Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Play review lightweight earbuds with AI noise reduction and 36-hour battery

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Introduction to the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Play

I’ve tried a fair number of wireless earbuds, but the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Play, model BHR8773GL, stood out in ways I didn’t quite anticipate. Boasting features like AI noise reduction, Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, and an impressive 36-hour battery life, these earbuds seemed like a promising option for anyone who values high-quality audio on the go. While there’s plenty to admire, a few quirks deserve attention too. Here’s my experience with these bean-shaped earbuds after putting them through their paces.

Design and Comfort

The first thing I noticed was how lightweight these earbuds are. At just 3.6 grams per earbud, they practically vanish when worn. This isn’t just marketing fluff; I barely felt them during extended use, even when I wore them for hours while working or walking outside. The charging case complements the earbuds with its sleek and minimalist design in white, making it easy to carry around without adding bulk to my pocket.

The bean-shaped design ensures a snug fit in the ear canal, and while they’re not specifically marketed as sports earbuds, I found them to stay put even during light jogging. However, if you’re someone who sweats heavily or runs frequently, the water-resistant rating might not be enough to handle extreme conditions.

Audio Quality and Performance

The sound quality of these earbuds is where Xiaomi’s 10mm dynamic driver truly shines. Whether I was playing bass-heavy tracks or focusing on podcasts, the audio was clear and detailed. Thanks to the five EQ modes, I could tweak the sound profile to my liking, which isn’t something you see in every product at this price point.

Music felt rich and immersive, and the frequency range of 20Hz to 20,000Hz ensured I caught the details in everything from deep bass to sharp treble. For audiophiles, this might not hit the level of premium studio monitors, but for everyday use? It’s more than enough. I even tested the AI noise reduction during calls, and it was effective in cutting out background chatter. My coworkers commented that my voice came through clearly, even when I was in a noisy café.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery performance on these earbuds is nothing short of impressive. I got around 7.5 hours of playtime on a single charge, which was more than enough for a long day of work or travel. Pairing the earbuds with the charging case, which has a 600 mAh capacity, extended the battery life to a whopping 36 hours.

Charging time was relatively quick, and though it’s not the fastest I’ve encountered, the convenience of having such a long battery life made it less of a concern. I loved how I could go days without needing to recharge the case, something that’s a lifesaver during trips.

Ease of Use and Controls

The touch controls on these earbuds worked as expected, handling play/pause, track skipping, and even volume adjustment. While there was a slight learning curve in getting the gestures right, once I got the hang of them, they were intuitive. The Bluetooth 5.4 provided a stable connection within the 10-meter range, and pairing with my phone was seamless.

One downside, though, is the lack of a dedicated app for customization. While the preset EQ modes are nice, having an app to fine-tune settings would’ve been a game-changer.

Highlights

• Incredibly lightweight design at 3.6g per earbud for maximum comfort.
• 36-hour total battery life ensures you don’t have to charge frequently.
• AI noise reduction improves call clarity in noisy environments.
• Five EQ modes cater to different listening preferences.

Pitfalls

• No companion app for deeper customization of features and sound.
• Water resistance may not suffice for heavy sweat or extreme moisture exposure.

Market Rivals

Comparing the Redmi Buds 6 Play to other wireless earbuds like the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 or Anker Soundcore Life P3, there are some notable differences. While the Galaxy Buds 2 offer active noise cancellation, their battery life doesn’t come close to the 36 hours provided by the case here. On the other hand, Anker Soundcore Life P3’s customizable app and waterproof rating give it a slight edge for fitness enthusiasts.

Where the Redmi Buds 6 Play excels is in its comfort and long battery life, making it a great choice for casual, everyday use. If you’re not too concerned about having premium noise cancellation or cutting-edge features, these earbuds hold their ground remarkably well.

Price Performance

Evaluating the value proposition of these earbuds, I’d say they’re a solid investment for their price-to-quality ratio. While some competitors offer slightly better specs for a higher price, the Redmi Buds 6 Play balances affordability and performance beautifully. The inclusion of AI noise reduction, touch controls, and multiple EQ modes at this price point is impressive.

If you’re looking for a pair of budget-friendly wireless earbuds that don’t skimp on essential features, these earbuds might just be your best bet.

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