The latest earbuds present a compelling upgrade, boasting a significantly lighter, more comfortable design. Google’s newest earbuds are replete with enhancements, notably in noise cancellation and fit.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 exhibit a remarkable transformation in design. They are now 27% smaller and 24% lighter, leading to a significantly enhanced in-ear fit. This reduction in size and weight, combined with a subtle stabiliser fin, ensures the earbuds remain securely anchored during various activities such as running, eating, and talking.
The noise cancellation feature has been significantly reinforced, although it still falls short of matching the performance of leading models like Bose. However, the new A1 chip has doubled the effectiveness of the active noise cancellation (ANC) compared to the previous model. Moreover, the transparency mode has improved markedly, rivalling the clarity of Apple’s AirPods Pro.
The sound quality is clean and crisp, though the upgrades introduced by the Tensor A1 chip are less perceptible when playing music. Despite the improvements, the earbuds default to basic AAC and SBC codecs, which limits the overall audio fidelity. However, the addition of a high-frequency chamber results in smoother treble.
Gemini, Google’s AI-powered assistant, adds a unique dimension to the earbuds. By saying ‘Hey Google, let’s talk,’ users can engage in free-flowing conversations with the AI. However, the assistant has notable limitations, such as an inability to set reminders, send texts, or make calls. It’s more of a novelty feature for now.
Battery life is notably strong: the earbuds can deliver up to 8 hours of continuous use with ANC on, and up to 12 hours with it off. The carrying case extends this to 30 hours or 48 hours, respectively. These figures align with Google’s claims and demonstrate an improvement over the previous model.
The earbuds support true multipoint connectivity and automatic device switching, particularly seamless with Google’s recent smartphones. However, there is no universal low-latency setting for external devices. The Pixel Buds app includes a ‘Hearing Wellness’ section for monitoring safe listening levels.
The improved fit is one of the standout features of the Pixel Buds Pro 2. With four different tip sizes (XS, S, M, L) and venting to avoid pressure build-up, the earbuds cater to a wide range of ear shapes and sizes. This results in a more secure and comfortable wearing experience.
The advancements in design, noise cancellation, and comfort make a compelling case for the Pixel Buds Pro 2. While not without limitations, the overall enhancements contribute to a substantial upgrade.
