Realme Buds Air 6 Pro Review
Realme’s latest flagship wireless earbuds, the Buds Air 6 Pro, are packed with premium features, making them a top contender in the TWS market for 2024. With double drivers, dynamic noise cancellation (ANC) evaluated up to 50dB, and LDAC bolster for high-bitrate spilling, these earbuds are outlined to impress.
Add to that dual device pairing, 360 spatial audio, and an IP55 rating, and you have a compelling package. The sleek case and earbuds offer up to 40 hours of playtime, making them perfect for on-the-go use.
But how do the Buds Air 6 Pro compare to their competitors, and are they worth the €89/$100 price tag? Let’s dive into the details.
Design and Comfort
At first glance, the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro looks very similar to its predecessor, the Buds Air 5 Pro. However, Realme has introduced two new color options, including a stylish liquid metal color called Titanium Twilight. The mirror-like finish of the case is both attractive and functional, though it does tend to smudge easily.
The compact case fits comfortably in small pockets, making it highly portable. The earbuds themselves feature a lightweight design, with each bud weighing just 4.5 grams, ensuring comfort during extended use. The dark grey ear tips provide a snug fit, preventing any discomfort or accidental falls, even during physical activities like running or gym workouts.
Both the case and the earbuds have a combined weight of 47 grams, making them incredibly light. The earbuds come with three microphones and touch controls, and they are IP55-rated, providing protection against water splashes and dust. The retail package includes a USB-C cable and additional silicone ear tips in different sizes.
Advanced Features and Companion App
The Buds Air 6 Pro boasts a dual-driver setup, with 11mm dynamic bass drivers and 6mm planar tweeters. This configuration ensures a detailed sound output, with the bass drivers handling low and mid frequencies, while the tweeters focus on the high frequencies.
These earbuds back bequest SBC, AAC codecs, and LDAC for high-bitrate gushing on stages like Tidal HiFi, Amazon Music Boundless, and Deezer Premium. Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable connection, with dual device pairing and Google Fast Pair capabilities. The low latency mode, rated at 55ms, is perfect for gaming and watching videos.
The ANC feature, rated up to 50dB, effectively reduces background noise, making it easier to focus on your music or calls. The dedicated noise-canceling chip enhances call quality by reducing ambient noise. Realme’s de-wind technology further improves call clarity in windy environments.
The Realme Link app provides a personalized audio experience, allowing users to create a custom sound profile based on a short hearing test. The app also offers controls for ANC intensity, a six-band EQ, a bass booster slider, and a MindFlow mode with eleven white noise options. The 360 Spatial Audio feature delivers a surround sound experience on supported content.
The touch controls can be customized, but unfortunately, volume controls are unavailable on the earbuds. In-ear detection pauses playback when you remove an earbud and resumes it when reinserted.
Performance and Sound Quality
Out of the box, the Buds Air6 Professional conveys an exuberant sound with shining treble and solid bass. The Realme Link app’s EQ tool allows users to adjust the sound to their liking. The Dynamic Bass Boost feature automatically enhances bass, providing a richer listening experience.
Once tuned, the Buds Air 6 Pro offers spacious sound with excellent detail and separation between frequencies. Vocals and instruments sound balanced, and the high treble is well-tuned. These earbuds can get quite loud, which is great for those who enjoy high-volume listening.
The dual device pairing feature works almost flawlessly, with a solid connection and quick pairing. Switching between devices is generally smooth, though there is a slight delay. Incoming calls seamlessly transfer to the phone while listening to music on another device.
The ANC performs exceptionally well, significantly reducing background noise, thanks in part to the secure fit of the earbuds. However, the Transparency mode is less impressive, with a noticeable hissing sound that affects voice clarity.
The touch controls are responsive, but the lack of volume controls is a downside. Call quality is excellent, with clear voice reception even in noisy environments. In-ear detection works reliably, pausing and resuming playback as expected.
Battery Life
The Realme Buds Air6 Professional is appraised for 10 hours of battery life with ANC off, and the case amplifies this to add up to 40 hours. In real-world usage, the earbuds provided up to 7 hours of playback with ANC on, with the case offering an additional four full charges. A complete recharge of the earbuds and case takes around two hours.
Verdict
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro offers high-end features such as dual drivers, LDAC support, and excellent ANC, combined with rich sound quality. However, the price tag of €89/$100 is a bit steep, especially considering that the Buds Air5 Pro offers similar features at a lower price. Competitors like the CMF Buds 2 Pro also provide comparable specs at a more affordable rate.
Despite this, the Buds Air 6 Pro is a solid choice for those seeking premium design, a robust feature set, and good battery life. With occasional discounts available, these earbuds are worth considering for anyone in the market for high-quality wireless earbuds.
