Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

When you first look at the Google Pixel Buds Series-A, they don’t seem much different from their predecessors. These fully wireless earbuds maintain a futuristic look with a sleek design. The charging case is smooth, with an egg-like shape that fits comfortably in your hand or pocket. The earbuds are pretty small and secure in your ears, with a small nub resting in the outer ear. How well this nub fits will depend on your ear shape, but adding a new stabilizer fin does help it stay in place.

One new feature is the vent in the earbuds, designed to reduce pressure build-up inside the ear. It’s a slight adjustment but can make a noticeable difference if you’re sensitive to pressure. Controlling the earbuds is straightforward. Tap once to play or pause music, twice to skip to the next track, and three times to go back. Pressing and holding will activate Google Assistant if you’re using an Android device.

Design and Build

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 boasts a modern, minimalist design that fits comfortably in your ears, making them ideal for extended use. The earbuds are designed with ergonomics in mind, ensuring they stay securely in place even during more vigorous activities. The build quality is solid, with materials that feel durable and premium. The earbuds come with an IPX4 water resistance rating, making them resistant to sweat and light rain, so you can confidently use them during workouts or outdoor activities without worrying about damage from moisture.

The compact charging case is equally well-designed, offering a convenient, portable solution for charging on the go. The case is sleek and pocket-friendly, making it easy to carry around. The magnetic closure ensures that the earbuds stay securely in place when not used.

Audio Performance

At the heart of the Google Pixel Buds, Pro 2 are 12mm dynamic drivers that deliver a powerful and immersive audio experience. These drivers are designed to provide a balanced sound profile with rich bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. Whether listening to your favourite music, podcasts, or audiobooks, the earbuds offer excellent sound quality that highlights your audio’s details.

The bass is punchy without being overwhelming, and the mids are well-defined, making vocals and instruments sound natural and engaging. The highs are crisp, adding clarity that enhances the overall listening experience. These earbuds suit various music genres, from bass-heavy electronic tracks to more nuanced classical compositions.

Connectivity

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 features Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, ensuring a stable and reliable connection with your devices. While Bluetooth 4.0 is not the latest standard, it offers a solid connection with minimal dropouts or interference in most environments. The pairing process is straightforward, especially for users of Google Pixel devices, where the integration is seamless.

However, one potential drawback is that Bluetooth 4.0 does not support some of the advanced features and higher-quality codecs available in newer versions of Bluetooth. This might be a consideration for audiophiles or those prioritising the best wireless audio quality.

Touch Controls

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 has intuitive touch controls, allowing you to manage your music and calls effortlessly. You can play or pause music, skip tracks, adjust the volume, and answer or reject calls with simple taps on the earbuds. These controls are responsive and easy to use, minimizing the need to reach for your phone during your daily activities.

The touch controls also support voice commands, enabling hands-free operation with Google Assistant. This feature enhances the convenience of earbuds, particularly when you need quick access to information or want to control your music while on the move.

Battery Life

One area where the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 could improve is battery life. The earbuds offer up to 2.5 hours of listening and talk time on a single charge, which is relatively low compared to other premium wireless earbuds on the market. This limited battery life means you might need to recharge the earbuds more frequently, which could be inconvenient for users who are often on the go.

The charging case does provide additional charges, extending the total battery life, but for those who require long-lasting earbuds for extended listening sessions, this could be a limiting factor.

Pros and Cons of Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

Pros:

• Comfortable Design: The earbuds are designed to fit securely and comfortably, making them suitable for long-term use.
• Solid Audio Performance: The 12mm dynamic drivers deliver a well-balanced sound with rich bass and clear highs.
• Water Resistance: The IPX4 rating ensures protection against sweat and light rain, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
• Intuitive Touch Controls: Easy-to-use touch controls offer convenient management of music and calls with voice command support.

Cons:

• Limited Battery Life: This category’s battery life is below average for wireless earbuds, with only 2.5 hours of listening and talk time.
• Bluetooth 4.0 Connectivity: While reliable, the older Bluetooth standard lacks some advanced features and higher-quality audio codecs available in newer versions.

Verdict

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 offers a comfortable and immersive listening experience. Its sleek design, solid audio performance, and user-friendly features make it versatile for everyday use, whether you’re working out, commuting, or simply relaxing at home. The device’s IPX4 water resistance and intuitive touch controls make it suitable for working out, commuting, or simply relaxing at home.

However, the limited battery life and reliance on Bluetooth 4.0 may be drawbacks for some users, particularly those needing longer-lasting earbuds or prioritising the latest in wireless connectivity technology. Despite these limitations, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 remains a solid choice for stylish and functional wireless earbuds that integrate seamlessly with Google devices.