Huawei surprised us a few months ago with its recent launch of the third version of the well-known Freebuds, the Huawei Freebuds 3, which also incorporates one of the most demanded characteristics who use them frequently outside the home: active noise cancellation.
We have to bear in mind that most Chinese brands tend to launch their product first at the national level and then in the Indian market. That is why for some of us, the Freebuds could be a very recent launch in Spain, since we have not gotten them officially in local stores until just a few weeks ago, despite having been available for more than 3 months on the market.
Considering that we are talking about the first ones designed entirely by Google, we trust that the company will have decided not to skimp on details and quality. We are talking about headphones that, similarly to the Bose QuietComfort 35 II, have Google Assistant incorporated and a lot of additional functionality, including instant translation that we will mention in more detail.
The TWS technology has become almost a must nowadays, Here we have HUAWEI FreeBuds 3 vs Google Pixel Buds: Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds.
Pros and Cons
| HUAWEI FreeBuds 3 | Google Pixel Buds |
| Powerful sound processing | A smaller and more adjustable size |
| Lots of codec support | High-performance microphone |
| Active noise cancellation | Flawless Android Bluetooth Pairing |
| Less battery compared to equivalents | It only supports AAC |
| Designed for Huawei smartphone users | More expensive than its previous version |
General
| HUAWEI FreeBuds 3 | Google Pixel Buds | |
| $ | CHECK PRICE | CHECK PRICE |
| Brand | Beats | Beats |
| Type | Fit to-Ear | In-Ear |
| Colors | Black, Cloud Pink, Glacier Blue, ivory, Lava Red, Navy | Titanium Black, Copper Black, Gold Belge |
| Battery life | Up to 9 hours | Up to 5 hours |
| Weight | 374 g | 67 g (Charging case) |
| Connectivity | Wireless, Bluetooth | Wireless, Bluetooth |
HUAWEI FreeBuds 3
As we had already anticipated, Huawei surprises us with this new noise cancellation feature that has proven to be especially positive in these Freebuds 3. We find ourselves for the first time in the range of products of this brand with a headset that offers us call quality sublime: not only in terms of the quality of the microphone that surpasses its competitors but also in terms of the clarity of the sound when receiving calls.
It is important to highlight this active noise cancellation since it frees the smartphone load to which we are paired and does it in a very reliable way thanks to its dedicated processor, which we will notice practically immediately if we compare it with lower-end headphones.
Google Pixel Buds
This adaptive technology is also applied to the microphone, which implies that the orders or requests that we make to our smartphone will be received correctly regardless of the noise level around us.
This surprising characteristic is achieved thanks to certain sensors capable of detecting speech through the vibrations of the jaw so that the device can capture our orders and our interlocutor can hear clearly, regardless of the place in the room that we meet or the activity that we are doing.
Design
| HUAWEI FreeBuds 3 | Google Pixel Buds | |
| Type | Fit to-Ear | In Ear |
| Wireless | Yes | Yes |
| Noise Cancelling | No | Yes |
| Dimensions | 111.76 x 111.76 x 81.28 mm | 124 x186.5 x 55 mm |
HUAWEI FreeBuds 3
The aesthetic reminds us of the classic AirPods 2 in every way, and many could argue that coming from Huawei, a very controversial brand, for having been doing a strong follow-up on an aesthetic level to each one of Apple’s products, no Nothing has been risked in the design of these headphones.
At first glance, it will be difficult for us to differentiate between the two models. However, the truth is that in the price, they do not vary too much, being a perfect alternative for those Android users who appreciate the aesthetics and materials used by Apple products as a whole.
The only problem that it shares with many headphones of this design is a well-known one: they start from the premise that they are headphones that fit all ears by default, something that will never be true, and those with larger ears will notice a lot of slack up to the point of relative risk of falling, as well as the smallest ones will notice a little undue pressure.
We see that changes are the charging station, with a rounded appearance, and the introduction of a USB-C port that we will discuss later.
Google Pixel Buds
The new Google Pixel Buds headphones have inherited certain characteristics from their predecessors, such as touch control or autonomy of more than 5 hours, which could even reach those 24 hours with the wireless charging case that incorporates this new version.
