If you’re on the hunt for the perfect pair of wireless earbuds, I’m here to help! I know it can be tough with so many options out there, especially if you’re trying to stick to a budget of under $100.
The Realme Buds Air 5 Pro and OPPO Enco Air 3 Pro stand out as prime contenders, both boasting impressive specifications for budget wireless earbuds.
Despite their similar pricing, you might find yourself at a crossroads, wondering which one to choose. Fear not, for this comparison aims to clarify your doubts and help you make an informed decision.
Before diving deep into the review here is the specs comparison table for both:
Realme Buds Air 5 Pro vs OPPO Enco Air 3 Pro: Specs Comparison
| Specification | Realme Buds Air 5 Pro | OPPO Enco Air 3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Build | Comfortable Design With Extra Eartips | Innovative Bamboo-Fiber Diaphragm |
| Dimensions | 3 x 2.1 x 2.5 cm | Earbuds: 3.301cm x 2.03cm x 2.315cm, Package: 6.584cm x 5.045cm x 2.481cm |
| Weight | Item Weight- 48g | Earbuds: 4.3g, Product: 47.3g |
| Water Resistant | Water Resistant | IP55 Water and Dust Resistance |
| Driver | 11mm bass driver + 6mm micro-planar tweeter, Hi-Res Audio, LDAC HD Support | Driver: φ12.4mm Dynamic Unit, Driver sensitivity: 107dB @1KHz, Frequency response range: 20~40KHz |
| ANC | Smart Adaptive Noise Cancellation, 4000Hz Ultra-wide Band Noise Cancellation | Smart Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation |
| Calling | 6 microphones + AI Algorithm | Microphone sensitivity: -38dBV/Pa |
| Battery Life (PlayTime) | 10 Minutes = 4 Hour PlayTime: 10 Hour/ 50 Hour (with Case) | Communication time (50% volume): 7h (single charge) / 30h (with charging case) |
| Charging | USB Type-C To Charge, Case: 120 Mins To Full Charge, Earbuds: 50 Minutes To Full Charge | Charging time: 1.5H (earbuds) / 2H (earbuds + charging case), Charging port: USB Type-C |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, 10meter range, Google’s Fast Pair | Bluetooth® codec: LDAC/AAC/SBC, Bluetooth® version: Bluetooth® 5.3, Bluetooth® range: 10m |
| Compatibility | Android & iOS | Android & iOS |
| Codecs Supported | LDAC, AAC, SBC | LDAC/AAC/SBC |
| Colors | Astral Black, Sunrise Beige | White, Green |
| Price | around $60 | around $50 |
| Best Deal | View on AliExpress | View on AliExpress |
Realme Buds Air 5 Pro vs OPPO Enco Air 3 Pro: In-Depth Review
Design & Build Quality
Both earbuds adopt the in-ear design with a long stem, reminiscent of Apple’s AirPods. Despite a preference for more discreet designs, both models offer comfortable wear for extended periods, thanks to their lightweight build. They come with extra ear tips for optimal fit and an earbud fit test feature for enhanced audio and noise cancellation.
When it comes to durability, the Enco Air 3 Pro has a slight edge with an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance, compared to the Buds Air 5 Pro’s IPX5 rating, which only covers water splashes. However, neither charging case is protected against ingress, which is worth noting. Both cases sport a slim design, although their glossy finish tends to attract smudges and scratches.
Sound Quality
This is where the battle gets interesting. The Realme Buds Air 5 Pro features an 11mm bass driver and a 6mm micro-planar tweeter, promising a balanced and robust sound profile.
OPPO, with its 12.4mm dynamic driver, emphasizes lower frequencies, ensuring that bass lovers won’t be disappointed.
However, Realme’s wider soundstage might appeal more to those who appreciate a more expansive audio experience.
Both earbuds offer customization options through their apps, though Realme provides six frequency equalizers, slightly edging out OPPO in terms of audio personalization.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Both earbuds boast strong ANC capabilities, with Realme and OPPO claiming to reduce noise by up to 50 and 49 decibels, respectively.
While both perform admirably, the OPPO Enco Air 3 Pro’s ANC and transparency mode feel slightly more natural and comfortable, making it the preferred choice for those prioritizing noise cancellation quality.
Microphone Quality
Call quality is crucial for earbuds, and both models perform well, especially in quiet environments.
Realme’s six-microphone setup and wind noise reduction feature slightly outperform OPPO’s offering, making it the better choice for those who make a lot of calls.
Extra Features
Both earbuds come equipped with quality-of-life features like spatial audio, wear detection, dual connection, and a dedicated game mode.
These features enhance the user experience, making both earbuds versatile choices for everyday use.
Battery and Charging
Battery life is comparable for both models, with around 4-4.5 hours of playback with ANC and LDAC enabled.
The Buds Air 5 Pro offers faster charging, with up to 7 hours of playback from just 10 minutes of charging, compared to the Enco Air 3 Pro’s 2 hours.
Realme Buds Air 5 Pro vs OPPO Enco Air 3 Pro: Final Verdict
I’ve got to say, the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro has won my heart. There’s a lot to love here – from its sleek look to the incredible sound quality those realBoost Coaxial Dual Drivers deliver, not to mention the top-tier ANC and the battery life that just keeps going.
I’ve been a fan of Realme earbuds for a while, and it seems I’m not alone. The full package the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro offers – with its balanced sound, great noise cancellation, and the convenience of not constantly charging them – really makes it stand out for me.
Now, the OPPO Enco Air 3 Pro had its moments too. I definitely appreciated its sound quality and design. But, I’ve got to be honest, I had some reservations about the call clarity and felt the bass might be a bit too much at times, overshadowing other aspects of the music. That said, I recognize OPPO’s expertise in the audio field, and I know they’ve got a loyal fan base for good reasons.
So, weighing everything up and considering all your input, I’m leaning towards the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro as the winner. It was a close call, but Realme just edges out OPPO with that extra something that’s grabbed my attention.
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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.
