Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC Review: In-Depth Look & Comparison with Realme Buds Wireless 3

The Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC represents a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the Realme Buds Wireless 3, offering enhanced noise cancellation and a richer audio experience. This in-depth review delves into the key features and improvements of the Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC, comparing it directly to the Realme Buds Wireless 3 to help you decide which model best suits your needs and budget. We'll examine its design, sound quality, battery life, ANC performance, app features, and overall value proposition.This detailed comparison explores the nuanced differences between the two models, covering aspects such as packaging, comfort, active noise cancellation capabilities, app customization options, call quality, and latency performance. We'll dissect the strengths and weaknesses of each, ultimately helping you determine whether the enhanced features of the Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC justify the price increase over the still-impressive Realme Buds Wireless 3.

Pros And Cons

Realme Buds Wireless 5
  • Up to 38 hours battery life (without NC mode)
  • 50 decibel active noise cancellation
  • 45 millisecond ultra-low latency mode
  • IP55 dust and water resistance
  • Improved sound quality compared to Realme Buds Wireless 3
  • Good bass, treble, crisp and clear vocals, good instrument separation
  • Auto-answer feature
  • Customizable button settings
  • No charging cable included in the box
Realme Buds Wireless 3
  • 40 hours battery life (without NC mode)
  • 30 decibel active noise cancellation
  • Good ear grip
  • No charging cable included in the box
  • Lacks some features present in Realme Buds Wireless 5 (e.g., auto-answer, customizable button settings)

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Unboxing and First Impressions

The Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC arrives in a compact box, showcasing key features on the back. Inside, you'll find the earbuds themselves, a user manual, and two extra pairs of ear tips. Notably, a charging cable is absent from the packaging, a trend consistent with the Realme Buds Wireless 3.

Close-up shot of the Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC earbuds
Close-up shot of the Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC earbuds

The earbuds boast a sleek design, largely similar to its predecessor, the Realme Buds Wireless 3. The build quality appears robust, and the flexible neckband is comfortable to wear. The ear tips provide a secure and snug fit.

Key Features and Specifications

The Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC features a 13.6mm dynamic bass driver, promising impressive audio quality. The battery life is rated at up to 38 hours without noise cancellation (NC) mode, a slight improvement over the Realme Buds Wireless 3's 40 hours.

Active noise cancellation (ANC) capabilities have been significantly enhanced, reaching 50dB compared to the Realme Buds Wireless 3's 30dB. Ultra-low latency mode (45ms) ensures smooth audio during gaming and calls. IP55 dust and water resistance adds to its durability.

App Features and Customization

The Realme Link app allows for extensive customization. Users can adjust the equalizer settings, choosing from presets like Serene, Pure Bass, and Deep Bass, or creating a custom profile. The app also offers a 360° surround sound mode, dynamic audio adjustment, and a volume enhancer.

Noise cancellation can be toggled on/off or switched to transparency mode, with an option to enhance voice clarity in transparency mode. The app allows users to choose between different noise cancellation levels (Mild, Moderate, Max, Smart) and enable/disable wind noise reduction. Game mode can be enabled for low-latency gaming

Connectivity and Call Quality

The Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC supports dual device connection, allowing simultaneous pairing with two devices. This seamlessly switches between devices when a call arrives on one while the other is playing audio.

Call quality is good; the microphone picks up voices clearly, even in noisy environments. The included audio recording demonstrates decent clarity. The 'Find My Phone' feature within the app can help locate a misplaced device.

Sound Quality and Performance

The sound quality of the Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC is noticeably improved compared to the Realme Buds Wireless 3. The audio is balanced with decent bass, clear vocals, and crisp treble. Instrument separation is also quite good.

The 50dB ANC effectively reduces ambient noise, offering a noticeable improvement over the 30dB ANC of the previous model. Latency is minimal, especially with game mode enabled, making them suitable for gaming.

Comparison with Realme Buds Wireless 3

The Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC offers several improvements over the Realme Buds Wireless 3, including enhanced ANC, improved battery life, and the addition of features like dynamic audio adjustment and auto-answer.

Side-by-side comparison of both earbuds
Side-by-side comparison of both earbuds

However, the Realme Buds Wireless 3 still holds its own, providing excellent value at a lower price point. The choice depends on your budget and the importance of features like superior ANC and dynamic audio.

Conclusion

The Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC offers a compelling package of features, including superior active noise cancellation, enhanced sound quality, a comfortable fit, and useful app-based customizations. Its dual-device connection is a handy addition.

Compared to the Realme Buds Wireless 3, it’s a significant upgrade, especially for those prioritizing noise cancellation and a more feature-rich experience. The decision ultimately depends on your budget and feature priorities. However, if budget isn't a major constraint, the Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC is a strong contender in its price range.