Huawei FreeBuds 7i: Affordable Wireless Earbuds with Spatial Audio

Key Takeaways

1. The FreeBuds 7i is priced significantly lower than Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4, retailing at CNY 499 (~$70).
2. The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.4 and various audio codecs, including AAC and LDAC, with L2HC 2.0 compatibility limited to certain Huawei devices.
3. They feature dual and multi-device connectivity, an IP54 rating, and offer up to five hours of battery life with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on.
4. The FreeBuds 7i includes 11 mm drivers, three microphones, spatial audio tracking, and a 10-band EQ, achieving Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification.
5. Other new gadgets launched by Huawei include Mate TV, Mate TV Pro, MatePad Mini, and Mate XTs Ultimate Design, all currently available only in China.

The FreeBuds 7i is just one of the many new gadgets that Huawei has unveiled in China today. To give you some background, the company has also launched the Mate TV, Mate TV Pro, MatePad Mini, and the Mate XTs Ultimate Design. Similar to the FreeBuds 7i, these other gadgets are currently only available in Huawei’s home market, and there is no information on when they might be available internationally.

Pricing and Features

In a nutshell, the FreeBuds 7i offers a lower price than Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 (currently priced at $119 on Amazon). While even the more affordable AirPods 4 are priced at CNY 999 (~$140), Huawei is selling the FreeBuds 7i for CNY 499 (~$70), with a suggested retail price of CNY 599 (~$84) available in grey, white, and pink. Additionally, the FreeBuds 7i supports Bluetooth 5.4 with AAC, LDAC, and L2HC 2.0 codecs, though it’s important to note that L2HC 2.0 will only work with certain Huawei devices that can run at least HarmonyOS 3.

Connectivity and Battery Life

Furthermore, the FreeBuds 7i allows for dual and multi-device connectivity and has an IP54 rating. Users can expect up to five hours of battery life with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) turned on. Huawei also claims that if ANC is switched off, the FreeBuds 7i can last an additional three hours. The included charging case is designed to provide three complete recharges before it requires a charge itself.

Sound Quality and Specifications

In addition, the FreeBuds 7i comes equipped with 11 mm drivers that deliver a frequency response ranging from 20 Hz to 40 kHz. Huawei has also integrated three microphones, including a ‘bone conduction microphone’ that aims to enhance vocal clarity during calls. The earbuds offer spatial audio tracking and come with a 10-band EQ, earning them Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification. For further information, check out Huawei’s website.

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