The detailed comparison between two outstanding wireless headset models: Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo and Apple AirPods 4 will help users make the most suitable choice based on personal needs and preferences. Both are high quality products, but aimed at different customers.
1. Design and wearing comfort
Apple has removed the piece cushion The silicone earbuds in AirPods 4 aim to improve wearing comfort, receiving positive feedback in comparison AirPods 3 but still cannot surpass AirPods 2 in this regard. Comfort depends largely on each person’s ear shape. With a weight of only 4.3g on each side, AirPods 4 is very light and does not block the ear canal, suitable for users who do not like the feeling of being sealed. The product meets IP54 water and dust resistance standards, the outer shell is made of shiny plastic, however the charging box is easily scratched. Magnets hold the box lid securely.
AirPods 4 is still one of the true wireless headset models with the most comfortable wearing design today, popular with many fans (Photo: Chris Welch).
Earphone Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo has an ear hook design, loudspeaker Place it a few millimeters away from the ear canal. Each side weighs 9.6g, this design helps reduce pressure on the ears and holds the headphones firmly during activities such as walking or running. The headset remains secure whether the user shakes their head or bends over. Ear hooks are made of nickel-titanium alloy, tested to withstand 5000 bends. Similar to AirPods 4, OpenWear Stereo also meets water and dust resistance standards. Modern design with chrome details, but easy to attract fingerprints. The charging box has good magnets.
Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo has a more unique wearing experience, the headset is a few millimeters away from the ear canal so it does not put any pressure on the ear (Photo: Nextpit).
2. Sound quality and technology
AirPods 4 headphones have a frequency range of 20Hz – 20kHz, use 11mm drivers, H2 chip and always-on adaptive audio equalizer. Bass is deep and clear at any volume level, even without using earbuds. However, the vocals are a bit thin and blurry. The spatial audio feature, available only when connected to an Apple device, allows for custom surround sound based on the surrounding environment and can be fixed or automatically adjusted according to head movements.
Objectively speaking, AirPods 4 offers better sound quality and thicker bass (Photo: Chris Welch).
Meanwhile, the Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo wireless headset uses a 10mm driver, the bass is emphasized gently, without causing discomfort. The sound is clear and clear, especially vocals and instruments. Wider frequency range, from 20Hz – 40kHz. The noise cancellation technology works well, making it difficult for surrounding users to hear the music. In addition to the standard A2DP codec, OpenWear Stereo also supports the LHDC codec for high-quality music listening (Hi-Res audio).
Because OpenWear Stereo’s sound is transmitted through the air, the bass is almost non-existent, on the contrary, the midrange is very clear (Photo: Nextpit).
3. Applications and connections
Apple AirPods 4 headphones connect to both iOS and Android devices. However, on Android, the ability to switch between devices is absent and the sound quality is slightly worse. On iOS, no need for a separate app, settings are built in: on/off, spatial audio tweaking, touch control customization, sensor and microphone sensitivity adjustment, left/right volume balance, equalizer (EQ) with presets, volume boost for quiet sounds (like a compressor).
Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo can connect to any device and is controlled via the Xiaomi Earbuds application (available on the App Store). Not many setting options, no battery level display or EQ. Options include: switching between sound profiles (treble or vocal emphasis), customizing gesture control, controlling the camera with headphones (only on the Xiaomi ecosystem), connecting two headphones to one phone at the same time.
4. Noise cancellation (ANC)
Apple AirPods 4 (standard version): Does not support ANC. To get ANC, it is necessary to purchase the premium version at a significantly higher price. The standard version allows users to clearly hear surrounding noise, suitable for people who do not want to be isolated and mainly listen to podcasts.
OpenWear Stereo’s active noise cancellation feature cannot be good due to its design characteristics, but it also has the effect of reducing environmental sound to a certain extent, and that is enough for it to surpass the basic version of AirPods 4 (Photo: Nextpit).
Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo: Combining open design and ANC. ANC works partly, reducing wind noise when cycling and reducing industrial fan noise by about 10-15%, but ambient noise is still audible. Overall, OpenWear Stereo is more suitable than AirPods 4 for listening to music on the go.
5. Microphone
AirPods 4 headphones use microphones with dual beamforming technology to improve voice quality, and can choose the recording direction. Voice quality is clear, but feels a bit like echoing in the box. The microphone is better to use in a quiet place, avoiding noisy areas such as subway stations.
OpenWear Stereo has two built-in microphones with AI noise cancellation technology. Voice quality isn’t great, but handles environmental noise better than the AirPods 4.
6. Control
Apple AirPods 4: The sensor responds quickly and accurately. Integrated microphone and accelerometer to interact with Siri. Basic operations: one touch – play/pause, answer calls; two touches – end call, next song; three touches – previous song; hold touch – call Siri; nod – confirm Siri, shake head – decline or decline the call. Operations can be customized.
Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo: Chrome touch panel control: two touches – play/pause, end call; three touches – next song; Hold touch – call virtual assistant. Operations can be customized within the app.
7. Battery life
Apple AirPods 4: Usage time is up to 5 hours without using the charging box. The charging box helps increase usage time up to 30 hours. Fully charging the charging case takes 50-60 minutes using a USB-C cable.
Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo: Usage time is up to 7.5 hours without using the charging box. Total usage time with charging box is 38.5 hours. Charge for 10 minutes for a few more hours of use. Full charging takes 90 minutes.
8. Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo vs AirPods 4: Which choice is right for you?
Apple AirPods 4: Suitable for users of the Apple ecosystem, needing a lightweight, comfortable design, spatial audio and a stylish accessory. Suitable for businessmen, managers, technology drivers. Reference selling price: 3,290,000 VND.
Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo: Suitable for users who need better noise cancellation, sturdy wearable design, and longer battery life. Suitable for active, young people who like to go bicycle. Reference selling price: 1,990,000 VND.
Both Apple AirPods 4 and Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo are high-quality true wireless headphones but target different customers. AirPods 4 stands out with its lightweight design, good integration with the Apple ecosystem and spatial audio. Meanwhile, Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo is superior in noise cancellation, battery life and design suitable for outdoor activities. The final choice depends on each user’s needs and priorities.
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