Xiaomi, a stalwart in the realm of consumer electronics, has once again ventured into the domain of wireless audio with the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro. This latest offering, positioned as the brand’s flagship earbuds, boasts a formidable array of features, including triple drivers, adaptive noise cancellation, aptX Lossless streaming, dual-device pairing, and head tracking. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the intricacies of these features, scrutinizing their performance and assessing their contribution to the overall user experience.   

Design and Ergonomics: A Study in Form and Function

The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro, in their Titan Gray colorway, present a design that is both familiar and refined. The charging case, with its highly reflective lid and matte-finished bottom, exudes a sense of understated elegance. The rectangular form factor, while slightly larger than its predecessor, maintains a slim profile, ensuring pocketability.

The earbuds themselves, weighing a mere 6.5 grams each, feature an in-ear design with silicone tips, a departure from the semi-in-ear design of the standard Buds 5. This design choice significantly enhances the fit and seal, addressing a key concern of the previous model. The contoured shape of the speaker assembly ensures a comfortable fit, even during extended listening sessions.

The pinch gesture pad, located on the stem of each earbud, provides intuitive control over media playback and other functions. The IP54 dust and water resistance rating adds a layer of durability, making the Buds 5 Pro suitable for use in various environments.

Technological Prowess: A Deep Dive into the Inner Workings

The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro’s audio architecture is a testament to the brand’s commitment to technological innovation. The coaxial triple-driver configuration, comprising an 11mm dynamic driver, a planar driver, and PZT tweeters, promises a rich and detailed soundscape. The dual DACs and the wide frequency response range of 15Hz to 50kHz further underscore the earbuds’ audiophile aspirations.

Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, coupled with Snapdragon Sound and aptX Lossless support, enables high-resolution audio streaming at up to 2.1Mbps. The availability of a special edition with Wi-Fi connectivity for 96kHz/24-bit lossless audio at up to 4.2Mbps highlights Xiaomi’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of wireless audio.   

The adaptive noise cancellation system, rated to attenuate up to 55dB of noise, employs a triple-microphone array and an AI noise reduction algorithm to deliver effective noise suppression. The transparency mode, with its adjustable settings, allows users to customize their awareness of the surrounding environment.   

The Auditory Experience: A Symphony of Sound and Immersion

The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro’s sound signature is characterized by a balanced tonality, with a punchy bass response that does not overpower the mids and highs. The silicone ear tips, by providing a proper seal, contribute to a superior sound quality and enhanced noise cancellation.

The default sound profile, while well-tuned, can be further refined using the equalizer settings in the Xiaomi Earbuds app. The dimensional audio feature, with its head-tracking capabilities, adds an immersive dimension to movies and other media.   

The call quality, thanks to the triple-microphone array and the AI noise reduction algorithm, is commendable. However, strong winds and busy street noises can pose a challenge.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Powering the Auditory Journey

The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro’s battery life, rated at 8 hours with ANC off, is commendable. In our testing, we achieved slightly better results, with 8 hours and 15 minutes of playback. However, enabling ANC and streaming via the aptX Lossless codec significantly reduces battery endurance.

The quick charge feature, providing over 4 hours of playback from a 10-minute charge, is a valuable asset. The charging case, with its 570mAh battery, extends the total playtime to 40 hours.

Connectivity, across Android, iOS, and macOS platforms, is seamless. The wear detection sensors and the low latency mode perform flawlessly.

The Xiaomi Earbuds App: A Hub of Customization and Control

The Xiaomi Earbuds app serves as a central hub for customizing and controlling the Buds 5 Pro. The app provides access to various features, including noise cancellation settings, equalizer adjustments, and gesture customization.   

The built-in audio recording functionality, while intriguing, requires users to export recordings from the app. The improved low latency mode, accessible on Xiaomi 14 series phones, enhances the gaming experience.

The Verdict: A Flagship Contender with Audiophile Aspirations

The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro represents a significant advancement in Xiaomi’s wireless audio offerings. The triple-driver configuration, aptX Lossless support, and adaptive noise cancellation contribute to a compelling audio experience.

The in-ear design, with its silicone tips, provides a comfortable and secure fit. The battery life, while not class-leading, is adequate for most users.

The Xiaomi Earbuds app offers a comprehensive suite of customization options. The call quality, while generally good, can be affected by strong winds and busy street noises.   

At a price point of around AED 500for the Bluetooth version, the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro faces stiff competition. However, for those within the Xiaomi ecosystem, these earbuds represent a compelling option.