realme Buds Air 5 Review

Realme has consistently delivered impressive audio solutions, and the realme Buds Air 5 is no exception. With its sleek design and affordable price, these earphones have captured the attention of those looking for budget options.

In this review, we will explore the realme Buds Air 5 in detail, examining its sound quality, comfort, battery life, and features that set them apart from the competition. Whether you’re a discerning audiophile, a fitness enthusiast, or simply a music lover on the go, the realme Buds Air 5 promises to enhance your audio journey for not a lot of money.

realme Buds Air 5 Specs

12.4mm dynamic drivers
Titanized Vibrating Diaphragm
Dynamic Bass Boost
50dB Active Noise Cancellation 2.0
4000Hz Ultra-wide Band Noise Cancellation
Smart Adaptive Noise Cancellations
6-Mic Call Noise Cancellation
Bluetooth 5.3 support
Super Low Latency 45ms
IPX5 Water Resistance
USB Type-C port
Weight: 4.4g (earbuds), 36.7g (charging case)
Battery: 460mAh (charging case), 43mAh (earbuds)
Up to 38 hours of playback
Up to 22 hours Noise Reduction/Transparency Mode
7 hours Buds Air 5 normal Mode
10 mins charge for 7 hours of playback

Design and Build Quality

The realme Buds Air 5 has a cobble-shaped charging case. It has a matte finish, giving it a luxurious feel. The material resists fingerprint, keeping it clean and polished. However, it can get scratched easily, so handle it carefully when storing in a bag or pocket. The front of the case has the ‘realme’ branding and an LED charging indicator to show the battery status.

At the base, there is a USB Type-C charging port and a discreet pairing button. When you open the case, you will see a sleek black interior with the earphones securely in their slots. The earbuds have clear L and R indicators at the front for easy identification. The charging case is compact and portable, fitting easily into pockets and handbags of any size.

Opening and accessing the case with one hand is easy due to its user-friendly design. Magnets are integrated to provide a secure cradle for the earbuds, and the sturdy hinge adds durability, surpassing expectations for its affordable price. The realme Buds Air 5 comes in Deep Sea Blue and Arctic White color options. The one we have here is the Arctic White variant.

The earphones are shiny. They have elongated stems and touch sensors on the top. The touch sensors functioned properly and didn’t misread our taps. The buds are lightweight and fit securely in my ear. They stayed in place during jogging or any exercise. It has an IPX5 rating, so it’s resistant to sweat or splashes.

Sound Quality

The realme Buds Air 5 has 12.4 mm drivers and supports SBC and AAC codecs. It would have been better if they had aptX or LDAC codec support as well, but it’s understandable for budget earbuds. The default sound signature emphasizes the bass frequency, but it’s not overly boosted like some budget earphones. In case you want to adjust it, the settings can be customized through the app.

The reduction in high frequencies might be a tad abrupt, but it’s unlikely to be a significant issue for most average users. Compared to the realme Buds Air 3, there’s notably less sharpness in the high frequencies, which is a good improvement. It’s worth noting that the soundstage is relatively narrow, but that’s a common characteristic for earbuds of this compact size.

Regarding the microphones, the company has included a setup of six microphones – three in each earbud – which handle calls really well. My voice was clear during calls made over mobile networks or WiFi, so there were no issues. However, in noisy environments, some ambient sounds may still be heard.

Active Noise Cancelation

The realme Buds Air 5 has 50 dB Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which is considered high for its price range. The ANC performance is satisfactory, effectively blocking out low-end sounds like air conditioner hum or airplane noise. However, it does allow traffic, car horns, and human voices to be heard to some extent.

When you put these earbuds in your ears, they have a feature that reduces background noise by 50 dB, creating a more peaceful listening experience.

During a rush hour ride on the busy roads in Cavite, I tested these earbuds and found the results to be impressive. The earbuds effectively reduced the noise of the cars, and buses, making my journey more enjoyable. The level of noise cancellation provided by these buds is remarkable, especially considering its affordable price point.

In addition, these earbuds have another feature that enhances their appeal. By tapping and holding on either side of the touch-sensitive area, you can easily activate the transparent mode. This feature disables noise cancellation, allowing you to reconnect with your surroundings quickly, making it a valuable addition to this device.

These earbuds provide a high-quality audio experience by effectively blocking out external noise, making them perfect for daily commutes and more. Additionally, the transparent mode allows you to stay aware of your surroundings when necessary, demonstrating its versatility.

Battery

Right out of the box, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying these earbuds for an extended period, and they’ve left me with little desire to return to my comparatively pricier alternatives. Even after nearly two hours of daily usage, the battery levels still rested comfortably at 50 to 60 percent.

Realme claims that these earbuds can provide up to 38 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. This endurance is made possible by the combination of a 460mAh battery in the charging case and a 43mAh battery in each earbud. The substantial battery capacity ensures that you can enjoy your favorite tunes or take calls for extended periods, without constantly worrying about recharging.

Moreover, the inclusion of a Type-C charging port not only makes recharging convenient but also supports fast charging. Realme’s claims are substantiated by the fact that a mere 10-minute charge can grant you an additional 7 hours of usage, making these earbuds practical for users on the go.

Verdict

The realme Buds Air 5 embodies versatility in every aspect. If I were to pinpoint one area for improvement, it would be the battery life, which, while not terrible, isn’t the absolute best within its category. However, that’s a minor quibble in the grand scheme of things.

These earphones are impressively constructed and offer a comfortable fit, ensuring an enjoyable listening experience. The sound quality, tailored for a broad audience, leans towards a bass-rich profile. Yet, realme has managed to strike a delicate balance, preserving the clarity of the mid and high frequencies.

What truly elevates these earbuds is the multitude of features realme has packed into them. While it’s true that high-end codecs and multipoint connectivity are absent, such omissions are fairly common in this price range. In the context of what it offers, the realme Buds Air 5 stands out as a compelling and feature-rich choice.

Price and Availability

The realme Buds Air 5 has an SRP of only Php3,499 in the Philippines and is available at Shopee and Lazada online stores nationwide.