Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2: Aesthetics and audio clarity on point

When choosing earbuds, I’d rather choose those without tails/stems over those that have one. However, seeing how the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 fits perfectly as if it’s another earring or statement piece changes the game and it’s coming to the Philippines!

Aside from the really attractive design, this small audio device has been co-engineered with Devialet, promises dual speaker true sound, pure voice, and intelligent ANC 2.0. While all these features are music to the ears, let’s go through everything one by one to see if it’s something that would fit your lifestyle.

DESIGN

Let’s begin with the good parts: The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 is hard to miss due to its shiny and futuristic color scheme in Silver Blue – which can be seen in our photos, as well as Silver Frost and Ceramic White. This kind of eye-catching design is a breath of fresh air from the usual bland and matte finish that we see in the market. It’s easy to spot when you’re wearing ‘em so other people won’t attempt to bother talking to you. An introvert’s dream come true!

It’s also heaven-sent for people with a more active lifestyle as the FreeBuds Pro 2 is IP54 water and dust-resistant. Getting all sweaty or running in the rain (provided it’s just drizzling) while you’re in a busy and dusty street won’t be much of a problem for the audio device.

It comes in a flat edge design that is easier to pinch for smart controls, along with an oval-like shape that is snug in the ears. If you have a FreeBuds Pro, you might notice how identical they look like, except the FreeBuds Pro 2 is slightly smaller.  Compared with previous releases, the tail (or stem) of the FreeBuds Pro 2 doesn’t get in the way of earrings and accessories, which is a good since I’ve consistently pointed that out in previous reviews. A sign that Huawei listens to their customers’ feedback! In terms of weight,Each earbud is only 6.1 grams so you won’t really feel that it’s there.

Even the charging case was made more compact – light and small enough to fit even in your jeans. When putting the earbuds in the charging case, there’s a magnet that keeps it in place so you won’t have to worry about losing one if it accidentally opens. The indicator light can also be found inside, which we also prefer vs lights outside that annoyingly blinks while you’re in the dark. At the bottom part of the charging case, you’ll find the USB-C port beside a pairing key.

While not exactly a downside, it’s worth noting that due to the chrome, mirror-like glossy finish, the front part of the tails/stems are a fingerprint magnet. It’s not that noticeable and it can easily be cleaned in a swipe, though. It’s something that I can easily overlook, given how snug and comfy the earbuds are.

AUDIO QUALITY

Given that the FreeBuds Pro 2 are co-engineered with Devialet – a famous sound technology company, I had high expectations and luckily, it did not disappoint with clear audio that can keep you immersed in what you’re listening to. Varying vocals of Adele’s Easy on Me and different frequencies in The Weeknd’s Blinding Lights are something you’ll appreciate more with the FreeBuds Pro 2. You’ll be able to differentiate the vocals, bass, and other instruments easily.

It has small microphones that are almost unnoticeable but delivers really clear audio. Two are out-of-ear microphones which detects ambient noise, and one is an in-ear microphone which detects noise in the ear canal. The dynamic drivers then generate a more accurate anti-noise signal to help achieve a 47dB noise-cancelling depth. I’ve been in calls while in transit – both while inside cars and even noisy tricycles, but it managed to minimize if not drown out the noise from the busy road. It also doesn’t pick up a lot of wind sound even if you take calls outdoors. Based in my experience, the only thing it can’t block totally would be really loud barks of dogs. It has a really good ANC so it’s definitely something you can rely on if you want to take a step back from the hustle and noise of the city.

Huawei also shared that it’s the first TWS to use a UHF Planar Diaphragm Driver and 4 Quad-magnet Dynamic Driver for blood-pumping bass. It also has adaptive wearing status matching, volume matching, and ear matching for optimal sound tailored to the user’s ears.

With cutting-edge Bluetooth audio encoding and decoding technologies, the FreeBuds Pro 2 now supports LDAC, making the audio transmission rate soar up to 960 kbit/s.

FEATURES: AI LIFE

While the FreeBuds Pro 2 is amazing as it is, you’ll be able to appreciate it more once you’ve downloaded the AI Life app. Aside from giving an accurate battery life percentage of both earbuds and charging case, it gives you access to the following:

  • Audio Connection Center – Helps a user to seamlessly switch connection to and from other paired devices.
  • Noise Control – A manual switch between noise cancellation and awareness.
  • Sound Effects – Helps audiophiles customize the music they listen to! It also comes with 4 pre-installed sound effects – Default that has been co-created with Devialet, Bass Boost, Treble Boost, and Clear Vocals. Sound quality can also be enhanced when you toggle on “HD Voice” under this tab.
  • Tip Fit Test – This helps a user check if they got the right tip for their ears.
  • Gestures – If you’re not satisfied with the pre-installed gestures, it can be further customized through the app.

