In this article, I’ll be comparing Realme Buds Air 5 to his big brother Realme Buds Air 5 Pro to see which is better value for the money.
These two earphones offer a lot for their price, and today, we’re diving deep into what sets them apart and which one might be the better choice for you.
Realme Buds Air 5 vs Realme Buds Air 5 Pro: Specs Comparison
| Feature | Realme Buds Air 5 | Realme Buds Air 5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Available in white and blue with a matte finish. | Comes with a more comfortable metallic button, available in white and black colors. |
| Battery Life (Earbuds) | Up to 4.5 hours with ANC, 7 hours without. | Up to 7-8 hours with ANC. |
| Battery Life (With Case) | Up to 38 hours. | Up to 40 hours. |
| Charging | USB Type-C, no wireless charging. | USB Type-C, no wireless charging. |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC codec. | Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC codec. |
| Water Resistance | IPX5 | IPX5 |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes, up to 50 decibels. | Yes, up to 50 decibels. |
| Sound Quality | 12.4 mm dynamic drivers finished in titanium. | 11 mm woofer and a 6 mm micro-planar tweeter for superior sound quality. |
| Additional Features | Automatic pause/playback, touch controls, Google Fast Pairing. | Spatial audio mode, Golden Sound tutorial, superior customization via Realme Link app. |
| Price | $59.99 (may vary with offers). | $79.99 (may vary with offers). |
Realme Buds Air 5 vs Buds Air 5 Pro: Key differences explained
Design and Build Quality
Both the Realme Buds Air 5 and the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro boast a sleek and modern design, featuring compact cases that are easy to carry around.
While the cases are nearly identical, minor differences exist in button design and logo positioning.
The 5 Pro’s metallic button offers a more tactile feel compared to the 5. Moreover, both earphones provide a comfortable fit, thanks to their ergonomic design.
They also come with IPX5 resistance, ensuring durability against sweat and light splashes, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
Customization and Color Options
When it comes to personalization, the Realme Buds Air 5 offers white and blue matte finish options, while the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro comes in white and black variants.
Although the color choices are limited, both models exude elegance and style, catering to different aesthetic preferences.
Connectivity and Audio Codec Support
Both earphones feature Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, ensuring stable connections and efficient power consumption.
However, the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro stands out with its support for LDAC codec, offering superior audio transmission quality compared to the AAC codec on the Realme Buds Air 5.
While LDAC support may not be essential for all users, audiophiles and enthusiasts will appreciate the enhanced audio fidelity provided by the R5 Pro.
Realme Link App and Features
The Realme Link app empowers users to customize their earphones according to their preferences.
Both models offer comprehensive controls, including touch gesture customization, noise cancellation adjustments, and Gaming mode activation.
However, the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro introduces additional features such as the Golden Sound tutorial for sound signature optimization and spatial audio mode for immersive listening experiences.
Despite these differences, both earphones offer a user-friendly app experience that enhances their functionality and usability.
Connectivity Experience and Latency
Both models deliver fast and reliable connectivity, with minimal latency for watching videos and gaming.
The Realme Buds Air 5 Pro further improves upon the connectivity experience with enhanced signal stability and reduced audio lag, providing users with a seamless and immersive audiovisual experience.
Microphone Quality
Both earphones feature high-quality microphones that effectively capture voices and suppress background noise during calls and voice commands.
Whether you’re making phone calls or using voice assistants, both models ensure clear and crisp communication.
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
The active noise cancellation technology employed in both earphones effectively blocks out ambient noise, providing users with a more immersive and uninterrupted listening experience.
Additionally, the transparency mode offers natural ambient sound, allowing users to stay aware of their surroundings without compromising audio quality.
Sound Quality and Drivers
The Realme Buds Air 5 features 12.4 mm dynamic drivers, while the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro boasts an 11 mm woofer and a 6 mm micro-planar tweeter.
This dual-driver setup in the R5 Pro delivers a more balanced and nuanced sound signature compared to the R5, which tends to emphasize bass frequencies.
With improved control over high and mid frequencies, the R5 Pro offers clearer vocals and instrumentals, making it a superior choice for users who prioritize audio quality.
Battery Life and Charging
In terms of battery life, the Realme Buds Air 5 delivers approximately 4.5 hours of playback with ANC activated and up to 7 hours without ANC.
With the charging case, users can enjoy a total of up to 38 hours of playtime. Conversely, the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro offers an extended battery life, providing up to 11 hours of music playback with ANC off and up to 40 hours with the charging case.
This substantial difference in battery performance makes the R5 Pro a more appealing choice for users seeking longer-lasting earphones.
Where to Buy?
| Model | Best Deal |
|---|---|
| Realme Buds Air 5 | View on AliExpress |
| Realme Buds Air 5 Pro | View on AliExpress |
Realme Buds Air 5 vs Realme Buds Air 5 Pro: Which Should You Buy?
The Realme Buds Air 5 is priced at $59.99, while the Air 5 Pro is slightly more expensive at $79.99. The price difference is justified by the Pro model’s enhanced battery life, superior sound quality, and additional features.
However, the Air 5 remains a fantastic choice for those on a tighter budget, offering great value for its price.
Deciding between the Realme Buds Air 5 and Air 5 Pro depends on your priorities. If you value battery life and superior sound quality, the extra investment in the Air 5 Pro is worthwhile. However, if those aspects are less critical and you prefer to save money, the Air 5 will not disappoint.
You may also interested to see:
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- Realme Buds Air 5 Pro vs OPPO Enco Air 3 Pro
- Realme Buds Air 5 Pro vs Redmi Buds 4 Pro
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.
