Xiaomi’s New Flagship Earbuds
Xiaomi has unveiled its latest flagship earbuds, the Buds 5 Pro, following their global debut and initial announcement in China. Priced at €199.99 for the Bluetooth-only model and €219.99 for the XPAN-enabled version, these earbuds promise a premium audio experience with cutting-edge features. After reviewing the non-Pro Buds 5, we’re diving into our first impressions of the Buds 5 Pro to see how they stack up.
Design and Fit: A Step Up from the Buds 5
The Buds 5 Pro share a similar design language with the Buds 5 but come with a key difference: an in-ear form factor. This design, combined with silicone ear tips, ensures a secure fit and better noise isolation compared to the open-ear design of the Buds 5.
Our initial impression is that the Buds 5 Pro create a proper seal around the ear, which not only keeps them firmly in place but also significantly reduces outside noise. This makes them ideal for immersive listening, whether you’re commuting or working in a noisy environment.
What’s in the Box?
The Buds 5 Pro come with:
A set of spare ear tips
A USB-C cable for charging the case
Support for wireless charging, a must-have feature for flagship earbuds
Audio Performance: Triple Drivers and Lossless Audio
Xiaomi has equipped the Buds 5 Pro with a triple driver setup, including:
11mm dynamic drivers
An additional planar driver
PZT tweeters
This setup, combined with dual DACs and a frequency response range of 15Hz to 50kHz, delivers a wider and more detailed soundstage than the Buds 5.
The Buds 5 Pro are also Snapdragon Sound certified and support the aptX Lossless codec, enabling 48kHz/24-bit lossless audio streaming. For those opting for the XPAN version, you can enjoy 96kHz/24-bit lossless audio at up to 4.2Mbps bandwidth—double what Bluetooth can offer.
Noise Cancellation and Smart Features
The Buds 5 Pro boast up to 55dB of noise cancellation, along with improved wind-noise reduction. Additional features include:
Head tracking for a more immersive audio experience
Dual device pairing for seamless switching between devices
Customizable EQ profiles to tailor the sound to your preferences
Battery Life: All-Day Playback
Xiaomi has packed the Buds 5 Pro with a 570mAh battery in the charging case and 53mAh cells in the earbuds. This setup promises:
Up to 8 hours of playback on a single charge
A combined 40 hours of playback with the charging case
We’ll put these claims to the test in our full review.
Durability: Built to Last
The Buds 5 Pro are IP54-rated for water and dust resistance, ensuring they can withstand sweat and light rain. However, the charging case does not share this rating.
Final Thoughts
The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro are shaping up to be a strong contender in the flagship earbuds market, offering premium features like lossless audio, advanced noise cancellation, and a secure in-ear design. Stay tuned for our full review, where we’ll dive deeper into their performance and battery life.
