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| Huawei Freebuds 6 |
Huawei Freebuds 6i
Huawei has recently launched the Freebuds 6i alongside the Watch Fit 3 and two new Matebook laptops, promising significant enhancements in battery life and noise cancellation. After a few weeks of extensive use, we are ready to provide a detailed review of these TWS earphones.
Design and Build Quality
The Huawei Freebuds 6i are available in Black, Purple, and White. The case features a matte finish, while the buds have a glossy look, reminiscent of their predecessors, the Freebuds 5i. Despite their shiny appearance, the buds resist fingerprints and smudges effectively. The buds are equipped with short stems, comfortable rubber tips (including two additional sets of varying sizes), and the Huawei logo on the side. The package also includes a USB-A to USB-C cable and a Quick Start Guide.
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| Huawei Freebuds 6i |
Connectivity and Controls
The Freebuds 6i boast Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, allowing simultaneous connection to two devices for seamless transitions between, say, a laptop and a phone. Pairing with a phone is straightforward, especially when using the AI Life app from the Huawei AppGallery, which can be accessed via a QR code on the box.
Battery Life and Charging
The Freebuds 6i maintain the same weight as their predecessors but come with a significantly improved case battery capacity of 510 mAh (a 25% increase). Each bud houses a 55 mAh battery. Huawei claims up to 8 hours of music playback with ANC off and 5 hours with ANC on. Our tests revealed about 7 hours of playback with ANC off and around 4 hours with ANC on. Including recharges from the case, we achieved approximately 32 hours with ANC off and nearly 18 hours with ANC on.
Sound Quality and Performance
The Freebuds 6i are equipped with 11 mm quad-magnet dynamic drivers, which are Hi-Res certified and 50% more powerful than their predecessors. While the sound quality is excellent, the bass lacks depth, making them less ideal for bass-heavy genres like R&B, rap, or electronic music. However, they excel in delivering clear and defined vocals, making them perfect for meetings and calls.
Noise Cancellation and Modes
The Freebuds 6i feature Dynamic ANC 3.0 with an enhanced noise-filtering chamber and a 3-mic system that effectively reduces background noise and highlights voices. Users can select from three manual modes: Noise Canceling, Off, and Awareness, with the Noise Canceling mode offering four options: Cozy, General, Ultra, and Dynamic. Dynamic mode, which adapts to the surroundings, provided the best noise cancellation experience in our tests. The Awareness mode includes a Voice Mode option that allows for clear conversations without amplifying all environmental sounds.
Comfort and Durability
Designed for everyday use and workouts, the Freebuds 6i come with IP54 protection and comfortable rubber tips. This makes them resistant to sweat and light rain, enhancing their suitability for active lifestyles.
Pricing and Promotions
Priced at €99, the Freebuds 6i are an attractive option, especially with Huawei’s frequent promotions. Currently, European users can avail additional wearables like the Watch Fit, Freeclip, or Band 8 at a €50 discount, making the Freebuds 6i an even more compelling purchase.
Conclusion
The Huawei Freebuds 6i offer a substantial upgrade over their predecessors, particularly in terms of battery life and noise cancellation. While the sound quality may not cater to bass enthusiasts, the clarity in vocals and call quality makes them an excellent choice for daily use and professional settings. With competitive pricing and frequent promotions, the Freebuds 6i stand out as a top contender in the TWS earphones market.
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