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Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds Extended Evaluation: Remarkably alike to the previous model yet notably compact
Not a substantial enhancement from the Sony WF-1000XM4, but the XM5 executes most tasks slightly more efficiently in a much reduced size.
Benefits: – Superior audio performance – Notably more compact than the XM4 – Cozy fit within the ear, effective noise blocking – Remarkable active noise cancellation and surrounding sound mode – Features like wear detection, support for multiple points – LDAC codecs compatibility even when connected to two devices – Handy supporting app, intelligent audio adjustments – Reliable battery life, offers wireless charging support.
Downsides: – The adjustment of controls is not yet finely tuned- While the ANC is decent, it doesn't surpass the previous model- The cost could have been set at a more attractive rate.
Cost: From Rs 22,290 to Rs 24,990. Evaluation: 4 out of 5.
Sony introduced its highly anticipated WF-1000XM5 TWS earbuds in India in October of the previous year. For unidentified reasons, it took an extended period to get to us. Therefore, instead of hastening the examination process, we decided to spend additional time with the product for a comprehensive long-term review. Honestly, this is a product that's meant to be leisurely savored.
Having thoroughly tested the Sony WF-1000XM4, we have a clear understanding of its pros and cons. It continues to rank among the top true wireless earphones in the market, presenting a challenge to Sony to surpass it, even after more than two years of its release. One prominent problem with the XM4 was its size, which has undoubtedly been improved. However, does the Sony WF-1000XM5 excel it in other aspects? Let's discover.
The design and comfort of the Sony WF-1000XM5 Earphones score an 8 out of 10. Although they bear a resemblance to the WF-1000XM4 model, these earbuds are noticeably more compact and lighter. They aren't as tiny as the Linkbuds S, but they are approximately 25% smaller and 20% lighter than the previous model, according to the manufacturer. Each earbud has a weight of around 5.9 grams, which isn't the lightest on the market but isn't overly heavy either. A key feature is their comfort when worn correctly in the ears, providing a fairly secure fit. They also don't protrude from the ears as much as the 1000XM4 model did.
Rather than the typical silicone ear-tips found on most earbuds, these come with polyurethane foam tips that conform to your ear canal's shape, providing superior passive noise isolation. The noise isolation is so effective that it surpasses the active noise cancellation (ANC) features found in many budget to mid-range earbuds. An additional three pairs of tips are included, allowing you to choose the perfect fit if the default ones don't suit you. It's worth taking a few minutes to select the right ones.
The product's construction is robust, featuring a blend of shiny and sleek matte finishes with large touch areas on the back of the buds. The shiny finish can make it somewhat slick when taking the buds out of the case occasionally. The charging case, which is small enough to fit in your pocket, has a matte finish and weighs less than 40 grams. The case is equipped with a USB-C charging port, a Bluetooth pairing/reset button at the rear, and a charge status LED at the front. The WF-1000XM5 comes in two color options – black and silver (beige).
Sony persists in its eco-friendly efforts, which we commend. The headphones and their case are reportedly crafted from numerous recycled plastic substances, and the exterior packaging is essentially free of plastic to maintain environmental sustainability.
Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds: Details and Characteristics (8.5/10)Despite their compact size, each of these earbuds accommodates a bigger 8.4 mm dynamic driver and three mics – two for Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and one for phone calls. Furthermore, they now come with two processors instead of just one. Sony's latest V2 processor is responsible for sound processing, while a dedicated QN2e chip manages the ANC. To maintain each bud's weight below 6 grams, despite all these components, and without sacrificing battery life, is quite an impressive feat.
The Sony WF-1000XM5 is compatible with SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3 codecs via Bluetooth 5.3. Users have the option to prioritize either sound quality or a stable connection, with a codec being allocated based on their choice. For optimal performance, it's recommended to use LDAC codecs when the earbuds and the source device are in the same room. These earbuds allow dual-pairing, meaning they can connect to two devices at the same time. Interestingly, the LDAC codec can be used on both devices, an option that was not available with the XM4 when it was first launched.
The earbuds include sensors that can detect when they're removed from your ear, automatically pausing the audio, and resume playing when they're put back in. The rear side of the earbuds have touch capabilities that allow you to carry out multiple tasks with one, two, or three tap motions. Sony's Headphones app is used to set up these various functions. However, the level of customization is not as detailed as we'd prefer. The functions are grouped together, so you're unable to assign a certain function to a specific tapping action.
For example, selecting Playback for the right earbud means you'll use one tap to play or pause, two taps to move to the next song, and three taps to go back to the previous song. This cannot be altered. Likewise, if you set ANC for the left bud, it enables you to switch between various ANC modes with just a single tap. Spotify Tap or Amazon Music Play Now can be individually linked for quick access using a double or triple tap. The earbuds are rated IPX4 for sweat resistance, making them suitable for exercise or running.
The performance of the Sony WF-1000XM5 Earphones scores an 8.5/10. The wireless capacity is impressive, providing a steady connection even at a distance of 10 metres, provided there's no obstruction between the earbuds and the device they're connected to. Video streaming is smooth with no noticeable lag. These earbuds, like other Sony True Wireless Stereo models with Active Noise Cancelling, offer three different listening settings – Noise Cancellation, Ambient Sounds, and Normal mode (where both options are turned off). These settings can be selected and cycled through using the Sony Headphones app, which has become increasingly appreciated over time.
