SOUNDCORE C30i Review #giveaway // Live by the looks, die by the looks

Summary

This video reviews the Soundcore C3i, a $70 clip-on open-ear earbud with Bluetooth 5.3 and up to 10 hours of battery life. The reviewer highlights the sleek design, comfort, and conversation-starting aesthetics but notes build quality issues, especially with the earbuds. Despite good mid-range sound and solid vocals, the lack of bass and problematic touch controls limit its appeal. While it fits comfortably for exercise, the controls are overly sensitive, leading to unintended activation. Overall, the C3i plays it safe, but issues like poor control layout and inconsistent build quality detract from its potential.

Takeaways

• 🎧 The Soundcore C3i is an open-ear clip-on earbud that retails for $70 and comes in two colors: white and transparent black.
• 🛠️ It supports Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC and SBC codecs but lacks high-end codecs like LDAC.
• 🔋 Battery life is around 9.7 hours at 65% volume, close to the factory-rated 10 hours.
• 👍 The case is well-built, though a bit bulky, with USB-C charging but no wireless charging. The magnets work well to secure the earbuds.
• 📱 The earbuds have basic touch controls, including double, triple, and hold commands, though their placement causes accidental activation.
• 😕 The build quality of the earbuds feels less premium, with noticeable gaps in the plastic seams.
• 🎶 The sound quality is decent with solid mid-range and clear vocals, but the open-ear design struggles with bass and higher frequencies, especially at louder volumes.
• 💧 The earbuds are rated IPX4 for water and dust resistance, making them suitable for light workouts but not for heavy exercises.
• 🚫 The touch controls are prone to accidental activation during physical activity or even casual movement, causing frequent music pauses or control issues.
• 🏆 A giveaway for the black transparent version is available, with details in the video description.

Q & A

What is the Soundcore C3i's price and available color options?

The Soundcore C3i retails for $70 and is available in two colorways: white and transparent black.

What Bluetooth version does the Soundcore C3i support, and what codecs are compatible?

The Soundcore C3i uses Bluetooth 5.3 and supports the AAC and SBC codecs. There is no support for more advanced codecs like LDAC.

What is the battery life of the Soundcore C3i, and how does it compare to the manufacturer's rating?

The Soundcore C3i has a battery life of around 9.7 hours, which is very close to the manufacturer's rated 10 hours, when listening at 65% volume using the AAC codec.

What features make the Soundcore C3i stand out at its price point?

The Soundcore C3i includes notable features such as mono mode and multipoint connectivity, which are impressive for its $70 price range.

What design issue does the reviewer highlight regarding the build quality of the Soundcore C3i earbuds?

The reviewer points out that the build quality of the earbuds feels inferior to the case. Pressing on the earbuds reveals gaps in the plastic seams, which is unusual for a Soundcore product.

How does the Soundcore C3i perform in terms of sound quality, particularly for bass and mid-range?

The Soundcore C3i struggles with bass due to its open-ear design, which allows external noise to interfere with the sound. However, mid-range performance, particularly vocals, is solid and clear.

What issues do users experience with the controls on the Soundcore C3i?

Users face problems with the touch controls being located in an awkward position. The controls can be accidentally triggered by movements such as turning the head or wearing a hoodie, causing music to pause or other functions to activate unintentionally.

How comfortable is the Soundcore C3i during extended use, especially for physical activities?

The Soundcore C3i is generally comfortable for physical activities, with no jostling or discomfort. However, some users experience pressure or discomfort on the ear after prolonged wear.

What microphone performance can be expected from the Soundcore C3i, especially in windy conditions?

The microphone performance of the Soundcore C3i is poor in windy environments, as the wind noise easily overwhelms the system. In quiet situations, the microphone performs much better.

What is the overall impression of the Soundcore C3i according to the reviewer?

The reviewer feels that the Soundcore C3i 'plays it safe,' offering solid performance but with compromises such as mediocre build quality and subpar touch controls. While it has good features for its price, the product's design and functionality could be improved.