For a long time, I've been use a Google Pixel buds. The Google Pixel 3a and later the Pixel 4a were my go-to cameras for a long time until Apple released the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. When the Google Pixel Buds A-Series debuted in India, that's exactly what we expected, and we weren't disappointed.
Google decided not introduce the Pixel Buds in India, instead opting for the less expensive Pixel Buds A-Series, which makes sense in certain ways. When you first glance at the Pixel Buds A-Series' egg-shaped Clearly White matte case, it appears to be very plain, much like many other TWS options on the market right now. But then you remember the basic, matte black of the Pixel 4a
The Pixel Buds A-Series charging case features a hidden USB-C port at the bottom for charging, a single LED in the front to indicate charging mode and pairing, and a Half Effect sensor that detects when the cover is opened and closed. The Pixel Buds A-Series connect through Bluetooth 5.0, and pairing the buds with an Android or iOS smartphone was a breeze.
The Pixel Buds app is available for download from the Google Play Store; however, there is no such app for iOS. This Pixel Buds software allows you to customize the sound settings on the buds, but only to a limited extent, such as turning on or off Bass Boost and Adaptive Sound. Unfortunately, the touch controls on the Pixel Buds A-Series are not configurable, so you'll have to make do with what the buds have to give. To be fair, they aren't difficult to master. You also can't use the Bass Boost or Adaptive Sound on the iPhone because there isn't a Pixel Buds app. I tested the Pixel Buds A-Series with both an iPhone and an Android handset, with the latter performing substantially better.
The buds themselves appear to be one-of-a-kind. Thankfully, there is no stalk, but there is a small stabiliser arc that aids in tucking the buds into your ear. The Pixel Buds A-Series' fit is quite pleasant, the soft-fit ear tip offers a decent, snug fit, and the buds fit in wonderfully (I normally struggle with most other buds when it comes to this) and stayed there when I was on a fast walk and during a treadmill run. It never felt like they were slipping out, something I've experienced with a lot of other buds.
The sound quality of the Pixel Buds A-Series is excellent. When I used it on the iPhone, though, I found it to be a little lacking, but it performed much better on Android. However, labeling it "wanting" on iPhones does not imply that it is bad. It's simply better on Android. The Pixel Buds A-Series headphones feature dynamic drivers to produce clean sound with good bass. You can turn on the bass boost option from the Pixel Buds app, and I did so throughout my use because I preferred that sound profile. This is better for music, but you can turn off the bass increase for podcasts and phone calls. The sound on the buds is also rather loud, and I rarely had to turn them all the way up, unless I was at the gym.
Passive noise reduction is supported by the Pixel Buds A-Series, which is fairly pleasant. The spatial vent on the buds aids in the lowering of in-ear pressure and spatial awareness. This also aids the buds in detecting when the device is in-ear. Many TWS buds do this wrong, giving you the sensation of having your ears plugged.
Because the Pixel Buds A-Series do not feature Active Noise Cancellation, the passive noise reduction helps (ANC). They do, however, include a feature known as Adaptive Sound. Adaptive Sound employed artificial intelligence to alter the volume on the buds based on your surroundings. When you're in a noisy, busy setting, the volume will be turned up, and when you're in a quieter one, it will be dialed down. This is a very useful feature. Adaptive Sound on the Pixel Buds A-Series also compensates for long-term noise rather than a one-time shift in ambient noise levels. On paper, not having ANC feels like a loss, but in reality, we didn't miss it in our daily lives. Due to two beam-forming microphones, calls on the Pixel Buds A-Series were clear and loud, and Adaptive Sound performed admirably when listening to music.
The Pixel Buds A-Series battery performed admirably. On a single charge, we received a little over four hours of listening time, and the case carries a 24-hour charge, so you get more out of this. The Pixel Buds A-Series case charges quickly as well, reaching 100 percent in approximately an hour, although a quick 15-minute charge provided us with about two hours of listening time. Real-time translation is one of the features included with the Pixel Buds A-Series, but we didn't get to try it out.
Should you purchase it?
The Google Pixel Buds A-Series have a nice sound to them. You might wonder if the $100 price tag is reasonable at first, but after you start using it, especially with an Android mobile, you'll find that it all makes sense. Now, if a $99 price tag makes you pause (as we did), wouldn't it have been a better decision for Google not to release the more expensive Pixel Buds in India? The Pixel Buds A-Series are well worth the money for how well they fit and sound.
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