The Oppo Enco X2: A Mid-Range True Wireless Champion?
The world of true wireless earphones is a competitive landscape, with options ranging from budget-friendly models to premium flagships. Finding the sweet spot between price and performance remains a challenge for many seeking a quality listening experience. Enter the Oppo Enco X2, a true wireless headset aiming to disrupt the mid-range market with flagship-level features and sound quality at a fraction of the cost. But can it truly deliver on its promises? Let’s dive deep into this review to find out.
Oppo Enco X2 Design & Features: A Blend of Inspiration and Innovation
The Oppo Enco X2 borrows heavily from its predecessor, the Oppo Enco X, but with subtle yet impactful changes. The earpieces, with their contrasting black accents around the microphones, bear a striking resemblance to the Apple AirPods Pro, showcasing a sophisticated and modern design language. The controls, now partially force-touch, further echo the AirPods Pro, providing a more precise and responsive interaction.
While some design cues are borrowed, the Enco X2 maintains its unique identity. The “L” and “R” markings on the earpieces are cleverly fashioned as cutouts of the casing, mimicking the design of the Oppo Enco Air 2 Pro. This subtle detail adds a touch of personality and distinctiveness. The charging case, while somewhat wide, remains slim and pocket-friendly, featuring Qi wireless charging and a prominent Dynaudio badge, signifying the collaboration with the renowned Danish loudspeaker maker.
The Enco X2’s feature set is impressive for its price point. Beyond the standard active noise cancellation and app support, it boasts bone conduction technology for enhanced microphone performance, Dolby Audio binaural recording for capturing high-quality audio, and dual-device simultaneous connectivity, providing seamless transitions between your devices.
Oppo Enco X2 App & Specifications: Flexibility & Customization
Like many other true wireless headsets from Oppo and OnePlus, the Enco X2 pairs with the HeyMelody app, offering comprehensive controls and customization options for both Android and iOS users. Notably, users of select Oppo and OnePlus devices can even manage Enco X2 settings directly through their system Bluetooth settings, eliminating the need for the app altogether.
The app interface is user-friendly and allows you to fine-tune the listening experience. It provides three different levels of ANC intensity, transparency mode for ambient sound awareness, customizable sound profiles, dual connection options, and control customization for the force-touch and slide gestures on the earpieces. Notably, the app offers four equalizer presets, including three curated by Dynaudio, enabling you to tailor the sonic signature to your preference.
At its core, the Enco X2 utilizes a unique dual-driver setup with an 11mm dynamic driver and a 6mm planar magnetic driver in each earpiece, a configuration rarely seen in true wireless headsets. This combination, coupled with a frequency response range of 20-40,000Hz, promises exceptional audio quality.
Connectivity-wise, the Enco X2 leverages Bluetooth 5.2 with support for SBC, AAC, and LHDC Bluetooth codecs. A firmware update has also introduced LDAC Bluetooth codec support, further bolstering its capability for high-resolution audio playback.
Oppo Enco X2 Performance & Battery Life: A Symphony of Sound
The Oppo Enco X2 competes head-on with other popular mid-range options, such as the OnePlus Buds Pro and Samsung Galaxy Buds 2. However, Oppo’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of value shines through in the Enco X2’s exceptional sound quality, which rivals some flagship headsets.
The synergy between the dual-driver setup and advanced Bluetooth codec support delivers audio performance that’s remarkably detailed, balanced, and immersive. The dynamic driver delivers tight, impactful bass, while the planar magnetic driver adds a unique, layered dimension to the mids and highs.
This is particularly evident in fast-paced electronic tracks where the Enco X2 effortlessly handles complex rhythms and energetic melodies. Vocals are reproduced with clarity and nuance, capturing the emotion and energy of the artist.
The active noise cancellation performance, while solid for the price, doesn’t quite reach the heights of flagship options from Sony and Apple. However, it still provides a solid level of noise reduction for quieter environments like offices and libraries, effectively blocking out the hum of air conditioning and other ambient sounds.
Call quality and voice recording are commendable, with the microphones capturing clear and crisp audio even in noisy environments. Connectivity proves stable, even with the high-bandwidth LHDC codec engaged, maintaining a reliable connection at distances up to 4 meters.
Battery life is a mixed bag. While the Enco X2 delivers around four hours of playtime on a single charge with ANC enabled, moderate volume levels, and the LHDC codec activated, it falls slightly short of some competitors. The charging case provides three additional full charges, extending the overall runtime to 16 hours.
Verdict: A Triumph for Value, a Challenge for the Flagships?
The Oppo Enco X2 stands out as a serious contender in the mid-range true wireless earphone market. Its exceptional audio performance, robust feature set, and sophisticated design all contribute to a highly compelling package for the asking price.
While its battery life isn’t groundbreaking, its superior sound quality, advanced codec support, and unique driver configuration overshadow this minor drawback. It surpasses similarly priced competition from established brands like Samsung and OnePlus, making it a compelling choice for Android users seeking a flagship-level audio experience without breaking the bank.
However, iPhone users may find less value in the Enco X2’s advanced codec support, as Apple devices generally lack support for LHDC and LDAC. Nevertheless, its good sound tuning and app support still offer a compelling listening experience.
Overall, the Oppo Enco X2 represents a significant achievement in the true wireless earphone landscape. It proves that premium features and exceptional sound quality can be accessible at a more affordable price point, challenging even the most established brands in the premium segment. Whether you’re an audiophile on a budget or simply looking for a well-rounded listening experience, the Enco X2 is a truly impressive option worth considering.