The level of noise isolation here is so impressive that it might lead you to think that active noise cancellation (ANC) is activated. When you actually engage ANC, it further decreases specific low and midrange frequency noises such as the hum of a fan or even traffic sounds. Conversations are significantly muted, though not completely silenced. Although the noise cancellation is top-notch, it isn't an improvement over its predecessor. I was able to compare it with an XM4 unit and was hoping for a bit more from the dedicated QN2e processor on the XM5.
The surrounding sound setting in this device is superior, providing natural sounds with the occasional disruption from wind noises. I was able to interact with pedestrians and a taxi driver without having to remove the earbuds. The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) modes can be alternated by tapping the left earbud once. There's also an option for Adaptive Sound Control that automatically toggles between ANC and ambient sound modes based on your whereabouts. The application for these earphones also includes features such as head movement recognition, DSEE Extreme audio enhancement, 360 Reality Audio, and more.
Let's discuss the audio performance of the Sony WF-1000XM5. Even at 60% volume, it's impressively loud. Oddly enough, the default audio setting is a bit bass-heavy for such high-end earbuds. However, it's not as bass-heavy as some cheaper, mid-tier earbuds or similar to anything from Sony's older XB series. It's worth noting, though, that the Sony 1000X series has never advertised itself as providing a neutral sound, instead opting for a slightly warm yet enjoyable tone. The XM5 follows this trend, especially after making a few adjustments using the companion app.
The app provides a variety of built-in audio settings that you can experiment with, or you can adjust the equaliser to craft your own unique settings. For those who might find using a multi-band equaliser a bit daunting, Sony has devised a straightforward method for developing your own personalised EQ. All you need to do is play any audio and then tap on the various numbered circles that pop up on the screen until you find the sound output that appeals most to you. It's an easy, efficient system that doesn't require any understanding of the complexities of various frequency ranges. Simply rely on your hearing and select what sounds best to you.
Following some adjustments, the Sony WF-1000XM5 delivers a precise, harmonious, and truly pleasing sound. Although it leans towards lower frequencies, the bass is profound and firm without overpowering the middle frequencies. The voice clarity is impressive and the division of instruments is exceptional. The high tones are crisp but well-balanced to prevent any hissing sounds. The sound field is impressively wide for a set of True Wireless Stereo earbuds, enhancing the enjoyment across a range of music genres and video content.
The overall audio quality hasn't improved noticeably compared to the 1000XM4, which was already outstanding, but it does seem a tad more polished, with a noticeably wider soundstage. Sony's primary hurdle this round was maintaining all the great features of the XM4 in a more compact design, and it's safe to say they've achieved this.
Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds: Phone Call Clarity (7.5/10) The phone call clarity of the 1000XM5 is fairly good. The individual on the other end of the call could be heard quite clearly, and my voice was also reasonably clear, although it could have been a bit crisper. When used outside, the earbuds' microphones do capture some background noise, but not enough to significantly affect a conversation. The noise reduction feature works pretty effectively, but it might slightly muffle the outgoing voice in noisy environments.
Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds: Battery Duration (8/10)Sony advertises an 8-hour battery lifespan for these earbuds when noise-cancelling is enabled, and a cumulative 24 hours with the charging case. This is similar to the battery life of the XM4 model. However, these figures likely only apply when using the AAC codec. When I tested the earbuds using the LDAC codec, they lasted just over 6 hours with noise-cancelling continuously on. The charging case can fully replenish the earbuds' battery twice, bringing the total potential battery life to approximately 18 hours.
As previously stated, the earbuds offer superior passive noise isolation, significantly reducing ambient noise even when the ANC feature is not activated. When not using ANC, the earbuds have an impressive battery life of over 9 hours from a full charge. With the provided case, the total battery life extends to roughly 28 hours. Therefore, if you judiciously use the ANC feature, you can achieve nearly 24 hours of playback time using both the earbuds and the case, which is quite impressive when utilizing the LDAC codec.
You can see the power level of each earbud and the charging case on the connected phone or through the associated app. The app also alerts you when the case's battery drops below 30%. The earbuds and the case can be fully charged in approximately 90 minutes using a regular USB-C charger. The XM5 comes with a fast-charging feature, where a 3-minute charge can give you an hour of music; a useful function to have. The case is also compatible with Qi wireless charging.
The Sony WF-1000XM5 true wireless stereo earbuds were initially introduced in India at a price of Rs 24,990, including a one-year warranty. The current price has slightly dropped to around 22K. Sony could have been more aggressive in pricing this product to make it more competitive. The WF-1000XM4 model was launched at a price of Rs 19,990 in the same market, and it would have been preferable to keep the WF-1000XM5's introductory price closer to this, considering the comparable performance of the two models.
Indeed, the XM5 is visibly smaller, lighter, and more comfortable without compromising any essential features of the XM4, making it one of the top TWS earbuds currently available in India. However, its sound quality and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) aren't significantly superior to its predecessor. So, if you don't mind somewhat larger earbuds and an extra one and a half grams of weight in each ear, you can own the Sony WF-1000XM4 for less than 14K, or even as low as Rs 12,490 if you're fortunate. This means you get more bang for your buck until you find its successor selling for less than 20K.
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