Lenovo has steadily expanded its product line beyond laptops and desktops, delving into the realm of audio accessories with its latest offering: Lenovo Earbuds. These earbuds aim to provide an accessible yet high-quality audio experience for users who are always on the move. This review explores the design, sound quality, features, and overall value of the Lenovo Earbuds, ultimately concluding whether they live up to their promise of affordability and performance.
Please follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
TheTechBasic Verdict
The Lenovo Earbuds offer an excellent blend of comfort, sound quality, and affordability. With their sleek design, ergonomic fit, and balanced audio profile, these earbuds cater to a wide range of users. Bluetooth 5.0 ensures stable connectivity, while touch controls and impressive battery life enhance convenience. Their IPX4 rating adds durability for workouts and daily use. Though not aimed at audiophiles, they deliver a satisfying audio experience for casual listeners. Overall, Lenovo Earbuds are a solid choice for those seeking reliable, versatile, and budget-friendly audio accessories.
Pros
- Rich audio quality with strong bass and detailed highs
- App features a 10-band equalizer
- Qi-compatible charging case
- Simple pairing with Android and Windows devices
Cons
- Noise cancellation is average
- On-ear controls can be triggered accidentally
Technical specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Type | In-Canal |
| Wireless | Yes |
| True Wireless | Yes |
| Connection Type | Bluetooth |
| Water/Sweat-Resistant | Yes |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes |
Overview of Lenovo Earbuds
Lenovo’s Smart Wireless Earbuds, available for $99.99, stand out as one of the few true wireless earbud options with active noise cancellation (ANC) priced under $100. They are designed to deliver a powerful, bass-heavy sound profile, which many users appreciate. Additionally, the earbuds come with a 10-band equalizer, enabling users to make precise adjustments to their audio settings for a more personalized listening experience.
However, while they excel in sound customization, the effectiveness of their active noise cancellation leaves something to be desired, making it merely average compared to competitors. Moreover, the touch-sensitive controls on the earbuds can be overly sensitive, often resulting in unintentional activations during regular use. In this competitive price range, the Anker Soundcore Life P3, which retails for $79.99 and has won the Editors’ Choice award, offers notably better ANC performance and more dependable physical controls.
Despite these drawbacks, if your main priority is the ability to adjust and fine-tune your audio experience to your liking, the Smart Wireless Lenovo Earbuds remain a worthwhile option that provides good value for the price.
Read Also: Lenovo Return Policy – Detailed Guideline and Steps
Comfort and Controls of Lenovo Earbuds
The Lenovo Smart Wireless Earbuds are available in two sleek color options: black and white. Their stem-style design is both modern and functional, incorporating touch-sensitive controls that provide a seamless user experience. The headphones fit cozily and serenely in the ear, even without the expansion of ear blades, guaranteeing that they stay secure during different exercises. Moreover, the bundle accompanies four unique sizes of silicone ear tips, permitting clients to find the ideal fit for their ears, which upgrades solace during expanded listening meetings.
These earbuds are powered by 11mm dynamic drivers, which deliver a robust audio experience. They also support Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring a stable and efficient wireless connection. In terms of audio codecs, the earbuds are compatible with AAC and SBC, but they unfortunately do not support AptX, which may be a drawback for some audiophiles seeking higher audio fidelity.
The touch controls on the outer panels of the earbuds are designed for convenience and ease of use. A single tap plays or pauses music, while a double tap allows users to skip forward or answer incoming calls. If you need to go back to the previous track, a triple tap does the trick. Additionally, holding the left earbud for about two seconds will either reject calls or activate your voice assistant, while the right earbud allows you to cycle through the different ANC modes: On, Off, or Ambient. Although these controls are generally intuitive, their sensitivity can lead to accidental activations. During our testing, we found ourselves frequently pausing or skipping tracks while simply adjusting the earbuds, which can be somewhat frustrating.
With an IPX4 water resistance rating, the Smart Wireless Earbuds are well-equipped to handle sweat and light rain, making them suitable for workouts or outdoor use. However, they should not be submerged in water or rinsed off, as this rating does not extend to the charging case. To maintain their longevity, it’s important to ensure the earbuds are completely dry before placing them inside the case for charging. This careful consideration will help protect both the earbuds and the case from potential damage over time.
