Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro : The Closest Competitor to AirPods Pro

Published on May 1, 2023, 3:32 p.m.

The Redmi Buds 4 Pro are Xiaomi’s latest wireless earbuds that aim to provide excellent sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and long battery life at an affordable price point. In this review, we will take a close look at the design, features, sound quality, battery life, and overall performance of the Redmi Buds 4 Pro to see if they live up to expectations.

Redmi Buds 4 Pro

Overview

  • Model: Xiaomi Redmi Buds 4 Pro
  • Price: $84
  • Driver: Dual dynamic drivers (10mm + 6mm)
  • Noise Cancellation: Active noise cancellation up to 43dB
  • Battery Life: Up to 9 hours (earbuds), 36 hours (with case)
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3
  • Voice Assistant Support: Yes
  • Waterproof Rating: IP54

Design and Comfort

The Redmi Buds 4 Pro feature an in-ear design with silicone ear tips for a secure and comfortable fit. The earbuds have an oblong stem with touch controls and are relatively compact. The matte black charging case has a flip-top lid and USB-C charging. Overall, the design is fairly generic but the earbuds are lightweight and comfortable for prolonged use.

Features and Controls

Key features include active noise cancellation (ANC) with three modes, transparency mode, wind noise reduction, Bluetooth 5.3, and support for high-resolution LDAC audio codec. On-earbud controls allow switching between ANC modes, controlling music playback, and invoking voice assistants. The companion app offers some customization options for controls and EQ.

Sound Quality

With its dual driver setup, the Redmi Buds 4 Pro delivers very good sound for the price. The sound profile is relatively balanced with clear mids and highs. Bass response has decent punch but lacks a bit of depth. The soundstage is average. Enabling LDAC codec improves detail and fidelity. Overall, audio quality is quite impressive given the budget price.

Noise Cancellation

The hybrid ANC utilizes feedforward and feedback mics to block ambient noise effectively. It reduces noise in the range of 15dB to 43dB depending on the environment. The light, balanced, and deep ANC modes allow some ambient sound through for awareness. Enabling transparency mode mixes in external sounds clearly. Call quality is very good with minimal background noise.

Battery Life

Battery life is a major highlight of the Redmi Buds 4 Pro. The earbuds last up to 9 hours per charge with ANC off (6 hours with ANC on). The charging case provides an additional 27 hours. Quick charging for 5 minutes adds up to 2 hours of playtime. The battery performance is excellent at this price range.

Use Cases

The Redmi Buds 4 Pro is ideal for everyday use while commuting, working out, taking calls, or just enjoying music and videos leisurely. The ANC makes them suitable for noisy environments like trains, planes, and offices. The ambient mode can be used when walking on roads. Sweat resistance makes them suitable for workouts and runs. Their versatility and battery life makes them a practical option for all-day use.

User Feedback

In analyzing the customer feedback regarding the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 4 Pro Wireless Earbuds, it is evident that users highly value the earbuds’ sound quality, noise cancellation capabilities, and battery life, which are consistently highlighted in user reviews.

The Xiaomi Redmi Buds 4 Pro’s Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification and support for LDAC audio codec are particularly well-received, as these features contribute to an exceptional auditory experience. Users report a noticeable enhancement in audio fidelity, attributing this to the earbuds’ dual dynamic drivers, which deliver a harmonious blend of clear treble and rich bass across a variety of genres.

Noise cancellation is another standout feature, with the earbuds’ ability to block up to 43dB of external noise being a significant point of appreciation among users. This level of noise reduction, combined with the AI adaptive ANC that intelligently switches between three levels of noise cancellation, is frequently mentioned as a key factor in users’ overall satisfaction.

Battery life is lauded for its longevity, with many users expressing satisfaction with the up to 36 hours of playtime provided by the earbuds when used in conjunction with the charging case. The quick charge feature, offering up to 2 hours of music playback after just a 5-minute charge, is also highlighted as a particularly convenient aspect for users with active lifestyles.