CONTROLS

Connecting the earbuds to your smartphone, even if you’re using a non-Huawei device, is very simple. All you need to do is press and hold the button on the right side of the charging case while the buds are still inside, turn on your smartphone’s Bluetooth, and pair it with the FreeBuds Pro 2 (registered as NEMO_MU0503 on my end).

As always, the gesture controls are also easy to remember and they’re really responsive. It’s also smart enough to differentiate what it’s like when you’re just adjust the earbuds or if you’re pinching it for a certain control. It works on both tails/stems so no worries if you’re left-handed or right-handed.

  • Long press (both sides of the stem): ANC/Awareness Mode
  • Swipe up (side): Volume up
  • Swipe down (side): Volume down
  • Pinch once: Play/Pause and Answer/End Call
  • Pinch twice: Next song
  • Pinch three times: Previous song

BATTERY AND CHARGING

The only slight let-down for me would be the 4-hour battery life of its earbuds. It’s not something that can keep up with long continuous travel hours but I guess it shouldn’t be a problem if you’re not the type of person who listens to music for 4 straight hours or are in a call/meeting for more than 6 hours a day. Hours are longer if you don’t use ANC, but of course, it sounds better with ANC!

Charging the earbuds and case itself takes more or less than an hour from zero. Although I haven’t tried wireless charging it yet, I’m assuming that Huawei’s lab test of 2 hours is accurate.

For a better overview, here’s a specs rundown:

SPECIFICATIONS

DimensionsEarbuds: 29.1mm (L) x 21.8mm (W) x 23.7mm (H)
Weight: Around 6.1g  
Charging Case: 67.9mm (L) x 24.5mm (W) x 47.5mm (H)
Weight: Around 52g
Battery Capacity55mAh (per earbud) / 580mAh (charging case)
PlaytimeANC OFF
6.5 hours playback on 1 charge
30 hours total playback with charging case
ANC ON
4 hours playback on 1 charge
18 hours total playback with charging case
ChargingUSB Type-C and/or Qi standard (2W, wireless)
Charging TimeAround 1 hr for the charging case only
Around 40 mins for the earbuds in charging case
Around 120 mins for charging case without earbuds (wireless)
Bluetooth CompatibilityBluetooth 5.2

Supports simultaneous connection with dual devices, with Pop-Up Pair for smartphones running on EMUI10 and above
SensorBone sensor / Accelerometer / Gyroscope sensor / Infrared sensor
Ultra-hearing Dual Driver11m dynamic driver + planar diaphragm driver
Frequency Response Range14Hz ~ 48kHz
Audio TechnologyDigital cross-over/ Triple Adaptive EQ/ Active noise cancellation/ Call noise cancellation/ Transparency Mode
Splash, Water, and Dust ResistanceIP54 (Note: It’s splash resistant, not waterproof!)
Audio FormatsLDAC/AAC/SBC
Inside the BoxEarbuds, a short USB-A to USB-C cable, a warranty card, a quick start guide, and extra silicone tips in two different sizes

PRICE AND PRE-ORDER DETAILS

For the price of Php 9,999, you can pre-order a Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 from September 2-8, 2022 and get a FREE Huawei Band 6 worth Php 2,599. Both would make really great workout buddies!

Overall, I would say that anyone is a sure winner given the price, freebies, and TWS features that you’ll get below Php 10k during the pre-order period. Without hesitation, I’d say this is one of the best ones I’ve tried this year. Definitely a good fit for multitaskers and multi-hyphenate millennials.


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4 Replies to “Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2: Aesthetics and audio clarity on point”

  1. Woww what a nice review !perfect talaga ito #HUAWAEIFreeBudsPro2,worth it to buy kasi ang ganda pala nito at affordable 💙love this, hoping din makabili ako nito 💙🤗the best talaga kapag HUAWEI 💙

  2. Love this #HUAWEIFreeBudsPro2 talagang sure na maganda Ang quality and worth it to buy! Love the color too. Very recommended talaga 🥰

    1. Ang ganda naman nitong huawei earbuds,ang ganda ng color ❤️love it,naadjust din Yung sounds when it’s kinda hurt to your ear, highly recommended!🥰

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