The HONOR CHOICE Earbuds X5 that was launched in India earlier this month have garnered attention for their budget-friendly price tag and promising features. Available in just white color, it is available for Rs. 1,999.
HONOR CHOICE Earbuds X5 Specifications:
- 10mm Drivers
- Active Noise Cancellation support (up to 30dB), Awareness mode also available
- Touch Controls
- Three EQ mode
- Bluetooth v5.3, SBC, AAC codec support
- Compatible with HONOR AI space app
- Low latency gaming
- ENC Tech for Calling with 2 Mics
- Dust and Water Resistant (IP54)
- 460mAh battery in the case offers playback for up to 35 hours (noise reduction off); 9 hours of continuous playtime with a 45mAh battery; Type-C charging
We have been using it for the past few days and here’s our review.
Design, build and fit
The HONOR CHOICE Earbuds X5 may not stand out in terms of design. Like any other TWS in the range, the X5 features the familiar look of Apple AirPods, however lacks the premium touch. The case is plain without branding, featuring only a battery indicator LED and a USB-C port.
The earbuds are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry in your pocket. The semi-in-ear design ensures a snug fit without causing discomfort, even during extended wear.
The company provides various ear tip options to cater to different ear sizes, enhancing the overall comfort level for users.
Features and Performance
At the price, the HONOR CHOICE Earbuds X5 comes with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which effectively blocks out ambient noise for an immersive audio experience. While ANC performs admirably in moderate noise environments, it may struggle with louder surroundings.
Additionally, the Awareness Mode allows users to remain aware of their surroundings while listening to music. The TWS earbuds can be customized further with the HONOR AI Space app for Android and iPhone.
The app offers customization options such as EQ profiles and bass/treble boost modes, allowing users to tailor their audio experience to their preferences. However, the absence of in-ear detection is a notable drawback, especially for users accustomed to this feature in other earbuds.
The HONOR CHOICE Earbuds X5 delivers satisfactory results, particularly for casual listeners. The bass is pronounced, making them suitable for bass enthusiasts. Engaging the treble boost mode enhances vocal clarity, but may compromise the overall balance of the audio.
The microphone quality is average, and calls remain audible in quieter environments, albeit with some difficulty in noisy surroundings such as wind noise.
As for battery life, the HONOR CHOICE Earbuds X5 impress with their long-lasting performance. With ANC turned off, the earbuds offer extended usage time, lasting over two days on a single charge. HONOR promises 9 hours of battery life with ANC off on a single charge for the buds, and up to 35 hours with the case.
However, charging the earbuds and case may take longer than desired, which could be a minor inconvenience for some users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the HONOR CHOICE Earbuds X5 offers excellent value for money, combining affordability with a range of features and customizations. While they may not excel in every aspect, such as design and sound quality, they provide a solid performance that caters to the needs of casual users.
Alternatives
The CMF Buds Pro is a good alternative that has 45dB ANC, and it is now available for as low as Rs. 2500. The CMF Buds that’s launching next week with 42dB ANC should be even cheaper.
Pricing and availability
The HONOR CHOICE Earbuds X5 is available from Amazon.in, offline stores and explore HONOR website priced at Rs. 1999.