However, it’s worth noting that some users have expressed a desire for higher volume levels and have pointed out the lack of a dedicated app for iOS to customize settings. These areas of feedback suggest opportunities for Xiaomi to further refine the user experience.

In conclusion, the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 4 Pro Wireless Earbuds receive positive feedback that underscores the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality audio experiences. While the majority of users are satisfied with their purchase, the feedback on volume and app availability for iOS users presents avenues for potential enhancements in future iterations of the product.

Pros

  • Great sound quality for the price
  • Effective active noise cancellation
  • Very good battery life
  • Good call quality
  • Comfortable and secure fit

Cons

  • Generic design
  • Average soundstage
  • No wireless charging

Pricing

The Xiaomi Redmi Buds 4 Pro is priced at $84 on Amazon. This is very affordable compared to other premium true wireless earbuds from brands like Apple, Sony, and Bose which can cost over $200. The Redmi Buds 4 Pro offers great value for money given its impressive specs and performance.

Verdict

With great audio quality, effective ANC, and long battery life, the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 4 Pro punch well above their weight. Minor drawbacks like average soundstage and build quality are easily overlooked at their budget pricing. Overall, the Redmi Buds 4 Pro offer tremendous value and are easy to recommend.

Specifications

  • Driver: 10mm dynamic + 6mm dynamic
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20KHz
  • Bluetooth Version: 5.3
  • Range: 10m
  • Battery: 55mAh (earbuds), 500mAh (case)
  • Charging: USB-C
  • Waterproof Rating: IP54

Box Contents

  • Xiaomi Redmi Buds 4 Pro earbuds
  • Charging case
  • USB Type-C cable
  • Silicone eartips (S/M/L)
  • User manual
  • Warranty card

Frequently Asked Questions

What audio technologies do the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 4 Pro Wireless Earbuds support to ensure high-quality sound?

The Xiaomi Redmi Buds 4 Pro Wireless Earbuds are certified by Hi-Res Audio Wireless, supporting the LDAC audio codec, which allows transmission speeds of up to 990kbps. They also support audio resolutions of 96kHz/24bit and above, ensuring a superior listening experience with high-fidelity sound.

How do the earbuds achieve noise cancellation, and what is the maximum noise reduction they offer?

These earbuds utilize cutting-edge noise cancellation technology, offering up to 43dB of active noise cancellation. This feature blocks up to 99.3% of external noise, allowing users to enjoy their music or calls in quieter environments. They also have an AI adaptive ANC system that intelligently switches between three ANC levels to optimize noise reduction.

What special features do the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 4 Pro have for call clarity?

The earbuds feature a 3-microphone noise cancellation system for calls. Each microphone has a specific role in extracting voice sounds with precision while filtering out external noise. Enhanced by a neural network noise reduction algorithm, this setup ensures crystal-clear call quality in various environments.

How does the dual device connectivity feature work on these earbuds?

The Xiaomi Redmi Buds 4 Pro can connect to two devices simultaneously, regardless of whether they are Android, iOS, or Windows devices. This allows users to switch effortlessly between, for example, a smartphone and a computer, enhancing the earbuds’ versatility in different usage scenarios.

What is the battery life of the earbuds, and how does the quick charge feature work?

Users can enjoy up to 9 hours of music playback on a single charge with the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 4 Pro, and up to 36 hours when using the charging case. The quick charge feature is particularly handy, offering up to 2 hours of music playback with just a 5-minute charge, making it ideal for those on the go.

Tips

  • For an immersive audio experience, particularly when watching videos, engage the earbuds’ immersive sound system feature, which uses Xiaomi’s proprietary HRTF sound algorithm.
  • Utilize the dual transparency mode for enhanced situational awareness, allowing you to hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds. This feature is particularly useful in environments where you need to be aware of your surroundings or engage in conversations.
  • Remember to download the Xiaomi Earbuds App to customize your Xiaomi Redmi Buds 4 Pro‘s noise cancellation and touch control settings, tailoring the earbuds’ performance to your preferences.