Enlarged Version of Pixel Buds Pro 2 Represents Significant Upgrade
The upgraded Pixel Buds Pro 2 demonstrate significant enhancements over their previous versions in various aspects. The upgrades include improved sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, and battery life, despite the earbuds being made smaller. However, Google has also increased the price, and while AI functionalities are available, they are only accessible in English.
Comfortably Sized Earbuds
The revamped earbuds appear noticeably smaller and distinct in appearance. They are equipped with silicone fins, which aid in maintaining a secure fit within the ear canal, even during intense physical activities. Thanks to their IP54 water and dust resistance, they are perfect for sports activities.
With a weight of just 4.7 grams each, these earbuds are not only secure but also incredibly light, ensuring comfortable wear for extended periods. Their battery life is also impressive, as the earbuds can operate for up to eight hours with active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled, a significant improvement over their predecessors.
Superior Sound, Longer Battery Life
Google claims that the battery life can last up to eight hours with ANC enabled. Tests confirmed this claim, with a little extra battery life at moderate volume. The charging case provides additional reserves for another 22 hours, and empty earbuds can last another hour after just five minutes in the case with active ANC. The charging case can now be charged wirelessly and has a feature to find the earbuds using a tone.
The sound quality of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 has also been significantly improved. Higher frequencies have been given more clarity thanks to a new high-frequency chamber. The sound stage appears wider and more spacious than in the predecessors. The bass is more balanced in the default settings, which improves the overall sound.
Successful App
The accompanying app allows users to adjust bass levels by providing predefined modes or adjusting through an extensive equalizer. The app can also assess if the earplugs are sealing properly to achieve optimal ANC and full bass. Silicone tips in four different sizes are provided for this purpose. Tests indicated that finding a suitable combination is easier due to the additional holding fins.
In the app, users can enable Spatial Audio, which allows the earbuds to play 3D sound in compatible media. They can also set the earbuds to maintain consistent sound direction, even when turning your head. These effects are particularly enjoyable when viewing videos.
According to Google, the sound improvements are due to the new high-frequency chamber and the Tensor A1, the first in-house chip in Pixel Buds. It is also said to enable twice as efficient active noise cancellation.
Efficient ANC, Excellent Transparency Mode
The earbuds demonstrate improved efficiency in ANC, blocking out more consistent noise in vehicles and offices. They effectively block out keyboard typing in the office or colleagues' conversations. The ANC seems to be more effective at higher frequencies. While not the best at active noise cancellation, the new Google earbuds are among the best.
The earbuds also provide a natural and minimal self-noise in the transparency mode. Conversations can be held easily, and when conversation recognition is activated, the earbuds switch to the transparency mode when the user starts speaking.
During calls, the earbuds perform well, effectively isolating the user's voice in noisy environments and allowing clear communication with conversation partners. The earbuds also handle wind effectively.
Customizable Controls
The touch control for media playback and calls operates in the same manner as the previous models, using tap or swipe gestures. The long-press gestures on a finger can be customized to perform various functions, such as summoning a digital assistant. However, only Google's AI Gemini can be activated when it is set as the default on an Android smartphone.
Gemini generally performs well, handing over tasks it can't handle to the Google Assistant. Unfortunately, the AI is currently only available in German. Live conversations with the AI are possible when the language is switched to US English, where you can engage in discussions about various topics.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 connect stably with Bluetooth 5.4 and support LE Audio. However, they are currently only capable of connecting to two devices simultaneously from the LE Audio standard's features. The earbuds do not support high-resolution Bluetooth codecs like aptX, but this might change with LC3, which is also an LE Audio feature.
Conclusion
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are among the best Bluetooth earbuds available, offering exceptional sound, ANC, and battery life. While they are similarly expensive at around 250 euros as other top-tier options, they deliver an enjoyable listening experience.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 include technical tests to ensure optimal performance. These tests include assessing the earplug seal for optimal active noise cancellation and full bass in the accompanying app.
Despite the advancements and enhancements, the AI functionalities in the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are currently only available in English for live conversations with the AI. While the Gemini AI can handle tasks it can't handle and switch to the Google Assistant, it is only available in German for live conversations at the moment.
