I recently got my hands on the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro, and after spending a significant amount of time testing them out, I’m ready to share my detailed thoughts.
In this review, I’ll walk you through everything from the moment I unboxed them, to how they fit and feel, their impressive range of features, and, most importantly, how they sound.
Unboxing & First Impression
The Realme Buds Air 5 comes in a simple, easy-to-open package.
Package Contents:
- Charging case with earbuds inside
- User manual
- Ear tips in various sizes
- USB-A to USB-C charging cable
Case Design: Features a glossy finish, which looks sleek but is prone to scratches within days.
Preference for Durability: A matte finish would have been preferable for both durability and aesthetic reasons.
How to Setup Realme Buds Air 5 Pro: Quick Guide
- Charge Earbuds: Ensure the earbuds and case are fully charged.
- Bluetooth Pairing: Open the case to activate pairing mode, then connect via your device’s Bluetooth settings.
- Realme Link App:
- Download and open the Realme Link app.
- Follow the app’s instructions to connect your earbuds.
- Customize Controls: Use the Realme Link app to customize touch controls for playback and calls.
- Noise Cancellation: Select your preferred noise cancellation mode (Smart, Max, Moderate, Mild, or Off) in the app.
- Dual Device Connection: Enable the Realme Link app to connect the earbuds to two devices simultaneously.
- Reset Earbuds: Hold the function button on the case for 10 seconds to reset.
Realme Buds Air 5 Pro: Specs
| Specs | Realme Buds Air 5 Pro |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | Glossy plastic |
| Dimensions | 3 x 2.1 x 2.5 cm |
| Weight | 48g |
| Driver | 11mm bass driver + 6mm micro-planar tweeter |
| Sound | Hi-Res Audio, LDAC HD Support |
| Battery Life (PlayTime) | 10 Minutes = 4 Hour PlayTime 10 Hour/ 50 Hour (with Case) Charging Case – Extends Battery Life to 50 Hours |
| Water Resistance | IPX5 |
| ANC | Smart Adaptive Noise Cancellation, 4000Hz Ultra-wide BandNoise Cancellation |
| Calling | 6 microphones + AI Algorithm |
| Charging | USB Type-C To Charge Case: 120 Mins To Full Charge Earbuds: 50 Minutes To Full Charge |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, 10meter range, Google’s Fast Pair |
| Compatibility | Android 8.0 And Further, iOS 11 & Later |
| MultiPoint Connection | Yes, Up to 2 Devices |
| Codecs Supported | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Colors | Astral Black, Sunrise Beige |
| Price | $89.99 |
Realme Buds Air 5 Pro: In-Depth Review
Build Quality and Design: A Mixed Bag
Upon first inspection, the case feels solid with a battery indicator light, USB-C charging port, and a sync/reset button adding to its functionality.
However, the glossy finish is a fingerprint and scratch magnet, which might be a deal-breaker for some.
Opening the case reveals the buds, which at first glance, seemed to mimic Oppo’s design, a choice I found slightly disappointing.
Getting the buds out of the case was a bit of a struggle, especially for someone with larger fingers like mine.
The buds themselves are well-built, with a noticeable upgrade in the meshing inside the ear tips to prevent debris, a thoughtful touch that I appreciated.
Comfort: Hits and Misses
The ear tips are made of soft silicone, making them comfortable for long listening sessions.
However, the larger driver housing began to bother my left ear after about 45 minutes, a slight downside for those planning to use these for extended periods.
They’re IPX5 water-resistant, so a sweaty workout or a light drizzle shouldn’t be a problem, but it’s wise to keep them dry for longevity.
Packed with Features
Realme has outdone itself with the features of the Buds Air 5 Pro. With Bluetooth 5.3 for stable connectivity, Multi-Device pairing, active noise canceling, touch controls, and compatibility with the Realme Link app, these buds are feature-rich.
Within the app, you can tweak everything from noise control settings to EQ adjustments and activate game mode for reduced latency, a boon for gamers.
The Sound Experience: A Deep Dive
The dual-driver setup, including an 11mm dynamic driver and a 6mm micro planar tweeter driver, promises a wide frequency range.
The sound quality is balanced, with the right amount of bass and crisp highs. The support for SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs is a plus, catering to various user preferences for sound quality.
Active noise canceling is effective, making my listening experience in noisy environments much more enjoyable.
The call quality is commendable too, thanks to the three microphones per earbud that ensure my voice comes through clearly, even on busy streets.
Battery Life: Going the Distance
The battery life of the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro met my daily needs comfortably. While the exact duration will vary based on how frequently you use features like ANC and game mode, I found the battery life sufficient for a full day of use without reaching for the charger.
Realme Buds Air 5 Pro: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fashionable Design with IPX5 Water-Resistant: The Realme Buds Air 5 Pro features a sleek design that’s also practical with IPX5 water resistance, offering protection against splashes and rain.
- Pro Noise Canceling with up to 50dB ANC: It offers effective noise cancellation up to 50dB, making it great for reducing ambient noise.
- Greater Sound with RealBoost Dual Drivers: The earbuds come equipped with RealBoost Dual Drivers, providing a high-quality audio experience.
- Long Battery Life for Quality Music Listening: They offer long battery life, ensuring extended periods of music playback without frequent recharges.
Cons:
- Gets Scratches and Smudges Easily: The glossy finish of the case is prone to scratches and smudges, which can detract from the aesthetic appeal over time.
- Doesn’t Have Wireless Charging: Lacks the convenience of wireless charging, which might be a drawback for some users.
- No Touch Gesture for Volume Control: The earbuds do not support touch gestures for volume control, which could affect the overall user experience.
Where to Buy?
My Verdict: Are They Worth It?
Priced at around $89.99, the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro offers great value for money. Their build quality, despite the glossy case, is robust, and the array of features they pack is impressive for the price point. The sound quality, with its dual-driver setup, provides a balanced and immersive listening experience.
While the glossy finish and the design choice for the bud placement in the case may not appeal to everyone, the overall performance of these earbuds makes them a strong contender in their price range. If you’re in the market for a reliable pair of TWS earbuds that won’t break the bank, the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro deserves your consideration.
Whether you’re a fan of Realme or simply looking for a feature-packed, affordable set of earbuds, the Buds Air 5 could be the perfect fit. They strike a good balance between comfort, sound quality, and user-friendly features, making them a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their audio experience without spending a fortune.
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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.
