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Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds Prolonged Analysis: Remarkably akin to the previous version but visibly tinier
Not a massive advancement from the Sony WF-1000XM4, however, the XM5 performs most functions somewhat more proficiently in a considerably compact design.
Benefits:- Superb audio performance- Noticeably more compact than the XM4- Cozy fit in the ears, efficient at reducing background noise- Remarkable active noise cancellation and environmental mode- Features include wear detection and the ability to connect to multiple devices- Compatibility with LDAC codecs even when connected to two devices- Handy associated application, intelligent audio adjustments- Reliable battery life, compatible with wireless charging.
Downsides:- The setup of controls isn't yet detailed- The active noise cancellation is decent, but not superior to the previous model- The cost could have been more market-friendly
Cost: Between Rs 22,290 and Rs 24,990
Rating: 4 out of 5
Sony introduced its highly anticipated WF-1000XM5 TWS earbuds in India in October of the previous year. For unknown reasons, the product took longer than expected to arrive. Instead of hastily going through the testing process, we decided to spend more time with the product and put together an extended review. This is indeed a product that is meant to be leisurely enjoyed.
We have thoroughly used the Sony WF-1000XM4 and are familiar with its pros and cons. It continues to be one of the top TWS (true wireless) earbuds available, making it a difficult act for Sony to follow, even with more than two years to launch the succeeding model. A notable problem with the XM4 was its size, which has certainly been improved. But does the Sony WF-1000XM5 surpass its predecessor in other areas? Let's discover.
The Sony WF-1000XM5 Earphones' design and comfort score an 8 out of 10. Although their shape is somewhat alike, these earbuds are significantly smaller and lighter than the WF-1000XM4. They're not as compact as the Linkbuds S, but they are roughly 25% smaller and 20% lighter than the previous model, according to the manufacturer. Each earbud weighs approximately 5.9 grams; they're not the most lightweight on the market, but they're not heavy either. Crucially, they are comfortable to wear and provide a reasonably tight fit when worn correctly. They don't protrude from the ears as much as the 1000XM4 did.
Rather than the typical silicone ear-tips found in most earbuds, these come with polyurethane foam tips that conform to the contours of your ear canals for superior passive noise isolation. In fact, this is superior to the active noise cancellation (ANC) provided by many cheaper to mid-priced earbuds. If the default tips don't suit you, there are three additional pairs included. Take a moment to select the ones that fit you best.
The product is well-constructed, offering a blend of shiny and sleek matte finishes along with large touch areas on the back of the buds. The shiny surface sometimes makes it somewhat slippery when taking the buds out of the case. The small, portable charging case comes with a matte finish and its weight is less than 40 grams. The case is equipped with a USB-C charging port and a Bluetooth pairing/reset button on the back, as well as a battery life indicator LED on the front. The WF-1000XM5 comes in two color options: black and silver (beige).
Sony persists in its efforts towards eco-friendliness, which we commend. The earphones and their case are reportedly made from a range of reused plastic materials, and the exterior packaging largely avoids plastic usage to maintain sustainability.
Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds: Details and Tech Specs (8.5/10) In spite of their more compact size, each earbud is equipped with an enlarged 8.4 mm dynamic driver and three microphones – two for noise cancellation and one for making calls. Additionally, the earbuds now feature dual processors instead of a single one. Sony's updated V2 processor is responsible for audio processing, while a separate QN2e chip manages the noise cancellation. It's impressive that each earbud weighs less than 6 grams, despite all these components, without sacrificing battery life.
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 reliable connection, with a codec being allocated based on your choice. If the earbuds and the device they're connected to are in the same room, it's advisable to opt for sound quality and use LDAC codecs. The earbuds also allow for dual-pairing, meaning they can connect to two devices at the same time. What's more, you can utilize the LDAC codec on both devices, a capability that was not present in the XM4 when it was first released.
The earbuds also come with sensors that detect when they are worn, automatically pausing and resuming audio when you take out and put back a bud. The earbuds' backside is touch-sensitive, allowing you to execute various tasks using one, two, or three tap actions. These actions can be customized through the Sony Headphones application. However, the level of customization is not as detailed as desired. The features come in bundles and don't allow you to assign a particular function to a specific gesture.
For example, if you select Playback for the right earpiece, one tap will play or pause music, two taps will skip to the next song, and three taps will go back to the previous song. This cannot be modified. In the same vein, if you set ANC for the left earpiece, a single tap can switch between various ANC modes. Functions like Spotify Tap or Amazon Music Play Now can be assigned separately and accessed by a double or triple tap. The earpieces have an IPX4 rating, making them sweat-resistant and suitable for activities like exercise or running.
Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds: Quality (8.5/10) These earbuds offer a reliable wireless connection, even at a distance of 10 meters, as long as there is a direct line of sight between the earbuds and the device they are connected to. There were no delays noted while watching videos. Similar to other Sony TWS earbuds that feature ANC, there are three audio settings – Noise Cancellation, Ambient Sounds, and a standard setting (both features off). Users can select any combination of these settings to switch between using the Sony Headphones application, a feature that has become increasingly appreciated over time.
