Soundcore Life P3i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds Review Black Edition

Description

First Impressions and Design

The Soundcore Life P3i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds Black caught my attention immediately with their sleek, minimalist design. They feel light in the hand, weighing only 1.76 ounces, and the rounded earpiece shape fits comfortably in the ear. I appreciated the inclusion of S/M/L ear tips in the box, which made finding the perfect fit effortless. The plastic material might not scream premium, but it feels durable enough for daily use. One practical feature I noticed right away is the compact charging case, which easily fits into a pocket or bag without adding bulk. Plus, the waterproof rating ensured I didn’t have to panic during light rain or sweaty workouts.

The design feels thoughtfully crafted for both functionality and style. While I wouldn’t say these earbuds stand out in terms of unique aesthetics, they do a great job blending in, which is perfect for someone who wants a subtle yet effective pair of earbuds.

Audio Performance and Customization

I spent quite a bit of time testing the 10mm dynamic drivers, and I must say, the sound quality genuinely surprised me. The bass is punchy without being overwhelming, and the mids and highs are crisp and clear. Listening to music across different genres, from bass-heavy tracks to acoustic ballads, felt immersive. What really stood out was the ability to tweak the sound profile using the Soundcore app. With 22 EQ settings, I could dial in exactly the kind of audio experience I wanted.

One feature I couldn’t ignore was the hybrid active noise cancellation. The earbuds use three microphones on each side, and they do a commendable job of reducing external noise. While it doesn’t completely eliminate background sounds like more expensive models, it performs surprisingly well in moderately noisy environments like coffee shops or public transit. The noise cancellation combined with the sound customization options makes these earbuds a serious contender in their price range.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is one of the key benefits of these earbuds. On a single charge, they last up to 10 hours, and with the compact case, you can get up to an impressive 40 hours in total. I found myself rarely worrying about running out of power, even during long listening sessions. The fast-charging feature is also a lifesaver. In just 10 minutes of charging, I got 2 hours of playback, which came in handy during a busy day when I forgot to charge them overnight.

The carrying case itself has a battery life of three days, which is more than enough for a weekend trip without needing to carry additional chargers. The earbuds charge via a USB-C cable (included in the box), and the process was quick and hassle-free. However, some might miss wireless charging, which is becoming more common in earbuds at this price point.

Call Quality and Connectivity

Making calls with these earbuds was a breeze. Thanks to the 6 microphones and AI-enhanced noise isolation, my voice came through clearly even in noisy environments. I tested them during a call while walking through a bustling park, and the person on the other end had no trouble hearing me. This makes them ideal for professionals who frequently take calls on the go.

The Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity felt rock-solid during my testing. Whether I paired them with my laptop, smartphone, or tablet, the connection stayed stable within the 10-meter range. Switching between devices was seamless, which is a big win for someone like me who constantly juggles between work meetings and personal use.

Key Benefits

• Impressive noise cancellation: Hybrid ANC reduces background noise effectively.
• Customizable sound: 22 EQ settings via the Soundcore app for tailored audio.
• Long battery life: 10 hours on a single charge, 40 hours with the case.
• Quick charging: 10 minutes of charge gives 2 hours of playback.
• Clear call quality: 6 microphones and AI enhancements for precise voice pickup.

Areas for Improvement

While the earbuds excel in many areas, there are a few shortcomings worth mentioning:

• No wireless charging: The USB-C charging is fast, but wireless charging would’ve been a nice addition.
• Material quality: The plastic build feels durable but lacks a premium touch.
• Noise cancellation limitations: Struggles slightly in extremely noisy environments.

Product Competitors

Comparing these earbuds to similar options in the market, a few models come to mind. The Apple AirPods Pro are a direct competitor, offering superior noise cancellation and a premium design. However, they come at a significantly higher price point, making the Life P3i a more budget-friendly option. On the other hand, the Jabra Elite 75t offers slightly better water resistance and a more compact design, but the sound customization features of the Life P3i give it a unique edge.

Another rival is the Sony WF-C500, which boasts excellent audio quality but falls short in battery life compared to the Life P3i. If you’re looking for affordable quality, the Life P3i holds its own with features like fast charging, customizable sound, and reliable noise cancellation.

Affordable Quality

One of the standout aspects of these earbuds is their value proposition. Considering all the features packed into this product, from customizable sound profiles to active noise cancellation, they offer excellent functionality at a competitive price. While they lack some of the premium touches found in higher-end models, the overall performance and versatility make them worth every penny. For anyone on a budget who doesn’t want to sacrifice quality, these earbuds strike a great balance between cost and features.

Additional information