Today, we are comparing the Xiaomi Air3 SE and the Redmi Buds 4 Lite.
Many of you have noted their similarities, but there are also key differences which I will discuss to help you decide which one suits your needs better.
So, let’s get comfortable and dive in!
Xiaomi Air 3 SE vs Redmi Buds 4 Lite: Specs Comparison
| Specification | Xiaomi Air3 SE | Redmi Buds 4 Lite |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Similar design, glossy finish, prone to scratches | Similar design, IP54 resistance, multiple color options |
| Battery Life | Up to 6 hours (earbuds), 24 hours (with case) | Up to 5 hours (earbuds), 20 hours (with case) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, SBC codec | Bluetooth 5.3, AAC codec |
| Microphone Quality | Good, slightly artificial, less effective noise cancellation | Better, clearer voice capture, effective noise cancellation |
| Sound Quality | Good, dynamic drivers, balanced sound profile | Superior, clearer and more detailed sound, less distortion |
| Comfort and Noise Cancellation | Extremely comfortable, open earbuds, no noise isolation | Extremely comfortable, open earbuds, no noise isolation |
| Price | Around $20 (China only) | Around $20 (globally available) |
Xiaomi Air 3 SE vs Redmi Buds 4 Lite: Detailed Review
Design
Both the Xiaomi Air3 SE and Redmi Buds 4 Lite share a very similar design in terms of the charging case and the earbuds themselves. The only notable difference is in the external stem, which has a slightly different design.
However, this does not detract from their comfort or usability. Both models are easy to carry and have everything you need for a pleasant user experience.
A few downsides include the glossy finish of the case, which is prone to scratches, non-customizable controls, and lack of automatic play/pause sensor.
Both models could definitely see improvements in these areas. The Redmi Buds 4 Lite have an IP54 resistance rating, but there’s no such information available for the Xiaomi Air3 SE, so be cautious with water exposure.
Customization and Color Options
The Xiaomi Air3 SE is only available in white, a beautiful but limited option. The Redmi Buds 4 Lite, on the other hand, offer more variety, including white, orange, and even green options, depending on whether you buy the Chinese or global version.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial aspect where the two differ significantly. The Xiaomi Air3 SE promises up to 6 hours of usage on a single charge and up to 24 hours with the charging case.
The Redmi Buds 4 Lite, however, offer around 5 hours per charge and up to 20 hours with the case.
This difference becomes apparent in daily use, with the Air3 SE lasting about an hour longer than the Redmi Buds 4 Lite. Both cases can be charged via USB Type-C, but neither supports wireless charging.
Connectivity
Both models support Bluetooth 5.3. The Air3 SE is limited to the SBC codec, while the Redmi Buds 4 Lite support the AAC codec.
Neither can be connected to an app, but they do feature quick pairing with recent Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco phones. Both sets provide a stable connection and low latency in videos and gaming.
Microphone Quality
The microphone quality is slightly better in the Redmi Buds 4 Lite, offering clearer voice capture both indoors and outdoors.
The Xiaomi Air3 SE’s mic quality is good but tends to sound a bit more artificial and less effective in noise cancellation.
Sound Quality
Both earbuds have dynamic drivers, but only the size of the Redmi Buds 4 Lite’s 12 mm drivers is known. They offer a balanced sound profile with slightly more potent bass.
The Redmi Buds 4 Lite outperform the Air3 SE in sound quality, offering higher volume and less distortion at high volumes.
Mid and high frequencies are similar in both, but the Redmi Buds 4 Lite offer a clearer and more detailed sound.
Comfort and Noise Cancellation
Both models are extremely comfortable and suitable for exercise. They are open earbuds that do not block external noise, so keep that in mind if you prefer earbuds that offer noise isolation.
Price and Conclusion
The Xiaomi Air3 SE is not available globally and is priced around $20 in China. The Redmi Buds 4 Lite, available globally, also hover around the $20 mark.
Xiaomi Air 3 SE vs Redmi Buds 4 Lite: Final Thoughts
I hope this comparison has been helpful. Considering the overall features and performance, the Redmi Buds 4 Lite emerged as the better choice due to their superior sound quality and customization options, despite their slightly shorter battery life.
If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments below. Happy listening!
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.
