Huawei FreeBuds 5i Review

There has been a rise in the number of wireless earbuds in the market and this has meant more competition for companies. In response, Huawei has come up with the new FreeBuds 5ithat are a cut-down version of its flagship model, FreebudsPro 2. The purpose is to offer a cheaper version, but with attractive features and specifications.

Design and build

Huawei has opted to not make much changes at the design level and the FreeBuds 5i remain similar to the FreeBuds 4i. The egg-shaped case remains the same and the earphones are able to slide in and out without any issues. The case also has a flat part for ensuring stability. There are several finishes to choose from this time around, including black, white and blue. They have a differentiating finish, as certain textures are sprayed on them in emerald gray.

There are powerful magnets in the case, which means the earbuds are not likely to fall out if you drop the case. Nonetheless, the mobile app also has a search function for locating the earbuds. The headphones’ dynamic drivers are 10mm and have a frequency between 20Hz and 40 KHz. Weighing 4.9g, they are also lighter than the previous version.

Thanks to the silicone tips, the earbuds fit perfectly and they can be worn comfortably for longer periods. You can visually identify if the case is charging through a single LED indicator. The USB-C charging port can also be found at the bottom.

Sound quality

You will find well-rounded sound quality offered by the FreeBuds 5i, whether you are communicating on a call, or listening to music. According to Huawei, they have a DNN algorithm that automatically activates noise cancellation. The bass frequencies are not too boomy, even when you raise the volume and this delivers a pleasant listening experience.

A unique feature is the LDAC Hi-Res Audio capabilities of the Freebuds 5i. The equalizer settings can be accessed via the app and adjusted as per your preference. When it comes to ANC noise cancellation, you will find that several different modes are provided. You can choose to activate, deactivate, or opt for the attention mode.

The modes are defined as comfortable, general and ultra, with the last one designed for extremely noisy situations where you may want to isolate yourself, such as when traveling in a plane.

Battery life and charging

As opposed to the previous Freebuds, Huawei has made an improvement in battery life of these earbuds. You can enjoy five and a half hours of continuous playback, as long as you opt for normal ANC mode. The timing will be reduced if you choose Ultra mode because they have to work harder to eliminate the sound. The FreeBuds 5i case gives you 28 hours of use. The case does not have wireless charging, but the box comes with a USB-C charging cable as well as ear tips in different sizes for your ears.