Huawei FreeBuds 3i Review: A Feature-Rich Audio Experience
The Huawei FreeBuds 3i are feature-rich TWS earphones that stand as a direct competitor to high-end options like the Apple AirPods Pro. Based on their extensive features, they offer a compelling package for users looking for premium audio performance.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Opening the box reveals the Huawei FreeBuds 3i themselves. The package also includes a USB Type-C cable for charging. The first impression upon holding the product is one of quality and a premium feel.
Design, Build, and Comfort
The charging case for the FreeBuds 3i is incredibly small, with clear Huawei branding on the back. The earbuds are available in three colors: White, Black, and Red. In terms of weight, the case with the earbuds inside is about 48 grams, while each individual earbud weighs a mere 4.5 grams. This makes them extremely lightweight, to the point where you might forget you are wearing them after a short time. The overall build quality feels good and premium in the hand.
Charging and Battery Life
The FreeBuds 3i support both wireless charging, just like the AirPods Pro, and wired charging via a USB Type-C port. A full wired charge for the case takes approximately one hour. Once the earbuds are fully charged, they offer up to four hours of continuous music playback. The charging case extends the total playback time to 20 hours, as it recharges the earbuds whenever they are placed back inside.
Performance and Connectivity
Internally, the earbuds are powered by the Kirin A1 chipset, which Huawei specifically designed for its audio products. Each earbud contains a 37mAh battery. Pairing is a straightforward process; you simply open the case and long-press the side button to make them discoverable. The experience can be further customized using the Huawei AI Life app, which allows you to adjust settings like the Active Noise Cancellation level. The earbuds also support a quick connect feature, providing a seamless pairing experience similar to that of Apple devices.
Sound Quality Analysis
The audio quality, delivered through large 14.2mm drivers, is seriously impressive. While the bass is considered average, the overall clarity is excellent and crystal clear, ensuring that the sound never becomes muddy. The mids and tones are rated as slightly above average. A key strength is the great instrument separation, which allows you to clearly distinguish between different instruments like a guitar, drums, or sitar in a track.
Active Noise Cancellation and Touch Controls
The touch controls on the FreeBuds 3i are very responsive. A double-tap on the left earbud toggles the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on or off, while a double-tap on the right earbud skips to the next song or video. The ANC performance is quite good, effectively blocking out ambient environmental sound. When compared directly to the AirPods Pro, it may not be as powerful, and it lacks a “Transparency Mode” that actively channels external sounds to the user.
The Downside: A Less Secure Fit
One potential negative is the fit of the earbuds. Unlike models that use silicone tips to create a secure seal in the ear canal, the design of the FreeBuds 3i might feel less secure, especially during vigorous activities like running. This can create a sensation that the earbuds are about to fall out, requiring you to frequently push them back into place. For this reason, TWS earphones with silicone tips are often preferred for a more stable fit.
Price and Value Proposition
While the exact launch price is unknown, the combination of premium build quality, excellent sound, and advanced features suggests they will not be a budget-friendly option (e.g., in the 4,000-5,000 INR range). However, if they are priced in the 10,000-15,000 INR range, they would be considered an excellent and highly recommended alternative to the AirPods Pro.
How to Participate in the Giveaway
A giveaway for five units of the Huawei FreeBuds 3i is being held. The contest will run for 14 days, and all details are provided in the video description. To participate, you need to comment on why you want these earphones and follow the specified social media platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, as detailed on the Gleam.io page. The winners will be announced in two weeks during a live stream on Twitter and Instagram.
