After the long daunting wait, Google finally launched Google Pixel Buds 2 earbuds on 27th April 2020, and even under the whole Covid 19 fiasco, android users cannot keep calm. The recent upgrade of the original Google Pixel buds which launched back in 2017 seems to be modified in terms of design (they have now gone completely wireless), sound quality, battery, and call quality added features and the overall potential of the product.
When we finally got our hands on it, it did seem promising by the looks of it. To break it down from the aesthetics standpoint to the technicalities of it, here are a few things we dissected about these earphones:
Design
Since the earphone has completely gone wireless, Google has turned to the iteration of a stabilizer arc or in simpler terms, a wearable Mentos shaped design that anchors comfortably in your ears without the constant fear of dropping and loosing. Each of the buds weighs about 5.3 grams or 0.19 ounces that securely sit inside your ears without feeling hefty or sticking out. Unlike the predecessor, these earbuds do not resemble Air pods in terms of the shape and blends in with your ears in the most flattering way without falling off when you are running, driving, working out, or just moving.
However, we cannot vouch about the comfort of long listening sessions as it highly depends on the shape of every individual’s ear and the listening capacity.
Software
With the true wireless exterior design, the buds also come with the touch-sensitive surfaces along with the dual IR sensors that automatically plays and stops the music when they are seated in your ears and otherwise. These babies are also equipped with gyroscopes and motion-detecting accelerometers. With the new edition of the audio system from Qualcomm, the Google Translate and virtual assistant make a debut. You can now use Google Translate with your buds in over 40 languages. With Google Assistant features, you will be notified with all the activities on your connected Android phone as they come in. Just begin with Hey Google! And get the genie in your ears to make a call, request a playlist, check for weather updates or time, and more.
You will also be able to control all the other smart home gadgets with Pixel buds 2. Just like the Airpods, the buds also come with the Fast Pair on Android feature where you need to hold the buds near your phone and it automatically pairs the google account linked to the phone. Also, you can check out the remaining battery of both buds and charging case if you open your earphone case near your device.
Sound quality
Pixel Buds 2 most definitely passes the sound quality test with flying colors considering they are not just great for listening to music but also perform well while making calls. The presence of dual beamforming mics focuses entirely on your voice, while the voice accelerometers detect jaw movement to know when you are speaking. Even though the earphones do not come with a noise-canceling feature, they do have an adaptive sound mode which adjusts the volume to your surrounding environment automatically. Also, the spatial vent (as Google likes to call it) prevents the obstructed feeling you get when you are trying to hear your voice on the call. This helps in spatial awareness and ear pressure reduction too. Make sure that some sound does get out when you are playing cranked tunes in a quiet room.
Overall, Pixel buds 2 will not disappoint you with its overall listening experience be it for calls, music, or anything else.
Battery
The battery life of Google Pixel buds 2 can last for 5 hours along with the additional 19 hours from the case just like the AirPods and AirPods Pro. However, it does not mention the impact always-on Google Assistant feature on the battery life. When compared to the AirPods, the battery life seems less since the noise cancellation and other features are not taken into consideration. Also, the right earbud tends to consume more battery than the left one in the elongated usage. But it deserves appreciation for its 10-minute charging capacity that can help the buds go on for 2 hours straight.
This, however, does not dismiss the need of carrying the charger around if you want to use the buds the entire day. But with the charging case of 19 hours juice, you can rely on it for your extensive usage and not worry about the buds dying on you. Talking about the charging case, Similar to the Apple Pods, Google Pixel Buds 2 also comes in a white oval-shaped charging case with an added thickness for protection though. This matte case contains enough battery power to charge the earphone for over 19-20 hours. The status light inside will guide you for the battery light of the charging case and the single LED showcases the charge for both the buds.
Added features
One of the greatest features of the newly launched Pixel Buds 2 has to be the Bluetooth 5.0 capabilities that come with the long-range montage. The users will be able to easily cover the entire length of a football field without getting disconnected from your phone. Speaking of workouts, Pixel Buds 2 is also water-resistant and you will be able to go about your heavy cardio and sweatiest workout without worrying about the earbuds getting soaked. Note that the buds are not waterproof entirely and only IPX4 splash-proof and water-resistant.
Our Verdict
Overall, Google has undoubtedly taken a leap from the predecessor with Pixel buds 2. Priced at $ 179, these buds are now completely wireless, sit comfortably on your ears without any discomfort, and falling off and perform extremely well in the sound quality check. The absence of an active noise cancellation feature is a slight shortcoming for the buds, but the Google Assistant voice control, dual IR sensors, motion-detecting accelerometers, and spatial vent makes up for the sound quality and audio comfort. The longer shelf life of the battery along with the juice from the charging case, these buds are made to be used for the entire day. There are noticeable aesthetic upgrades in the design of both buds and charging cases too. The sweat-resistant and splash-proof features also make is a great companion for workouts and long runs.
Overall, keeping a few shortcomings aside, Google pixel Buds 2 is a great option for the Android users filling the void of the much-awaited good quality wireless pods in the market.
Meet The New Google Pixel Buds 2
Source: https://www.blog.google/products/pixel/new-pixel-buds/
