LG Tone Free Fit TF7 Review: Premium Features for the Fitness Enthusiast
LG, known for its exceptional displays and home appliances, has quietly crafted a respectable line of audio products, including the Tone Free Fit TF7 earbuds. These earbuds are particularly interesting because they target fitness enthusiasts with a combination of compelling features like active noise cancellation (ANC), Meridian tuning, and an IP67 rating, all bundled in a stylish design. But does this premium price tag translate into a truly premium experience? Let’s dive into this detailed review and find out.
LG Tone Free Fit TF7 Review: Design and Features
While most earbuds nowadays sport a basic aesthetic, the Tone Free Fit TF7 offers a unique and refreshing design. The polycarbonate charging case boasts a matte-finish coating with the subtle "Tone" branding, while the interior sports a dual-tone colour scheme, adding a touch of visual delight. The case features a USB Type-C charging port and two LED indicators – one for battery status and another for the UV light functionality.
The charging case, although contributing to a premium feel, is undeniably bulky. This might be a point of contention for some users, especially those who prefer a more compact carry option. The case’s opening and closing mechanism with one hand can also prove challenging, potentially leading to accidental drops. However, the matte-finished coating effectively resists scratches and scuffs, a welcome feature for daily use.
Carrying over the sleek design language, the earbuds themselves feature a grey matte-finished housing with a green accent that complements the charging case, further enhancing the premium feel. The wing-shaped silicone ear hooks offer a snug and comfortable fit, even during prolonged use.
The earbuds utilize touch controls for easy and intuitive operation. These controls are responsive and well-designed, minimizing accidental activations, a common issue in this price range. The earbuds are incredibly lightweight, weighing just 5.9g each, and thanks to the no-stem design, they sit comfortably in the ear without protruding excessively. The charging case also manages a light 43g, further adding to the portability.
The Tone Free Fit TF7 ships with a USB Type-A to Type-C charging cable, two pairs of ear plugs, and two pairs of ear hooks, providing user-adjustable options for a personalized fit.
LG Tone Free Fit TF7 Review: App and Specifications
Positioned as a premium pair at a price of Rs. 8,990 in India, the LG Tone Free Fit TF7 boasts a range of impressive features justifying its price tag. These include Hybrid ANC, Headphone Spatial Processing (HSP), a built-in UV LED for reducing bacteria growth on the earbuds, and the accompanying LG Tone app (available on both iOS and Android) for customising the listening experience.
The LG Tone app, weighing in at 80MB on Android and 95.5MB on iOS, provides a user-friendly interface for controlling various aspects of the earbuds. It offers a custom EQ for tailoring the sound profile to your preference, with a selection of pre-set EQs to choose from. The app also allows for some customization of the touch controls if the default settings don’t meet your needs.
The LG Tone Free Fit TF7 boasts the following specifications:
- Drivers: 6mm
- Bluetooth: 5.3
- IP Rating: IP67
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours (without ANC), 6 hours (with ANC)
- Charging Case Battery: 390mAh
- Earbud Battery: 68mAh
- Weight: 5.9g each earbud, 43g with the charging case
LG Tone Free Fit TF7 Review: Performance and Battery Life
In the realm of audio quality, the Tone Free Fit TF7 delivers on its promise. They seamlessly handle High-Res Lossless audio formats like ALAC at 16-bit/44.1 kHz, delivering a smooth and crisp listening experience.
The Meridian tuning adds an extra layer of refinement to the sound signature, offering a balanced and well-defined sonic experience. Using tracks like "Chlorine" by Twenty-One Pilots, I observed a clear and accurate representation of every instrument, even at lower volumes. The bass response was well-controlled without overpowering other frequencies.
At higher volumes, with tracks like "City Slums" by Divine and Raja Kumari, the Tone Free Fit TF7 impressed with its ability to maintain good audio quality without noticeable distortion. The bass was impactful, and the lyrics remained clear and audible, even at 100% volume.
The ANC performance, while effective in certain situations, did struggle with some high-frequency sounds like those from loud vehicles in an outdoor setting. However, it effectively dampened noise in crowded offices and environments with consistent background noise.
Call quality was decent, with a good noise cancellation feature, but one might need to speak louder for those in noisy settings.
The LG Tone Free Fit TF7 promises up to 10 hours of battery life without ANC and 6 hours with ANC. My testing results corroborated this, averaging 5 hours of playback with ANC enabled and close to 10 hours with ANC off. The charging case provided an impressive 15 hours of additional battery life.
LG Tone Free Fit TF7 Review: Verdict
The LG Tone Free Fit TF7 emerges as a compelling choice for audiophiles seeking a premium experience. The robust ANC, customizable sound profiles, Meridian tuning, and IP67 rating make them an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts and those seeking all-around versatility. While the bulky charging case might be a minor drawback for some, the exceptional audio quality and the wealth of features make these earbuds a truly excellent offering in the premium TWS market.
Overall, the LG Tone Free Fit TF7 is a top-tier choice for those who prioritize sound quality, comfort, and a premium feature set.
