The latest novelty of Apple’s first autumn presentation, which we have not yet compared with other models, was the new AirPods 4 headset. The device is presented in two modifications: with and without active noise cancellation. The device is very similar to another current headset, the AirPods Pro 2. Now the devices are comparable to each other.
Content
• Dimensions and design
• Supported technologies
• Autonomy
• Other differences
• What is the bottom line?
1. Dimensions and design
▶ New AirPods 4 have the following case dimensions: 46.2 x 50.1 x 21.2 weight – 32.3 gramsThe case is made of glossy white plastic.
The headphones themselves are a bit “pro” shaped, they are noticeably smaller due to the presence of the ear pads. The headphones are located by height and width, so you will notice the weight of each “ear” only on the scales.
▶ AirPods Pro 2 have the following case dimensions: 45.2 x 60.6 x 21.7 weight – 50.8 grams. The keys, made of white glossy plastic, are larger than those of the new product, to insert the headphones into the ear pads.
The silicone eartips are the most noticeable difference of the headphones.
Which dimensions are better: Key models increase in height and thickness, which is noticeably less in the change. The same difference is in their own headphones.
It is very difficult to call the difference critical, because AirPods Pro 2 is an example of compactness and lightness for gadgets of this class.
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2. Supported technologies
▶ New AirPods 4 With noise reduction, the following features are used: active noise cancellation, adapted sound, transparency mode, conversation awareness, voice isolation, adaptive equalizer, personalized spatial sound, ventilation for sports pressure.
The noise-free models do not have: active noise cancellation, adaptive sound, transparency mode, and conversation information. These features are related to the noise cancellation system.
▶ AirPods Pro 2 The basics: Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Sound, Transparency Mode, Voice Isolation, Adaptive EQ, Personalized Spatial Sound, Sports Pressure Ventilation System.
Whose filling is more technologically advanced: The AirPods 4 model with noise cancellation has the same set of software features as the AirPods Pro 2. However, they will work noticeably worse due to the inclusion of the ear pad.
The model without noise reduction, as expected, did not receive 4 variants based on it.
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3. Autonomy
▶ New AirPods 4 without noise cancellation, they will work up to 5 hours on a single charge and 30 hours on a charge from the case.
The noise-canceling model lasts the same amount of time, but if it is noise-canceling, it can be activated for 4 hours of operation on a single charge. The keys in this case provide up to 20 hours of autonomy.
▶ AirPods Pro 2 Provides the user with 6 hours of silent playtime and 5.5 hours with the option turned on. The keys provide up to 30 hours of headset battery life.
Who has better autonomy: here the “proshka” wins, if compared with the AirPods 4 model, the difference is about 20%. If compared with the advanced AirPods 4 model, its “proshka” is superior by about 45%.
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4. Other differences
▶ U AirPods Pro 2 A hearing test system, a hearing aid function, and user hearing protection will soon appear. The features were presented at an autumn event and promised to be released by the end of the year.
▶ In AirPods Pro 2 a touch detection sensor is used, and in AirPods 4 – optical in-ear sensor. Which of them will be more accurate in working out the autopause when removing the headset, we will see after the tests.
▶ In AirPods Pro 2 there is a U1 chip in the charging case. It needs a more accurate case key when searching, but it does not work in Russia.
▶ In AirPods Pro 2 There is a touch panel on the leg, with which the sound is adjusted. AirPods 4 There is no touch surface and such a gesture is not available.
▶ Comes with AirPods Pro 2 There is a Type-C cable for charging and replaceable ear pads.
▶ Case of version translation AirPods 4 Without noise reduction, the speaker and wireless charging were not turned on.
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What’s the bottom line?
The new AirPods 4 headset looked unusual. For some reason, Apple started integrating features from the AirPods Pro into it, but it didn’t work out very well. Active noise cancellation without ear pads has yet to be evaluated in tests.
The basic model was slightly shortchanged and spared the keys with a speaker and wireless charging, and the old one does not shine with autonomy. As a result, some kind of compromise is obtained. In most cases, it is better to take the AirPods 3rd generation or copy the AirPods Pro 2.
The AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 have absolutely the same hardware, but the Pro wins in terms of battery life, has honest noise cancellation without any conditionality and, therefore, gets three cool software features. Also on the Pro side are the headsets with adjustable headlight, swipe and charging cable included.
AirPods 4 Price without noise reduction – 129 dollarswith noise reduction – $179.
AirPods Pro 2 Price – 249 dollars.
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Source: Iphones RU
I am a professional journalist and content creator with extensive experience writing for news websites. I currently work as an author at Gadget Onus, where I specialize in covering hot news topics. My written pieces have been published on some of the biggest media outlets around the world, including The Guardian and BBC News.
