In the ever-evolving world of audio technology, wireless earbuds have become an indispensable accessory for many. The market is flooded with options, each vying for attention with promises of superior sound, comfort, and convenience. Amidst this competition, the HUAWEI FreeBuds SE2 which was launched in India earlier this year emerges as a contender in the affordable segment. However, the context of its arrival in the Indian market adds another layer to its story. It’s been quite some time since HUAWEI products graced the Indian shores, and with HUAWEI phones no longer readily available here, the launch of these earbuds raises a pertinent question: Could this be the beginning of a HUAWEI comeback? This uncertainty adds intrigue to the product, prompting a closer examination of what it brings to the table. Let’s embark on a detailed and expansive exploration of these earbuds, meticulously examining their strengths, weaknesses, and overall value proposition in this unique market context.
Design and Build Quality
The first interaction with the HUAWEI FreeBuds SE2 begins with the charging case, a compact and rounded design that prioritizes portability. Constructed from plastic, the case emphasizes practicality, but it’s important to note that the texture is glossy. While this can contribute to a sleek appearance, it also makes the case prone to gathering dirt from the ears and attracting scratches, which can detract from its aesthetic appeal over time. The case is designed for ease of carrying, fitting comfortably into pockets and bags. However, HUAWEI doesn’t disclose the exact dimensions or weight, leaving some details to the user’s perception.
The earbuds themselves follow a half-in-ear design, a style favored by many for its potential comfort during extended listening sessions. Each earbud is remarkably lightweight at just 3.8 grams, a significant reduction from the original FreeBuds SE, underscoring a focus on comfortable wearability. Fabricated from plastic, they’re available in Ceramic White and Isle Blue, offering a choice to align with individual preferences.
HUAWEI highlights the lighter design and the redesigned charging case as key improvements. The earbuds are engineered to provide a snug fit, the result of extensive research based on a substantial dataset of ear canal samples. However, in practice, the fit can be subjective and may not cater to everyone. While designed for a snug fit, individual experiences can vary significantly. Some users might find them less secure during vigorous activities, particularly when using headgear like helmets, as the half-in-ear style doesn’t provide the deep seal characteristic of in-ear designs. It’s crucial to acknowledge that multiple ear tip sizes are not provided, indicating a universal fit approach, which unfortunately may not cater perfectly to all ear shapes and sizes, potentially leading to discomfort or instability for some users.
Durability is addressed with an IP54 rating for the earbuds, offering a degree of protection against dust and splashes, enhancing their resilience for everyday use. However, it’s essential to be aware that the charging case does not come with a specified IP rating, requiring users to exercise caution in wet or dusty environments.
Connectivity and Pairing
In the realm of connectivity, the FreeBuds SE2 are equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a modern and efficient wireless connection. They support AAC and SBC audio codecs.
Pairing is designed to be user-friendly, but the real-world experience can be inconsistent. Contrary to the expectation of a seamless, automatic pop-up experience, especially for HUAWEI devices, the pairing process in the Indian market often necessitates a manual approach. This involves a specific procedure of placing the buds inside the case and holding the two touch-sensitive parts. This process, while ultimately functional, might not be as intuitive or elegant as some users would prefer, and the absence of a dedicated pairing button on the case introduces a slight inconvenience. The reliability and speed of pairing can vary, and the process might not be as smooth as advertised, especially with non-HUAWEI devices.
Furthermore, the information regarding the earbuds’ ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously is limited and ambiguous. The AI Life app, which could potentially offer insights into this feature, is not functional in India. Consequently, it’s difficult to ascertain whether the FreeBuds SE2 support multi-device connectivity. By default, the earbuds do not connect to multiple devices, a limitation that could be a significant drawback for users who frequently switch between various audio sources.
Controls
The FreeBuds SE2 utilize tap gestures for control. A double-tap action serves multiple functions, including answering or ending calls, playing or pausing playback, skipping to the next or previous track, and activating the voice assistant. However, the control scheme is quite basic and limited in its scope. There are no distinct functions assigned to the left or right earbud, and the controls are restricted to double taps. This lack of customization and the absence of essential controls for volume adjustment or other functions might be a significant limitation for users seeking more comprehensive control over their audio experience without resorting to their connected device. While the control scheme is simple, its execution is generally commendable. The tap gestures register reliably and accurately, which is a positive aspect of the user experience. The touch controls are responsive, and users are unlikely to encounter frequent missed taps or accidental inputs, contributing to a frustration-free interaction.
Audio Quality
The FreeBuds SE2 are equipped with 10mm dynamic drivers. While the sources don’t provide details on specific audio technologies or partnerships, user experience suggests that the overall sound quality is surprisingly good, particularly considering the earbuds’ affordable price point. The audio output is characterized by evenly distributed frequencies and a good bass response. The sound profile is balanced, providing a pleasant listening experience across various genres of music. The audio output is rich and detailed, unlikely to disappoint those seeking a budget-friendly audio solution that delivers a satisfying sonic experience.
However, it’s important to manage expectations and acknowledge that these earbuds are not designed for audiophiles or users accustomed to high-end audio equipment. While the sound quality is commendable for its class, it might not provide the depth, clarity, and nuanced detail found in more premium audio offerings.
