a Google logo positioned on the touch-sensitive control zone. Only the touch-and-hold gesture on the Pixel Buds Pro is customizable, allowing users to toggle active noise controls (switching between ANC and transparency mode). Individual functions can be assigned to each earpiece. Tap gestures control playback, while swipe gestures handle volume adjustments.
While the touch controls are generally precise, there were instances where swipe gestures were mistakenly registered as taps, leading to some frustration. I opted to set the customizable function to cycle between noise control modes, as hands-free access to Google Assistant is readily available using the ‘Hey Google’ or ‘OK Google’ voice commands.
Google Assistant proved exceptionally reliable on the Pixel Buds Pro. The wake phrase responded consistently, allowing for a wide range of voice commands, including information searches, control of IoT devices linked to your Google account, and management of playback and volume on the earphones themselves. The voice assistant functionality on the Pixel Buds Pro was at par, if not superior, to the Google Nest Audio smart speaker.
[Image: Google Pixel Buds Pro open case]
The Google Pixel Buds Pro’s charging case closely resembles the design of the mid-range Pixel Buds A-Series, sporting an egg-like shape and contrasting colors for the exterior and interior (on the white variant). The USB Type-C port is positioned at the bottom, the pairing button is located on the back near the bottom, and a single indicator light resides just below the lid, hidden unless illuminated.
The case is convenient in terms of shape and size, easy to store in clothing pockets or small handbags. A noteworthy feature of the Pixel Buds Pro is its case’s support for Qi wireless charging. Although the sales package includes three pairs of silicone ear tips in different sizes, a charging cable is missing, which feels disappointing given the headset’s price.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro is available in India in a single color variant: black earpieces and a white charging case. The earpieces are IPX4 rated for water resistance, while the charging case also boasts an IPX2 rating. The headset also incorporates sensors for in-ear detection and case opening/closing to enhance connectivity speed.
Google Pixel Buds Pro: App and Specifications
Similar to how the Apple AirPods range maximizes its potential with an iOS device, the Google Pixel Buds Pro requires an Android device to fully utilize its features. This includes the Pixel Buds app, which is exclusively available for Android. While the earphones can be paired with an iPhone for basic use, you won’t have access to the app’s full functionality.
The Pixel Buds app is well-organized, featuring a neat home screen that effectively lists all key functions. When connected, the app’s top section displays a visual representation of the battery levels for each earpiece and the case separately. Android OS will also automatically push a battery level notification when the headset is connected.
Additional features include specific Google Assistant settings for the headset, a guide for touch controls, sound modes, ear-tip seal check, in-ear detection, audio switching for compatible devices linked to your Google account, and multi-point connectivity. Firmware updates for the Pixel Buds Pro can be performed using the app.
[Image: Google Pixel Buds Pro app]
While excellent, the Pixel Buds app’s availability being limited to Android is a drawback. Unfortunately, there are no detailed equalizer settings, merely a control to increase low and high frequencies at lower volume levels. Customization for ANC is also absent, with only a single level available. However, the app allows for an ear-tip seal check to optimize noise isolation for ANC.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro features 11mm dynamic drivers and utilizes Bluetooth 5 for connectivity, supporting the SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs. Considering the focus on Android source devices, the lack of support for advanced Bluetooth codecs is a significant letdown. Competing devices, such as the Sony WF-1000XM4 and Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3, both support advanced codecs and are priced similarly to the Pixel Buds Pro.
Google Pixel Buds Pro: Performance and Battery Life
The Google Pixel Buds Pro faces stiff competition in the premium TWS segment, battling the likes of the Sony WF-1000XM4 and Apple AirPods Pro. However, its positioning is distinct, targeting Android smartphone and tablet users with its feature set.
Direct comparisons with the AirPods Pro wouldn’t be entirely fair, but the Pixel Buds Pro falls short of the Sony WF-1000XM4 and Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 in key aspects. Both of these competitors offer device-agnostic app support and advanced Bluetooth codec compatibility.
Objectively, the Pixel Buds Pro has a lot to offer. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them, appreciating their rich, warm, and melodic sound. The earphones are expertly tuned, creating a distinct audio character that feels refreshing compared to the more analytical and detail-oriented sonic signatures of rivals.
Listening to “Stay With Me” from Calvin Harris’ latest album, I was drawn to the warmth in the sound. The lows in the deep, mid-tempo beat had a distinctly powerful presence, injecting a sense of fun into the track. The sonic signature is a classic U-shaped one, boosting lows and highs noticeably. Thankfully, the mid-range doesn’t suffer too much; the diverse vocal styles of Justin Timberlake, Pharrell Williams, and Halsey shine through the track despite the overall warmth.
Turning up the volume for “Hymn For The Weekend” by Coldplay and Beyoncé was a delightful experience. The song sounded significantly different on the Pixel Buds Pro compared to my current reference-point for true wireless earphones, the Sony WF-1000XM4. While the latter delivered greater detail, the Pixel Buds Pro offered more character and an aggressive edge. The sound felt more engaging and energetic, although the Pixel Buds Pro struggled slightly with the busier parts of the track at higher volumes.
Despite a wide and clear soundstage, it sometimes felt like too much was happening, with the earphones struggling to adjust as quickly to the track’s nuances as competing options. This is where the Pixel Buds Pro falls short, its primary drawback. Slower, gentler tracks like “Bambro Koyo Ganda” by Bonobo sounded reasonably detailed and cohesive on the Pixel Buds Pro, but fast, complex music seemed to challenge the earphones, with the lack of advanced codec support being the most likely culprit.
Active noise cancellation on the Google Pixel Buds Pro is commendable, providing a significant reduction in noise both indoors and outdoors. It seems particularly effective against low-frequency sounds, successfully silencing the whirring of a ceiling fan at home and significantly reducing noise from a nearby railway line outside.
While a faint hum could be heard when wearing the earphones with no music playing, oddly absent when the earphones were off, this hum disappeared virtually entirely when music started. Overall, the active noise cancellation on the Pixel Buds Pro performs well in both indoor and outdoor environments.
[Image: Google Pixel Buds Pro earpieces]
Although the sound is fun and energetic, the lack of advanced Bluetooth codec support restricts the Pixel Buds Pro’s capabilities.
Making and receiving calls on the Pixel Buds Pro was a breeze, and Google Assistant’s excellent hands-free mode allowed me to handle most calls without even touching my phone. Call quality itself was decent both indoors and outdoors, with ANC noticeably enhancing the sound.
Battery life on the Pixel Buds Pro is satisfactory. The earpieces consistently lasted a little over six hours on a single charge with ANC activated and moderate volume levels. The charging case provided two additional charges, for a total runtime of approximately 18 hours per charging cycle. While not exceptional, the overall figure is quite acceptable.
Verdict
The Google Pixel Buds range has been around for a while as the company’s "ecosystem" play, but a true flagship device has been missing until now. The Google Pixel Buds Pro delivers what you’d expect from a flagship headset: active noise cancellation, app support, and responsive hands-free access to Google Assistant.
While the sound quality is enjoyable and full of character, the Google Pixel Buds Pro falls short in terms of detail and cohesiveness compared to rivals like the Sony WF-1000XM4, which deliver a more insightful and analytical sound. However, these are still a capable pair of true wireless earphones that I enjoyed reviewing, especially for their reliable and efficient hands-free Google Assistant access.