The noise isolation feature is so impressive that you might mistakenly think the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has been activated. Once you actually switch on the ANC, it reduces specific low and midrange noise such as fan sounds or traffic noise. It significantly lessens human conversation, though it doesn't completely remove it. Even though the noise cancellation feature is superb, it doesn't seem to improve upon its previous version. I had an XM4 model for comparison and anticipated a slight improvement with the dedicated QN2e processor on the XM5.
The environment setting on these earphones is one of the best, providing realistic sounds with occasional interference from wind noise. I was able to engage in discussions with pedestrians and a taxi driver without taking the earbuds out. The different ANC settings can be accessed by lightly touching the left earbud. The Adaptive Sound Control feature can be used to automatically alternate between ANC and environment settings based on your whereabouts. The earphones' app also has other functions like head movements, DSEE Extreme audio amplification, 360 Reality Audio, and more.
Let's discuss the audio quality. The Sony WF-1000XM5 has ample volume at 60% capacity. Oddly enough, the initial sound is somewhat bass-rich for such high-quality earphones. However, it's not as bass-heavy as some mid-range earphones that cost less than a quarter of its price, nor does it resemble anything from Sony's older XB series. That being said, the Sony 1000X series has never purported to deliver a balanced sound, instead always offering a slightly warm yet enjoyable audio. The XM5 continues this trend, with some slight adjustments possible through its companion app.
The app allows you to experiment with pre-set audio options or adjust the equalizer to personalize your own sound. If you find using a multi-band equalizer daunting, Sony has devised an easy method to formulate your own unique EQ. All you need to do is play any audio and select the various numbered circles displayed on the screen to identify a sound output that fits your preference. It's uncomplicated, efficient, and doesn't require a deep understanding of varying frequency ranges. Trust your auditory senses and select what appeals to you most.
With some minor adjustments, the Sony WF-1000XM5 delivers a rich, well-balanced, and pleasurable sound output. While it leans more towards the lower-end frequencies, it provides a profound and well-controlled bass that doesn't overpower the middle-range frequencies. The vocals are crystal clear and the distinction between instruments is impressive. The high notes are crisp, but not excessively so, avoiding a hissing sound. The sound field is impressively wide for a set of TWS earbuds, enhancing the overall listening experience across different types of music and video content.
Once more, the total audio output isn't greatly superior to the 1000XM4, which was already of high quality. However, it has been somewhat polished and the audio field certainly appears wider here. Sony's major hurdle this time was to preserve the XM4's positive aspects within a downsized casing. I can confidently affirm that they have accomplished this task.
Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds: Call Clarity (7.5/10) The call clarity on the 1000XM5 earbuds is fairly good. You can hear the person on the other end clearly, and they can also hear you pretty well, although the voice transmission could be slightly crisper. When outside, the mics do capture a bit of background noise, but it doesn't overwhelmingly affect the discussion. The noise cancellation feature works adequately, but it might soften the transmitted voice in loud surroundings.
Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds: Battery Duration (8/10) Sony suggests that these earbuds have an 8-hour battery life when the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) function is enabled and can last up to 24 hours with the charging case, similar to the XM4 model. However, these statistics are likely accurate if you're using the AAC codec. In my experience, when using the LDAC codec, the earbuds lasted just over 6 hours with the ANC continuously active. The case has the capacity to fully recharge the earbuds two more times, bringing the total potential battery life to approximately 18 hours.
As previously stated, the earbuds' passive noise isolation feature is outstanding, substantially reducing ambient noise even when the ANC function is not activated. Without ANC, the earbuds can run for more than 9 hours after being fully charged, which is quite impressive. Combining this with the case, you get approximately 28 hours in total. Therefore, if you only use ANC occasionally, you could potentially get nearly 24 hours of usage from the earbuds and case, which is pretty good, especially when using the LDAC codec.
You can see the power level of each earpiece and the charging case on the linked phone or through the associated application. The application also alerts you when the case's power dips under 30%. It generally requires around an hour and a half to fully charge the earbuds and case using a typical USB-C charger. The XM5 is compatible with quick charging, with a 3-minute charge yielding an hour of music play; a useful characteristic to possess. The case is also capable of Qi wireless charging.
Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds: Cost and ConclusionThe Sony WF-1000XM5 True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds were initially introduced in India at a price of Rs 24,990, including a one-year guarantee. They are currently available for around 22K. Sony might have been more aggressive with their pricing in this regard. The WF-1000XM4 was released at Rs 19,990 in the same region, and it would have been more appropriate to have a similar price for the WF-1000XM5 at its launch considering their comparable performance.
Indeed, the XM5 stands out as being smaller, lighter, and more comfortable than the XM4, without lacking any of its critical features. It's undoubtedly one of the top True Wireless Stereo earbuds currently available in India. However, it doesn't offer a significantly improved audio experience or superior Active Noise Cancellation compared to its predecessor. Therefore, if you don't mind slightly larger earbuds and a tad more weight in each ear, the Sony WF-1000XM4 could be yours for under Rs 14,000 or even as low as Rs 12,490 if you're fortunate. This makes it a far better bargain until its successor is available for less than Rs 20,000.
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