Review of the Beats Flex - the company's most budgetary headphones that keep a charge for 12 hours

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

Nice design, easy control and not too outstanding sound.

Table of contents

• Specifications
• Design and equipment
• Connection and communication
• Control
• Sound
• Autonomy
• Outcomes

Specifications

Type of emitters	Dynamic
Platform	Apple W1
Connection	Bluetooth Class 1
Bluetooth protocol	Not specified
Voice control	Siri, "Google Assistant"
Working hours	12 hours
Connector	USB Type-C
Degree of protection	Not specified

Design and equipment

In 2017, BeatsX came out - comfortable in-ear headphones that have long remained one of the brand's most inexpensive models. Beats Flex looks like a more successful, budgetary and technically advanced sequel to the successful gadget.

The novelty comes in a very tiny box. Inside, in addition to the headphones, a short USB Type-C charging cable is curled up and three pairs of earbuds, a set of warranty information and a sticker are laid out. There is no cover included.

Compact packaging - compact content: the headphones look neat and discreet. The earbuds are connected with a U-shaped cable. The manufacturer notes that due to the nitinol construction, it came out extremely durable and comfortable. Indeed, with prolonged wear, the cable does not press on the neck at all, does not rub and, in general, it feels quite comfortable. The only negative: the headphones are inconvenient to store. No matter how you twist the accessory, it always strives to return to its U-shape.

On both sides of the cable there are plastic cases, which contain the battery, chipset, microphone and control buttons: on the left - the volume control and call receiving keys, on the right - the power button.

The earbuds have got the usual teardrop shape with smooth edges. The earbuds have a magnet, due to which they interlock if not inserted into the ears. The grip is secure: the breeze and the fall will not separate your twins.

The gadget does not fall out of the ears, including during sports. Many bloggers complain that in the era of TWS models, releasing an accessory with a cord is somehow archaic. On the one hand - yes, on the other - the thought that even if one of the headphones falls out while jogging or cycling, you won't lose it. So Beats Flex will definitely find their fans.

Photo: Kostya Ptichkin / Lifehacker

Photo: Kostya Ptichkin / Lifehacker

Photo: Kostya Ptichkin / Lifehacker

Beats Flex comes in four colors: Black, Ash Gray, Flame Blue and Citrus Yellow. True, gray and blue will be on sale in Russia only from 2021.

The editors received a yellow model for testing. The color is pleasant and pleasing to the eye, but the dust is too visible on it: we barely took the accessory out of the box when small dirt appeared on the earbuds. By the way, there is no overprotection, so languid walks in the rain, funny races through puddles and other traditional Russian amusements are better left for later.

In general, the headphones are cute and pleasant to the touch, but the disadvantages are immediately noticeable: not the most tenacious, quite easily soiled, and not yet the most convenient to carry - in any position they will return to the U-state.

Connection and communication

Pairing with Apple gadgets is the same as with AirPods: as soon as you turn on the headphones, the smartphone screen already prompts you to connect them.

Android users are advised to download the Beats app to control the accessory through it.

The set of functions, however, is not too rich: you can set up autoplay, auto pause and automatic answer to calls. There are no sound and microphone settings.

There are no questions about working via Bluetooth: the headphones quickly connect to a smartphone, even from another room. Apple device users can connect to an accessory within 30 meters of the accessory. We have verified that this is indeed the case.

Control

Headphones work well with voice assistants, but you can also control them using physical buttons: volume keys and a round call button. You will need to get used to the latter: it is too compact.

The call accept button is also responsible for managing tracks. One press - pause and start, double - go to the next track, triple - to the previous one.

Sound

The headphones will delight bass lovers, but the mid and high frequencies are transmitted much worse. The Beats Flex lacks balance and warmth, and you are unlikely to hear detailed elaboration of each instrument either. In general, the accessory is not for aesthetes. On the other hand, gentle hearing usually requires much more investment than 4,990 rubles.

Instrumental compositions sound dry and flat, but rap and heavy music sound decent. With pop music, it is not necessary once in a while: most of the melodies were played adequately, but the last album of Monetochka seemed more simplified in sound than it really is.

In daily use, the gadget is comfortable: low frequencies sound nice, you quickly get used to the rest. The headphones are also adapted for conversation: speech is transmitted well even on the street, the audibility is decent.

Autonomy

One of the strengths of crumbs is the running time. The earbuds, as stated by the manufacturer, can last 12 hours without recharging - this is a very cool result. We went for a walk in them and spent the whole day with the Beats Flex, but we could not completely discharge them, despite the fact that we listened to music without interruption.

It takes about 2 hours to fully recharge the battery. The Fast Fuel function is also supported, thanks to which the accessory is charged for an hour and a half of full work in 15 minutes. Bliss.

Outcomes

Beats Flex are beautiful, compact and inexpensive headphones with a good battery and instant connection to gadgets. Aesthetes will find fault with not too voluminous sound, cleaners - for easily soiled earbuds, innovators - for a connecting cable that loses to wireless headphones. But everyone will exhale together when they see the price: the new product costs 4,990 rubles, and this almost completely reconciles with all the shortcomings. And let's not forget the pros: 12 hours of uninterrupted operation, user-friendly controls and an annoying design.

The model can become a cool and non-profitable gift for the New Year, including to yourself. So it's definitely worth getting to know the new product.