Vivo TWS 4 and the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro are two well-known Chinese earbuds that have left some buyers scratching their heads about which pair to get.
These earbuds come with cool features and won’t break the bank, but how do you pick between them?
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of both models so you can figure out which ones are right for you.
Table of Contents
Vivo TWS 4 vs Realme Buds Air 6 Pro: Specs Comparison
| Specification | Vivo TWS 4 | Realme Buds Air 6 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Codecs | LDAC, Apex adaptive, AAC, SBC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Chipset | Qualcomm S3 | Not specified |
| Water Resistance | IP54 | IP55 |
| Case Weight | 41g | 46g |
| Battery Life (ANC Off) | Up to 11 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Battery Life (ANC On) | Up to 6 hours | Up to 7.5 hours |
| Case Charging | 4 additional full cycles | 4 additional full cycles |
| Quick Charge | 5 hours playback from 10 min charge | 7 hours playback from 10 min charge |
| Wireless Charging | No | No |
| Driver Configuration | Single driver | Dual driver |
| ANC Customization | Adaptive, mild, medium, and 4 environment-based settings | 3 strength levels, smart mode, wind noise reduction |
| Transparency Mode | Yes, with vocal enhancement | Yes, with vocal enhancement |
| Controls | Touch, pinch, and swipe | Touch |
| Low Latency Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Multipoint Connection | Yes | Yes, with device list |
| Spatial Audio | 3D sound (Vivo phones only) | Yes (without head tracking) |
| Additional Features | Fit test, hearing protection alert | Mind Flow mode (ASMR sounds), fit test |
| Price | Check on AliExpress | Check on AliExpress |
Design and Build Quality
The Vivo TWS 4 boasts a sleek and modern design with a short 30mm stem. The buds feature a large vent at the top, contributing to their audio performance. The case has a powder-coated “Star Electric Blue” finish, giving it a premium look. Weighing just 41g, the case is incredibly portable and pocket-friendly.
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro maintains a design similar to its predecessor, with a slightly longer stem compared to the Vivo TWS 4. The case design is also familiar, with only a slight change in shade from the previous model. While not as light as the Vivo case at 46g, it’s still reasonably portable.
Winner: Vivo TWS 4 – Its more compact case and attractive finish give it an edge in the design department.
Comfort and Fit
The Vivo TWS 4 offers a snug fit with a deeper insertion due to the shape and depth of the ear tips. This design provides good stability, passing the “100 jumping jacks” test without falling out. However, the deeper fit may cause some discomfort during extended listening sessions and create a noticeable occlusion effect when running.
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro provides a more comfortable fit, especially for prolonged use. The shallower fit reduces the occlusion effect when running, making them more suitable for athletic activities. However, this comes at the cost of reduced stability, with the buds scoring lower in the jumping jacks test compared to their predecessor.
Winner: Tie – The Vivo TWS 4 offers better stability, while the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro provides superior comfort. Choose based on your priorities.
Audio Performance
The Vivo TWS 4 delivers an energetic sound signature with strong mid-bass presence, making it excellent for EDM and techno genres. It offers good treble extension, providing shimmer to percussion instruments, although there’s a slight sibilance in the low treble range. The open, airy sound excels with energetic music styles.
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro presents a more balanced sound signature, making it a versatile all-rounder. It features a dual-driver array, which theoretically should provide better sound separation. However, in practice, the single-driver Vivo TWS 4 doesn’t seem to be at a disadvantage.
Winner: Vivo TWS 4 – While both offer good sound quality, the Vivo’s more energetic signature may be preferable for many listeners, especially those who enjoy bass-heavy genres.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The Vivo TWS 4 offers strong ANC, particularly effective at canceling lower-frequency sounds. It performs similarly to competitors like the Sound Beats Air4 Pro. However, it struggles more with higher-frequency sounds like voices and may not be as effective in office environments.
