Today, we dive into a comparative analysis of the Redmi Buds 4 Active and the Redmi Buds 3 Lite.
These budget-friendly earbuds have been making waves, and it’s time to find out which one stands out as the better choice for you today, especially in terms of daily experience.
So, without further ado, let’s jump right into it.
Redmi Buds 4 Active vs Buds 3 Lite: Specs Comparison
| Feature | Redmi Buds 4 Active | Redmi Buds 3 Lite |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Material | Matte Plastic | Matte Plastic |
| Battery Capacity (Earbuds) | 34 mAh | 36 mAh |
| Battery Capacity (Case) | 440 mAh | 470 mAh |
| Playback Time | Up to 5 hours | Up to 5 hours |
| Total Battery Life with Case | Up to 28 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Supported Codec | SBC | SBC |
| Sound Quality | Decent, slightly enclosed sound | Clearer, better-tuned sound |
| Price | 19.99 euros | 30 euros |
Redmi Buds 4 Active vs Buds 3 Lite: In-Depth Review
Design and Build Quality
Both the Redmi Buds 4 Active and the Redmi Buds 3 Lite are constructed from matte plastic, indicative of their affordable nature.
However, they give off a sense of an economical product, lacking the premium feel of higher-priced models. Despite this, both earbuds are comfortable and fit well in the ear.
The Redmi Buds 4 Active is slightly bulkier, making it a bit less comfortable compared to the sleeker Buds 3 Lite.
Both sets come with similar features such as a USB-C connection and a Redmi logo, but they are positioned differently in each model.
Battery Life
The Buds 4 Active boasts a battery capacity of 34 mAh per earbud and 440 mAh for the case, theoretically offering about 5 hours of playback and up to 28 hours with the case.
On the other hand, the Buds 3 Lite comes with a 36 mAh battery per earbud and a 470 mAh case, promising up to 5 hours of playback and 18 hours with the case.
In real-world use, both earbuds offer similar performance, typically lasting around four hours on a single charge.
Connectivity
The Buds 4 Active is equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 but only supports the SBC codec, which is a basic standard for Bluetooth audio.
On the flip side, the Buds 3 Lite features Bluetooth 5.2 and also relies on the SBC codec. Neither of the earbuds stands out in terms of advanced connectivity features.
However, the Buds 4 Active does benefit from quick connection features with Android devices and integration with Xiaomi’s app, which the Buds 3 Lite lacks.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, the Buds 3 Lite slightly edges out its counterpart. Despite both having a similar driver size, the Buds 3 Lite seems to have a better sound tuning.
The Buds 4 Active tends to sound a bit more ‘enclosed’, lacking the openness and clarity found in the Buds 3 Lite.
Both sets struggle with higher volumes, leading to distortion, but offer decent performance for their price range.
Price and Value
The Redmi Buds 4 Active retails for about 19.99 euros in Spain, while the Buds 3 Lite is priced around 30 euros. Often, these can be found at lower prices during sales.
Redmi Buds 4 Active vs Buds 3 Lite: Final Thoughts
In conclusion, both the Redmi Buds 4 Active and the Redmi Buds 3 Lite offer decent features for their price points.
However, if you have to choose between the two, the Buds 4 Active seems to be the better option. Its more comfortable design, slightly superior battery life, and additional functionalities give it an edge over the Buds 3 Lite.
However, if sound quality is your primary concern, the Buds 3 Lite may be the better choice, albeit by a small margin.
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.
