These are the Realme Buds Air 5, the latest addition to Realme's lineup of affordable TWS earbuds. They come at a very attractive price point of just ₹3,499 and offer some features that are usually seen on more expensive devices.
I'm going to tell you about my experience with the Realme Buds Air 5, and if they are worth purchasing. So, let's dive straight in!
Realme Buds Air 5 Design and Utility
When I first got my hands on the Realme Buds Air 5, I was pretty happy with the sleek and stylish design. They have a stem design, similar to Apple's Airpods and the glossy finish gives them a premium look and feel.
Finding the right fit was a breeze, with the earbuds settling comfortably in my ears, proving to be reliable companions during my regular evening walks despite the humid conditions. And, if you're looking to fine-tune the fit, the package includes ear tips in various sizes to accommodate different preferences.
The IPX5 water resistance rating was another welcome feature, offering a degree of protection against splashes, which means I can wear them during light workouts without a worry.
Although, for the sake of longevity, I'd suggest not using them for high-intensity workouts to prevent any potential damage from sweat.
The charging case of the Realme Buds Air 5 is pleasantly compact, sliding into my pocket with ease, which makes it convenient to carry around. While the glossy finish matches the buds, giving a cohesive look, it can pick up scratches if you're not careful with them.
Realme Buds Air 5 Audio and Call quality
The sound quality on the Realme Buds Air 5 doesn't disappoint. They provide sufficient volume, maintaining strong bass and mids across various levels.
You also have the option of using the realme Link app to customise your sound experience further. I found myself gravitating towards the Pure bass mode, which strikes a nice balance between the bass and treble.
A standout feature at this price range is the noise cancellation. Realme asserts it can reduce up to 50 db of noise, and I must say, it effectively muted the incessant office chatter, allowing me to immerse myself fully in my work and music.
They won't completely shield against sudden, loud sounds but maintaining a volume above 60% ensures a relatively undisturbed listening space.
The six-mic setup on these earbuds is also excellent for call quality. Even in noisy environments, my voice came through loud and clear, thanks to the effective noise reduction technology.
Realme Buds Air 5 Connectivity and Controls
Setting up the Realme Buds Air 5 is refreshingly simple. A quick flip of the lid, a removal of the buds, and Google's fast pair feature takes over, connecting them to your smartphone instantly. The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.3 guarantees a solid, lag-free connection without any instances of drops or interruptions.
But what really caught my attention was the intuitive touch controls.
I found navigating through my playlist or managing calls remarkably seamless with just a few taps on the earbuds. Whether it's skipping to the next song with three taps or juggling calls with two, the controls felt natural and responsive.
The ability to switch to transparency mode with a long press is a nice touch, letting in ambient noise when needed – a premium feature that feels right at home here.
Moreover, the Realme Link app serves as a central hub where you can explore a range of features – from customising audio settings to keeping an eye on battery levels, and even enabling a low latency game mode that promises tight sync between audio and visuals.
I only wish Realme had offered a more expansive list of equaliser settings to further refine the audio experience.
Realme Buds Air 5 Battery Life
I recently took a flight back home over the weekend, and the Air 5 proved to be an absolute lifesaver.
Realme claims a cumulative battery life of around 38 hours, and I experienced similar battery life in my usage. It comes with a 460mAh battery in the case and a 43mAh battery in the buds. The case also sports a USB Type-C charging port, and supports fast charging, which offers nearly 7 hours of playback with just 10 minutes of charging. That's pretty impressive!
Realme Buds Air 5 Review
During my review period, I put the Realme Buds Air 5 through their paces in various environments: I listened to music in the metro, took calls on the go, and even watched movies during a flight.
In every scenario, they stood up to the challenge admirably, and the fact that they come with noise cancellation is just an added bonus.
Quite honestly, they surpassed what I anticipated from a pair in this price range, striking a remarkable balance between affordability and performance
