Realme recently introduced the Buds Air 6 Pro, alongside the Realme GT 6. These truly wireless stereo (TWS) earphones boast features like up to 50dB active noise cancellation (ANC), dual-device connectivity, and support for 360-degree Spatial Sound.
The company claims these earphones provide a battery life of up to 40 hours when including the charging case. Additionally, they come with an IP55 rating for dust and splash resistance and are compatible with the Realme Link app. They also support AAC, SBC, and LDAC audio codecs. In this review, we will delve into the advantages and drawbacks of these earphones to help you decide if they are worth purchasing.
Realme Buds Air 6 Pro Review: Design and Build Quality: Compact and Stylish, but Not Smudge-Resistant
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro exhibit a polished in-ear design with a rounded stem. They come in two colors: Silver Blue and Titanium Twilight. Included in the box are two extra pairs of silicone ear tips, ensuring a comfortable fit for different ear sizes. I found the medium-sized tips to be the most comfortable for extended use. The touch control sensors are conveniently placed on the upper side of the stem, allowing for easy adjustments.
The charging case is pebble-shaped and features a glossy finish. While it is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around, it is also highly prone to smudges. Despite minimal handling, the case quickly accumulates fingerprints. Unlike the earphones, the case does not have an IP rating.
Inside the case, the earphones are vertically positioned in individual slots. The Realme branding is prominently displayed on a glittered panel on the case. The USB Type-C charging port is located at the bottom edge, with the pairing button on the right side.
Features and Specifications: Packed with High-End Features
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro are compatible with the Realme Link app, which is used by many of the brand’s wearables. Once paired, the app displays the battery percentages of both the earphones and the case. It offers three noise cancellation modes, including a wind noise reduction feature. The EQ Mode setting allows users to choose from Serenade, Original Sound, Pure Bass, and Deep Bass, or customize their own settings using the Custom Equaliser option.
The Golden Sound feature uses a series of sound tests to determine the best sound profile for the user. Other features include Spatial Sound, high-definition (LDAC) sound, and dynamic bass toggles. The app also allows users to toggle dual device connection, in-ear detection, auto answer, and game mode. Touch controls can be managed and assigned to both earphones, with options for double tap, triple tap, and touch and hold.
One unique feature is the MindFlow mode, which offers eleven pre-saved mood sounds, such as Summer Seashore, Nighttime Camping, and Meditation. This feature is particularly useful for those who rely on looping sounds to concentrate or fall asleep, eliminating the need for ad-ridden apps. After trying several sounds, I found White Noise to be the most effective for me.
Realme Buds Air 6 Pro Performance and Battery Life: Generally Impressive
Advanced Noise Cancellation and Connectivity
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro offer up to 50dB of active noise cancellation (ANC), which can be customized through three modes: noise cancellation, transparency, and off. The transparency mode allows ambient sounds to filter through, making it easier to stay aware of your surroundings. Meanwhile, the noise cancellation mode effectively silences most indoor disturbances.
Additionally, the “smart” mode adjusts the noise cancellation level automatically based on your environment. These earphones also feature in-ear detection, pausing the music when removed, although this can be toggled off via the companion app if desired.
Powerful Audio Performance
For those who crave bass, the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro are a solid choice, especially considering their budget-friendly price. The earphones come with preset equalizer options like Pure Bass and Deep Bass, as well as a Dynamic Bass scale. This setup ensures a powerful and resonant sound experience.
Listening to tracks like “Hangsang” by J-Hope, the bass punches are satisfying, even with ANC activated, without distorting the overall tone. The Spatial Sound mode enhances the experience, making it easy to imagine being at a live concert. The earphones also handle treble and mid-range frequencies competently, as demonstrated by tracks like “Don’t Play That Song” by Aretha Franklin and “The Boho Dance” by Bjork.
Seamless Dual Device Connectivity
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro support dual device connectivity and feature Google Fast Pair and Bluetooth 5.3. Pairing the earphones is straightforward: open the case near a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, and you’ll receive an auto-detect pairing prompt.
To connect a second device, press the button on the case for three seconds, open the case near the second device, and the earphones will appear for pairing. Ensure that the dual-device connection toggle in the Realme Link app is activated if you encounter any issues.
Minor Connectivity Limitations
While the overall performance of the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro is smooth, there are some limitations with LDAC connectivity over longer distances. Although the audio quality is excellent, you might experience interruptions if you leave your phone behind while moving around, such as getting a coffee from another room. Switching to the AAC codec or keeping your phone with you can mitigate this issue.
Reliable Call Quality
The three-microphone system on the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro performs satisfactorily during calls. While you won’t sound like James Earl Jones, the microphones provide clear and consistent audio, avoiding the common pitfalls of cheaper TWS earphones.
Robust Battery Life
The battery life of the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro is commendable given their features and price point. With the LDAC codec and ANC activated at 60 percent volume, the earphones lasted around six hours and 20 minutes on a single charge.
This extended to nearly seven hours with ANC off. On the AAC codec with ANC on, the earphones provided almost seven hours of playback, and without ANC, they lasted close to 10 hours at a consistent 50 percent volume on AAC.
Verdict: Realme Buds Air 6 Pro – Worth the Investment
In summary, the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro deliver on their promises, making them a strong contender in the TWS earphone market. The sound quality is detailed and immersive, supported by dual drivers and enhanced by 360-degree Spatial Audio.
The ANC is effective without causing discomfort or affecting sound quality significantly. Priced at Rs. 4,999, these earphones are a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking high-quality TWS earphones around Rs. 5,000.
