Design, workmanship and delivery
The Xiaomi AirDots Pro are optically based on Apple's AirPods. The decisive factor for the similar design is the long shaft of the earphones, which is visible when worn. With dimensions of 44.1 x 15.4 x 14.3 mm, the AirDots Pro are slightly larger than the competition. The weight is still pleasantly light at 5.8g per earphone. Together with the charging box, the in-ear has a total weight of 58g.
The AirDots Pro do without a (mostly unwieldy) button operation. Instead, a smart touch control is integrated into the flat outside of the sound box. The correct direction of wearing is marked on the respective shaft. Due to the angled earplugs, the AirDots Pro can only be used comfortably in one direction. Further features are a charge status LED on each earphone, as well as two microphones, one for the active noise cancellation function and another microphone for voice input.
In addition to the earphones and the charging case, the scope of delivery also includes four pairs of ear cushions in three different sizes as well as an instruction manual. There is a CE mark on the packaging so that there are no problems with the import. The AirDots Pro and the included accessories are well made for the price. The matt-white plastic of the earphones and the charging case make an overall high-quality impression. There is no IPX rating!
OPERATION
The connection between in-ear and playback device Xiaomi has solved interesting. For pairing, the AirDots Pro must be in the loading box. Pressing the charging box function key places the in-ear in pairing mode. A flashing LED provides the corresponding indication of the connection mode.
Once connected, AirDots Pro remembers the connected device. A connection is made as soon as the loading box is opened. Of course, several devices can be connected to the in-ear. The signal-strongest playback device is then automatically coupled. Pressing the load box function key for 10 seconds deletes the connection history.
sound quality
Each of the earphones is equipped with a 7mm dynamic driver and titanium membrane. Xiaomi does not provide information on the frequency range and sensitivity. The impedance is 16 ohms.
Depths, mid and highs
In the sound test, the AirDots Pro reveal a moderate U-sound curve. The in-ear doesn't overdo it in the low-frequency range, but shines with its precise bass reproduction. If you love powerful bass, you will probably miss it with the Xiaomi AirDots Pro! In the mid-range, the earphones are colored, even if tonal details are slightly blurred. The high frequency range is smooth and not exaggerated even at high volume. Furthermore, the music playback is spatially clear and noise-free.
Active Noise Cancellation
Even with the ANC turned on, music playback remains noise-free and tonally largely unchanged. However, the noise filtering is limited. Although the ANC is perceptible, you should not expect perfect peace from outside noise! Especially low frequencies are pleasantly suppressed. However, a basic level of environmental noise is retained.
Bluetooth
The Xiaomi AirDots Pro use the Bluetooth 4.2 standard. The stable transmission range is between 8 and 10 meters. The Bluetooth profiles HFP, HSP, A2DP and AVRCP are supported. The AAC codec is responsible for compressing the audio signal, with a maximum transmission rate of 250 kbit / s. Support of aptX (354 kbit / s) or even LDAC (990 kbit / s) would have been ideal.
Another disadvantage is the audio delay, which is noticeable with AAC (~ 120 ms). Watching a movie with the AirDots Pro is definitely not fun because of the asynchrony between video and sound!
Operation and headset
Each earbud is equipped with an easily accessible touch control panel. By tapping and holding the control panel, music playback can be paused and resumed, calls can be accepted or rejected, the smartphone's voice assistant can be activated and the ANC can be switched on or off. Unfortunately, there is no possibility to change songs or regulate the volume. Pity!
Although the touch operation offers advantages, it often happened in the test that the control panel was unintentionally touched and a command was executed when inserting and readjusting the in-ear. The control panel cannot be deactivated. The Chinese voice prompt about the activity status of the ANC and the battery level also causes initial confusion. After a bit of trial and error, however, you will know whether ANC is switched on or off. The recording quality of the microphone is good. Telephone calls can be made without interference.
comfort
Due to the ergonomic design and the low weight, the AirDots Pro are barely noticeable to wear. With slight movements, the earphones sit securely in the ear canal. The earphones also hold up during exercise, especially when running, but I had to make regular adjustments myself. This can be remedied by ear cushions made of memory foam, which, compared to the supplied silicone ear cushions, adapt better to the ear canal.
