Review of Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 - new headphones with a top-end noise reduction system.

We talk about one of the main competitors of Apple AirPods Pro 2 and compare it with its predecessor.

It just so happens that popular headphones, like smartphones, are updated every year. Manufacturers are releasing a new model, trying to surprise with further improvements in performance, design and ergonomics. The trouble is that the better your gadget, the more difficult it is to release something even cooler after a short period of time. Therefore, regarding the new Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3, which replaced the very successful FreeBuds Pro 2 , we initially had doubts. How can the model surpass its predecessor? Let's watch.

Table of contents

• Specifications
• Design and equipment
• Control and landing
• Connection and application
• Sound
• Noise suppression
• Headset mode
• Autonomy
• Results

Specifications

Design and equipment

With FreeBuds Pro 2, Huawei came to the optimal formula of appearance and ease of use, so with FreeBuds Pro 3 they did not reinvent the wheel once again. Both the charging case and the headphones themselves inherited the design of their predecessor, but with minor changes.

For example, the case now has a new hinge in the form of a solid bridge. It has a soft closer that prevents the lid from opening involuntarily, but makes it possible to open the case without the help of a second hand.

On the back of the case there is the same insert with the name of the company, but without mention of the French Devialet - it did not participate in the creation of this model. The glass itself, by the way, has become stronger, but the body gets scratched over time in the same way as the FreeBuds Pro 2.

Speaker holes have appeared on the bottom edge next to the USB Type-C port . In theory, the case can literally be “ringed” if you suddenly lose it at home or in the office. But this feature is not available yet. When it will appear and whether it will happen at all is unknown.

We also note the new location of the charge indicator - now it is not inside under the cover, but outside on the front panel. The pairing button is still on the side.

As for the headphones themselves, they retained the same stem that needs to be squeezed, but a small notch appeared on one of its edges. And this is also a kind of work on mistakes, because this zone is designed to simplify gestures for adjusting the volume.

In the previous model, to make the music louder , you had to slide your finger up along a completely flat edge. It was difficult to get the level right the first time. Sometimes it turned out too strong, sometimes without any change at all. The notch gives a little more control, but it still doesn’t completely solve the problem of inaccurate gesture reading.

Otherwise, the headphones look extremely familiar: the microphones are in their places, as are the sensors that recognize removal from the ear. The sound guide is still oval in shape with a metal mesh and hypoallergenic silicone tips.

The last external change is a new green color, replacing pearlescent blue. But what we tested was a silver-gray version with a matte case and glossy, literally mirror-like headphones. They look stylish, but they collect prints with a bang.

Control and landing

The silicone tips mentioned above are now a little stiffer, so the passive sound insulation is slightly improved. Plus, the set now includes not only sizes S, M and L, but also XS. So choosing the perfect fit just got easier.

The AI ​​Life app, which we'll talk about below, has a function for determining the size of the tips - the headphones themselves will tell you which one is right for you. It works by playing audio and reading "loss" through microphones.

In terms of size, the FreeBuds Pro 3 do not look very compact, but they fit perfectly into the ear and practically do not stick out.

Basic control comes down to simple compression of the leg, during which you always hear a click. Compared to FreeBuds Pro 2, it became louder.

The control principle itself is the same: one-time compression - play/pause, two times - the next track, three times - the previous one, and clamping - changing the noise reduction mode . You quickly get used to this control, it's really convenient.

With the right attachments, FreeBuds Pro 3 will not cause discomfort when used all day long. You can immerse yourself in music at work, go to the gym or go for a long walk without taking off your headphones for a minute. Even rain will not be a hindrance, since the accessory is protected from moisture according to the IP54 standard.

Connection and application

FreeBuds Pro 3 support Bluetooth 5.2 and can connect to two devices at once. For example, to a smartphone and laptop in order to quickly switch between them without the hassle of tying and untying.

Pairing with the first device occurs automatically as soon as you open the case - all you have to do is confirm the connection. To enter pairing mode with a new source, you need to hold down the button on the case.

For complete control you will need the Huawei Ai Life application .

It allows you to track charge, change controls, adjust noise cancellation, update firmware, and activate a loud beep on each earbud if you need to find them somewhere in the room. The sound can also be adjusted in the same application .

Sound

Each earphone has a two-element audio system: a dynamic 11mm driver and a flat diaphragm driver. In addition, a very wide frequency range is announced - from 14 to 48,000 Hz, as well as support for LDAC and L2HC 2.0 codecs.

All this is an excellent basis for good sound. And this is confirmed by HWA and Hi‑Res Audio Wireless certificates. The lack of Devialet branding did not affect the quality in any way - the sound is still top-notch and quite flexible due to the adjustment of audio profiles and equalizer in the application.

When compared with FreeBuds Pro 2, the sound stage has changed a little, but it’s hard to say what exactly the manufacturer emphasized. These are all details that are revealed differently in different tracks. And it is quite difficult to assess any general vector of changes.

The only thing that can be said with confidence is that the sound quality of the new product is on par with its predecessor. The sound is clear, lively and rich.

The standard profile is great for dance music, rap and hip-hop style Still DRE There is little bass by default, but you can enhance it in the application by selecting the appropriate profile.

Noise suppression

The noise reduction system has stepped forward. The manufacturer claims that ANC works up to 50% better than the previous model, and the range of leveled sounds has been expanded by 5 dB.

According to subjective sensations, the cut-off of background noise is indeed of better quality. And this is thanks to both the ANC algorithms and, probably, good passive sound insulation. Along a three-lane road, the noise of cars is reduced to almost zero, in the subway you can only feel the sound of wheels with its vibrations, and not a trace remains of the bustle of the office. For TWS this is the top level.

In the Huawei Ai Life application, the ANC system can be configured by selecting one of four modes. We mainly used the dynamic one, which itself adapts to the surrounding noise. It works great and doesn't affect the quality of the music.

Headset mode

A microphone with a bone conduction sensor is responsible for the clarity of your voice on calls . It works in conjunction with three conventional microphones and allows you to separate speech from noise. For this, a “multi-channel algorithm of deep neural networks” is used - yes, the neurons are already here, and they can handle it. This is especially noticeable when talking outside in windy weather.

During the two weeks of the test, none of the interlocutors complained about poor sound or quiet speech - even when communicating using one earphone rather than two.

Autonomy

The previous model had good autonomy, but far from top-end. The new product has been pumped up in this regard. The manufacturer claims 6.5 hours of battery life without noise cancellation, and that's exactly what you'll get. With charging from the case - about 30 hours.

FreeBuds Pro 3 can delight you with music almost all day long.

With ANC, this time is reduced to 4.5 hours and 22 hours, respectively. These indicators have also been confirmed in practice.

The headphones themselves charge in the case for about 40 minutes, and the case replenishes its battery in about an hour. There is also wireless charging, but it is limited to 2 W, so it takes about 2.5 hours.

Results

Compared to its predecessor, FreeBuds Pro 3 are not something radically new. This is a small upgrade and work on bugs: we changed the sound a little, improved noise reduction and improved battery life. It turned out well - the same top-end headphones, but with mother-of-pearl buttons.

The conclusion is simple: if you have last year's FreeBuds Pro 2, then you hardly need the new model. And if your accessory is a lower level, then FreeBuds Pro 3 will be a great purchase. They easily inherit the title of one of the best TWS headphones for Android devices. The cost is 16,990 rubles.

And if you want to save money, FreeBuds Pro 2 is still on sale. The difference in price is 4 thousand rubles.