Xiaomi Mi Sports review - wireless sports earbuds for $ 25

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Sports accessories for Xiaomi are an iconic niche. Sneakers, fitness trackers, even clothing - the company makes everything. Now a Bluetooth headset has appeared on this list. The life hacker took a closer look at it to find out if it was worth spending money on it.

Design

Again I risk sounding overly enthusiastic, but I really like the new Xiaomi products. The Mi Sports in-ear headset is no exception.

The design consists of two capsules connected by a rubberized wire. The excess is removed using a holder with a company logo. The memory effect is present, but the wire does not dazzle in the cold, does not crack and behaves very well for a budget device.

On the right side of the wire is a one-button remote control with a microphone. With it, you can accept or reject a call, turn on the audio player, or pause music.

The capsules are decorated with a metal insert in the style of the first Mi Band. One of them even hides the same LED, which serves as an indicator of the connection of the headset to the device.

Each of the capsules is slightly heavier than the first Mi Band, but much larger in size. There are additional growths on the side of the ear - this is the audio system. The capsules themselves hide the electronics and the battery.

The right capsule is functional. On the one hand, it houses the volume buttons, on the other, the microUSB port, closed with a rubber flap.

The convenience of use

The headset is designed to be worn behind the ear. The earhook is rigid, made of unbending plastic. An external acoustic chamber provides additional contact with the ear. Otherwise, the entire headset would hang on the ear cushion.

Although Xiaomi also provided such an option. The Mi Sports ear cushions are longer than the standard ones used for the Hybrid or Piston.

The whole design provides a comfortable fit for any size of the auricle. Suitable for both men and women: there are three sizes of ear cushions included.

The length and design of the earhook allows you to wear the earphone not fully inserted into the ear canal, which is convenient when you need to hear ambient sounds.

The ear cushions provide good sound insulation. Soft, durable. Unfortunately, due to its pleasant rough texture, it collects dirt and is difficult to clean.

Sound quality

Wireless headsets from even the most famous manufacturers rarely provide sound quality comparable to their wired counterparts, no matter what many reviews say. Mi Sports is no exception. But it has a good excuse: it's an accessory optimized for outdoor activities, sports and noisy spaces. The main task of the device is to provide convenience and background music.

First, about the good. Xiaomi Mi Sports has a very high volume level. Enough even in the metro or other public transport. Voice transmission in both directions is sufficient for any scenarios of use: both in transport and in the silence of the park.

Now about the disadvantages of sound. The sound of the Xiaomi sports headset is bass, bright enough. But the high frequencies are noticeably lacking, and the equalizer only partially saves. Of course, the sound cannot be called dark and dirty - it is sonorous, full. But the lack of aptX support does the trick.

In comparison with the main competitor in the face of Meizu EP-51, the Xiaomi headset sounds more profitable: there is not much bass, the sound is more sonorous and clear. But most importantly, the classic fit allows you to feel the music, includes the auricle itself in the playback process. The Meizu headset has a non-standard approach, which prevents the ear canal from working and removes the sound from the listener.

Battery life

The manufacturer claims that the Xioami Mi Sports headset has a battery life of 7 hours. However, it does not indicate the mode of operation. Testing showed the following numbers:

• standby mode - 10 hours;
• low volume (quiet room, apartment) - 7 hours;
• medium volume (office, gym without music) - 6 hours;
• high volume (street, public transport) - 5 hours.

Phone calls practically do not reduce the working time.

Connectivity and compatibility

Xiaomi Mi Sports works with any Bluetooth enabled device. The proprietary headset protocol complies with version 4.1, but backward compatibility allows it to be used for the protocols of lower versions as well.

There are no platform hardware limitations. Mi Sports could become a companion for both Android and iOS devices. Windows laptops and desktops are also no exception.

Results: a convenient accessory for every day

Testing has shown that the first Xiaomi wireless headset called Mi Sports can be considered a successful model. Among its advantages:

• thoughtful design;
• stylish appearance;
• comfortable fit;
• good running time.

Since the device belongs to the lower price segment, there are still disadvantages:

• complete soundproofing;
• large dimensions;
• medium quality sound;
• lack of aptX support.

For $ 25 (with an XMWV coupon), Xiaomi Mi Sports simply has no branded competitors. It's a great budget device, more musical than the $ 28 Meizu EP-51 (with MeizuEPS coupon).