Battery
The AirDots Pro are each equipped with a cylindrical 100 mAh lithium-ion battery. The runtime measured in the test was 4 hours with medium volume and switched off ANC. With the ANC switched on, the runtime drops to just under 3 hours. The deviation at higher or lower volume is approximately +1 / -1 hours. Unfortunately, the earphones discharge at different rates. In the test it happened more often that one of the earphones switched off with a remaining battery capacity of 20%!
The battery level of the earphones and the charging case can be read off via an LED indicator. If the LED lights up for 5 seconds, the battery is charged. If the LED indicator flashes, the battery level is low. More precise percentage information on the battery level of the AirDots can be obtained via the connected smartphone or tablet (Android and iOS).
The charging box can be charged via USB-C with any conventional smartphone charger. The charging time is approximately one hour. With a full charge of the box, the Xiaomi AirDots Pro can be charged twice. The charging time of the AirDots is 50 minutes. Just 10 minutes of charging is enough for 70 minutes of music enjoyment (medium volume).
Xiaomi Mi AirDots Pro
Design and workmanship
Easy commissioning
Good sound with a U sound curve
touch operation
Pleasant wearing comfort
Adequate battery life
Few touch control options
Chinese voice prompt only
No aptX or LDAC
Audio delay for video playback
Different discharge rates of the earphone batteries
With the Xiaomi AirDots Pro, the Chinese electronics giant has brought a stylish, well-processed and above all neat-sounding True Wireless in-ear headphones on the market. Sonically, the AirDots Pro convince with a precise bass, a pleasant, but slightly low-detail midrange and gentle highs. Because of the moderate U-sound curve, the earphones are suitable for a variety of music styles.
Nevertheless, the Xiaomi TWS headphones are not perfect. Starting with the touch controls, these essential control options for volume and song selection are missing. Another criticism is the audio delay of the AAC codec. If you want to watch movies with the AirDots Pro, you should be prepared for a minimal asynchrony between video and sound! Also to the Active Noise Cancellation should not be too high expectations. Although the ANC works to some extent, a basic level of environmental noise is retained.
Ferdinand
11. February 2019 19 to: 41
Hello and thank you for the insightful review. I am very interested in the AirDots Pro and will probably buy them too. But you write that they don't do so well in sports. What exactly are these memory earplugs and do you know whether these wings are also available for the AirDots?
I also use an iPhone 7 Plus. Do they work with it? And last but not least, where is the best place to order?
LG Ferdinand
Timo admin
11. February 2019 23 to: 49
Hi Ferdinand, I use Comply memory foam ear pads. (T-500) They are a bit more expensive, but also last a very long time. There will be no flights for the AirDots Pro. They would probably also cover the sensors and the ANC microphone.
Regarding your question with the iPhone: The earphones can be paired with Apple and Android devices without any problems. I would order from GearVita. They are currently the only shop that has the AirDots Pro in stock.
Ferdinand
12. February 2019 10 to: 51
Hello Timo, thank you very much for your quick reply. I thought about the wings. I ordered it anyway. These Comply earbuds are quite expensive indeed. Is it really worth it?
Timo admin
13. February 2019 11 to: 02
Hey Ferdinand, if I were you, I would try the included ear pads first. Foam ear cushions are still worthwhile, as they filter outside noises better and adapt better to the ear canal. Comply's are of course the branded product. There are also significantly cheaper ones in the € 1-2 range.
Linden
20. February 2019 10 to: 16
Mine arrived the day before yesterday. In terms of sound, they are top notch. No annoying noise and very cleanly tuned. The design is a matter of taste but I like it so far. Comfort is also great. I ordered these foam plugs and they sit really tight with them. They also isolate really well and give the bass a little more thump. Thanks for the great tip and first-class review!
Black
6. March 2019 10 to: 25
Hi folks, does anyone have any experience with the Honor FlyDots or the AirDots Youth? I would be interested in how you compare to the AirDots Pro.
Jack Daniel
21. May 2019 14 to: 10
Hi, you wrote: "You can get more precise percentage information on the battery level of the AirDots via the connected smartphone or tablet (Android and iOS)."
Where exactly can I see this on the iPhone?
JJared
25. May 2019 09 to: 39
For me this is shown as a small icon next to the headphone icon. Which iOS do you have?