Huawei Freebuds 4i , that's the name of the new True Wireless earbuds that the manufacturer is launching with the clear intention of becoming the number one choice for many users. Because the price is quite reasonable for the good sound quality they offer and an active noise cancellation system that rivals offerings that cost twice as much.
Huawei Freebuds 4i, video analysis
An almost perfect design for day to day
True Wireless headphones have become the regular companion of millions of users during their day to day. For this reason, because I am also one of them, one of the factors that I value most in any proposal is its design. And I am not referring only to the aesthetic part but rather to the one that affects a section as important as comfort.
This time, Huawei is opting for headphones that blend the features of the Huawei Freebuds 3 and Freebuds Pro . In other words, they are stem-style headphones with an in-ear design, which we'll discuss in more detail later, exploring the advantages and disadvantages of this design.
Continuing with the aesthetics, they're available in three colors (white, red, and black), and despite being finished in glossy plastic, they're generally quite attractive. But as I said, the most important thing is that they're comfortable.
With a weight of just 5g they are also very light when you put them on and the pole helps to offer extra support. Personally I have not had problems, nor have they come out of my ear when making certain movements nor have I felt discomfort during long periods of use. They are a very comfortable proposal and I like that, but I understand that there are also those who do not like the in-ear type at all, no matter how many silicone pads they change.
Regarding the case, here again Huawei hits the mark with the oval form factor. It is not only comfortable to carry in the hand, but also in the trouser pocket. A detail that I personally like. I know that you can carry other larger cases in other types of pockets or inside the bag or backpack that you use, but when you go with the minimum, a small case is much more interesting. In this sense, although it is something very personal, I like the experience of use with the case and it rivals the Jabra Elite 75T that I liked so much due to its dimensions.
Therefore, very well on the part of Huawei everything related to the aesthetic and ergonomics section. Perhaps the only negative point that I would put is that sometimes it is difficult to remove them from the case because they slip and the magnets are very strong. Which is nice, because they don't fall out with the case open, but it also has that tradeoff.
Almost transparent connectivity, especially with Huawei terminals
As with Apple's AirPods, Huawei offers a virtually seamless experience when used with its own devices . The software integration is noticeable, making them very satisfying to use if you have a phone from the same manufacturer.
If that's not the case, don't worry. As was the case with the Freebuds 3 and other models, these can be easily linked through the device's own Bluetooth settings. Whatever it is. Just pressing the pairing button on the side of the case starts the process and in a matter of seconds they are ready to be used.
If you use Android, it's recommended to install the AI ​​Life app , as it will give you greater control over your phone's settings. This is important for configuring noise cancellation, transparency mode, and shortcuts.
Regarding the shortcuts or touch controls, these are nothing special. That is, the interaction is quite basic, although for many more than enough. For example, two taps play or pause music, and two taps also pick up or cancel a call. There's also the option to tap and hold your hand to switch between sound modes (cancellation, transparency, or nothing).
Would the option of being able to control the volume have been nice? Well yes, but on balance it is something that most of them end up managing from the device and not from the headphones. As much as some complain or we complain that it would be ideal.
As for using them with an iPhone, there are no compatibility issues either. They work like any other Bluetooth headset.
Sound quality and noise cancellation
Getting down to brass tacks, in the areas that will probably interest you most: these Freebuds 4i perform quite well in practically everything.
The quality of the microphones in calls, includes two in each earphone, offers a good sound. Compared to other models it is clearer. It will not be to go crazy, but they are a good option to use in all kinds of cases such as phone calls and even video conferences.
Regarding the sound quality, these headphones do not point to the high-end segment like other proposals, even from Huawei itself, but it is really a bit anecdotal. And we say that because of its price, much lower than that of other options on the market. So before revealing how much they cost, I will tell you that from experience with other models it is true that they do not have that punch of the Bose Earbuds QC, the AirPods Pro or the Freebuds Pro themselves, but the experience with all kinds of music is very good. .
The fact that they are of the in-ear type already helps to gain a little more body to the sound. Of course, you have to use the pads that are right for you. If you do it, both bass and treble and midrange are heard clearly. Maybe a little more bass could do with it, but overall it's a sound that convinces me.
The same goes for noise cancellation . Again, the in-ear design itself already benefits from it, but then the two MEMS microphones and Huawei's algorithms help to accurately identify those frequencies that might bother us in noisier environments like cafes, shopping malls, etc.
It's not the best active noise cancellation; I've already said that the one Bose offers with its Earbuds QC is currently the best in this type of headphones, but it does perform at a good level, and that's much appreciated.
Finally, the transparency mode helps reduce fatigue when you have them on and play nothing or play at a very low level. Also logically to be able to have a conversation with other people without having to take them off.
An interesting proposal at a very fair price
It's complicated, very complicated, choosing True Wireless headphones. It is true that everything depends on the budget, if you do not have money problems there are high-end models that are worth every euro they cost. But if you are looking for something tighter, things get complicated.
However, if you're planning to spend 79 euros on headphones of this type, the Freebuds 4i offer some very attractive features:
– They are comfortable and elegant
– Audio playback is good
– Microphones perform well on calls
– The battery is quite solvent
– Noise cancellation is effective
– Overall experience outperforms cheaper models
For all these reasons—the stable wireless connection and the overall experience it offers—it's a device I'd definitely consider if you're looking for something like this . The only downside is that it would have been great to have wireless charging on the case as well, instead of just the USB-C connection. At least it's not micro USB, though.