A curious headphone model called FreeBuds SE fell into my hands. And it is interesting because it is the most affordable TWS device from Huawei – it costs only about 3,000 rubles.
The FreeBuds SE headphones have a rather attractive design and are available in two colors: white and turquoise.
The device was equipped with a 10 mm speaker and a noise reduction system during a call. It is worth emphasizing that there is no ANC when listening to music.
Interestingly, the SE version is neither in-ear nor in-ear. This is something in between, so the feeling of using it is unusual.
Of the features – long battery life thanks to capacious batteries in the headphones themselves and in the case.
Positioning is clear: the most affordable TWS headphones from Huawei. FreeBuds 4i cost around 6,000 rubles, the FreeBuds 4 model costs about 10,000 rubles, and at least 12,000 rubles will have to be paid for the Pro version.
Table of Contents
Specifications
- Driver size: 10 mm
- Earpiece size: 20x20x38 mm
- Case size: 70x35x27 mm
- Case weight: 35 grams
- Headphone weight: 5.1 grams
- Case battery capacity: 410 mAh
- Headphone battery capacity: 37 mAh
- Bluetooth version: 5.2
- Codecs: SBC and AAC
- Active noise cancellation: No
- Wireless charging case: No
Contents of delivery
- Headphones with case
- USB Type-C cable
- Ear pads
- Instruction
- Warranty card
Case appearance
It seems to me that in this case the manufacturer focused on the weaker half of humanity (although not a fact – WHO decided to update the gender mainstreaming guideline): the case is made of glossy turquoise or white plastic, the shape is elongated, all lines are smooth. There is a neat insert in dark turquoise or gray (depending on the color of the case). The case looks elegant and sophisticated.
The disadvantages include high electrification, that is, small villi, hairs, threads and so on instantly stick to the body. They are easily removed, but this fact exists.
In addition, the glossy material is quickly covered with a “cobweb” of micro-scratches. Well, there’s nowhere to go. It seems to me that such things should be made exclusively from matte plastic.
Dimensions are specified in the specifications. They are typical for such devices: the case is moderately large. You can do even less, but then you have to install a weak battery. Therefore, a compromise is needed.
The bottom edge of the case is flat. It is made so that the device can be installed on a flat surface. The upper part is sloping.
On the front is a work indicator, on the back is a USB-C connector for charging the battery of the case.
The top cover opens with little effort and is rigidly fixed in the extreme position, that is, the top panel does not hang out and does not play. The lid is held on by magnets. By moving the brush forward, it does not open.
In general, a pleasant appearance, high-quality materials, a clear fixation of the lid, powerful magnets that hold the panel in place so that the headphones do not fall out.
The appearance of the headphones
It is convenient to remove the headphones from the case due to the fact that they rise slightly above the body. You easily pry the headphones behind the “tubes”.
In the case, the headphones are held firmly, do not fall out, even if you turn over and shake the case.
The devices themselves remind me of Natural Vedic Automation, or EVE for short, from Pixar Animation Studio’s WALLY-E. The headphones have a rounded shape and smooth transitions, a smooth structure, and the sensors and other elements are similar to the face of Eve’s robot.
The microphone is located on the back of the “leg”, in the upper part there is a sensor that reacts to approach: when you take out the headphones, pause, put them back on – playback starts. Very convenient and not so often used in budget headphones.
Ease of use
Earlier I wrote that FreeBuds SE cannot be called in-ear, but also in-ears. This is something in between. I think it happened because of the use of silicone ear pads. It has such a shape that does not allow the headphones to go deep into the auricle. At the same time, the headphones are well fixed.
It turns out to be a pretty good compromise between the two camps that prefer certain types of headphones.
In view of what landing in the auricle is a little strange. Everything seems to be familiar, but the sensations are unusual. In general, the headphones sit comfortably in the ears, do not press. But after a couple of hours, it’s still better to take a break, otherwise discomfort may arise. However, this is purely individual.
Touch control. Double-tapping the left or right earbuds works. Can be reassigned in the Ai Life app.
About sound
It must be said here that Huawei FreeBuds SE do not support noise reduction. The technology works exclusively in headset mode, that is, when you are talking on the phone.
However, thanks to the special design, there is passive sound isolation, which is reminiscent of the blocking of external noise in FreeBuds 4. Let me remind you that they are of the in-ear type.
The headphones use a 10mm dynamic driver with an “ultra sensitive polymer diaphragm”. The manufacturer does not provide other data. I think that nothing else is needed in headphones for 3,000 rubles.
The first thing to note is the volume. She seemed small to me. I tried playing music on different devices. Even different price ranges. All the same, in silence, you have to turn the volume up to 70%, and in the subway or train – by 100%. There is no reserve for this option.
On the other hand, the FreeBuds SE have a very wide range for volume control, from “almost inaudible” to “quite loud”.
By ear, the frequency response of the headphones is even. I did not hear obvious distortions in frequencies. They play highs, mids and lows equally well. Someone will call such a sound flat.
Headphones accurately convey the voice in both male and female parts. There is no accent at low frequencies, but where there is bass, they pump nicely.
With FreeBuds SE headphones, you can listen to music of any genre. It sounds clear, assertive, loud.
Of the minuses – a narrow stage. You hear music on a small virtual stage, which is also limited in height.
Total: quite adequate sound for a device for 3,000 rubles.
Screenshots from the Ai Life app:
As a headset
The interlocutor hears you clearly and legibly, but understands that you are using a headset. Due to the long “leg” the microphone is closer to the mouth, so you can be heard loudly.
It is difficult to say something unambiguous about noise reduction during a conversation. It seemed to me that the sound is plus or minus the same as in any other TWS headphones.
Working hours
And here a surprise awaited me. The device works for at least 6-7 hours on a single charge at 90-100% volume. In the case, you can charge the headphones three more times. The case itself charges in 2 hours.
For information: in each “ear” 37 mAh, in the case – 410 mAh.
Impression
Once again, it is worth repeating that for FreeBuds SE, Huawei asks for 3,300 rubles. The price is quite reasonable for this company.
The headphones themselves made a good impression:
- Nice appearance
- Nice turquoise color
- Quality materials
- Interesting fit in the ear
- Great sound for your money
- Long battery life
Of the minuses:
- Low sound volume
- No ANC
In general, the FreeBuds SE headphones are solid, definitely worth a closer look.
Probably, such things are best suited as gifts when buying more expensive devices. For example, when buying smartphones or smart watches.
I will not give competitors – their sea: for every taste, color, size, and so on. Especially in the price range of 3,000 – 4,000 rubles.