Xiaomi has recently launched the Redmi Buds 5 along with the launch of the Redmi Note 13 series of smartphones. When I first received these earphones from Redmi I was quite excited as it was the first time I had the opportunity to test an audio accessory device from Redmi. Through this article, I will share a review for Redmi Buds 5 after almost 2 weeks of use.
SPECIFICATIONS
Redmi Buds 5
Type of in-ear headphones
Driver 11mm woofer + 10mm tweeter
Microphone 2 microphones
8 hour battery / 40 hours with pod
USB-C charging port
Wireless charging None
CODEC LDHC 5.0 Hi-Res
Operating system supported Android, iOS, MacOS, Windows 10
Virtual assistant support Yes
Touchpad Yes
Waterproof ability None
Selling Price RM 199
DESIGN AND USE
I start this review with its design which I feel is quite minimalistic with a pastel color that looks neat along with the Redmi branding placed in the middle of the charging pod frame cover. The charging pod is square shaped with curves at each corner and is also light to hold. In addition, when the charging pod cover is opened, the LED light will be shown on the bottom and the USB-C port is on the lower side of the charging pod. On the right side also if you look carefully there is a power button available for docking on the new device.
Although I have said that the pastel color used on this wireless earphone makes it look neat, but the fact that with this bright color will definitely make it dirty easily if not taken care of carefully I do not deny. Therefore, for those who do not like earphones with bright colors because of such factors, then you do not have to worry. This is because Redmi Buds 5 also comes in black, white and blue color options.
In addition, if viewed from the aspect of comfort, these earphones have a good grip in the ear where they are not easily pulled out and in many situations they still remain well embedded in the ear. So I feel there is no problem to use it when doing activities that require a lot of movement such as sports. Wearing these earphones for a long time is also no problem because they are comfortable and do not cause pain.
Looking at the design, Redmi Buds 5 has a touch pad on each audio bud that supports various gesture support. The touch controls are quite sensitive and work smoothly without any annoying errors. The design of this Redmi Buds 5 silicon bud also works well where once it is inserted into the ear, the satisfaction of listening to audio in noise canceling mode can be enjoyed.
The body finish is with a matte design that does not give a shiny effect but looks clean and minimalistic and does not scratch easily. Furthermore, the Redmi Buds 5 supports Bluetooth 5.3 tethering and also supports dual-device smart connection simultaneously.
AUDIO QUALITY
Then, moving on to the most important part of a wireless earphone which is about its audio quality. Redmi Buds 5 provides good audio quality and is quite satisfactory throughout the duration of use. The experience of listening to music and audio on videos is also quite sharp at moderate levels. But if the audio is turned up too loud, I find there is a slight quality difference in the audio being played where it sounds less soft.
In addition, I am a person who likes to listen to music at many times, for example when doing housework, before going to bed and even as I am typing this review, music is playing as a companion. Therefore, the experience of listening to music that is pleasant to the ears is an important thing for me. That being said, throughout the two weeks of using the Redmi Buds 5, I can say that I am satisfied with the performance of the audio quality provided even though it is not perfect.
CONTROL AND APPLICATION
The connection process to a smart device can be directly made with a bluetooth connection without the need to download any application. But to start this connection process, the cover of the charging pod needs to be opened and make sure the LED lights up and flashes several times as a sign that it is ready to be tethered to a device.
This Redmi Buds 5 comes with touch control support that is simple and not at all complicated to apply during use. Various types of gestures such as double-tap, tri-tap and long press on the earphone stem can be done to control the Redmi Buds 5. Not only that, what's more interesting is that an active noise cancellation system with AI adaptive adjustment is also available.
But for setting the media control function on these earphones in more detail and according to needs and comfort then the Xiaomi Earbuds application needs to be downloaded. The ANC system built into the Redmi Buds 5 is capable of canceling noise up to 46dB with three types of options that can be set through the application.
The In-ear Detection function is also available allowing the music to stop automatically as soon as the earphones are removed. When the earphones are put back in the ear, the music will be played again. A noise cancellation system is also available with three levels to reduce ambient noise disturbance.
BATTERY
According to Redmi, these earphones have a battery life that can last up to 8 hours and increases to 40 hours with the help of a charging pod along with active noise cancellation (ANC) mode activated and 10 hours if ANC is turned off. Charging is by using a USB-C cable.
IN THE BOX
Here's what's included in the box:
1x Redmi Buds 5
1x Additional set of ear buds
1x USB-A to USB-C charging cable
1x Manual
CONCLUSION
In my opinion, with the price of RM199 offered along with the quality that is heard, I can say that the Redmi Buds 5 is worth spending at that price level. Neat design, relatively long battery life, ANC that is not just a false hope and the sound quality is also good. So, if you want an earphone with the latest quality and capabilities available in the market right now, then you might consider the Redmi Buds 5. For now, the promotional price is also offered which is as low as RM149.
PRO
The design of the Redmi Buds 5 charging pod looks neat and minimalistic
The overall sound quality is pretty good
Satisfactory noise cancellation function
CONS
No waterproof feature
There are no special features for the game mode