Sony has launched their latest addition to their audio line that might make them a strong contender again for wireless earphones. Here’s why.
Impressively, everything about this package is made of recycled or recyclable materials. Upon unboxing, you’ll immediately notice that the WF-1000XM4 now comes in a much smaller and sleeker case compared to its predecessor (the WF-1000MX3, which was launched nearly two years ago). The new headphone comes with a matte finish and is available in black and silver/white. It’s shorter than the Apple AirPods’ case but a tad bit wider and thicker.
Sony’s most advanced noise-cancelling tech
Yes, you read that right. Sony introduces its most advanced noise-cancelling earphones thanks to its new Integrated Processor V1 that delivers the industry’s highest level of noise-canceling yet uses less power. It has two noise-sensing microphones per ear that can catch more of the ambient sounds of one’s surroundings, whether it’s in-flight noise, city traffic, or office chatter.
Sony also introduces a newly designed 6mm driver unit that provides improved performance at low frequencies. This also enhances noise-canceling by generating a high-precision cancellation signal to the low-frequency range.
The earbuds that come with only two extra sizes (small and large) also play a role with noise-cancelling. These are newly developed Noise Isolation Earbud Tips that are made of unique polyurethane foam material that give a snug and comfortable fit even when working out.
Smart Ambient Sound
In Ambient Sound mode, the earphones capture environmental sounds perfectly as if one is not wearing the earphones at all. There’s also a smart feature — Speak to Chat — that automatically turns off the noise-cancellation when the user tries to speak. It’s so sensitive to the noise the user makes that sometimes exhaling loudly would work.
To access all its smart features, users can download the Headphones app from the App Store or Google Play Store. It has existing Noise Cancelling and Ambient Sound settings that users can choose from when one is lounging, walking, jogging, or when in a train.
Top of the line audio quality
Sony has made a number of upgrades from its predecessor and the new one definitely differentiates itself from its competitors with the range of features users can play around with using the Headphones app. As some competitors can only control noise-cancellation and ambient sound, these Sony earphones can control and customize audio quality based on one’s preference. If I’m feeling more of a Meghan Trainor kinda day, I’d be all about that bass, no treble with the Bass Boost for that deep base and low-mid frequencies. For Adele’s new album that she said is her most personal yet, I’d go for the Vocal option. On Billie Ellish days, I’d switch to the Relaxed sound. There are actually more options to choose from: Bright, Excited, Mellow, Relaxed, Vocal, Treble Boost, Bass Boost, Speech and Manual.
Verdict
It’ll be hard to deny that these Sony earphones are one of the best in the market. The Sony WF-1000XM4 is priced at P13,999 which makes it cheaper than Apple’s AirPods Pro; yet the Sony even comes with more features. I barely have anything negative to say about it, except maybe not having multiple Bluetooth connections a.k.a. multipoint. Despite not having this, it’s still relatively easy to connect the earphones to other devices, but it might be other users’ non-negotiable.
In the box
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