AirPods Pro 2 Review: 1 Underrated Thing!

Summary

The reviewer initially had reservations about the new AirPods Pro 2, but after testing them, they were impressed. The earbuds feature an improved sound profile with enhanced bass and mids, a 33% increase in battery life, and a new extra small ear tip for a better fit. The case now includes a lanyard loop and a speaker for easier location. The standout feature is the H2 chip, which powers superior active noise cancellation and an 'Adaptive transparency mode' that adjusts loud sounds to protect hearing. The AirPods Pro 2 is a significant upgrade, offering better sound quality, battery life, and user experience.

Takeaways

• 🎧 The new AirPods Pro 2 have a nearly identical design to the previous model but feature dual vents at the top for distinction.
• 🔊 Inside, the AirPods Pro 2 have a new driver and amplifier, resulting in significantly improved sound quality with enhanced bass and mids.
• 👂 Despite not offering lossless audio, the AirPods Pro 2 deliver 16 bit/48 kHz audio that is still considered good.
• 🔋 The battery life has been extended by 33%, providing six hours of use with noise cancellation on and up to 30 hours with the charging case.
• 👂🔧 An extra small ear tip is included, catering to users with smaller ears for a better fit.
• 🔄 The charging case now has a lanyard loop and a built-in speaker for locating the AirPods and playing sounds when charging.
• 📞 The H2 chip in the AirPods Pro 2 enables improved active noise cancellation, making a noticeable difference in blocking out background noise.
• 👂🌐 The 'Adaptive transparency mode' on the AirPods Pro 2 reduces loud or harsh sounds above 85 decibels in real-time, enhancing safety and comfort.
• 🎚 The earbuds now feature volume control on the stem, providing a convenient way to adjust volume without using a device.
• 🔄 The H2 chip also allows for personalized spatial audio through an ear scan, potentially improving the audio experience.
• 💬 The AirPods Pro 2 are considered a significant upgrade from the previous model, offering better sound, battery life, and features at the same price point.

Q & A

What was the initial reaction of the reviewer to the new AirPods Pro 2?

The reviewer was initially not planning on reviewing the new AirPods Pro 2 due to being busy with other tech reviews during Tech-tember.

What are the visual differences between the new AirPods Pro 2 and the previous generation?

The only visual difference is the presence of dual vents at the top of the new AirPods Pro 2, making them distinguishable from the previous model.

What improvements in sound quality does the new AirPods Pro 2 have over the previous model?

The new AirPods Pro 2 have an entirely new driver and amplifier, resulting in dramatically better sound quality with more lows and mids, and less high volume distortion.

How does the battery life of the new AirPods Pro 2 compare to the previous model?

The new AirPods Pro 2 have a 33% longer battery life, offering six hours of listening time on a single charge with noise cancellation on, and up to 30 hours total with the case.

What is the significance of the new extra small ear tip included with the AirPods Pro 2?

The extra small ear tip is significant for people with smaller ears, as it may provide a better fit than the previous AirPods models.

What new feature has been added to the case of the AirPods Pro 2 to help users find them?

A speaker has been added to the bottom of the case, which can play a loud sound to help locate the AirPods, in addition to the precision finding feature with the U1 chip.

What does the H2 chip in the new AirPods Pro 2 enable that wasn't possible with the H1 chip?

The H2 chip enables improved active noise cancellation, better sound processing, and features like adaptive transparency mode and personalized spatial audio.

How does the adaptive transparency mode work on the new AirPods Pro 2?

Adaptive transparency mode allows outside sounds to be heard while reducing loud or harsh sounds above 85 decibels to a safer level without delay.

What is the new ear scan feature for personalized spatial audio, and how does it work?

The new ear scan feature uses the Face ID depth sensors to measure the user's head and ear depth, providing a personalized spatial audio mix for a more immersive listening experience.

How does the reviewer compare the noise cancellation capabilities of the new AirPods Pro 2 to other brands?

The reviewer places the new AirPods Pro 2 on the same level as the Sony Mark 4 earbuds and below the Bose QuietComfort Earbud IIs, but above the AirPods Max in terms of noise cancellation effectiveness.

What is the reviewer's final verdict on the new AirPods Pro 2?

The reviewer concludes that the new AirPods Pro 2 are a significant upgrade and are better than expected, with improved sound quality, battery life, noise cancellation, and additional features.