Happenings
Divisions
Programs
Happenings
Divisions
Programs
Long-term Evaluation of Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds: Resembles the previous model but is significantly smaller
There's not a massive upgrade from the Sony WF-1000XM4, however, the XM5 performs most tasks somewhat more efficiently in a noticeably compact design.
Benefits: – Superb audio performance – Notably more compact than XM4 – Comfortable fit in the ear with effective passive noise blocking – Outstanding active noise cancellation and environmental mode – Supports wearing detection and multi-point connection – Compatible with LDAC codecs even when connected to two devices – Handy supporting app with intelligent sound adjustments – Reliable battery life and supports cordless charging.
Downsides: – The adjustment of settings is not yet finely tuned – The Active Noise Cancellation, while decent, isn't an improvement over the previous model – The cost could be more market-friendly
Cost: Between Rs 22,290 and Rs 24,990. Score: 4 out of 5.
Sony unveiled its highly anticipated WF-1000XM5 TWS earbuds in India in October of the previous year. For reasons that remain unclear, the arrival of the product was significantly delayed. Rather than hastening the testing process, we decided to use it for an extended period and prepare a detailed, long-term review. Honestly, this is a product meant to be leisurely appreciated.
We've had extensive experience with the Sony WF-1000XM4, so we're quite familiar with its pros and cons. It's still one of the top true wireless earphones on the market, and Sony faced a significant challenge in surpassing it even with over two years to develop a successor. The XM4's size was a notable downside, which has certainly been improved. But does the Sony WF-1000XM5 surpass it in other areas? Let's see.
The design and comfort of the Sony WF-1000XM5 Earphones score an 8/10. Although the overall form is somewhat alike, these earbuds are clearly more compact and less heavy than the WF-1000XM4. They're not as tiny as the Linkbuds S, but according to the manufacturer, they're approximately 25% more compact and 20% less heavy than the older model. Each earbud comes in at about 5.9 grams; not the lightest on the market, but not overly heavy either. Most importantly, they are comfortable to wear in the ear and provide a relatively secure fit if worn correctly. They don't protrude from the ears as much as the 1000XM4 did.
Instead of the typical silicone ear-tips found on many earbuds, these come with polyurethane foam tips. These foam tips mold to the contours of your ear canals, providing superior passive noise isolation. This level of noise isolation even surpasses the active noise cancellation (ANC) featured in many budget to mid-range earbuds. The package also includes three additional pairs of tips to ensure a perfect fit. Take a few minutes to find the ones that are most comfortable for you.
The product is robustly constructed, featuring a mix of glossy and matte textures, with large touch-sensitive areas on the back of the earbuds. The glossy texture can make the buds a bit slippery to remove from the case occasionally. The charging case is conveniently small, easy to carry in your pocket, and has a matte finish, with a weight under 40 grams. The case includes a USB-C charging port, a Bluetooth pairing or reset button on the back, and a charge status LED light on the front. The WF-1000XM5 model is available in two color options – black and a silver that looks beige.
Sony persists in its eco-friendly endeavors, which we commend. The headphones and their casing are reportedly crafted from diverse recycled plastic substances, while the exterior packaging largely omits plastic to maintain environmental sustainability.
Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds: Details and Stats (8.5/10)In spite of their compact size, each earbud is equipped with a larger 8.4 mm dynamic driver and triple microphones — two for Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and one for phone calls. Moreover, you now have dual processors instead of a single one. Sony's latest V2 processor manages the sound processing, while a separate QN2e chip oversees the ANC. Maintaining the weight of each bud below 6 grams amidst all these components, without sacrificing battery life, is a remarkable feat.
The Sony WF-1000XM5 offers compatibility with SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3 codecs through Bluetooth 5.3. Users have the option to prioritize sound quality or connection stability, and a suitable codec is selected based on that choice. Ideally, when the earbuds and the device they're connected to are in the same room, it's recommended to opt for sound quality and use the LDAC codecs. The earbuds also allow dual-pairing, meaning they can connect with two devices at the same time. Additionally, the LDAC codec can be used on both devices simultaneously, a functionality that was not available in the XM4 model when it was first released.
The earbuds come equipped with sensors that detect when they're being worn. The audio automatically pauses when you take out an earbud, and resumes when you put it back in. The rear of the earbuds is touch-sensitive, allowing you to carry out several operations with one, two, or three taps. You can set up these functions through Sony's Headphones app. Despite this, the customization options aren't as detailed as we'd prefer. Functions come in groups, and you can't assign a particular function to a specific gesture.
For example, if you opt for Playback on the right earbud, you use one tap to play or pause, two taps to skip to the next track, and three taps to return to the previous track. This setting is non-adjustable. Likewise, if you set the left bud to ANC, you can shift between various ANC modes, but only with a single tap. You have the option to designate quick access for Spotify Tap or Amazon Music Play Now with a double or triple tap. These earbuds come with an IPX4 rating for being sweat-resistant, making them suitable for workouts or jogging.
Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds: Functionality (8.5/10) They have a great wireless range and maintain a reliable connection even at distances of 10 metres, provided there are no obstructions between the earbuds and the device they're paired with. There were also no noticeable delays while watching streamed videos. Similar to other Sony TWS earbuds with ANC, there are three modes available – Noise Cancellation, Ambient Sounds, and Standard mode (with both features off). You have the flexibility to select any two or all three of these to toggle between using the Sony Headphones app that has increasingly become more popular.
The noise isolation in this device is impressive – you could mistake it for having active noise cancellation (ANC) turned on. When you do activate ANC, it suppresses low and mid-frequency sounds such as a fan's hum or traffic noises even more. It also diminishes human voices significantly, though it doesn't completely erase them. Despite the great noise cancellation feature, it isn't noticeably superior to the previous model. I was able to compare it with an XM4 unit, and I had hoped for a bit more from the XM5's dedicated QN2e processor.
