AirPods Pro 3: The Latest in Premium Earbuds with Enhanced Features

The introduction of the AirPods Pro 3 marks an exciting advancement in the realm of premium earbuds. Despite their familiar appearance, these earbuds come packed with numerous internal enhancements, including advanced noise cancelling and new health functionalities, elevating them above their predecessors and solidifying their place as a strong competitor in the market.

Familiar Looks, Refined Comfort

With three years passing since the last update, Apple has opted to stick with its established design strategy. The AirPods Pro 3 maintain their signature glossy white finish. It might be challenging to identify visual changes from the previous generations without carefully examining them.

Nonetheless, Apple has subtly reconfigured the earbuds to enhance how they fit in the ear, providing a more comfortable and secure experience for extended listening sessions of three hours or more. With five sizes of silicone tips included, most users will likely find a suitable fit. However, those who have never enjoyed in-ear silicone tips may not find these to be an exception.

Smarter Than Ever

The AirPods Pro 3 retain intuitive core functionalities. A gentle squeeze on the stalk controls playback, a simple swipe adjusts the volume, and removing an earbud automatically pauses music. These new earbuds also incorporate features that were introduced in previous models, such as acting as a remote shutter for your iPhone’s camera.

One notable new feature is the live translation function within the Translate app. While this is currently available in a limited selection of languages, it performs adequately in basic conversations. A downside is that the individual you are speaking with must either read or listen to the translation from the iPhone, making it best suited for one-way audio applications, such as public announcements or museum audio guides.

The most significant new hardware inclusion is the heart rate sensors. Similar to the fitness-oriented Powerbeats Pro 2, these sensors can monitor heart rate during workouts initiated from the Fitness app and certain third-party applications. In testing, the readings closely matched those from both a Garmin sports watch and an Apple Watch. Combined with an enhanced IP57 water resistance rating, the AirPods Pro 3 are now a stronger option for physical activity, capable of enduring both rain and sweat.

Sound and Silence

The audio performance of the AirPods Pro 3 reflects considerable enhancement. The soundstage appears wider, providing music with a more expansive and immersive quality. The bass, while powerful, remains well-controlled, and the overall sound is detailed and balanced across various genres. Though some may perceive the sound as slightly clinical and lacking warmth compared to some competitors, very few earbuds in this price range outperform them. Apple’s spatial audio for films remains a key highlight, delivering an exceptional surround sound experience with compatible content.

A particularly stunning improvement lies in the realm of noise cancellation. Apple asserts it is twice as effective as the already commendably functional AirPods Pro 2, a claim that stands up to scrutiny. The new model effectively diminishes external noise, approaching the level of high-end over-ear headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM6. They also excel at reducing higher frequency sounds, such as keyboard clicks and nearby conversations, making them invaluable for commuters and office workers.

Apple’s transparency mode continues to be unmatched, allowing users to perceive their surroundings so naturally it feels as though no earbuds are being worn. Call quality remains stellar, with voices transmitting clearly even amidst noisy conditions.

Battery and Sustainability

Battery performance has seen a welcome extension, now offering up to eight hours of playback time with noise cancellation active. This is competitive and meets the majority of users’ daily requirements. The compact charging case provides an additional two full charges, culminating in a total of 24 hours of listening time. A quick charge of just five minutes yields an hour of playback.

One significant drawback is the low repairability factor. iFixit rated the earbuds a zero out of ten for repairability, and although Apple provides battery service, it is not without cost. On a positive note, the AirPods Pro 3 and their case are manufactured using 40% recycled materials.

The Verdict

At a price of Rs 25,900, the AirPods Pro 3 represent a superb refinement of an already successful model. Enhancements in comfort, battery longevity, and sound quality are commendable. The addition of water resistance and heart rate monitoring positions them as a genuine choice for fitness enthusiasts.

However, it is the remarkably effective noise cancellation that elevates them into the elite tier of wireless earbuds. While the precise sound signature might not satisfy every audiophile, the overall offering is incredibly attractive. For iPhone users, the seamless integration and cutting-edge features solidify the AirPods Pro 3 as the finest true wireless earbuds available.