Black Shark Fengming S1: Black Shark has entered the premium audio game with its new Fengming S1 headphones, and fans immediately hailed it as the AirPods Max for gamers. For just 379 yuan, about $53, these wireless headphones boast some powerful sound, class-leading noise cancellation, and an unheard-of 155-hour battery life. Let’s see how it holds up against Apple’s luxurious AirPods Max in terms of performance, comfort, and features.
Design and Comfort
At first glance, the Fengming S1 looks a lot like Apple’s AirPods Max, but it’s clearly built with gamers in mind. The headset has an ergonomic design, soft protein-leather ear cushions, and breathable mesh to keep things cool during long sessions. Its adjustable headband will automatically fit different head sizes, while the 90-degree rotating earcups make it easy to store. Coming in Stardust Silver and Shadow Black, it manages to look both stylish and aggressive-ideal for gaming setups.
Audio and ANC Performance
Black Shark packed the Fengming S1 with custom 40mm dual-diaphragm drivers made of TPU composite and titanium-coated materials. The outcome gives them a punchy bass, smooth mids, and crisp highs. What sets it apart, however, is its personalized 3D spatial audio, which provides a 360-degree soundstage for pinpointing enemy movements in games or simply enjoying a more cinematic sound when watching movies.
The Fengming S1 also boasts an advanced active noise cancellation system that cuts ambient noise by up to -52dB, which is seriously impressive and close to what high-end headphones, like the AirPods Max, offer. For clearer calls, it uses a five-microphone ENC setup to really cut down the background noise.
Connectivity and Latency
In terms of connectivity, Black Shark doesn’t disappoint. The Fengming S1 features Bluetooth 6.0 for faster pairing and better efficiency. It also includes a low-latency gaming mode that drops lag to just 60 ms, making it great for competitive players. Plus, it can pair with two devices simultaneously, so switching between your phone and laptop feels seamless. For wired use, a 1.2-meter audio cable is included.
Battery Life and Charging
Where the Fengming S1 really leaves most of the competition behind is in terms of battery life. You get a 1000mAh cell that’s good for a whopping 155 hours of playback with ANC turned off and about 80 hours with it on. Charging takes roughly 2.2 hours via a USB-C port, and there are built-in safeguards against overheating, overcharging, and short-circuiting.
Price and Availability
For around 379 yuan (₹4,400), this gets you a headset with many features for five times the cost. You can pick it up from JD.com, and given the buzz around this one, international availability may well ensue.
Conclusion
Black Shark Fengming S1 might not be as luxurious compared to AirPods Max, but the specs, battery, and gaming optimizations of this audio piece really make it a powerhouse for its price. It is easily recommended to gamers or anyone wanting long-lasting, comfortable, feature-rich headphones without breaking the bank.
