Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds: A Comprehensive Long-term Review

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Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds Detailed Analysis: Almost identical to the previous model but noticeably more compact

The Sony WF-1000XM5 isn't a massive upgrade from the Sony WF-1000XM4, but it performs slightly better in a much more compact form.

Advantages: – Superior audio performance – Considerably more compact than XM4 – Snug fit in the ear, outstanding passive noise blocking – Noteworthy active noise cancelling and ambient mode – Features like wear detection and multipoint compatibility – Accommodates LDAC codecs even when connected to two gadgets – Handy associated application, intelligent sound adjustments – Robust power retention, compatible with wireless charging.

Downsides: – The customization of controls is not yet detailed – The active noise cancelling, while decent, is not an improvement over the previous model – The cost could have been more competitively set.

Cost: Between Rs 22,290 and Rs 24,990

Score: 4 out of 5

Sony introduced its highly anticipated WF-1000XM5 TWS earbuds in India in October of the previous year. The earbuds took an unusually long time to become available to us for unknown reasons. Rather than hastily reviewing the product, we decided to spend more time with it and put together a comprehensive long-term review. Honestly, this is a product that is meant to be leisurely enjoyed.

Having had extensive experience with the Sony WF-1000XM4, we have a clear understanding of its advantages and limitations. It still ranks as one of the top true wireless earphones on the market, so Sony faced a significant challenge in surpassing it, even with more than two years to develop the next model. One noticeable problem with the XM4 was its size, which has certainly been rectified. But is the Sony WF-1000XM5 superior in other aspects? Let's discover.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 earphones, despite having a somewhat similar shape, are noticeably more compact and lighter than the WF-1000XM4 model. They may not be as tiny as the Linkbuds S, but they're 25% smaller and 20% lighter than the older model, according to the manufacturer. Each earbud has a weight of approximately 5.9 grams, which is neither the lightest nor the heaviest on the market. More crucially, they provide a comfortable and secure fit in the ear when worn correctly. Unlike the 1000XM4 model, they don't protrude excessively from the ears.

Rather than the usual silicone ear-tips found in many earbuds, these come with polyurethane foam tips that adapt to your ear's structure, offering top-notch noise isolation. This passive noise isolation is superior to the active noise cancellation (ANC) features provided by numerous affordable to mid-priced earbuds. There are an additional three pairs of ear tips included, in case the standard ones don't fit you perfectly. It's worth taking a few minutes to select the right pair for you.

The product is very well-made and features a mix of shiny and smooth matte finishes, with large touch areas on the back of the earbuds. The shiny finish can sometimes make the buds a bit slippery when taking them out of the case. The charging case is small and easy to carry in your pocket. It has a matte finish and weighs less than 40 grams. The case comes with a USB-C charging port and a button for Bluetooth pairing or resetting on the back, and a light indicating charge status on the front. The WF-1000XM5 comes in two color options: black and silver, which is also called beige.

Sony persistently maintains its eco-friendly measures, which are commendable. Allegedly, the headphones and their casing are manufactured from diverse recycled plastic substances, and the exterior packaging is virtually free of any plastic, ensuring environmental sustainability.

Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds: Details and features (8.5/10) In spite of their compact size, each earbud accommodates a larger 8.4 mm dynamic driver and three microphones – two are utilized for noise cancellation and one for making calls. Furthermore, they now come equipped with two processors rather than just one. Sony's updated V2 processor manages sound processing, while a specific QN2e chip controls the noise cancellation. The fact that each earbud weighs less than 6 grams, even with all the internal components, and still provides a reliable battery life is quite impressive.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 is compatible with SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3 codecs through Bluetooth 5.3. You have the option to prioritize either sound quality or a stable connection, and a suitable codec is selected based on your preference. If the earbuds and the device you're using are in the same room, it's advisable to opt for sound quality and make use of LDAC codecs. These earbuds offer the advantage of dual-pairing, meaning they can connect with two devices at the same time. What's more, you can apply the LDAC codec on both devices, which is a feature that was absent in the XM4 when it was first released.

The earbuds also come with wear detection sensors that automatically pause the audio when you take them out of your ears and resume when you put them back in. The back of the earbuds are equipped with touch controls that allow you to execute several tasks using one, two, or three-tap commands. You can set these functions through Sony's Headphones application. Nonetheless, the level of customization isn't as detailed as we'd prefer. The functions come in predetermined groups and you can't allocate a specific function to a particular gesture.

For example, if you opt for Playback on the right earbud, you can use one tap to play or pause, two taps to skip to the next song, and three taps to go back to the previous song. This setting is fixed and cannot be modified. Likewise, if you set ANC for the left earbud, a single tap will allow you to switch between various ANC modes. Quick access to Spotify Tap or Amazon Music Play Now can be separately set using double or triple tap. These earbuds are rated IPX4 for their ability to resist sweat and can be used during exercise or running.

Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds: Evaluation (8.5/10) These earbuds offer a decent wireless range, maintaining a reliable connection up to 10 meters as long as there's a direct line of sight between the earbuds and the device they're connected to. There were also no lag issues during video streaming. These earbuds, like other Sony True Wireless Stereo (TWS) models with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), provide three listening options – Noise Cancellation Activated, Ambient Sounds Activated, and Standard mode (both features deactivated). You can select any two or all three to switch between using the Sony Headphones app, an app that's become increasingly popular.

