Apple AirPods 5 Increases Cost-Effectiveness with Enhanced Bass and 1.5x Improved ANC

Apple has unveiled the new open-type earphones, AirPods 5. While this new product shows no significant difference externally from its predecessor, it contains meaningful changes in internal design and performance. In particular, it is characterized by improved bass expression and enhanced noise-canceling performance.

Maintaining Appearance while Securing Performance and Price Value

According to a video from the YouTube channel UNDERkg, the appearance of the AirPods 5 is so similar to its predecessor, the AirPods 4, that it is almost difficult to distinguish them. The design of the case and the shape of the units are also similar, appearing as if they would be compatible with existing cases, but it has been confirmed that they are not compatible during the pairing process due to different model names. However, the internal specification changes are distinct.

The most noticeable change is the pricing policy. The new model has a lower price than the previous model, increasing its cost-effectiveness. In the case of the model including ANC functionality, there is an effect where the price of the higher-end model becomes lower than before. Additionally, the water and dust resistance rating has been upgraded from the existing IPX4 to IP57. Battery performance has also been improved. Apple explained that they enhanced performance through efficient battery usage, and it is now possible to use the units for up to 1 hour alone and up to 22 hours including the case, increasing the usage time compared to the predecessor. This is a significant difference compared to the predecessor, which offered a maximum of 20 hours including the case.

Changes have also occurred in the operation method. A function to adjust volume via a swipe feature, which was present in the existing Pro models, has been added, allowing volume control through swiping up or down in addition to the pinching motion of the units. In terms of software, it includes features such as 3-band equalizer control from iOS 18 (the iOS 27 mentioned in the video appears to be a typo or a reference to a specific version in context).

1.5x Improved ANC and Perceptible Changes in Bass

In terms of acoustic performance, the 'acoustic architecture' was redesigned to improve sound quality. In the video, X-ray imaging was conducted to check the interior of the AirPods 5, confirming that a new structure, which was not present in the predecessor, has been added to play the role of directing sound in a specific direction. While the driver size is the same as the predecessor, it appears that this change in internal structure has led to the change in sound.

Thanks to these design changes, the bass performance has improved noticeably. The video evaluated that at normal volume levels, the bass has become considerably better, and the high-frequency parts have also risen appropriately, making the sound richer. However, due to the nature of open-type earphones, the sub-bass part may be disappointing compared to the in-ear model, AirPods Pro 3. Additionally, when increasing the volume, a phenomenon occurred where the ANC seemed to momentarily release when the bass vibrated strongly.

The Noise Canceling (ANC) performance was shown to be improved by up to about 1.5 times in indoor noise environments. It is effective in suppressing everyday noises such as air purifier noise, but due to the limitations of the open-type design, it may be difficult to feel a dramatic difference in suppressing low-frequency noise from public transportation, such as subway sounds. This is because, due to the nature of the open-type design, passive sound insulation that physically blocks noise is lacking.

White Noise and Call Quality Requiring Caution

Behind the performance improvements, there are also disappointing points. The video pointed out that white noise is clearly louder in the AirPods 5 than in the predecessor. In particular, the white noise occurring in the mid-range is at a level that sensitive users can sufficiently perceive. This is presumed to be a phenomenon occurring as the driver moves more strongly during the process of strengthening the bass and increasing ANC performance. The speaker in the video mentioned that it was noticeable even though they are somewhat insensitive to sound.

In the case of call quality, it was difficult to feel a big difference compared to the predecessor in both noiseless and noisy environments. However, there was a tendency for white noise to be heard more clearly when music was turned off during a call.

Conclusion: Is it Worth Upgrading for AirPods 4 Users?

Overall, the AirPods 5 possesses strong competitiveness through the richness of the bass, improved ANC, increased battery life, and reduced price. The video evaluated that because the bass improvement effect is distinct, it is worth considering a device change even for AirPods 4 users. However, if you are a user sensitive to white noise, a process of listening directly at a store is necessary.