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Airpods 5 vs Airpods 4 - Too Good To Be True....
Kevin The Tech Ninja
Overview
This video compares the new AirPods 5 to the previous AirPods 4, addressing skepticism about how Apple could offer improved features at a lower price point. The reviewer, Kevin the Tech Ninja, tests both models in real-world scenarios like coffee shops and flights, focusing on active noise cancellation (ANC), transparency mode, sound quality, battery life, and microphone performance. Key upgrades in the AirPods 5 include significantly better ANC, a more natural transparency mode, enhanced sound, longer battery life, and access to the new Siri AI, all while maintaining a similar design and a lower starting price than the AirPods 4. The video concludes that the AirPods 5 represent a substantial upgrade and are a strong value proposition for most users, except perhaps existing AirPods Pro owners.
How was this?
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Chapters
- The tech market is seeing price increases, making the AirPods 5's lower price point initially suspicious.
- The AirPods 5 and AirPods 4 share an identical physical design in both the earbuds and the charging case.
- The fit and feel of the AirPods 5 in the ear are indistinguishable from the AirPods 4.
Understanding the design similarities helps focus the comparison on the functional improvements rather than aesthetic changes, setting the stage for evaluating the core performance differences.
The reviewer notes that the size of the charging cases and the feel of the earbuds in the ear are the same for both models.
- AirPods 4 were priced at $129 (no ANC) and $179 (with ANC), while AirPods 5 start at $129 with ANC, with a $149 option for a wireless charging case.
- The AirPods 5 offer significantly improved ANC, reducing ambient noise by up to 50% more than the AirPods 4, making environments like coffee shops and airplane cabins much quieter.
- The AirPods 5's ANC is particularly impressive for an open-ear design, effectively minimizing background noise even without music playing, which was not possible with the AirPods 4.
This chapter highlights the most significant functional upgrade, demonstrating how Apple has enhanced a key feature (ANC) while lowering the entry price, making premium noise-canceling technology more accessible.
During a flight, the constant airplane drone was almost completely eliminated with the AirPods 5, whereas it was still noticeable, though manageable, with the AirPods 4.
- Transparency mode on the AirPods 5 sounds more natural and less robotic than on the AirPods 4, allowing for clearer conversations and a better awareness of surroundings.
- The open-ear design of both models contributes to long-term comfort, preventing ear fatigue often associated with sealed earbuds.
- Users sensitive to ANC might find the AirPods 5's more powerful noise cancellation to be a potential concern due to the increased sound processing.
This section addresses usability in everyday situations where situational awareness is crucial, showing how improvements in transparency mode enhance the user experience for communication and safety.
In transparency mode, the AirPods 5 make ambient sounds, like city traffic or conversations, seem cleaner and more natural compared to the AirPods 4.
- The AirPods 5 feature improved acoustics with a new design and adaptive EQ, resulting in about a 25% better sound quality with more body, especially noticeable in genres like EDM and hip hop.
- Battery life has been extended by approximately one hour on the AirPods 5 compared to the AirPods 4.
- Upgraded dual beamforming microphones on the AirPods 5 enhance call quality and voice recording capabilities.
These incremental but noticeable improvements in core audio performance, battery, and communication features contribute to the overall value proposition of the AirPods 5, making them a more well-rounded audio device.
Music genres like EDM and hip hop sound richer and have more 'body' on the AirPods 5 due to the rebuilt acoustics and next-gen adaptive EQ.
- Both AirPods 4 and 5 support Live Translate, a feature useful for international travel.
- AirPods 5 exclusively offer access to the new Siri AI, requiring a compatible iPhone.
- The AirPods 5 are recommended as a significant upgrade from AirPods 4 or older models, offering better ANC, sound, and features at a reduced price point.
- The AirPods 5 are considered the best earbuds under $200, though AirPods Pro remain superior for those seeking top-tier features.
This chapter summarizes the key differentiators and provides a clear recommendation, helping learners decide if the AirPods 5 are the right choice for their needs and budget, especially considering the integration with the Apple ecosystem.
The ability to use the new AI-powered Siri is a key exclusive feature of the AirPods 5, distinguishing them from the AirPods 4.
Key takeaways
- Apple has significantly improved active noise cancellation in the AirPods 5, making them a top performer in the open-ear earbud category.
- The AirPods 5 offer a more natural and cleaner transparency mode compared to the AirPods 4, enhancing situational awareness.
- Despite a similar design, the AirPods 5 deliver better sound quality and longer battery life than the AirPods 4.
- The AirPods 5 are priced more competitively than the AirPods 4, with ANC included at a lower starting point.
- Access to the new Siri AI is a key exclusive feature of the AirPods 5, requiring an iPhone for full functionality.
- For users with AirPods 4 or older, the AirPods 5 represent a compelling and cost-effective upgrade.
- The AirPods 5 are positioned as the best value earbuds under $200, though AirPods Pro remain the premium option.
Key terms
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)Transparency ModeOpen-ear designAdaptive EQLive TranslateSiri AIQi wireless chargingBeamforming microphones
Test your understanding
- How does the active noise cancellation performance of the AirPods 5 compare to the AirPods 4, and why is this improvement significant for open-ear earbuds?
- What are the key differences in price and features between the AirPods 4 and AirPods 5 models?
- In what ways does the transparency mode on the AirPods 5 offer an improved user experience compared to the AirPods 4?
- What advanced features are exclusive to the AirPods 5, and what are the requirements to use them?
- Based on the video's analysis, for which user profiles would the AirPods 5 be a recommended upgrade, and who might still prefer the AirPods Pro?