The Xiaomi Buds 5 offer a compelling blend of comfort and features, making them an attractive option for users seeking a lightweight and stylish listening experience. These earbuds boast an ergonomic design, weighing in at a mere 4.6 grams each, ensuring comfortable all-day wear, even during intense workouts. Their secure fit remains stable through various activities, thanks to a well-engineered design. Beyond comfort, the Buds 5 pack a punch with features like AI noise cancellation, customizable touch controls, and a surprisingly long battery life.However, the full potential of the Xiaomi Buds 5’s audio capabilities is realized only when paired with compatible Xiaomi smartphones. While the sound quality is decent on other devices, using them with a Xiaomi phone unlocks the superior audio experience delivered by Qualcomm Sound technology and Harman audio tuning. This nuanced relationship between the earbuds and specific phone compatibility is a key factor to consider before purchasing. This review delves into the strengths and limitations of the Xiaomi Buds 5, providing a comprehensive assessment of their performance and value proposition.
Pros And Cons
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Secure fit, doesn't fall out easily
- Good sound quality and fidelity
- High-quality audio with Qualcomm aptX Adaptive on compatible Xiaomi phones
- Three microphones for better noise cancellation in calls
- AI-powered noise cancellation adjustment based on environment
- Active noise cancellation
- Long battery life (up to 40 hours)
- Fast charging (2 hours from 10 minutes)
- Good gesture controls (configurable via app)
- IP64 certification (waterproof, dustproof, sweatproof)
- Sound quality is limited when used with non-Xiaomi phones
- Full audio capabilities are limited to Xiaomi phones
- Requires Xiaomi earbuds application for full functionality
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Design and Comfort
The Xiaomi Buds 5 boast a sleek, ergonomic design constructed from polycarbonate. Their lightweight nature (45g case, 4.6g each earbud) makes them incredibly comfortable for extended wear. They fit securely in the ear, remaining stable even during sudden movements.
The earbuds are surprisingly lightweight and comfortable, staying put even during vigorous activity. This makes them ideal for workouts and active lifestyles. The design is visually appealing, adding to their overall appeal.
Sound Quality and Qualcomm Sound
The sound quality is generally good, with decent fidelity and sharpness. The 11mm driver delivers high-quality audio. However, the experience is significantly enhanced when used with Xiaomi phones.
The earbuds utilize Qualcomm Sound technology, which unlocks their full audio potential when paired with compatible Xiaomi devices like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra or Xiaomi 14T Pro. On non-Xiaomi devices, the sound is still acceptable but lacks the depth and richness achieved with Xiaomi phones. The Harman audio tuning further refines the sound profile for a superior listening experience on supported devices.
Features and App Integration
The Xiaomi Buds 5 are compatible with both Android and iOS devices, although certain features are limited on non-Xiaomi phones. The dedicated Xiaomi earbuds app is crucial for accessing updates, tutorials, and customizing controls.
The app allows for configuring various touch gestures, including answering/rejecting calls, changing tracks, and activating/deactivating noise cancellation. The earbuds feature three microphones with AI noise cancellation, and active noise cancellation for calls and general listening, offering a clearer audio experience during conversations.
Battery Life and Charging
Xiaomi advertises 39-40 hours of playback, though this is likely dependent on usage. In real-world testing, the battery lasted around two weeks with an hour and 40 minutes of daily use.
The earbuds support fast charging; a 10-minute charge provides approximately 2 hours of use. The Xiaomi earbuds app provides detailed battery level information for both the earbuds and the charging case.
Durability and Water Resistance
The Xiaomi Buds 5 have an IP64 rating, making them resistant to water, dust, and sweat. This makes them suitable for use during workouts and in various outdoor activities.
The IP64 certification ensures durability and protection against the elements, making them a reliable choice for those who lead an active lifestyle and use them in various weather conditions.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi Buds 5 offer a compelling combination of lightweight comfort, stylish design, and decent sound. However, their reliance on Qualcomm Sound technology for optimal audio means the full potential is only unlocked on compatible Xiaomi phones.
While they work well on other devices, sound quality is not as impressive. The robust feature set, including customizable gestures, AI noise cancellation, and good battery life, makes them a solid choice for Xiaomi users or those prioritizing comfort and features above peak audio performance on any phone.
For the price, they are a good value, but users should be aware of the limitations when used with non-Xiaomi smartphones. If you own a compatible Xiaomi phone, these earbuds are a strong contender in their price range.