The surrounding sound feature in this device is among the best, producing natural sounding audio with some occasional wind noise. I was able to engage in conversations with pedestrians and a taxi driver without taking out the earbuds. The noise cancellation modes can be switched by simply tapping the left earbud once. There's also an option for Adaptive Sound Control that can automatically alternate between noise cancellation and ambient sound modes based on your location. The earphones' app also provides features like head gestures, DSEE Extreme audio enhancement, 360 Reality Audio, and more.
Let's dive into the audio quality of the Sony WF-1000XM5. It boasts ample loudness even at a 60% volume setting. Interestingly, the default audio leans a bit towards the bass end, which is unusual for high-end earbuds. However, rest assured that its bass intensity isn't as pronounced as some mid-tier earbuds that cost significantly less, nor does it echo the sound profile of Sony's older XB series. It's worth noting that the Sony 1000X line has never been designed to deliver a completely balanced sound, instead offering a slightly warm and appealing audio experience. The XM5 maintains this signature sound, with the possibility of minor adjustments via the companion app.
The app provides you with the option to experiment with pre-existing audio presets or to adjust the equaliser for a personalised experience. For individuals who find a multi-band equaliser daunting, Sony has developed a straightforward method to establish your unique EQ. Simply, play any audio and tap on the various numbered circles displayed on the screen until you find a sound output that appeals to you. It's an uncomplicated, efficient process which doesn't require understanding of the complexities of different frequency ranges. Simply, trust your auditory senses and select what appeals to you the most.
With some adjustments, the Sony WF-1000XM5 delivers a comprehensive, even, and pleasurable performance. While it still leans towards the lower frequencies, the bass is profound and focused without overpowering the midrange frequencies. The clarity of the vocals is impressive and the distinction between instruments is excellent. The high frequencies are distinctly crisp but won't produce a hissing sound. The audio depth is impressively wide for a set of True Wireless Stereo earbuds, enhancing the overall experience across different types of music and video content.
Once more, the total audio output isn't markedly superior to that of the 1000XM4, which was already outstanding, but there is a subtle enhancement, and the audio scope certainly seems wider in this case. I believe Sony's primary hurdle this time was to maintain all the positive aspects of the XM4 in a more compact frame, and I can confidently state that they have achieved this.
Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds: Phone Call Clarity (7.5/10) The phone call clarity of the 1000XM5 is fairly good. The person I was speaking with was easily heard, and my voice was also delivered with sufficient crispness, although it could have been a bit more distinct. When using them outside, the microphones do capture some background noise but not too much to disrupt the conversation. The noise reduction technology functions satisfactorily, but it may also cause the voice transmission to become a bit muffled in loud environments.
Sony WF-1000XM5 Earphones: Battery Duration (8/10) Sony advertises that these earbuds have an 8-hour battery life with active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled, and 24 hours total if you include the charging case, just like the XM4 model. However, these stats are likely accurate only when using the AAC codec. When I tested them using the LDAC codec, the earbuds lasted just beyond 6 hours with the ANC constantly on. The charging case can fully recharge the earbuds two more times, bringing the overall battery life to approximately 18 hours.
As previously stated, the earbuds provide exceptional passive noise isolation, effectively reducing ambient sound even without activating the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature. When the ANC is deactivated, the earbuds boast a battery life of more than 9 hours after being fully charged, which is impressive. The case provides around 28 hours of total use. Therefore, if you only occasionally employ the ANC feature, you could potentially achieve almost 24 hours of playtime using both the earbuds and the case. This is quite a good duration, especially when employing 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 will also alert you when the case's battery life falls under 30%. A complete charge for the earbuds and case using a regular USB-C charger will take roughly 90 minutes. The XM5 model is compatible with quick charging, offering an hour's worth of music after just a 3-minute charge, which is a convenient function. Additionally, the case is compatible with Qi wireless charging.
Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds: Cost and ConclusionThe Sony WF-1000XM5 TWS earbuds were introduced in India at a price of Rs 24,990, including a one-year guarantee. They are now available for around 22K. Sony might have improved in terms of offering a more competitive price. The WF-1000XM4 was launched at Rs 19,990 locally, and it would have been perfect if the new model had a similar price considering the comparable performance of the two models.
The XM5 stands out as being smaller, lighter, and more comfortable than the XM4, without missing any crucial features, making it one of the top TWS earbuds currently on offer in India. However, it doesn't provide a significantly improved audio experience or superior active noise cancelling compared to its predecessor. So, if you don't mind slightly larger earbuds and an extra gram and a half of weight in each ear, the Sony WF-1000XM4 could be a more affordable option, priced below 14K and potentially as low as Rs 12,490 if you're fortunate. This makes it a higher value for money proposition until its successor is available for less than 20K.
Search for us on YouTube
Highlighted Shows
Associated Articles
Long-term Evaluation of Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G: A decent phone that could have been more competitively priced
Review of MSI Stealth 14 Studio A13V: Superb performance in a genuinely mobile and small-sized bundle
Nothing Phone 2a Review: Raising expectations for affordable smartphones in 2024
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i 2024 Review: An impressive ultra-light laptop with significant power
Long-term Evaluation of Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G: A decent phone that could have been more competitively priced
Review of MSI Stealth 14 Studio A13V: Superb performance in a genuinely mobile and small-sized bundle
Nothing Phone 2a Review: Raising expectations for affordable smartphones in 2024
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i 2024 Review: An impressive ultra-light laptop with significant power
Can be found on YouTube
Firstpost holds all rights, protected by copyright, as of 2024
+ There are no comments
Add yours