The tech world is always abuzz with new releases and upgrades, and the audio enthusiasts are no exception. When Google launched the Pixel Buds Pro, many users of the original Pixel Buds were left wondering: is it worth upgrading to the Pro version? In this article, we’ll delve into the features, comparisons, and benefits to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Comfort: A Slight but Significant Upgrade
At first glance, the Pixel Buds Pro may seem identical to their predecessors. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice a few subtle yet crucial design changes. The Pro version boasts a more ergonomic design, with a slightly longer stem and a more angular shape that fits snugly in the ear. This new design provides a more secure fit, reducing the likelihood of the buds falling out during exercise or daily activities.
Additionally, the Pixel Buds Pro introduces a feature called “Eartip Fit Test.” This innovative feature uses a short audio test to determine whether the earbuds are properly seated in your ear, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit. While this may seem like a minor improvement, it’s a game-changer for those who struggled with the original Pixel Buds’ fit.
A Closer Look at the Materials
The Pixel Buds Pro also features a new material that provides a more premium feel. The earbuds now boast a soft, silicone-like coating that’s gentle on the ears and provides a more comfortable wear experience. This new material also makes the earbuds more resistant to sweat and water, earning them an IPX4 rating.
In contrast, the original Pixel Buds had a more minimalist design with a smooth, plastic finish. While this design was sleek and modern, it sometimes felt a bit cheap and didn’t provide the same level of comfort as the Pro version.
Active Noise Cancellation: A Major Selling Point
One of the most significant upgrades in the Pixel Buds Pro is the introduction of active noise cancellation (ANC). This feature uses one of the three microphones to detect ambient noise, which is then cancelled out by an “anti-noise” signal. The result is a more immersive listening experience with reduced external distractions.
The ANC on the Pixel Buds Pro is impressive, successfully blocking out background chatter, engine rumble, and other environmental noises. This feature is especially useful for commuters, travelers, or anyone who wants to focus on their music or podcasts in noisy environments.
In comparison, the original Pixel Buds lacked ANC, making the Pro version a significant upgrade in this regard.
How ANC Affects Sound Quality
The addition of ANC doesn’t just improve the listening experience; it also affects sound quality. With ANC enabled, the Pixel Buds Pro produces a more balanced sound with deeper bass and clearer highs. This is because the ANC helps to reduce ambient noise, allowing you to focus on the music itself.
In contrast, the original Pixel Buds had a slightly more emphasized bass response, which some users preferred. However, the Pro version’s balanced sound profile is generally more appealing to a wider audience.
Sound Quality: A Comparison of the Two
Sound quality is a crucial aspect of any earbuds, and both the Pixel Buds and Pixel Buds Pro deliver in this regard. However, there are some subtle differences between the two.
The original Pixel Buds are known for their clear, detailed sound with a slightly emphasized bass response. They’re well-suited for a variety of genres, from hip-hop to classical music. However, some users found the sound to be a bit harsh or piercing at higher volumes.
The Pixel Buds Pro, on the other hand, offer a more balanced sound with deeper bass and clearer highs. The sound is more refined and nuanced, making it suitable for a wide range of genres. The Pro version also handles loud volumes better, with less distortion and ear fatigue.
In summary, the Pixel Buds Pro offer a more refined and balanced sound, while the original Pixel Buds have a slightly more emphasized bass response.
Battery Life and Charging: A Minor Upgrade
Battery life is an essential consideration for earbuds, and both the Pixel Buds and Pixel Buds Pro deliver decent results. The original Pixel Buds offered around 5 hours of battery life on a single charge, with an additional 24 hours of battery life from the charging case.
The Pixel Buds Pro, on the other hand, offer around 7 hours of battery life on a single charge, with an additional 31 hours of battery life from the charging case. While this is an improvement, it’s not a dramatic increase.
Additionally, the Pixel Buds Pro support wireless charging, a convenient feature that allows you to charge your earbuds without the need for a cable. However, this feature is not exclusive to the Pro version, as the original Pixel Buds also support wireless charging with the purchase of a separate wireless charging case.
Price and Value: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
The biggest question on everyone’s mind is: is the upgrade from the original Pixel Buds to the Pixel Buds Pro worth it? The answer ultimately depends on your budget and priorities.
The Pixel Buds Pro are priced at around $199, a significant increase from the original Pixel Buds’ launch price of $159. However, considering the numerous upgrades, including ANC, improved design, and refined sound quality, the Pro version offers better value.
If you’re currently using the original Pixel Buds and are happy with their performance, there’s no compelling reason to upgrade. However, if you’re in the market for new earbuds or want to take advantage of the latest features, the Pixel Buds Pro are an excellent choice.