The noise isolation quality is exceptional, to the point where one might mistakenly think that the active noise cancellation (ANC) is already enabled. Once you actually activate ANC, it significantly decreases specific low and midrange frequency sounds, such as the hum of a fan or traffic sounds. Conversations around you become less noticeable but are not completely silenced. Although the noise cancellation is superb, it does not seem superior to its previous model. I had the opportunity to compare it with an XM4 model and I anticipated a slight improvement with the XM5's dedicated QN2e processor.

The surrounding sound quality here is top-notch, producing a natural sound with the occasional interference of wind noise. I was able to talk to pedestrians and a taxi driver without having to remove the earbuds. By tapping the left earbud once, you can cycle through the different noise-cancelling modes. The Adaptive Sound Control feature allows for automatic toggling between noise cancelling and ambient modes based on your location. Additional features such as head gestures, DSEE Extreme audio enhancement, 360 Reality Audio, and others can be accessed via the app on these earphones.

Let's delve into the audio quality. The Sony WF-1000XM5 provides ample loudness at 60% volume. Oddly enough, the default audio leans towards a slightly bass-heavy tone, which is unusual for high-end earphones. However, it's not as bass-intense as some mid-tier earphones that cost way less, and it doesn't resemble the sound from Sony’s previous XB series. It's worth noting that the Sony 1000X series has never aimed to deliver a balanced sound, instead favoring a slightly warm yet enjoyable tone. The XM5 continues this trend, especially after a few minor adjustments in the companion app.

The app offers the option to either use an already available audio preset or experiment with the equaliser to design your own. For individuals who may find using a multi-band equaliser challenging, Sony has devised an uncomplicated method to generate your own personalized EQ. Simply play any audio and tap on the various numbered circles displayed on the screen to discover the sound output that aligns with your preference. It's a straightforward, efficient system that doesn't require understanding the complexities of different frequency ranges. All you need to do is trust your ears and select what you enjoy the most.

Once adjusted properly, the Sony WF-1000XM5 delivers a clear, well-balanced and extremely pleasurable sound. It does lean more towards the lower-end frequencies, yet the bass is rich and controlled, avoiding any overpowering of the midrange frequencies. The clarity of the vocals is impressive and the differentiation between instruments is superb. High pitches are crisp but not overly so, avoiding any harshness. The sound field is impressively wide for a set of TWS earbuds, enhancing the overall listening experience across a range of music styles and video content.

Once more, the overall audio quality isn't drastically superior to the 1000XM4, which was already superb, however, it is a tad more polished, and the audio range certainly seems wider. It seems the primary hurdle for Sony this time was preserving the outstanding qualities of the XM4 in a more compact design, and I can confidently affirm that they have accomplished this.

Sony WF-1000XM5 Headphones: Phone Call Quality (7.5/10)

The phone call quality on the 1000XM5 is fairly good. The person on the other end of the call was easily heard, and my voice was also comprehensible, although could have been a bit more crisp. When used outside, the microphones do capture some background noise, but not enough to disrupt the conversation. The noise-cancelling feature performs fairly well, but it may slightly muffle the voice in loud environments.

Sony's WF-1000XM5 earbuds have a battery life rating of 8 out of 10. According to Sony, the earbuds can last for 8 hours with active noise cancellation (ANC) turned on, and can provide up to 24 hours of usage when combined with the charging case – a performance similar to the XM4 model. However, these figures are likely based on using the AAC codec. In my own experience, using the LDAC codec, the earbuds lasted just over 6 hours with ANC continuously turned on. The charging case can fully recharge the earbuds two more times, bringing the total potential battery life to around 18 hours.

I previously stated that the passive noise blocking on this device is top-notch, significantly reducing background noise even without activating ANC. When ANC isn't used, these earbuds can go for more than 9 hours with a full battery, which is impressive. With the accompanying case, the overall usage time can reach approximately 28 hours. Therefore, conservative use of ANC can potentially give you nearly 24 hours of usage between the earbuds and the case, a rather good performance especially when using LDAC codec.

You can see the power level of each earpiece and the charging box on the connected phone or through the associated application. The application alerts you when the battery in the box falls below 30%. Using a regular USB-C charger, it takes roughly an hour and a half to fully charge the earbuds and the box. The XM5 enables speedy charging, with just 3 minutes of charging offering up to an hour of music play; a convenient attribute. The box is also compatible with Qi wireless charging.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 TWS earbuds were initially released in India at a price of Rs 24,990, providing a one-year warranty. Currently, they can be bought for approximately 22K. Sony might have been able to improve their pricing strategy to be more competitive in the market. The previous model, the WF-1000XM4, was introduced at Rs 19,990 in this region. A launch price closer to this figure would have been more suitable, considering the comparable performance of the two models.

Indeed, the XM5 stands out as being more compact, lightweight, and comfortable than the XM4, without sacrificing any major features. It's undoubtedly one of the top True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds currently on sale in India. However, its sound quality and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) don't show a significant improvement over its predecessor. Therefore, if you don't mind slightly larger earbuds and a marginal increase in weight, the Sony WF-1000XM4 could be a great choice for you, with prices even dropping to Rs 12,490 with some luck. This makes it a much better value for money until its successor is available for less than 20K.

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