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro provides a more consistent level of noise reduction across all frequencies. While it may not be as strong as the Vivo in low-frequency cancellation, it offers better all-around performance. It also includes an effective wind noise reduction mode, which the Vivo lacks.
Winner: Realme Buds Air 6 Pro – Its more balanced ANC performance and additional features like wind noise reduction give it an edge.
Additional Features
Vivo TWS 4
- Bluetooth 5.4 with support for high-res audio
- Qualcomm S3 chipset with support for LDAC and Apex adaptive codec
- IP54 sweat and water resistance
- Customizable touch, pinch, and swipe controls
- Low-latency gaming mode
- Multipoint connection
Realme Buds Air 6 Pro
- Bluetooth 5.4 with support for high-res audio (LDAC)
- IP55 sweat and water resistance
- Customizable touch controls
- Low-latency gaming mode
- Multipoint connection
- Spatial audio (without head tracking)
- Mind Flow mode with ASMR sounds
Winner: Realme Buds Air 6 Pro – While both offer a rich feature set, the Realme edges out with better water resistance, spatial audio, and the unique Mind Flow mode.
Call Quality
Both the Vivo TWS 4 and Realme Buds Air 6 Pro offer comparable call quality in outdoor and indoor environments. They adequately reduce ambient sounds, particularly in outdoor settings. The Vivo TWS 4 seemed to perform slightly better in the coffee shop test after a firmware update.
Winner: Slight edge to Vivo TWS 4 – But the difference is minimal, and both perform adequately for most situations.
Battery Life
The Vivo TWS 4 offers up to 11 hours of playtime with ANC off, dropping to 6 hours with ANC on. The case provides an additional four full charge cycles. In real-world testing, it consistently achieved between 9-10 hours with ANC off and 5-5.5 hours with ANC on.
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro advertises 10 hours of playtime with ANC off and 7.5 hours with ANC on. In real-world tests, it performed similarly to the Vivo, achieving 9-10 hours with ANC off and 5-5.5 hours with ANC on.
Winner: Tie – Both models offer comparable battery life, with slight advantages in different scenarios.
Price and Availability
The Vivo TWS 4 is priced at around $85 on AliExpress. However, availability may be an issue, as Vivo has stopped selling in several markets, including the UK and Germany.
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro is priced slightly lower around $60, with a difference of about $20-$25 compared to its predecessor, the Buds Air 5 Pro.
Best Deal:
Vivo TWS 4: View on AliExpress
Realme Buds Air 6 Pro: View on AliExpress
Vivo TWS 4 vs Realme Buds Air 6 Pro: Pros and Cons
Vivo TWS 4
Pros:
- Compact and attractive design
- Energetic sound signature
- Strong ANC for low frequencies
- Good stability for sports
Cons:
- Limited availability in some markets
- Lack of custom EQ in the app
- No wind noise reduction for ANC
Realme Buds Air 6 Pro
Pros:
- Balanced sound signature
- Consistent ANC across frequencies
- Better water resistance (IP55)
- More comfortable for extended use
- Additional features like spatial audio and Mind Flow mode
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than its predecessor
- Less stable fit for intense physical activities
Vivo TWS 4 vs Realme Buds Air 6 Pro: Verdict
Both the Vivo TWS 4 and Realme Buds Air 6 Pro offer impressive features and performance for their price range. The choice between them largely depends on your personal preferences and priorities.
Choose the Vivo TWS 4 if:
- You prefer a more energetic, bass-forward sound signature
- You prioritize a compact design and better stability for sports
- Strong low-frequency ANC is important to you
Choose the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro if:
- You want a more balanced sound signature
- Comfort for extended listening sessions is a priority
- You need better water resistance for outdoor activities
- You value additional features like spatial audio and ASMR sounds
Ultimately, both models offer good value for money. The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro might be the safer choice due to better availability and a more well-rounded feature set. However, if the Vivo TWS 4 is readily available in your region and its strengths align with your needs, it’s also an excellent option.
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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.
