In the ever-evolving world of wireless earbuds, Huawei continues to push boundaries with the Huawei Freebuds Pro 4, a successor to the popular Freebuds Pro series. These earbuds are packed with cutting-edge technology, superior sound quality, and advanced features that make them stand out from the competition. However, as with any product, there are a few limitations that potential buyers should consider. In this detailed review, we will explore the Huawei Freebuds Pro 4 in depth, discussing everything from the design to the audio performance, noise cancellation, and app functionalities. We will also examine the overall user experience, battery life, and what sets these earbuds apart from others in the market.

Introduction to the Huawei Freebuds Pro 4

The Huawei Freebuds Pro 4 are the company’s latest high-end wireless earbuds, designed to compete with the best in the market, including Apple’s AirPods Pro and Sony’s WF-1000XM4. Priced at around €199 (approximately £170), the Freebuds Pro 4 aren’t the most expensive earbuds, but they offer premium features and build quality.

Huawei has always been known for its sleek, high-quality tech products, and the Freebuds Pro 4 are no exception. These earbuds combine cutting-edge sound technology with intelligent features, making them an excellent choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. However, as you might expect, Huawei has added some specific features that work best with its own smartphones. This review will give you a complete breakdown of how the Freebuds Pro 4 perform when used with different devices and whether they live up to their premium status.

Design and Build Quality

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Huawei Freebuds Pro 4 is their sleek, minimalist design. The earbuds themselves are compact and lightweight, weighing just under 6g each. This makes them incredibly comfortable to wear for extended periods without causing any discomfort or ear fatigue. The case, too, is elegantly designed, with a smooth, pebble-like finish that slips easily into your pocket or bag. The black model with gold accents, in particular, looks classy and refined.

The earbuds feature a distinctive design with the Huawei logo prominently displayed on the outer surface. The branding adds a sense of sophistication, but it’s not overly flashy. The case, while sleek, does have some small print and icons on the front, which might detract from the otherwise clean aesthetic. However, this is a minor issue in an otherwise flawless design.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is one of the standout features of the Huawei Freebuds Pro 4. The earbuds come with a set of silicon tips by default, which provide a secure and comfortable fit. Even after hours of listening, there’s no noticeable discomfort or ear fatigue. Huawei has also included memory foam tips in the box, which provide a more luxurious fit. These tips are ideal if you want extra noise isolation and a snugger fit, though some users may find the memory foam tips to be slightly muffled in terms of sound quality.

The lightweight nature of the earbuds, combined with the ergonomic design, ensures that they stay comfortably in place, even during physical activities like walking or light exercise. Additionally, the Freebuds Pro 4 are designed with a universal fit in mind, meaning they should work well for most users without the need for custom sizes or adjustments.

Water Resistance and Durability

The Huawei Freebuds Pro 4 offer IP54 splash and dust resistance. This means they are well-equipped to handle light rain or sweat, making them suitable for use during outdoor activities or workouts. While they aren’t completely waterproof, the IP54 rating ensures that the earbuds won’t be damaged if exposed to small amounts of moisture. This level of protection is more than enough for the average user, though you should still avoid submerging them in water.

In terms of durability, the earbuds are built to last, with a robust construction that should hold up well over time. The case, too, is solid and feels premium, with a smooth texture that resists scratches and scuffs. Huawei has clearly prioritized both aesthetics and durability in the design of the Freebuds Pro 4.

Huawei AI Life App and Compatibility

While the Huawei Freebuds Pro 4 offer excellent features out of the box, some advanced functionalities require the use of the Huawei AI Life app. This app provides additional customization options, such as adjusting the noise cancellation levels, checking battery life, and downloading firmware updates. However, the app is not available on the Google Play Store, and users without a Huawei device will need to visit Huawei’s official website to download the app manually. This process can be a bit cumbersome, especially for Android users who aren’t familiar with sideloading apps.

If you own a Huawei smartphone, the experience is seamless, as the AI Life app is pre-installed, and you can access all the features with ease. On non-Huawei devices, the app still works well, but some features—such as the ability to update the earbuds—may be limited. If you’re looking for full functionality, it’s recommended to use the Freebuds Pro 4 with a Huawei smartphone.

Gesture Controls and Customization

Huawei has gone all-in on gesture controls with the Freebuds Pro 4, offering a wide range of options for customization. Using the AI Life app, you can adjust the controls to suit your preferences. The pinch control on the stem of each earbud allows you to perform various functions, such as pausing and playing music, skipping tracks, or answering calls. The pinch gestures are highly responsive, with audio feedback to confirm your actions. You can also tap the top of the stem to control music playback and calls.

One of the standout features is the volume control. Unlike many other wireless earbuds, the Freebuds Pro 4 allow you to raise and lower the volume by simply swiping up and down on the stem. This gesture is incredibly intuitive and convenient, making it easy to adjust the volume without needing to pull out your phone.

