realme Buds Air 5 is the latest addition to realme’s audio lineup which promises an immersive and feature-rich sound experience. Is this the true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds that you want to get? We’ll dive into the key features, design, sound quality, connectivity, and pricing to help you decide.
With the tagline “Embrace the Silence, Elevate the Sound”, this realme Buds Air 5 was launched in August 2023 together with realme 11 Pro 5G series and realme Pad 2. Some of its highlighted feature is the 50dB Active Noise Cancellation, 12.4mm Large Audio Driver, and its
45ms Super Low Latency.
As a disclosure, realme sent me a demo unit of realme Buds Air 5 (RMA2301) in Arctic White colorways to unbox and review. I have been using the device for a few weeks already, and I’ll share my experience of this new earphone in this post.
Unboxing realme Buds Air 5
The realme Buds Air 5 arrive in signature yellow box packaging that showcases the distinctive realme branding. Up front is the earphone model with unit image in white while the back part provides essential details such as the model number, color of the unit, power input, net quantity included in the package, customer care information, etc.
On the sides you will see six key features of the device with the realme branding.
Inside the box, you will see the charging case in pebble design wrapped in a plastic lining tucked in a tray. Pulling up the tray you will see other accessories such as two extra pairs of ear tips (small and large sizes), user guide with warranty card, and short type-C cable.
Of course, inside the charging case is the left and right earphones with medium-sized earpiece installed.
Build and Design
The design of realme Buds Air 5 speaks of style and comfort as it’s pebble like shape is compact and lightweight. As I’ve said, mine is in Arctic White glossy finish, but you may opt for the Deep Sea Blue colorway. According to realme, the charging case is just 45.5 grams (including 2 earbuds) with dimensions of 68.1mm x 50.8mm x 23.8mm. The lid design of the charging case, with a 105° opening and magnetic closure, ensures easy access to your earbuds.
There’s a realme branding and green led notification in the front, while the USB type-C port and a pairing button underneath.
The earbuds themselves are also engineered and is meant to fit different ear sizes, and with extra ear tips in two sizes. Its Individual Rear Cavity Design uses a lower damping mesh in order to greatly improve the audio output for low and mid frequencies while retaining sound clarity.
It fits comfortably while being worn for long periods of time. I am using the smallest pair of ear tips and the buds does not fall out even with heavy movement such as running or headbanging.
realme Buds Air 5 also has an IPX5 water resistance rating which are designed to resist sweat and light liquid exposure. Of course, they are not recommended for submerging in liquids.
Connectivity
realme Buds Air 5 supports the latest Bluetooth 5.3 version, which means that it ensures a stable connection with reduced latency, compatible with A2DP, HFP, and SPP, enhancing the overall listening experience. It also utilizes Google Fast Pair which streamlines the pairing process for a quick detection and connection right out of the box. My realme 10 Pro+ 5G phone automatically detects it and prompts for pairing.
Once connected, you have the Intelligent Touch Controls feature that lets you control calls, playback, and other functions. It is highly recommended that you download and link it to realme Link App for customization of touch gestures and other controls. By default, double-tap action is play/pause command for media play and answer/end for calls, triple-tap is next track, while touch and hold for 2 seconds changes the noise control modes from noise cancellation to transparency, or decline an incoming call.
realme Link App has other customizable controls on sound effect modes, equalizer, dynamic bass, volume enhancer, plus a Game mode option.
ANC and Sound Quality
realme Buds Air 5 boasts of 50dB Active Noise Cancellation a significant 19% improvement over the previous iteration. This is due to its dual-mic technology using the two embedded microphones (feedback microphone + feedforward microphone) in order to detect and cancel unwanted external sounds and any excess noise in the ears.
You pair its ANC capabilities with its 12.4mm large audio driver on a titanium coating, you get superior audio quality, offering a crisp and solid sound. Add to that its four speakers, two on each side, which are both Hi-Res and Dolby Atmos certified. I really enjoyed its immersive surround sound experience while listening to music, watching videos. Vocals are very clear, and the bass is outstanding.
Also, you can enable Dynamic Bass technology in the realme Link App for adaptive, distortion-free listening. Or you may switch to various sound effect modes such as Clear Vocals, Nature Balance, Clear Bass or Bass Boost in the Link app.
Are you a gamer? Rejoice! Activate the Game Mode in the realme Link app and you get an ultra-low 45ms latency from realme Buds Air 5 which ensures impeccable audio-video synchronization. Coupled with Bluetooth 5.3 technology and Dual Antenna Switching, these earbuds offer stable connectivity up to 10 meters even while moving.
Battery and Fast-charging
According to realme, the Buds Air 5 can be used for a total of 38 hours, earbuds plus charging case batteries combined. Both earbuds have 43mAh battery that lasts up to 4.5 hours with the volume at 50% while having ANC turned on. They can also last up to a total of 7 hours of total playback time with the volume at 50% while ANC is turned off. Combined with the charging case, the total battery life of the device is at up to 22 hours with 50% volume and ANC turned on; but having a capacity of up to 38 hours with the volume at 50% and ANC turned off.
With its fast charging capability, the realme Buds Air 5 can be used for 7 hours (at 50% volume with ANC turned off) within only 10 minutes of placing it in its charging case. Full charging of both earbuds in the charging case is 1 hour, and full charging time via USB-C port of the case with the earbuds inside is 2 hours.
Product Availability and Pricing
The realme Buds Air 5 is available in Arctic White and Deep Sea Blue at a reasonable price of PHP 3,499. You can purchase it offline at realme stores nationwide or online through realme Lazada and Shopee flagship stores.
My Take
At its price, realme Buds Air 5 is a great buy! It offers a remarkable audio experience plus a comprehensive set of features at a reasonable price. A TWS earbuds with advanced noise cancellation, exceptional audio quality, low-latency gaming support, and extended battery life, this will definitely attract music lovers, movie buffs or gamers with its topnotch listening experience. Whether you’re in it for the immersive sound, the convenience of touch controls, or the extended battery life, the realme Buds Air 5 have got you covered.
