Apple AirPods 4 Review: The Earbud Fairy Touched Them!

Summary

Apple AirPods 4 Review: The Earbud Fairy Touched Them! Once upon a time, in a world filled with expensive plastic bits and questionable sound quality, lived the AirPods newcomers—AirPods 4. As a proud skeptic of Apple’s first attempts at this earbud magic, I found them flopping around like a fish on land. But oh, how times change! After a week with the magical AirPods 4, it seems they’ve traded in their fishy ways for a sleek upgrade that many will rejoice about like a kid at the candy store. From the outside, AirPods 4 look like the younger sibling of the AirPods 3. They’ve tweaked their curves and slimmed down the charging case as if it just got back from a spa day. Holding it now feels like cradling a delicate marshmallow—only it has a USB-C port instead of a gooey interior. And yes, it’s still as white as a polar bear at a snowstorm party, because variety is overrated, right? Here’s where the magic truly happens: there are now two versions of AirPods 4! Think of them as the yin and yang of the audio world—same sound quality but with a twist! Each version has Apple’s snazzy H2 chip, which supercharges sound and voice calls, plus both are IP54 rated, so bring on the rain and dust! The regular AirPods 4 are priced at $129, while the fancy-shmancy model with active noise cancellation goes for $179. Now, let’s talk about active noise cancellation (or aka, the magical barrier between you and your neighbor’s karaoke night). Can ANC really work in an open style? It’s like trying to filter out a marching band with a pair of open-toed sandals. Spoiler alert: it works—sort of! The AirPods 4 use microphones to analyze your surroundings and bring out the anti-noise like a Jedi fighting against sound disturbances. However, don’t expect a quiet, zen-like experience. If you want that, I’d suggest finding a quiet cave to meditate in. When I put the AirPods 4 in and summoned ANC, I didn’t hear a magical silence but more of a calming hum—like my brain gently saying, “It could be worse.” They did surprisingly well against lower-frequency noises like airplane vibes and traffic chaos. However, they struggled in a crowded bar, where the only thing I wanted was a secret escape pod from the loud chatter. Music becomes the real game-changer here; once the tunes kick in, you can keep the volume at a soft whisper while drowning out distractions like a pro. On the fancier model, you also get transparency mode, like having X-ray vision but for sounds, plus the new Adaptive Audio feature that allows important sounds to sneak through like an overenthusiastic pizza delivery guy. And the handy Conversation Awareness? Finally, a feature that helps me not look like a lunatic talking to myself while everyone else thinks I’m having a great time at a party! Now, let’s talk accessories: the pricier model boasts wireless charging, so no more fumbling with wires—an absolute lifesaver for the clumsy folks among us. And there’s a new speaker hidden in the case, so if you lose it, it can sing a little tune to help you reunite, like a lost long-lost sibling! The $129 model? No speaker or wireless charging, which feels like being stuck at the kids’ table at family dinners—it’s fine but a bit disappointing. Sound-wise, the AirPods 4 have taken a delightful leap in bass and clarity, like switching out water for delicious soda. They might not reach the lofty heights of the AirPods Pro, but honestly, they’re delightful companions for your ears. As for staying put in your ears, think of AirPods 4 as that one clingy friend—you have to twist and adjust them until you find that perfect snug fit. They are surprisingly comfy, able to withstand rushing adventures, like sliding down subway stairs while trying to avoid personal injuries! Both versions now also respond to head nods like some bizarre game of charades with Siri. You can accept calls with a nod or shake your head to reject them, making you feel like an instant influencer—yes, I am winking at you! But for me, I’ll stick with the classic way of summoning Siri and save my head bobs for dance-offs at weddings. For those who make calls often, the Voice Isolation feature ensures your voice shines like a diamond in the rough of chaos. You’ll sound crisp, clear, and ready to convince your friend to order pizza without anyone else bothering your conversation! With a four or five-hour battery life (depending on whether the ANC is working hard or hardly working), they can stand the test of time—at least until your next charging tantrum… and yes, the case ensures they can dance for up to 20-30 hours with charging support. Unfortunately, nostalgia for durability doesn’t extend to repairability, as it remains a bit dodgy, which is a total bummer. To sum up this exhilarating adventure: I may return to my beloved noise-isolating earbuds, but I have to admit, AirPods 4 make a compelling argument for the open-design crowd. The ANC may not compete with the big guys, but the performance is strong enough to keep your jam sessions flowing. For Apple enthusiasts, this is a no-brainer. If you’re not clinging too tightly to your purse strings, give that extra $50 a whirl; your ears will thank you (and so will your sanity)! Unleashing the sound quality in a stylish package, the AirPods 4 might just charm the socks off you—or at least the other earbud lovers!

Original Source: www.theverge.com