Huawei continues to invest in open-fit format and with New FreeBuds 6 Try to relaunch a category that avoids annoying rubbers that can bother someone, being uncomfortable especially if they wear in periods like the hot summer we are experiencing.
With FreeBuds 6 it maintains the design style that we have seen in the previous generation and introduces some technical innovations, improving but still remaining a step back compared to other solutions for the cancellation of the noise.
Convincing audio, especially in quiet environments
The real qualitative leap compared to the previous models is in audio. Freemibuds 6 are the first open-fit earphones of Huawei to mount a double driver to convey the sound: the first is 11 mm to manage low frequencies, the second deals with the highest frequencies.
The result is a pleasant if we consider that we are talking about two tiny “green beans”: we are far from the world of audiophiles, but all the “True Wireless” headphones are, but the bass are present, the medium clean and the ups and tall not even distorted to the most supported volumes.
Support for Codec L2HC 4.0 is unfortunately only available if you use Huawei devices with EMUI 13 or higher, and this limits the field since it is difficult to buy a smartphone without Google services. However, there is LDAC support which guarantees a high resolution transmission of up to 48 kHz/24 bit and can be used in the Android environment, as well as AAC and SBC. With quality files and in silent environments, the difference compared to other Open-Fit earphones you notice, but we always talk about a device that gives up that passive isolation that the models with the rubber can provide to a greater extent.
Result? The sound scene loses in depth as soon as you are in the traffic, on the subway or in crowded places: inevitable consequence of the design choice that forces to choose: comfort of the “open” design or greater quality and isolation of a device with interchangeable rubbers and adaptable to different physiologies?
Cancellation of the noise present, but not very incisive
Huawei has inserted a system (acronym of Active Noise Cancellation) also on these FreeBuds 6 and technically works. The problem is that, being open-fit, the physical barrier is missing that helps algorithms to do their job. The result is a cancellation of the noise that can reduce the bucket of background in relatively silence environments, but cannot isolate listening in the most difficult and chaotic contexts.
If acoustic insulation while listening to music is a priority, it is better to orient yourself on traditional in-hear earphones.
Calls, gestures and controls
On the front of Calls, the FreeBuds 6 behave well: each headset integrates three microphones, with Reduction of environmental noise Declared up to 95 dB and resistance to wind gusts up to 8 m/s. In practice, even in difficult conditions the voice remains understandable and not distorted. In short: if with music the anch is claudicant, with calls the result is better.
Touch controls are complete (tap, swipe and prolonged pressure) but not always reactive: there are some moments of delay in response.
To access all the settings, from equalization to multipoint, it is necessary to install the app to the Life, which on Android is not available via the Play Store but must be downloaded in APK format: a complication not recently for less experienced users or not used to the Huawei ecosystem.
Autonomy above the average
From the point of view of autonomy, the FreeBuds 6 defend themselves well: up to 6 hours of continuous listening without even they descend to 4.5 hours with the cancellation of the active noise.
It is unlikely that music is listened to so long, and this is why real autonomy is the one that also includes the contribution of the custody: it reaches 36 hours overall (27 with ANC) and in five minutes you earn more than 2 hours of autonomy.
Conclusions
The Huawei FreeBuds 6 are a product consistent with the brand’s philosophy: treated in design, rich in technology and designed for daily use and less audiophiles.
Given that approaching this term to true wireless headphones is not properly
Correct, and that only much larger “over ear” headphones can return a truly quality audio, in the world of micro earphones, the FreeBuds 6 defend themselves well for music and very well for calls.