Huawei FreeBuds 7i review: Huawei launched the FreeBuds 7i in China at 599 yuan (approximately $84). The earbuds are available in Pearl White, Deep Space Grey, and Sakura Pink color options and compete with the mid-range TWS segment by offering enhanced noise cancellation, more natural calls, and denser spatial audio. Huawei will be targeting customers who desire premium features at non-flagship costs since they concentrate much on sound and features.
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Design and Noise Cancellation
FreeBuds 7i are driven by Smart Dynamic Noise Cancellation 4.0, equipped with three microphones and an 8mm² air duct cavity to efficiently cancel out ambient noise. Huawei mentions an average depth of noise reduction at 28dB, making them ideal for use during a daily commute or in noisy settings. The ANC system has also been fine-tuned to be more responsive, latency minimized by up to 50%, and adaptive adjustment being made in under 0.5 seconds.
Enhanced Call Clarity with Bone-Conduction Mic
For voice calling, Huawei has included a bone-conduction mic in addition to its standard mic array. Alongside an AI-driven noise cancellation engine, the FreeBuds 7i can eliminate ambient sounds up to the level of 90dB and reduce wind interference. This keeps the voice pick-up clean, even in open areas or noisy environments, providing the 7i a touch of advantage over most competitors in the same price range.
Audio Performance and Features
The earbuds come with 11mm quad-magnet dynamic drivers that provide superior vocals and clear sound output. Audio tuning is possible through a 10-band EQ and pre-tuned sound modes based on various genres. Spatial audio with head tracking adds a 360-degree surround effect, which makes them suitable for watching movies, listening to music, and gaming. On-device processing is used for wide platform compatibility without the requirement of specialty apps or hardware.
Smart Controls and Connectivity
The FreeBuds 7i support voice commands through Huawei’s Xiaoyi assistant, handling tasks like calls, alarms, and music playback. Gesture controls add another layer of convenience, such as nodding to answer or shaking to reject calls. Standard touch inputs allow volume adjustments, ANC toggles, and media controls. Connectivity is handled by Bluetooth 5.4, supporting codecs including SBC, AAC, LDAC, and L2HC 2.0. Without LHDC and aptX, Huawei provides effortless pairing on EMUI 10.1+ devices and multi-device connectivity with HarmonyOS 3.0+.
Battery Life and Endurance
Battery life is also good. FreeBuds 7i provide up to 8 hours of playback without ANC (5 hours with ANC) and up to 35 hours using the case (20 hours with ANC). There is fast charging with 4 hours of playtime from a 10-minute charge. The earbuds weigh 5.4 grams per earbud, the case weighs 36.5 grams, and the IP54 rating is dust- and splash-resistant with a comfortable fit for everyday use.
Verdict: A Feature-Rich Mid-Ranger
Improved ANC, enhanced call quality, spatial audio, and acceptable battery life, the Huawei FreeBuds 7i appear to be one of the top feature-sensitive TWS options in the sub-$100 segment. Though lack of aptX will disappoint some, the blend of brains, brawn, and affordability makes them a strong contender for buyers seeking premium-like performance at a non-premium price.