FreeBuds 7i: Huawei releases inexpensive wireless earbuds with Spatial Audio and 10-band EQ
The FreeBuds 7i is one of several new devices that Huawei has presented in China today. For context, the company has also introduced the Mate TV, Mate TV Pro, MatePad Mini and the Mate XTs Ultimate Design. Like the FreeBuds 7i, these other new devices are exclusive to Huawei's home market for the time being with no word offered about international availability.
In short, the FreeBuds 7i undercut Apple's AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 (curr. $119 on Amazon) on price. While even the cheaper AirPods 4 retail for CNY 999 (~$140), Huawei is offering the FreeBuds 7i for CNY 499 (~$70) with a CNY 599 (~$84) MSRP in a choice of grey, white and pink colours. Nonetheless, the FreeBuds 7i support Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity with AAC, LDAC and L2HC 2.0 codes. Please note that the latter is only compatible with some Huawei devices that can run at least HarmonyOS 3.
On top of that, the FreeBuds 7i offers dual and multi-device connectivity with IP54 certification and up to five hours of battery life with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) enabled. Alternatively, Huawei claims that the FreeBuds 7i will last an extra three hours with ANC disabled. Meanwhile, the included charging case should provide three full recharges before it needs topping up.
Moreover, the FreeBuds 7i feature 11 mm drivers that provide 20 Hz-40 kHz frequency response. Also, Huawei has included three microphones, with one considered a 'bone conduction microphone' to maximise vocal clarity on calls. Spatial audio tracking is offered too, as is a 10-band EQ for which the FreeBuds 7i are Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified. Please see Huawei's website for more details.
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