EarFun Air Pro 4+: A Deep Dive Into the Latest True Wireless Earbuds
The Air Pro 4+ represents the pinnacle of EarFun’s true wireless earbuds lineup, bringing forth a multitude of impressive features. With a dual-driver design—featuring both dynamic and balanced armature drivers—these earbuds promise a high-quality listening experience. Furthermore, they support a wide array of audio codecs, such as LDAC, aptX Lossless, and LC3 with Auracast, ensuring versatility in connection and sound quality.
Available for under $100, currently priced at $76, the Air Pro 4+ aims to deliver flagship features at a budget-friendly price. This article will explore their design, software, performance, and overall value.
Design
The design of the Air Pro 4+ closely resembles its predecessor, the Air Pro 4, featuring a glossy dual-tone aesthetic and elongated stems. While slightly bulkier than other models, this design choice aids in easy handling and comfort.
The redesigned case features a unique vertical opening mechanism that provides easy access to the earbuds. Inspired by the dynamic hatches seen in high-performance cars like the Ford GT40, this design is both functional and visually appealing. The earbuds are stored vertically within the case, contributing to an overall upscale look.
With an IP55 rating, the Air Pro 4+ promises dust and water resistance, making them suitable for various environments. Comfort-wise, the soft ear tips allow for extended wear without discomfort.
Software
Compatible with the EarFun Audio app on both Android and iOS, managing settings for the Air Pro 4+ is straightforward. The app includes a recent addition: AI Translation. While this feature aims to provide real-time translation, in practice, its performance may not meet expectations, often resulting in delays that could hinder effective communication.
While the promise of AI Translation is exciting, the functionality currently leaves much to be desired, suggesting that users rely on traditional methods for foreign language interaction.
Performance
When it comes to audio quality, the hybrid dual-driver setup featuring a 10mm dynamic driver and balanced armature unit delivers an exceptional auditory experience. Supporting codecs like aptX Lossless and LDAC, these earbuds provide flexibility in sound quality tailored to your source device.
Notably, EarFun has tuned the audio to align with the Harman target curve, providing an exquisite balance across various sound frequencies. The bass is robust without overemphasizing mid-bass, while vocals maintain clarity and instrument separation, showcasing EarFun’s expertise in audio tuning.
However, one area of improvement lies in the timbre, which may not feel as natural due to the characteristics of balanced armature drivers. This mild metallic quality can detract slightly from an otherwise impressive listening experience.
Regarding microphone quality, the performance is commendable in quiet surroundings. However, in noisy environments, while the earbuds manage to suppress background noise, the clarity of voice becomes compromised.
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is included, allowing users to switch between multiple modes. However, the ANC effectiveness is moderate, especially in higher frequency ranges. The earbuds also feature a transparency mode, which enhances ambient sounds but can lack natural clarity.
Notably, the behavior of the earbuds when one is removed from the ear could use adjustment, as they do not automatically switch to transparency mode like many competitors do.
Battery Life
With a claimed battery life of 12 hours when ANC is disabled, actual testing revealed slightly lower usability. The earbuds returned 6.5 hours of life with LDAC in balanced bitrate mode, and 8.25 hours using aptX Adaptive.
Conclusion
In summary, the Air Pro 4+ by EarFun stands out primarily for its exceptional sound quality, a hallmark of the brand. Although it excels in audio delivery and codec variety, performance in microphone quality, battery life, and ANC may not meet the highest standards set by its price point.
If audio quality is your main focus, and you are willing to overlook some shortcomings in features like ANC or battery life, the Air Pro 4+ could be a compelling choice, catering to those stepping into the world of high-quality audio without the constraints of wired earphones. For more in-depth information, you can read the full review here.
Image Credit: www.gsmarena.com
