[REVIEW] Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Is A Polished Performer With Room To Grow
Priced at RM1,099, the earbuds come in four colours.
By Sukhbir Cheema — 13 Dec 2024, 04:55 PM
Google's Pixel Buds Pro 2 is a testament to how far the tech giant has come in the ever-competitive world of true wireless earbuds
With a sleek new design, longer battery life, and intelligent features, the second iteration of the Pixel Buds Pro addresses many of its predecessor's shortcomings.
But despite these strides, there are areas where it still falls short, leaving it lagging behind competitors.
Priced at RM1,099, the earbuds come in four colours: Porcelain, Hazel, Wintergreen, and Peony. I recently had the opportunity to try out the latter.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 boasts a 27% smaller and 24% lighter design than the original, making it one of the most comfortable earbuds Google has released
The addition of a tiny fin ensures a snug fit, keeping the earbuds secure during even the most vigorous activities.
Whether I was walking, jogging or doing my HIIT exercises, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 stayed put and didn't fall off.
Battery life is another strong suit. These earbuds offer an impressive eight hours of playback with active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled and up to 12 hours with ANC turned off. Combine this with a charging case that extends usage to a whopping 30 hours (48 hours without ANC), and you have a device that can easily keep up with long commutes or extended listening sessions.
The audio quality on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 will meet the expectations of most casual listeners
While not audiophile-grade, the sound profile is well-balanced, and the customisable EQ settings allow for a degree of personalisation that audiophiles may appreciate.
For those who prioritise seamless integration with their digital lives, Google Assistant is available hands-free, making simple tasks effortless.
The charging case is the same as the previous generation, still fitting snuggly in my pocket. However, it now features a built-in speaker for "Find My Device" functionality, emitting audible signals to help you locate the charging case if you misplace it.
As good as the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is, it doesn't quite match the competition in some key areas
For starters, the active noise cancellation — though serviceable — falls short when compared to other options out there. In noisy environments, this limitation becomes apparent, detracting from the immersive experience that premium earbuds should deliver.
Bluetooth multipoint functionality, a feature designed to make switching between devices seamless, also stumbles.
Unlike its competitors, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 requires manual switching for music playback. This added friction in what should be a smooth experience is disappointing, especially for users juggling multiple devices throughout the day.
The micro fin design, while helpful for fit, introduces a curious usability issue. It's not always obvious which earbud is for the left or right ear, adding a small but notable layer of inconvenience during daily use.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 represents a polished effort from Google, offering a lightweight design, excellent battery life, and a solid all-around listening experience
For casual users who value comfort, simplicity, and Google Assistant integration, these earbuds are a compelling choice.
However, the device’s ANC capabilities and AI features leave room for improvement, especially when compared to its more polished rivals. It's a device brimming with potential, but one that stops just short of delivering a truly top-tier experience.
If you're already entrenched in Google’s ecosystem, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 will feel like a natural fit. But if you're looking for the absolute best in sound quality, and noise cancellation, you may find better options elsewhere.
That said, in a crowded market, Google has taken a solid step forward with the Pixel Buds Pro 2. I'm looking forward to the future iterations of the Pixel Buds Pro.
