Google’s latest earbuds, the Pixel Buds Pro 2, aim to establish a foothold in the competitive earbuds market with improved design, comfort, and functionality. Let’s dive into the details and see how these earbuds stack up.
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Design | Redesigned for comfort with a discreet ear nub |
| Audio Drivers | 11 mm driver |
| Controls | Tap and swipe gestures |
| Audio Features | Basic EQ, LE Audio, AAC |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.4, multi-device support, Google Fast Pair |
| Battery Life | ANC On: 8 hrs (buds), +22 hrs (case); ANC Off: 12 hrs (buds), +36 hrs (case) |
| Ingress Protection | Buds: IP54; Case: IPX4 |
| Colors | Porcelain, Hazel, Wintergreen, Peony |
Design and Comfort
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 boast a sleeker and more comfortable design than their predecessor. Google replaced the in-ear hook with a smaller, discreet nub that rests comfortably in the ear. These earbuds are designed to fit a wide range of ear shapes and sizes, leveraging data from over 45 million ear scans.
Wear Modes
- Locked-in Mode: Perfect for sports or active use.
- All-Day Comfort Mode: Ideal for long wear without ear fatigue.
The buds feel almost weightless, with no shifting during movement. Despite this comfort, the touch controls can sometimes result in accidental adjustments.
Touch Controls: A Mixed Bag
The touch-sensitive controls are intuitive but take some getting used to:
- Volume: Swipe forward to increase, backward to decrease.
- Playback: Tap once to play/pause, twice to skip forward, three times to skip back.
- Custom Gestures: Hold to activate Transparency Mode or Gemini Assistant.
While functional, the unconventional swipe directions for volume and accidental touches may require a learning curve.
Color Options
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are available in four stylish colors:
- Porcelain: A classic white variant.
- Hazel: A sleek, dark option.
- Wintergreen: A refreshing teal-like green.
- Peony: A vibrant and fun pink.
Google’s approach to color options adds personality and flair to the earbuds.
Sound Quality
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 deliver a balanced audio experience:
- Bass: Subtle and not overpowering.
- Mids: Clear and detailed.
- Highs: Smooth and free from harshness.
Adaptive Sound
Although not explicitly marketed, the earbuds seem to adjust their EQ based on the music and ear shape. This feature enhances the listening experience by subtly refining frequencies during playback.
However, audiophiles may miss support for high-fidelity codecs like LDAC, which limits the potential for ultra-high-quality audio.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
The earbuds feature Adaptive ANC and Transparency Mode for versatile listening experiences. These modes work well, but disabling them results in a noticeable drop in audio quality, which might indicate a reliance on the Tensor A1 chip for sound enhancements.
Battery Life
| Mode | Buds | With Case |
| ANC On | 8 hours | 30 hours total |
| ANC Off | 12 hours | 48 hours total |
The battery performance is impressive, especially with ANC off, making the earbuds suitable for extended use.
Build Quality and Protection
The earbuds have an IP54 rating (dust and splash resistance), while the case is rated IPX4 (splash resistance only). The case feels sturdy and well-built, though slightly bulky.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Sleek and comfortable design
- Adaptive sound for tailored audio
- Long battery life
- Stylish color options
Cons
- No high-fidelity audio codecs
- Reduced audio quality when ANC is off
- Touch controls can be finicky
Verdict
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer a solid upgrade with thoughtful design, adaptive audio, and excellent comfort. While they lack some features sought by audiophiles, their overall performance and versatility make them a competitive choice in their price range. For casual listeners and fans of Google’s ecosystem, these earbuds are a reliable and stylish option.
Source: Phonearene
