The Realme Buds Air 6 are budget-friendly, truly wireless stereo (TWS) earphones that come equipped with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and a long-lasting battery. Initially launched in Flame Silver and Forest Green, they recently received a stylish addition in Royal Violet. These earphones promise impressive features such as 12.4mm drivers, support for LHDC audio codec, and up to 50dB ANC. But do they deliver? Let’s dive into the details.
Design and Comfort:
The Realme Buds Air 6 boast a traditional in-ear design with a rounded stem and silicone ear tips available in three sizes: small, medium, and large. While the medium tips provided the best fit for me, prolonged use led to discomfort, and after a couple of hours, some users might experience fatigue or pain. Weighing 46g, the earbuds are lightweight and easy to carry around in their pebble-shaped charging case. However, the case lacks an IP rating for dust and splash resistance, unlike the earbuds themselves, which are IP55-rated.
Features and App Support:
The Realme Buds Air 6 are packed with features accessible via the Realme Link app. This companion app is user-friendly and allows customization of ANC modes, EQ presets, and touch controls. The earphones support Google Fast Pair, and the MindFlow mode in the app offers 11 pre-saved sounds to help you meditate, concentrate, or sleep. Despite these features, the earphones don’t offer dual device connectivity but support Bluetooth 5.3 and various audio codecs including AAC, SBC, and LHDC.
Performance and Sound Quality:
When it comes to sound, the Realme Buds Air 6 deliver a bass-heavy audio experience, with the 12.4mm drivers providing decent quality. However, the Max ANC mode can flatten the sound, especially in slower tracks like “Cola” by Arlo Parks. While bass-heavy genres like rock and EDM are enjoyable, more detailed tracks may reveal the limitations of these earphones. Low latency game mode works well for gaming, with minimal lag in games like BGMI or Call of Duty: Warzone.
Battery Life:
Battery life is a strong suit of the Realme Buds Air 6. The earphones can last up to 40 hours with the case and ANC turned off. With LHDC enabled and ANC off, the earphones provide around eight hours of playback, while Max ANC reduces this to about four hours. This makes them ideal for short listening sessions throughout the day, rather than extended use.
Verdict:
Priced at Rs. 3,299, the Realme Buds Air 6 offer a solid option for those seeking affordable TWS earphones with decent ANC and a robust battery life. However, if comfort and sound quality are priorities, alternatives like the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro or CMF Buds Pro 2 might be worth considering, offering better fit and more rounded sound experiences.
The Realme Buds Air 6 stand out in the budget TWS segment with their active noise cancellation, customizable sound, and long battery life. They’re a good pick for users who need reliable earphones for short stints, but those looking for all-day comfort might want to explore other options.