In conclusion, the Pixel Buds Pro offer a significant upgrade over the original Pixel Buds, with improvements in design, comfort, noise cancellation, and sound quality.
| Feature | Pixel Buds | Pixel Buds Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Simple, minimalist design | Ergonomic design with Eartip Fit Test |
| Active Noise Cancellation | No | Yes |
| Sound Quality | Clear, detailed sound with emphasized bass | Refined, balanced sound with deeper bass and clearer highs |
| Battery Life | 5 hours (single charge), 24 hours (with charging case) | 7 hours (single charge), 31 hours (with charging case) |
| Price | $159 (launch price) | $199 |
While the Pixel Buds Pro offer significant upgrades over the original Pixel Buds, the decision to upgrade ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you value the latest features and improved performance, the Pixel Buds Pro are an excellent choice. However, if you’re on a tight budget or happy with your current earbuds, there’s no need to upgrade just yet.
Are Pixel Buds Pro significantly better than Pixel Buds?
The Pixel Buds Pro offer several significant upgrades over the original Pixel Buds. For starters, they have a more comfortable and ergonomic design, with a new vent system that helps to equalize ear pressure and reduce discomfort during extended wear. They also have improved audio quality, with deeper bass and clearer highs, as well as active noise cancellation (ANC) to help block out background noise.
In addition, the Pixel Buds Pro have longer battery life, with up to 11 hours of listening time on a single charge, and they support wireless charging. They also have IPX4 water resistance, which means they can withstand sweat and light rain, making them a great option for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Overall, the Pixel Buds Pro offer a more premium listening experience compared to the original Pixel Buds.
Do I need to have a Pixel phone to use Pixel Buds Pro?
No, you don’t need to have a Pixel phone to use Pixel Buds Pro. While the Pixel Buds Pro are designed to work seamlessly with Pixel phones, they are compatible with any device that supports Bluetooth 5.0 or higher. This means you can pair them with an Android phone, an iPhone, or even a tablet or laptop.
That being said, some features may not be available when using the Pixel Buds Pro with a non-Pixel device. For example, the ability to customize the earbuds’ settings and access certain features like real-time translation may only be available on Pixel phones. However, the core features like audio quality, noise cancellation, and battery life will still be available regardless of the device you’re using.
Can I use Pixel Buds Pro with my iPhone?
Yes, you can use Pixel Buds Pro with your iPhone. As mentioned earlier, the Pixel Buds Pro are compatible with any device that supports Bluetooth 5.0 or higher, which includes iPhones. You can pair the earbuds with your iPhone and enjoy high-quality audio, active noise cancellation, and other features.
However, keep in mind that some features may not be available when using the Pixel Buds Pro with an iPhone. For example, you may not be able to customize the earbuds’ settings or access certain features like real-time translation. Additionally, the earbuds may not integrate as seamlessly with an iPhone as they do with a Pixel phone.
Are Pixel Buds Pro worth the upgrade if I already have Pixel Buds?
If you already have Pixel Buds and are happy with their performance, you may not need to upgrade to the Pixel Buds Pro. The original Pixel Buds are still a great option, and you may not notice a significant difference in audio quality or performance.
However, if you’re experiencing discomfort or fatigue with your current Pixel Buds, or if you’re looking for a more premium listening experience with active noise cancellation, the Pixel Buds Pro may be worth considering. Additionally, if you’re planning to use your earbuds for extended periods of time, the longer battery life of the Pixel Buds Pro may be a deciding factor.
Can I customize the Pixel Buds Pro ear tips for a better fit?
Yes, the Pixel Buds Pro come with three different ear tip sizes to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. You can try out each of the ear tips to see which one fits best in your ear. Additionally, the ear tips are designed to be easy to remove and replace, so you can experiment with different sizes or try out different ear tips if needed.
If you’re still having trouble getting a good fit, Google also offers a “fit test” feature in the Google Pixel Buds app that can help you determine which ear tip size is best for you. The app will play a series of tones and ask you to indicate which ear tip size provides the best seal.
Do Pixel Buds Pro support spatial audio?
Yes, the Pixel Buds Pro support spatial audio, which is a feature that allows you to hear audio in 3D space. This means that when you’re watching a video or playing a game, the audio will be more immersive and realistic, with sounds coming from specific directions.
To enable spatial audio, you’ll need to have a compatible device and content that supports the feature. The Pixel Buds Pro will automatically detect when spatial audio is available and adjust the audio accordingly.
Can I use Pixel Buds Pro for phone calls?
Yes, the Pixel Buds Pro are great for phone calls. They have high-quality microphones that pick up your voice clearly, and the earbuds are designed to reduce background noise and wind noise. This means that you can take hands-free calls and converse with friends and family without worrying about poor audio quality.
Additionally, the Pixel Buds Pro have a feature called “wind reduction” that helps to reduce the sound of wind noise when you’re taking calls in windy conditions. This feature can be especially useful if you like to take calls while walking or exercising outdoors.