A strong point of these headphones is that they offer so-called ‘adaptive sound.’ This technology makes the volume of what we are listening to adjust automatically to the ambient sound in which we are at all times.
This feature improves its usability, security, and comfort since we can be integrated into the environment without repeatedly disconnecting and reconnecting the sound when we walk through certain places.
Features
| HUAWEI FreeBuds 3 | Google Pixel Buds | |
| USB | Lightning | USB-C |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Music Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Quick Charge | Yes | Yes |
| Speakers | No | Yes |
HUAWEI FreeBuds 3
We find inside with a Kirin A1 processor, which immediately invites us to think that the sound processing will be quite high compared to the average and will bring a lot of functionality compared to its competitors.
The sound quality is quite adequate, with a fairly stable range of highs and mids, only lacking detail in the bass section. The soundstage is not particularly wide, but we have to argue that practically no wireless headphones stand out in this regard, except for some specific audio brands that may be a more suitable alternative for those audiophiles who require greater precision throughout the range.
In terms of compatibility, this is something that Huawei will definitely beat most of its competitors by a landslide since it allows playing with all kinds of codecs, from AAC to AptX-HD, something that is usually rare in the industry.
Google Pixel Buds
The new Google Pixel Buds headphones have inherited certain characteristics from their predecessors, such as touch control or autonomy of more than 5 hours, which could even reach those 24 hours with the wireless charging case that incorporates this new version.
A strong point of these headphones is that they offer so-called ‘adaptive sound.’ This technology makes the volume of what we are listening to adjust automatically to the ambient sound in which we are at all times.
This feature improves its usability, security, and comfort since we can be integrated into the environment without repeatedly disconnecting and reconnecting the sound when we walk through certain places.
Battery
| HUAWEI FreeBuds 3 | Google Pixel Buds | |
| Battery Type | Li-Po | Li-Po |
| Battery Life | Up to 8 hours | Up to 5 hours |
| Charge Time | 5 minutes for 1.5 hours | 2 hours with dedicated USB wall charger (500 mA) |
| Charging Port | Lightning | Pins |
HUAWEI FreeBuds 3
The battery without charging in its base is just 3 and a half hours, something below other headphones of such size and price. We can compensate for this with an autonomy of more than 20 hours if we frequently connect them to their charging station.
The good thing is that Huawei has managed to compensate for this deficiency by offering many charging options for the base:
Google Pixel Buds
As we have already mentioned, they have a battery that can last up to 5 hours of use. The magnificent charging case, which offers an ergonomic oval shape, can reach up to 24 hours of autonomy and a charging speed above average since it includes a USB-C connector.
In addition, it has the advantage of allowing Qi charging since it provides wireless charging support, unusual for this type of product.
Connectivity
| HUAWEI FreeBuds 3 | Google Pixel Buds | |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Wireless range | 10 mtr | 10 mtr |
| Sensor | Proximity | – |
| Multi-Device Connection | No | Yes |
HUAWEI FreeBuds 3
We have the USB-C charge somewhat faster than the Micro-USB version since it allows us to provide a greater amperage. On the other hand, we have the Qi wireless charging that is already common in the latest models of TWS headphones.
Finally, we have observed that it offers us wireless reverse charging, which allows the latter to transmit some charge to our station in case we fall short at some point if the smartphone is compatible.
Google Pixel Buds
Compared with the previous model, the connection between the headphones and the phone is significantly higher. The range of the Bluetooth 4.0+ signal allows us to connect to the phone at a distance of 90 meters outdoors or with a separation of three rooms if we are in closed spaces such as a home or office.
This is much more than the first version offered, which means that the conversation is not cut off if we leave a room in the house or office without carrying the smartphone with us.
Conclusion!
HUAWEI FreeBuds 3
We can say that it is a headset that within its range satisfies most of the needs that we could have, and if we add to this the fact of having a terminal of the same brand, we could ensure that we are talking about a very appropriate purchase.
Google Pixel Buds
At last, we can enjoy the long-awaited Pixel Buds, totally wireless True Wireless Stereo (TWS) headphones that fully enter to compete in the segment of the popular AirPods. With real-time translation, wireless charging, and adaptive sound technology.