In addition to pinch and tap controls, the Freebuds Pro 4 also support head gestures, allowing you to accept or reject calls by nodding or shaking your head. While this feature works as promised, it may look a bit odd in public, and some users may find it uncomfortable to use frequently. Nonetheless, the abundance of control options ensures that you can tailor the earbuds to your liking, whether you prefer more traditional controls or innovative gestures.

Sound Quality

When it comes to audio performance, the Huawei Freebuds Pro 4 do not disappoint. Equipped with 11mm quad-magnet dynamic drivers, these earbuds deliver exceptional sound quality across a wide range of genres. The W Sound technology ensures true lossless audio streaming, supporting up to 2.3 Mbps at 48 kHz and 24-bit resolution. This level of high-resolution audio is impressive, though it requires a Huawei smartphone to take full advantage of the lossless streaming capabilities.

For users without a Huawei device, the Freebuds Pro 4 still offer excellent audio quality, with support for LDAC and aptX HD for high-res audio streaming. Regardless of your device, the earbuds deliver a rich, detailed sound with a wide soundstage and deep bass.

In terms of sound profiles, the Freebuds Pro 4 offer a default setting that works well for most music genres. Whether you’re listening to rock, classical, or hip-hop, the earbuds provide a balanced sound with clear mids, vibrant highs, and punchy bass. There’s minimal distortion even at higher volumes, and the earbuds handle complex audio with ease, making them suitable for a variety of listening preferences.

Noise Cancellation Performance

The Huawei Freebuds Pro 4 feature intelligent dynamic noise cancellation (ANC), which automatically adjusts the level of noise cancellation based on your environment. While the dynamic mode is convenient, some users may prefer to manually adjust the noise cancellation to suit their specific needs. For example, when walking near a busy road or in a crowded area, you may want to boost the noise cancellation to block out unwanted sounds.

When manually set to maximum noise cancellation, the Freebuds Pro 4 perform admirably, effectively blocking out external noise and allowing you to immerse yourself in music or podcasts. The memory foam tips provide additional passive noise isolation, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the ANC. However, some users may find the memory foam tips to be slightly muffled in terms of sound quality, preferring the standard silicon tips for clearer audio.

Microphone and Call Quality

The microphone performance on the Huawei Freebuds Pro 4 is particularly noteworthy. These earbuds feature AI noise cancellation for calls, which filters out up to 100 decibels of background noise, ensuring that your voice comes through clearly even in noisy environments. Whether you’re sitting next to a loudspeaker or in a busy coffee shop, the Freebuds Pro 4 do an excellent job of isolating your voice and reducing ambient noise.

The earbuds also feature bone conduction microphones, which help focus on your voice while filtering out external sounds. This makes the Freebuds Pro 4 an excellent choice for anyone who frequently makes calls in noisy environments, providing crystal-clear audio for both the caller and the listener.

Battery Life and Charging

In terms of battery life, the Huawei Freebuds Pro 4 offer solid performance. With LDAC streaming, you can expect around 6.5 to 7 hours of use on a single charge. However, enabling active noise cancellation (ANC) reduces the battery life to about 5 hours. The case provides additional charges, allowing for 3 full recharges before needing to plug it in.

The case itself supports both USB-C charging and wireless charging, giving you flexibility when it comes to recharging. The compact and lightweight case design is convenient for carrying around, and it fits easily into any pocket or bag

Pros and Cons of the Huawei Freebuds Pro 4

Pros:

• Premium build quality and sleek design
• Comfortable fit with both silicon and memory foam tips
• Excellent sound quality with lossless audio support
• Advanced noise cancellation with customizable settings
• High-quality microphone with AI noise cancellation for calls
• Long battery life with fast recharging and wireless charging support

Cons:

• Full functionality requires the Huawei AI Life app, which is difficult to install on non-Huawei devices
• Gesture controls may be uncomfortable for some users
• Memory foam tips can muffle sound for certain users
• Not fully waterproof, only splash-resistant (IP54 rating)

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

The Huawei Freebuds Pro 4 offer an impressive array of features, including high-quality sound, advanced noise cancellation, and intelligent gesture controls. While the earbuds work well with a variety of devices, they truly shine when paired with a Huawei smartphone. The lossless audio support, in particular, is a standout feature that sets these earbuds apart from many competitors.

Overall, the Huawei Freebuds Pro 4 are an excellent choice for anyone seeking premium wireless earbuds with top-notch sound quality and advanced features. While they may not be perfect for everyone, especially those who don’t own a Huawei phone, they offer great value for the price. If you’re looking for high-quality earbuds that balance comfort, sound, and functionality, the Huawei Freebuds Pro 4 are worth considering.