Charging Case and Battery Life of Lenovo Earbuds
The compact charging case of the Lenovo Smart Wireless Earbuds is thoughtfully designed with rounded edges, which not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also allows the earbuds to lie flat securely while charging. This practical design ensures that the earbuds remain stable and protected within the case. The charging case is equipped with a USB-C port, making it convenient to use with the included short charging cable, ensuring quick and efficient recharging. Additionally, it supports Qi wireless charging, allowing users to recharge the case without needing to plug it in, which adds a layer of convenience for those who prefer a wireless charging setup.
Lenovo claims that the earbuds can provide around 7 hours of listening time on a single charge, which is fairly impressive for true wireless earbuds in this price range. Furthermore, the charging case can hold an additional 21 hours of battery life, extending the total usage time significantly. However, it’s important to note that actual battery life may vary depending on factors such as listening volume and the usage of active noise cancellation (ANC). Users may find that these variables affect how long they can enjoy their audio before needing to recharge the earbuds or the case.
Connectivity and App of Lenovo Earbuds
The Lenovo Smart Wearable app, which is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, may not boast an elaborate or flashy design, but it is highly functional and dependable. Users will find it quite beneficial for managing various features of the Lenovo Smart Wireless Earbuds. One of the key functionalities of the app is its ability to provide firmware updates, ensuring that your earbuds remain up-to-date with the latest improvements and enhancements.
In addition to firmware updates, the app also allows for precise equalizer (EQ) adjustments. Users can choose from several preset EQ options tailored for different music genres or preferences, but what’s particularly impressive is the availability of a custom EQ section featuring 10 customizable bands. This level of control empowers users to fine-tune their audio experience to their liking, catering to personal taste and enhancing overall sound quality.
Another useful feature of the app is the ability to switch between active noise cancellation (ANC) and Ambient modes. While users cannot customize these modes further within the app, the option to toggle between them provides flexibility depending on the environment. Additionally, the app enables users to modify how the on-ear controls function, tailoring the earbud controls to better suit individual preferences.
One standout function is the “Find My Earbuds” feature, which uses sound to help locate misplaced earbuds. This can be particularly useful for those who often misplace their devices.
For Android users, the app offers the option to set up Google Assistant, enhancing the earbuds’ functionality even further. This feature allows users to hold down the left earpiece for a few seconds and then say “OK Google” to activate the voice assistant. For iOS users, however, accessing this feature requires downloading the standalone Google Assistant app.
When it comes to connectivity, the Lenovo Earbuds can intelligently pair with Android and Windows 10 devices. A convenient pop-up window appears on the screen during the pairing process, making the connection smooth and hassle-free. However, for other devices, including iOS devices, users must manually connect through the Bluetooth menu. To initiate pairing mode, they can press the reset button inside the charging case for three seconds, which simplifies the process.
The app’s straightforward approach, combined with its essential features, makes it a valuable tool for users looking to get the most out of their earbuds. While it may lack sophisticated design elements, its reliability, and practicality are what truly matter in day-to-day use.
Overall, the Lenovo Smart Wearable app enhances the user experience significantly. Its range of features from EQ customization and firmware updates to Google Assistant integration ensures that users can personalize their earbuds to fit their preferences. The ease of connectivity with various devices further adds to the app’s utility. Whether you are adjusting audio settings or locating misplaced earbuds, this app plays a crucial role in maximizing the functionality of the Lenovo Smart Wireless Earbuds.
While the Lenovo Smart Wearable app may not win any design awards, it serves its purpose exceptionally well. Its reliable features, combined with the ability to customize the audio experience, make it an essential companion for anyone using Lenovo’s Smart Wireless Earbuds.
Average ANC Performance of Lenovo Earbuds
Considering their price point, the Lenovo Smart Wireless Earbuds provide satisfactory noise cancellation that aligns with our expectations for budget-friendly options. The active noise cancellation (ANC) circuitry is effective at reducing low-frequency sounds, such as the deep rumble you might experience on an airplane, making them suitable for travel. However, it’s worth noting that some higher-frequency sounds do manage to penetrate the ANC, which can detract from the overall experience.
