Realme’s Buds Air series is leading the pack in the rapidly evolving world of wireless earphones by offering unbeatable features at competitive prices.
Today, we’re diving into a detailed comparison between the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro and their predecessors, the Realme Buds Air 3, to help you decide which pair is worth your investment.
With a keen eye on design, battery life, connectivity, microphone quality, and, most importantly, sound quality, we’ll unravel the nuances that set these two apart.
Realme Buds Air 5 Pro vs Realme Buds Air 3: Specs Comparison
| Feature | Realme Buds Air 5 Pro | Realme Buds Air 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Metallic button, available in white and black finishes | Standard button, available in white and dark blue finishes |
| Water Resistance | IPX5 | IPX5 |
| Battery Life | Up to 11 hours playback, 40 hours with case | 5.5 hours playback with ANC on, 7 hours with ANC off, 22-30 hours with case |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, aptX codec support | Bluetooth 5.2, AAC codec support |
| Microphone Quality | Improved clarity, especially indoors | Good, but less clear than Buds Air 5 Pro |
| Sound Quality | 11mm woofer, 6mm tweeter, V-shaped sound signature, Golden Sound and spatial audio modes | 10mm |
| App | Realme Link app | Realme Link app |
| Google Fast Pair | Yes | Yes |
Realme Buds Air 5 Pro vs Realme Buds Air 3: In-Depth Review
Design: A Familiar Look with Subtle Enhancements
At first glance, distinguishing between the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro and the Buds Air 3 might seem challenging.
Both models boast a similar aesthetic, with sleek cases and the iconic Realme branding.
However, the Buds Air 5 Pro edges ahead with a more user-friendly metallic button, enhancing the overall user experience.
While the design changes are subtle, the comfort, size, and functionality remain consistent, ensuring that users of the previous model will find the transition seamless.
Color options offer a slight variation, with the Buds Air 5 Pro available in classic white and black finishes, aiming for a minimalistic appeal.
The Buds Air 3, on the other hand, opts for a white and a unique dark blue, potentially offering better camouflage against scratches and minor wear and tear.
Both models are IPX5 resistant, making them resilient companions for light outdoor activities.
Battery Life
Battery performance is one of the most critical upgrades in the Buds Air 5 Pro. Realme promises up to 40 hours of playback with the charging case, a significant jump from the Buds Air 3’s maximum of 30 hours.
Real-life usage confirms that the Buds Air 5 Pro not only offers longer playback per charge but also maintains this performance consistently with active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled.
This extended battery life is a compelling reason for users who prioritize uninterrupted listening experiences throughout their day.
Connectivity
The Buds Air 5 Pro steps up its game with Bluetooth 5.3 and aptX codec support, ensuring a stable, high-quality connection, particularly for Android users.
While the Buds Air 3 also provides a reliable connection via Bluetooth 5.2 and AAC codec, the newer model’s enhancements are noticeable, especially in maintaining connection stability and audio quality.
Both models excel in quick pairing and offer minimal latency, making them suitable for both casual listening and gaming scenarios.
Microphone Quality
For those who frequently use their earphones for calls, the Buds Air 5 Pro offers improved microphone quality, making voice pickup clearer, especially indoors.
This upgrade is particularly useful in today’s remote work and virtual meeting-heavy environment, ensuring that communication remains crystal clear.
Sound Quality
The sound quality is where the Buds Air 5 Pro truly shines, distinguishing itself significantly from the Buds Air 3. With an 11mm woofer and a 6mm micro planar tweeter, the Buds Air 5 Pro delivers a balanced, rich audio experience.
The V-shaped sound signature is refined, with enhanced highs and mids that breathe new life into your music.
While the Buds Air 3 also offers commendable sound quality, the clarity and depth provided by the Buds Air 5 Pro set a new standard for earphones in its price range.
Price
The Realme Buds Air 3 is priced at $59.99, while the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro is available for $89.99.
It’s important to note that prices may vary depending on the region and could also be subject to discounts, especially on platforms like AliExpress.
Where to Buy?
| Model | Best Deal |
|---|---|
| Realme Buds Air 5 Pro | View on AliExpress |
| Realme Buds Air 3 | View on AliExpress |
Realme Buds Air 5 Pro vs Realme Buds Air 3: Making the Right Choice
Considering the advancements in battery life, connectivity, microphone quality, and, most notably, sound quality, the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro presents itself as a worthwhile upgrade from the Buds Air 3.
While the design remains largely unchanged, the internal improvements make the Buds Air 5 Pro a compelling option for those in the market for new earphones.
However, for Buds Air 3 owners, the decision to upgrade will depend on how much value they place on the enhanced features.
In the final analysis, the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro stands out as one of the best earphones tested in 2023, offering a well-rounded performance that justifies its slightly higher price point.
Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a frequent caller, or simply in search of a reliable pair of earphones, the Buds Air 5 Pro is highly recommended, marking another successful entry in Realme’s lineup of accessible, high-quality audio devices.
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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.
