The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro: A Solid Performer With a Few Minor Quirks?
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro, launched alongside the Realme GT 6, are truly wireless earbuds that offer a compelling combination of features, including powerful Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and a balanced sound profile. With their stylish design, comfortable fit, and affordable price, the Buds Air 6 Pro appear to be a strong contender in the competitive TWS earbud market. But do they live up to the hype, or are there some drawbacks to consider? We delve into the details of these earbuds to help you make an informed decision.
Realme Buds Air 6 Pro Design and Features: Compact, Polished, But Not Smudge-Proof
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro sport a modern in-ear design with a rounded stem, reminiscent of the Apple AirPods Pro. The earphones come with two additional pairs of silicone ear tips to ensure a secure and comfortable fit for users of varying ear shapes and sizes. The comfortable fit allows for extended listening periods without discomfort. The touch control sensors are conveniently placed on the upper side of the stem, making them easily accessible for adjusting playback and other functions.
The charging case, however, features a glossy finish that, while sleek, is prone to smudges and fingerprints. This could be a minor drawback for those who prioritize a pristine appearance. While the earphones boast an IP55 rating for dust and splash resistance, the charging case lacks any IP rating. This means it’s not officially rated for water or dust protection, and you might want to be cautious about exposing it to harsh conditions.
The case’s compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around. The Realme branding is prominently displayed on a slightly glittered panel, adding a touch of visual appeal. The bottom edge houses the USB Type-C charging port, while the pairing button is conveniently located on the right side of the case.
Realme Buds Air 6 Pro Companion App and Specifications: Pro Features
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro are compatible with the Realme Link app, a user-friendly companion application that offers a range of customizable features and settings. The app provides access to several key features, including:
Battery Percentage: The app clearly displays the battery levels of both earbuds and the charging case.
Noise Cancellation Modes: The app offers three ANC modes: noise cancellation, transparency, and off. Users can adjust the level of noise cancellation based on their environment, or utilize the "smart" option for automatic adjustment.
EQ Modes: The app provides four EQ presets: Serenade, Original Sound, Pure Bass, and Deep Bass. Users can also customize their sound profile using the Custom Equalizer option.
Golden Sound Feature: This feature employs a series of sound tests to personalize the audio experience based on individual preferences.
Spatial Sound, High Definition (LDAC) Sound, and Dynamic Bass: These settings enhance the overall audio experience, allowing for a more immersive and personalized listening experience.
Dual Device Connectivity: The app allows users to connect the earbuds to two devices simultaneously, seamlessly switching between devices as needed.
In-Ear Detection: The app enables the in-ear detection feature, which automatically pauses music when the earbuds are removed from the ears and resumes playback when they are inserted.
Touch Controls: The app offers customizable touch controls for both earbuds, allowing users to assign specific functions to different tap combinations.
Game Mode: This mode minimizes latency for a more responsive and enjoyable gaming experience.
- MindFlow Mode: This unique feature offers eleven mood sounds, including Summer Seashore, Nighttime Camping, and Meditation, for relaxation, concentration, or sleep.
In terms of specifications, the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro boast:
- Dual Drivers: 11mm coaxial driver and 6mm micro-planar tweeter.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3.
- Audio Codecs: AAC, SBC, and LDAC.
- Battery: 60mAh for each earbud, 460mAh for the charging case.
- Fast Charging: Supported, with up to 7 hours of playback time from just 10 minutes of charging.
- Other Features: Wind noise reduction, Google Fast Pair support, and 50dB ANC.
Realme Buds Air 6 Pro Performance and Battery Life: Largely Up to the Mark
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro delivers a performance that generally meets expectations. The ANC impressively cuts down on ambient noise, allowing you to focus on your music or podcasts. The transparency mode, however, might not be as effective for those who prefer a more natural listening experience. There is a slight echo in transparency mode, which makes the output less desirable compared to other products.
These earbuds are ideal for those who enjoy a powerful bass response. The preset equalizer options and the Dynamic Bass scale ensure a rich and immersive listening experience. The bass is well-defined, adding depth and punch to tracks. While the bass is prominent, the treble and mid-range frequencies are also handled with commendable clarity. Overall, the sound profile delivers a balanced and enjoyable audio experience.
The spatial audio feature further enhances the audio experience, creating a more immersive and expansive soundstage, especially when listening to music with a wider sound field. This feature adds a layer of depth and realism to the audio output, making it feel like you are in the middle of the action.
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro support dual device connectivity, seamlessly switching between two devices with minimal effort. This feature is particularly useful for multi-tasking individuals who frequently switch between their phone and laptop or tablet. However, it’s important to note that the LDAC codec experience might not be optimal when the phone is at a distance. If you wish to enjoy the best audio quality, you may have to keep your phone close by or use the AAC codec.
The 3-mic system for calls delivers decent audio quality, ensuring clear and understandable communication. However, the microphones are not as effective at filtering out background noise as some other pricier earbuds.
The battery life of the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro is a strong point. With the LDAC codec and ANC enabled at 60 percent volume, the earbuds consistently provide approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes of playback time on a single charge. This figure increases to almost 7 hours with the ANC or transparency mode turned off. Without ANC, the earbuds offer an impressive close to 10 hours of playback time on a single charge at 50 percent volume. This solid battery life ensures extended listening sessions without worrying about constantly needing to charge the earbuds.
The fast charging feature further enhances the user experience. A quick 10-minute charge can deliver up to 7 hours of playback time, making it perfect for those who need an urgent boost.
Realme Buds Air 6 Pro: Verdict
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro present a compelling combination of features, value, and performance. These earbuds deliver on their promises, offering a balanced audio experience with powerful bass, effective 50dB ANC, and a comfortable fit. The dual drivers, spatial audio support, and customizable settings in the Realme Link app add extra layers of personalization and enjoyment to the user experience. However, the smudge-prone case and the slight echo in transparency mode could be considered drawbacks for some.
At a retail price of Rs. 4,999, the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro are competitively priced and offer a competitive alternative to other similarly priced TWS earbuds, such as the Oppo Enco Air 3 Pro. While those with a more flexible budget might consider the OnePlus Buds 3, which offer LDHC codec support but come at a slightly higher price.
Overall, the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro are a strong contender in the TWS earbud market, offering a balanced listening experience, solid ANC performance, and a comfortable fit at an attractive price. If you are looking for a pair of earbuds that balance features, performance, and affordability, the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro are definitely worth considering.
