Are Nokia True Wireless Earbuds Android's own Apple AirPods?
What's the story
Released back in 2016, Apple's AirPods ushered in a phase of wireless audio streaming.
Rivals like Google and Samsung were quick to launch their own Bluetooth headphones but they weren't really a match in terms of ergonomics or in being 'truly wireless'.
However, the newly launched Nokia True Wireless Earbuds appear to be Android's own AirPods. But are they?
Here's our comparison.
Design
Truly wireless form factor
The AirPods are just like Apple's wired EarPods. Hence, given their shape, they have a reasonably good fit for most people. But for some, they might not offer a snug fit.
Likewise, the Nokia earbuds are like any other in-ear headphones minus the hassle of wires.
Notably, both are extremely lightweight and sweat-resistant but the fit will vary from person to person.
Winner: Tie
Compatibility
Both AirPods and Nokia Earbuds work with iOS and Android
Both, the AirPods and Nokia True Wireless Earbuds are compatible with iOS and Android via Bluetooth.
However, with the W1 chip and a host of sensors, the AirPods get automatically switched on and connect to your Apple device when taken out of the box.
Moreover, audio automatically plays when you plug them in your ears and pauses when you take them out.
Winner: AirPods.
Information
AirPods also come powered with Siri
AirPods come with special features, thanks to Siri integration. You can double-tap on either of the AirPods to activate Siri and use it to adjust the volume, change the song or make a call among other functions. Here, Nokia True Wireless Earbuds are less smarter.
Battery life
Easy to use, easy to charge
The Nokia True Wireless Earbuds offer up to 3.5 hours of playback on a single charge while the carry-cum-charging case provides three additional full charges.
AirPods offer around 5 hours of listening time while the case holds additional 3-4 full charges. Moreover, Apple says a 15-minute charge will give you 3 hours of listening time which is pretty good.
Winner: AirPods.
Fundamental feature
So, what about Audio quality?
Both the Nokia True Wireless Earbuds and Apple AirPods offer stereo audio. However, both earbuds lack dedicated noise-canceling.
That said, Nokia earbuds will be tested when they come out sometime in November but their sung in-ear style fit should cut-off ambient noise.
And as far as AirPods are concerned, they sound much like regular wired EarPods with decent bass and treble.
Winner: Your call.
Information
Pricing: The key factor
Apple's AirPods retail for $159 in the US. In India, they are priced at around Rs. 12,900. On the other hand, the Nokia True Wireless Earbuds will be priced at around $148 (Rs. 11,000) when they hit the stores in November. Not much of a difference here.
The answer
So, which one should you buy?
Firstly, the Nokia earbuds may have a truly wireless form-factor but they lack digital assistant support, smart connect and play/pause features and intuitive controls.
Further, neither the battery life is ground-breaking nor the acoustics would attract audiophiles.
Hence, around $150 mark, the Nokia True Wireless Earbuds are not really up there.
In conclusion, the clear winner is AirPods.