In March 2022, Realme launched a new generation of wireless audio devices namely Buds Air 3 in Indonesia with the tagline Noise Off, Rock On. The latest TWS or True Wireless Sound from Realme has received many improvements and is given new features from the previous generation.
Priced at Rp. 699,000 TWS, the Realme Buds Air 3 comes in two color variants, Galaxy White and Starry Blue. How is the performance? We have also been testing this device for about two weeks. Check out the full review.
Design
Minimalist and aesthetic, that's our first impression of TWS (True Wireless Stereo) with this Galaxy White color variant. Similar to the previous generation, the curved design of each corner is still used by Realme for the charging case body, but for the Buds Air 3, it has a longer side with dimensions of 64.5 x 48.3 x 24.3 mm.
Wrapped in polycarbonate material, the entire body is dominated by a shiny white color, even though the Buds Air 3 is not easily dirty or leaves fingerprints.
On the front side of the Buds Air 3, precisely in the middle, there is a small dot which is an LED light that functions as an indicator when using or charging the device.
Then on the top there is a silver Realme letter which is coated with a transparent material so it looks more futuristic. The open and close design is also made sturdy and strong with a magnetic alloy.
While on the right side of the Realme Buds Air 3 case, there is a button that functions to connect via Bluetooth to a smartphone or laptop device, activate the ANC feature, or to reset to factory settings.
With a weight of 37.2 grams, the Realme Buds Air casing is easy to carry everywhere, comfortable to hold and doesn't take up space to put in a bag because of its tiny shape.
Switching to the Realme Buds Air 3 earbuds, these earbuds have a white color combination with silver stems. When attached to the ear canal, the 4.2 gram earbud feels snug in the ear and doesn't come off easily when moving.
With silicone earbuds, even long-term use such as listening to music on Spotify or watching videos doesn't hurt the ears.
Oh yes, the Realme Buds Air 3 is also equipped with IPX5 technology, so you don't have to worry if the TWS gets splashed with water or sweat because it's waterproof.
Connecting the Realme Buds Air 3 to a smartphone is very easy. First, open the case cover and then press and hold the button on the side for three seconds to activate the Bluetooth function.
The pairing process runs smoothly both on iOS Android devices, up to Windows. This is thanks to the support for Bluetooth 5.2 technology.
When connected, the Realme Buds Air 3 will automatically connect to a phone, tablet or laptop that has been connected and ready to use.
With a transmission distance of up to 10 meters, this TWS can still be played smoothly even though the distance is far from the smartphone. And when we tried to use just one of the earbuds, the TWS still played music.
For those of you who are not Realme users, you can install the Realme Link application on the Google Play Store for free. With this application you can manage the configuration of the realme Buds Air 3.
Like doing an update, looking at the battery percentage of the earbuds. Not only that with this application we can control the choice of Noise, Sound Effects, activate Game Mode and others.
Feature
When launched, the Realme Buds Air 3 received many improvements and new features compared to the previous generation. Particularly highlighted is the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology.
Previously, Realme Buds Air 2 only had 25dB Active Noise Cancellation. Now Buds Air 3 is equipped with 42dB Active Noise Cancellation.
No wonder at the launch of Buds Air 3, Realme called it the 'New Flagship Killer ANC TWS for Everyone'. You could say that TWS with ANC features is the best in its class.
With 42dB ANC capability, the Realme Buds Air 3 is indeed very comfortable to listen to music, the sound produced is clear without any interference from sounds in the surrounding environment. Because with this feature it is able to reduce noise such as in crowded places, chat sounds, or other rumbling sounds.
Not only that, this TWS is also provided with Transparency Mode technology. which allows users to listen to ambient sound in one click. By activating this mode, the sound output from the music will be reduced so there is no need to remove the TWS in the ear when someone else is talking to you directly.
Another technology in the Realme Buds Air 3 is using dual channel De-wind structure microphone technology. Anti-wind-noise design with bidirectional airflow allows wind to flow naturally through the two wind-guiding holes on the stem of the earbuds.
So as to effectively prevent the wind from forming turbulent noise in the feedforward microphone to achieve wind noise cancellation. So that the sound will still be heard clearly when the sound of wind noise begins to fill the surrounding room.
As for the chip, smart noise cancellation uses the updated Realme Chip R3. It not only has efficient and smart noise-canceling capabilities, but also has the advantages of ultra-low power consumption and stable connectivity.
The Buds Air 3 also features large 10mm drivers made from the latest liquid crystal polymer composite. This is able to present a deeper and maximum bass sound. In addition, this TWS also supports the AAC high-quality audio distribution standard.
The Buds Air 3 are equipped with large 10mm drivers made from the latest liquid crystal polymer composite. Thus TWS is able to present a more maximal and satisfying bass sound.
When playing a song with a beat, the bass is so clear and you can feel the boom. On the other hand, when playing mellow genre songs, the sound produced is also pleasant to hear. Especially when activating the ANC feature, the sound produced is even more solid to enjoy.
TWS Buds Air 3 can also be relied on for gaming. With the choice of Game Mode options, playing heavy games such as Mobile Legend becomes even more exciting with the sound produced as well as light games for children and the sound is very good.
And when we try to make phone voice calls or video calls like on WhatsApp or Zoom both via smartphones and PCs. This TWS can give the voice that the other person hears clearly without having to repeat the words.
Battery
During our testing, the Realme Buds Air 3 was very durable. For intensive use or a full day by activating the ANC feature, it can be used for more than one day. But if infrequently it can last for days.
No wonder because this TWS is given a large 564 mAh battery which is provided to play songs for a total of up to 30 hours.
To charge it is also fairly fast, it only takes about an hour to reach 100%. Not only that, the Buds Air 3 also supports 10-minute fast charging for 100 minutes of listening to music in normal mode.
Our Opinion
With a price of under a million, a minimalist design, large battery power, ANC technology that is improved from the previous generation, as well as support features that are able to produce clear and high-quality sound for gaming and phone/video calls. It seems that Realme Buds Air 3 can be included in the list of recommendations for buying TWS.
During our tests, this TWS can produce great sound and satisfying performance so it's worth having.