Apple’s latest device to hit the stores this week is the all new AirPods Pro which costs around $249 ( ₦ 90K, R3,750)and delivers some really amazing audio quality. This device is the first of the AirPods line to ever feature the ever-anticipated Noise-Cancellation technology and thanks to the new design which includes the Silicone ear tip that pushes right into the ear canal delivering a better sound and noise cancellation.

This isn’t a campaign in favor of Apple’s product by the way and despite the fact that we’ve not even gotten a review line here, the fact remains that the device costing such a whooping sum would deliver a good amount of premium system that can be well talked about. Meanwhile, there are still lot of things that I’ve not even spoken about on the device based on what we’ve red throughout the campaigns and the product page of the AirPods Pro. Let’s just examine those below.

IT’S NOW MORE COMFORTABLE

Naturally I’m a music addict and maybe that’s why I prefer earbuds with “Ear-tips” because this allows the earbuds to stick closer into my hear and then offer a much better experience. Meanwhile, this design had been absent on the AirPods since the first generation.

I would mock the AirPods back then as an earpiece with it’s wires cut out…No jokes but that’s how they seemed to me. But this new upgrade makes more sense in many respect. Aside the fact that it sits comfortably into your ears, no more fear of suddenly losing them because you tried to jump from one skateboard to the roof of your house….That doesn’t even make sense but you get the point I’, mkaing here.

So activities such as running, jumping and other rigorous activities can be done even bending or doing some crazy gymnastics doesn’t mean your earbuds will be flipping out of your ear every seconds. That’s a progress guy. Even though this is as a result of the silicone tip which some people don’t really find interesting enough, some of us still might be okay with it or at least give it a try at least.

PREMIUM AUDIO QUALITY

What’s the essence of the earbuds with such a price-tag without a great audio quality. This device offers a much more high quality sound according to a CNET staff who already went through using the device. I would expect the electronic Noise-cancellation system not to just be a mere decoration.

Blocked ambient noises allows you to focus way more on the songs you’re listening to while listening to the beat sequences, the bass, the vocals all well separated sounding pleasant to your hearing. So you would be fine even if you’re in the noisy metro bus or walking down the busy street but be careful to not over turn up the volume because of accidents and all that.

EVEN MORE ENHANCED FOR CALLING

I got an HBQ-Q32 TWS earbuds couple of months ago and one big turn off I have over the device is the fact that I literally have to scream for my girlfriend (or whoever I’m calling ) to hear what I’m saying. And to make it worst, only one earbud is meant for audio while the other is like your mouthpiece. Meaning you’ll have to always pull out one earbuds whenever you want to make a call.

Well, the HBQ Q32 TWS earbuds costs just few dollars compared to this gigantic buck ($249). With that said, the AirPods will make calling more comfortable. But this isn’t to over-hype the noise cancellation technology but it works and the mic works even finer. And thank to the little tail, which extends downwards a bit, the device can easily pick your voice well enough making you sound far better whenever someone is hearing you on the other side.

They also have similar noise-reduction capabilities, plus a vent system that’s not only supposed to relieve some of the pressure that can build up in your ear from a noise-isolating design coupled with noise-canceling features, but can help cut down on wind noise a tad, an Apple rep told me. More importantly, you can simply hear callers better because of the Pros’ noise-isolating design.

NO VOLUME CONTROLS ON THE EARBUDS

When Microsoft came about the Surface Eabuds thaht looked like some alien technology brought from the future, this device actually has some gestures which are meant for controlling it. For example, wipe up or down turns volume up or down. What I’m saying is that APple probably forgot to add that to the expensive AirPods Pro because there is currently nothing lie volume control on the earbuds anyway.

Meanwhile, you can do things like next/previous whatever song you’re listening by pinching twice quickly for example to advance a track forward. Press and Hold turns noise cancellation On or Off.

You can also program the press-and-hold function to call up Siri manually if you don’t want the always-on (hands-free) Siri feature to be active. Like the AirPods, the Pros have Apple’s H1 chip that allows for always-on Siri, so you can call up Apple’s voice assistant simply by saying “Hey, Siri.”

IS THE UPGRADE NECESSARY?

If you’re not some tech junky that loves to upgrade everything every day, then your good ol’ AirPods might still be great for you so far they fit well right into your ears. The normal AirPods which costs like $199 (₦72K, R2,985)has Wireless Charging capability which might be a little edge but you might just wanna be part of the Pros user after all, the iPhone 11 Pro, MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, why not add the AirPods Pro right?

The big question is this: How low will the standard AirPods (without wireless charging) go? They list for $160 but they often cost less and we’ve seen for them for as low as $130. As their price creeps down, I’d say those are the AirPods to get if you don’t want to spend too much money on AirPods. Forget the wireless charging. It’s an overrated feature and should cost less. 

WHAT ABOUT THE POWERBEAT PRO

If you found yourself fasking this question, then you must be a concerned fan. The two devices are both “Pros” anyway and Apple owned them both and they both cost $250 ( ₦ 90K, R3,750) which is really premium. Meanwhile, both devices seems to be targeted at different audiences.

The Powerbeat Pro for example seems to be mainly targeted at runners or joggers. If you exercise alot and needs some device you can use, the Powerbeats Pro is your friend. The design makes it pin on your earlobes while the AirPods Pro is more corporate or should I just say can be used in many situations.

This isn’t to say you need different earbuds fr different scenarios which would in fact cost you a whooping $500 ( ₦ 180K, R7,504) which is quite a lot. But the new AirPods Pro, the color aside is water resistant and would fit in for both running and offices. Unlike the PowerBeats which is more nichy in my humble opinion.

These devices are great and when we finally lay our hands on the AirPods Pro here at Brumpost, we’ll be able to talk far more about how the device is great for anyone that wants them and just watch out for deals which will come out in few weeks time as they hit more stores internationally.