The new HUAWEI FreeBuds 4i True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds is finally here, it was launched alongside the HUAWEI Band 6 in the Philippines. It builds upon the previously released FreeBuds 3i but with a cheaper price tag and better features.

The FreeBuds 4i earbuds is one of the most affordable active noise-cancelling earbuds available in the market today and just like the previous FreeBuds 3 the new FreeBuds 4i also comes in three colourways–Ceramic White, Carbon Black and Honey Red.

Like most Huawei TWS earbuds, the FreeBuds 4i comes with 10mm dynamic drivers. It also features Active Noise Cancellation, call noise cancellation, wear detection and up to 10 hours of continuous playback.

Huawei FreeBuds 4i and Huawei FreeBuds 4i Case

Unboxing/Accessories

Straight out of the box, you’ll find the FreeBuds 4i that comes in Ceramic White, Carbon Black, and Red charging case with the earbuds inside, USB Type-A to Type-C charging cable, extra Large and small-sized silicone ear tips (each extra ear tips are packed individually base on size giving it a more premium feel), and paper documentation.

Huawei FreeBuds 4i - Unboxing — What’s Inside The Box?

Design And Build Quality

The new FreeBuds 4i charging case has a very round shape that looks similar to a cobblestone. It also has a smooth glossy texture which makes it a fingerprint smudge magnet and can be very slippery (good thing the new FreeBuds 4i also comes with a free silicone case) and a flattened back allowing it to sit easily on a flat surface.

In front is where you will find the HUAWEI branding and the LED light indicator. The multicolored LED light indicator lights up for when the case is on charging mode or low on battery. It also lights up when in pairing mode. There is a physical button located on the right side of the charging case for manually connecting your device via bluetooth.

The HUAWEI FreeBuds 4i are ergonomically designed for a stable and snug fit, allowing you to wear them all day in total comfort. The super-light earbuds radically reduce the pressure you feel even after long hours of listening. It also has shorter but thicker stems compared to the FreeBuds 3i. Both earbuds have built-in touch sensors for intuitive touch controls, supported by an advanced algorithm for a more accurate response. Play music, make calls and reduce noise, all with a few simple gestures.

The charging case are made from a lightweight polycarbonate shell with a premium looking glossy finish with a polished fit making the FreeBuds 4i look more premium than any similarly priced TWS earbuds in the market.

Battery

In terms of battery life, each earbuds comes with a 55mAh battery while the case comes with 215mAh battery that HUAWEI claims to make the FreeBuds 4i last for up to 10 hours of continuous playback. Charging the device is also quick at around 1 hour from 0 to 100 percent on the earpiece. Unfortunately, wireless charging is not an option here, but that’s to be expected given the price.

Verdict

I’ve been using this device for a week now, and I was really surprised with the sound quality of the new Huawei FreeBuds 4i. It has a very balanced soundstage that when I tried to compare it with my FreeBuds 3 I can honestly say that it sounded better. It was also very comfortable even with long use because it has a good battery life perfect when traveling.

We tried using the new FreeBuds 4i for the first time listening to our favorite podcast via Spotify and listened to our favorite playlist via YouTube Music. We were surprised how the quality of audio it produced considering the price range of the new FreeBuds 4i. Listening to our favorite songs or podcasts in a crowded place had never been so much enjoyable because of the active noise cancellation feature.

The new HUAWEI FreeBuds 4i True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds is definitely something I personally would recommend to my friends and family if they are looking for a TWS earbuds with ANC features.

PROs

✅ It has a sensor for stopping the audio when you remove the earbuds (if paired with a Huawei Device)
✅ Premium design
✅ Has a lot of compatible accessories you can purchase online such as earbuds lanyard, silicone case, etc.
✅ Good Active Noise Cancellation

CONs

❎ Some features are only exclusive to Huawei EMUI devices
❎ The charging case only has 215 mAh battery capacity compared to the FreeBuds 3 which has 410 mAh

Huawei FreeBuds 3 Specs Specs

Driver: 10 mm Dynamic
Battery: 55 mAh per earpiece w/o case, 215 mAh w/ case
Sensors: Both earbuds use built-in capacitive sensors
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2
Others: USB-C, Active noise cancellation, Call noise cancellation
Colors: Ceramic White, Carbon Black, and Red
Dimensions: 37.5 x 23.9 x 21 mm (per earbud), 48.0 x 61.8 x 27.5 mm (case)
Weight: 5.5 g per earbud, 36.5 g w/ case
Price: PhP 3,599

Price And Availability

The new HUAWEI FreeBuds 4i True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds is priced at Php 3,599 and is available at Huawei’s eCommerce shop and is also available via Shopee’s Huawei Official Store with a free Thermos worth Php 899, while those buying from April 30 to May 7 will get a silicone case with their purchase.