The budget earbuds market is tough, and Xiaomi keeps turning heads with two great choices: the Redmi Buds 6 Active and the Xiaomi Air 4 SE.
These earbuds look almost the same when it comes to how they look, what they can do, and even how well they work. But there are small differences that could help you decide.
This article takes a close look at all you should know to pick the right one between these two models.
Table of Contents
Overview
The Redmi Buds 6 Active and Xiaomi Air4 SE share the same philosophy: delivering high-quality sound, user-friendly features, and long battery life at an affordable price.
Both models are built to cater to casual listeners who prioritize ease of use over advanced features like active noise cancellation (ANC).
However, there are minor differences in terms of availability, color options, and the initial app setup. Let’s break everything down to see which one is the better choice for you.
Redmi Buds 6 Active vs Xiaomi Air 4 SE: Specs Comparison
| Specification | Redmi Buds 6 Active | Xiaomi Air4 SE |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Compact, Semi-in-ear | Compact, Semi-in-ear |
| Color Options | Black, White, Pink, Blue (Transparent) | Black, White |
| Driver Size | 14.2 mm Dynamic | 14.2 mm Dynamic |
| Sound Customization | Equalizer via Xiaomi App | Equalizer via Xiaomi App |
| Battery Life (Earbuds) | 5h 40m (up to 8h at low volume) | 5h 40m (up to 8h at low volume) |
| Battery Life (With Case) | 24+ Hours | 24+ Hours |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Microphone Quality | Clear, Dual Microphone | Clear, Dual Microphone |
| Companion App | Xiaomi Earbuds App (Global Default) | Xiaomi Earbuds App (Requires China Region Setup) |
| Charging Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Weight | Approx. 4g per earbud | Approx. 4g per earbud |
| Availability | Global Market | Chinese Market (Limited Global Availability) |
| Price | Varies (Slightly Higher) | Varies (Slightly Lower) |
Design and Build: Nearly Identical
Both earbuds feature compact, minimalist designs with no in-ear silicone tips. Instead, they have a semi-ear structure, which is ideal for those who find in-ear earbuds uncomfortable.
The case design is also strikingly similar, with USB-C charging ports, pairing/reset buttons, and rounded edges that make them pocket-friendly.
Key Difference: Colors
The Redmi Buds 6 Active stands out with more vibrant color options, including black, white, pink, and blue. Some color variants, like the pink and blue, even come with transparent cases, adding a touch of style. In contrast, the Xiaomi Air4 SE sticks to classic shades like black or white.
For users who prefer variety in appearance, the Redmi Buds 6 Active is the clear winner here. However, in terms of build quality and durability, both models are evenly matched.
Audio Quality
When it comes to sound, both the Redmi Buds 6 Active and Xiaomi Air4 SE deliver a similar experience.
Both models are equipped with 14.2 mm dynamic drivers, offering a balanced sound signature with decent bass, clear mids, and treble.
While neither model has in-ear silicone tips for passive noise isolation, the semi-in-ear design provides a lightweight feel that’s perfect for extended listening sessions.
However, this design doesn’t block out ambient noise as effectively, which could be a downside if you often use your earbuds in noisy environments.
Sound Customization
Both earbuds work seamlessly with Xiaomi’s companion app, which allows users to tweak their audio settings. You can enhance bass, improve treble, or even fine-tune vocals.
Despite their affordable price points, the ability to personalize sound is a welcome addition. In this aspect, both models are tied, as they offer identical audio customization options.
Connectivity: Bluetooth Stability
Both earbuds come equipped with Bluetooth 5.4, which ensures a stable and fast connection. Whether you’re streaming music, watching videos, or making calls, the connection remains reliable, with no noticeable latency.
However, there’s a slight difference in app configuration based on the version you purchase:
Redmi Buds 6 Active (Global Version): This model automatically connects with the app based on your region. For example, if you’re in Asia or Europe, the app will default to the correct regional settings, making it straightforward to pair and use.
Xiaomi Air4 SE (Chinese Version): Since this is currently available only in the Chinese market, you’ll need to manually change the app’s region to China during setup. While this step is simple and takes just a few seconds, it may feel like an inconvenience to some.
Once paired, both models offer identical features in the app, such as gesture control customization, firmware updates, and battery status monitoring.
Microphone and Call Quality
The mic quality stands out as a strong point for both models providing crisp sound in calls and video chats. Evaluations show that you can tell the difference between the mics on these earbuds. You’ll get a steady and dependable experience whether you’re in a Zoom meeting or talking with friends.
These earbuds don’t have high-tech noise-cancelling mics, so they might have a hard time in super loud places. But considering what you pay, they do a pretty good job.
Battery Life
Battery life is an essential factor, and both earbuds perform remarkably well in this regard.
Playback Time:
Both models offer around 5 hours and 40 minutes of playback on a single charge at high volume. If you listen at lower volumes or use less bass-heavy tracks, you can extend this to around 8 hours.
Charging Case:
The case provides multiple additional charges, extending the total battery life to more than a full day of usage.
Both models are reliable for casual daily use, and their battery performance is the same.
Price and Availability
The Redmi Buds 6 Active has been on the market longer and is widely available in global markets. Its accessibility makes it an easier choice for those who prefer hassle-free purchases.
The Xiaomi Air4 SE, being a newer model, is currently limited to Chinese retailers. However, it is often available at a slightly lower price compared to the Redmi Buds 6 Active. This price difference may appeal to budget-conscious buyers.
As the Xiaomi Air4 SE gains traction, its price may drop further, especially in international markets. On the other hand, the Redmi Buds 6 Active is already a proven product, so its price is likely to remain stable.
Best Deal:
Redmi Buds 6 Active: View on AliExpress
Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
When you’re deciding between the Redmi Buds 6 Active and Xiaomi Air4 SE, it boils down to cost and where you can get them. These two models look pretty much the same, work, and have matching features. So, you’ll want to focus on:
Pick the Redmi Buds 6 Active if:
- You value a wide variety of color options.
- You want a globally available model with easier app configuration.
- You prefer to buy from established international retailers.
Pick the Xiaomi Air4 SE if:
- You want to save a bit of money.
- You don’t mind manually adjusting the app’s region settings during setup.
- You’re comfortable buying from Chinese marketplaces.
Both the Redmi Buds 6 Active and Xiaomi Air4 SE are excellent choices for budget earbuds, offering impressive sound quality, long battery life, and reliable connectivity.
For most users, the Redmi Buds 6 Active is the more convenient option due to its global availability and vibrant color options.
However, if you’re looking to save some money and don’t mind the minor setup inconvenience, the Xiaomi Air4 SE delivers the same experience at a slightly lower price.
Related:
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Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