Call Quality
Call quality is a notable strength of the FreeBuds SE2. Supported by AI-powered noise cancellation and ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) microphones, the earbuds deliver clear and effective call quality. Feedback from call recipients consistently indicates that the earbuds effectively minimize background noise, even in challenging environments such as dense traffic or noisy streets. The noise cancellation technology works well to isolate the user’s voice, ensuring clear communication on both ends of the call.
However, a potential issue arises when using the earbuds with certain types of helmets. The helmet’s cushions can sometimes interfere with the microphone placement, potentially affecting call quality and causing interruptions. This is a crucial consideration for regular riders, and users might need to adjust their helmet or consider a differently designed helmet to mitigate this issue. Latency during calls is not a concern. The earbuds perform well in this aspect, ensuring that there is no perceptible delay or lag between speech and reception, contributing to a smooth and natural conversational experience.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a standout feature and a significant advantage of the FreeBuds SE2. The earbuds boast impressive endurance, with claims of up to 9 hours of music playback on a single charge and up to 40 hours of total playback time when combined with the charging case. For voice calls, they offer up to 5 hours of use, with a total of 24 hours with the case. Real-world usage aligns closely with these claims, with users reporting that the earbuds can comfortably last for a week of regular use, requiring infrequent charging of the case. In fact, the battery life is so good that users rarely need to charge the case, highlighting the longevity and convenience of these earbuds. Only during continuous usage of at least 4 hours, the buds need to be charged by putting it back into the case. Charging is facilitated via a USB-C wired connection, which is a standard and convenient method. Wireless charging is not supported, which might be a drawback for some users who prefer the convenience of wireless charging pads.
Additional Features
The FreeBuds SE2 do not include any dedicated health or wellness features. A HUAWEI AI Life app companion is implied, but its functionality in certain regions, such as India, is severely limited and problematic. The app is not available on the Play Store in India, and even when sourced through alternative methods, it often doesn’t function correctly or provide the expected features. This inaccessibility restricts users from accessing potential advanced settings, customization options, equalizer settings, and firmware updates for the earbuds. The “Find My Earbuds” feature, which is typically a useful tool for locating lost earbuds, is also not functional in the Indian context. While the earbuds perform reasonably well without these features, their absence undoubtedly limits the overall user experience and diminishes the potential value of the product.
Latency for gaming and video watching is generally low, providing a satisfactory experience for casual users. In practical usage, users have not reported noticeable lag while watching videos or playing games, indicating that the latency is within acceptable limits for most everyday scenarios. However, it’s important to acknowledge that professional or hardcore gamers with demanding latency requirements might still want to consider pricier options that offer dedicated low-latency modes or superior wireless performance.
Overall Impressions and Value: A Strong Contender
The HUAWEI FreeBuds SE2 are positioned as an affordable option in the Indian market. In this specific context, if the fit is suitable for the user’s ear shape and usage habits, they can be considered one of the better non-in-ear TWS earbuds available in this price range. While some companies are now offering open-ear options, there’s still a significant and valid preference for traditional earbud designs, especially among users who appreciate the classic aesthetic reminiscent of Apple AirPods. In this regard, the FreeBuds SE2 hold a distinct appeal.
My verdict is that it is a good buy in this context. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the limitations and potential drawbacks. For professionals or users who require stunning audio quality, advanced features, or a secure fit for intense sports activities, there are likely better-suited options available elsewhere. The market is already saturated with a plethora of choices, and those with specific needs might need to look beyond the FreeBuds SE2.
Verdict
The HUAWEI FreeBuds SE2 present a compelling value proposition within the affordable earbud segment, offering a balanced audio experience and dependable call functionality at an attractive price point. They excel in providing a satisfying listening experience and reliable communication capabilities. However, potential buyers should carefully consider the limitations and potential drawbacks before making a purchase decision. Users prioritizing a secure fit for sports, advanced control features, ANC, seamless multi-device connectivity, or a fully functional app experience might need to explore alternative options that better align with their specific needs and priorities. Ultimately, for those who prioritize the core essentials of good sound, clear calls, and exceptional battery life within a budget-friendly package, the HUAWEI FreeBuds SE2 are a worthy consideration, especially in markets where affordable audio solutions are highly valued.
The HUAWEI FreeBuds SE2 is available for Rs. 2,999.
Pros:
- Long battery life is a significant and undeniable advantage.
- The overall sound quality is surprisingly good, especially for the affordable price.
- Call quality is generally clear and effective, ensuring reliable communication.
- The earbuds are lightweight and portable, enhancing their convenience.
- The tap controls are responsive and accurate, contributing to a positive user interaction.
Cons:
- The glossy finish is prone to attracting dirt and scratches, affecting long-term aesthetics.
- The fit can be subjective and may not be suitable or secure for all users, particularly during vigorous activities.
- The pairing process can be less seamless and more manual than expected, especially for non-HUAWEI devices.
- Multi-device connectivity is uncertain and likely limited, restricting flexibility for some users.
- The control scheme is basic and lacks customization, limiting user control over audio playback and functions.
- The app companion has limited to no functionality in some regions, hindering access to potential features.
- There is no ANC or wireless charging, which are features found in some competing products.