Huawei has given its mid-range TWS lineup a facelift with the new FreeBuds 7i, which takes over from the well-liked FreeBuds 6i. You might not spot many changes right away, but there are some key improvements to consider — if you care about call quality, smart features, and the newest wireless tech.
So, should you make the leap from the 6i to the 7i? Let’s look at the main differences.
Design and Build
Both the FreeBuds 7i and 6i look nearly identical in terms of earbud design, each weighing around 5.4 g per bud and offering an IP54 dust and splash resistance rating. The charging case has a slightly different size — the 7i case is a bit more compact and lighter compared to the 6i’s wider design.
The color options have also changed. The 6i came in White, Black, and Purple, while the 7i brings a fresh Cherry Pink, alongside White and Gray.
Sound and Drivers
Inside, both models use an 11 mm quad-magnet dynamic driver, so the overall sound profile remains similar. However, Huawei promises tuning refinements in the 7i, drawing inspiration from improvements seen when the FreeBuds Pro 4 replaced the Pro 3.
The codec support is also expanded. While both support SBC and AAC, the 7i adds L2HC 2.0 and LC3, making it friendlier for modern Android devices and promising better audio quality over Bluetooth.
Noise Cancellation and Microphones
Active noise cancellation (ANC) has always been a strong point in Huawei’s earbuds. Both the 6i and 7i feature six microphones in total, but the 7i introduces something new: a bone-conduction microphone. This tech improves voice pickup during calls by using vibrations from your jawbone, ensuring clearer speech in noisy environments.
Noise reduction has also been upgraded from ANC 3.0 (FreeBuds 6i) to ANC 4.0 (FreeBuds 7i), with Huawei claiming suppression of up to 90 dB of background noise. Transparency mode and voice awareness are available on both models.
Connectivity and Smart Features
The FreeBuds 7i now ship with Bluetooth 5.4, compared to Bluetooth 5.3 on the 6i. Both models support dual device connections and quick pop-up pairing with Huawei smartphones.
Another big addition for the 7i is HarmonyOS integration. This brings extra smart features like:
- Voice assistant support
- Smarter notifications
- Spatial audio
- Head-gesture controls (like nodding to answer calls)
- Noise exposure tracking for ear health
The FreeBuds 6i, while solid, lack these advanced HarmonyOS extras.
Battery Life
Battery life remains unchanged between the two generations:
- With ANC off: 8 hours (35 with case)
- With ANC on: 5 hours (20 with case)
Fast charging is also the same: a 10-minute charge provides up to 4 hours of playback.
Price and Availability
The FreeBuds 7i launched in China in September 2025 at $84 USD, and they are already available on platforms like AliExpress (though often with a markup during early sales). The FreeBuds 6i, being older, are now discounted and can often be found under $70, making them a good budget pick.
Best Deals:
Huawei FreeBuds 7i: View on AliExpress
Huawei FreeBuds 6i: View on AliExpress
Huawei FreeBuds 7i vs FreeBuds 6i: Specs Comparison
| Category | Huawei FreeBuds 7i | Huawei FreeBuds 6i |
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Pink, White, Gray | White, Black, Purple |
| Weight (each earbud) | 5.4 g | 5.4 g ± 0.3 g |
| Drivers | 11 mm quad-magnet dynamic driver | 11 mm quad-magnet dynamic driver |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 40 kHz | 14 Hz – 40 kHz |
| ANC | Dynamic ANC 4.0, up to 90 dB reduction, bone-conduction mic | Dynamic ANC 3.0, standard 6-mic setup |
| Microphones | 6 + bone-conduction sensor | 6 microphones |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.4, Dual Device, HarmonyOS smart features | Bluetooth 5.3, Dual Device |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, L2HC 2.0, LC3 | SBC, AAC |
| Battery Life | 8h (ANC off), 5h (ANC on), 35h with case | 8h (ANC off), 5h (ANC on), 35h with case |
| Charging | 10 min = 4h playback, USB-C | 10 min = 4h playback, USB-C |
| Water Resistance | IP54 | IP54 |
| Price at Launch | $84 | $99 (now cheaper) |
Final Verdict
The Huawei FreeBuds 7i are not a dramatic redesign, but the subtle upgrades make them a more future-proof pair of earbuds. The ANC 4.0 with bone-conduction microphone, expanded codec support, and HarmonyOS integration give them a clear edge over the FreeBuds 6i, especially if you use a Huawei smartphone.
That said, if you already own the FreeBuds 6i, the improvements may not be big enough to justify upgrading immediately. But for new buyers, the 7i deliver one of the most well-rounded packages in the sub-$100 TWS category.
You might like:
- Huawei FreeBuds 6i vs Realme Buds Air 6 Pro: A Tough Call!
- Huawei FreeBuds 6i vs FreeBuds 5i: What’s the Difference?
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.