During testing in a busy restaurant setting, the earbuds successfully diminished the lower and mid-range frequencies associated with clanging dishes and lively conversations. Yet, some higher frequencies appeared more pronounced compared to when the ANC was disabled. This phenomenon is a common challenge faced by many affordable ANC earphones, indicating a limitation in their design.
When toggling between ANC On and Off modes in a quiet environment, users may notice a slight hiss introduced by the ANC. While this isn’t an ideal scenario, it is a frequent issue among lower-cost noise-cancellation technologies. The good news is that enabling ANC does not significantly alter the overall sound signature, which is a common problem with many budget models. This stability in sound quality is a positive aspect for users looking for a balanced audio experience, even while utilizing noise-cancellation features.
Overall, while the ANC performance of the Lenovo Smart Wireless Earbuds may not be top-tier, it is adequate for everyday use, especially considering their price. They strike a reasonable balance between performance and affordability, making them a viable option for those who want basic noise cancellation without breaking the bank.
Sculpted and Powerful Audio of Lenovo Earbuds
The Lenovo Earbuds offer a sculpted audio profile that may not satisfy audiophiles but is sure to please many listeners with its balanced presentation of lows, mids, and highs. Additionally, the included 10-band EQ allows users to customize their sound signature to suit their preferences, making it a versatile choice.
When it comes to tracks featuring deep sub-bass, such as The Knife’s “Silent Shout,” these earbuds deliver impressive low-frequency response. Even at high listening levels, the drivers maintain clarity without distortion. At more moderate volumes, the bass remains rich and full, perfectly complemented by well-defined highs.
For a clearer view of their sound profile, consider Bill Callahan’s “Drover,” which contains fewer deep bass. Here, the drums receive a nice boost in low-frequency presence without being overwhelming. The earbuds add a bit of warmth to Callahan’s baritone vocals, while the high-mids stay prominent. The drivers produce a bright sound, with acoustic strums and higher percussion clearly articulated.
On tracks like Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “No Church in the Wild,” the kick drum loop is delivered with enough high-mid presence to retain its impact, although the higher frequencies are slightly more pronounced than usual, bringing out the vinyl crackle and hiss. Bass enthusiasts will appreciate the impactful sub-bass synth hits that punctuate the track, and the vocals are delivered with clarity.
In orchestral pieces, such as the opening from John Adams’ The Gospel According to the Other Mary, the lower-register instruments are subtly elevated in the mix. However, the focus remains on the higher-register brass, strings, and vocals, which come across as crisp and well-defined.
The multi-microphone array performed admirably during testing, capturing every word clearly in recordings made with the Voice Memos app on an iPhone. While some Bluetooth audio artifacts were present, the overall sound remained robust and full. Users should find that both audio and video calls are handled without any issues, making these earbuds a reliable option for communication as well.
Better for Tunable EQ Than ANC
Lenovo’s Smart Wireless Earbuds impress with their sound quality, thanks to the adaptable 10-band EQ. Their ANC performance is decent for the price range, but nothing extraordinary. If you’re okay with the slightly tricky controls and love customizing your audio experience, these earbuds are a solid choice, especially if you can snag them for less than their retail price.
For comparison, the $79.99 Anker Soundcore Life P3 earphones have the best noise cancellation we’ve found under $100. Anker’s $129.99 Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro earphones deliver even better overall performance. And if your budget allows, the $179.99 Jabra Elite 7 Active earphones stand out with their fully waterproof design, making them ideal for workouts.
Conclusion
The Lenovo Earbuds offer a compelling combination of comfort, sound quality, and affordability, making them an excellent choice for users seeking reliable and versatile audio accessories. Their ergonomic design, balanced audio profile, and practical features cater to a wide range of listening needs, from casual music enjoyment to hands-free calls on the go.
In conclusion, Lenovo has succeeded in creating earbuds that deliver value well beyond their price point. While they may not rival high-end models in terms of audio precision or advanced features, they provide a highly satisfactory experience for everyday use. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a fitness enthusiast, the Lenovo Earbuds are a worthy investment that enhances your audio experience without breaking the bank.
Read Also:
Black Shark Earbuds T9: Affordable TWS with Bluetooth 5.3, Gaming Mode, and 40-Hour Battery Life
Sony Publishes Patent for Joystick Capable of Charging Wireless Earbuds