Google’s Pixel Buds A-Series an affordable alternative to the original Pixel Buds priced at just $99. These earbuds provides most of the same features as the original along with a few drawbacks.
The Pixel Buds A-Series comes in two colors White and Dark Olive with a unique design that has not significantly changed from the original Pixel Buds. These earbuds feature flexible rubber wings that securely anchor in the ears and weigh only 5gm providing a lightweight and comfortable fit. However, ear fatigue can occur when the wingtips are not positioned correctly. To avoid this, wear them horizontally rather than at a slight angle. These buds also have an IPX4 water and sweat-resistant rating making them suitable for various activities including gym workouts and running.
As for the connectivity Pixel Buds A-Series has Bluetooth 5.0 making pairing with smartphone a breeze. Open the lid, and any Android smartphone will display a notification via NFC, inviting you to pair. If the notification doesn’t pop up, press a discreet button on the back of the case. The buds enter pairing mode with a simple press. In my testing the connection remained robust and stable even in busy environments like high streets or school playgrounds.
Touch Controls
Pixel Buds A Series continues to support automatic detection, a handy feature. When you remove a single earbud while listening to music, a podcast, or any other audio, it will pause playback automatically until you reinsert the bud. Once the bud is back in place, your music will resume. This feature generally functions very well, although there might be a bit of confusion if you quickly remove and reinsert a bud. However, in 99% of cases, it works smoothly.
These buds also come with touch controls. The controls are the same for both earbuds, regardless of which one you touch. A single tap will pause the audio, and another tap will resume it. A double tap allows you to skip forward to the next track, while a triple tap lets you skip back to the previous track. I found that these controls worked flawlessly almost all the time.
However, unlike the original Google Pixel Buds, which allowed volume adjustment by swiping up and down, this functionality has been removed for the Pixel Buds A-Series. But don’t worry; you can still adjust the volume without needing to take out your phone. Simply command the Google Assistant to change the volume. For example, you can say “Hey Google, set the volume to maximum”, and your request will be fulfilled.
However, I did encounter some volume issues, When connected to a Pixel phone, the highest volume was perfectly fine, delivering an ear-shattering intensity with clear and robust audio. Unfortunately, the peak volume was noticeably lower when connected to other Android smartphones, such as a Xiaomi device.
Audio and Noise Isolation
The audio quality of the Pixel Buds A-Series is crucial, and fortunately, it doesn’t disappoint. Inside these earbuds, you’ll find 12-millimeter dynamic drivers, which are similar to the ones used in the existing Buds. I found the audio quality to be robust offering good clarity, bass especially at higher volume levels. However, for those who are bass enthusiasts, even with the bass boost feature, you might find the experience less satisfying. If you’re truly seeking that deep bass sensation, I’d recommend considering a proper pair of over-ear headphones. Alternatively, if bass is a priority for you, the Powerbeats would be a solid choice, as they excel in that department.
Aside from the bass consideration, I have no complaints. I didn’t encounter the strange hissing noise that I experienced. Additionally, mic quality is impressive. The dual beamforming microphones, much like those in the original, effectively capture your voice even in noisy environments, whether you’re on a phone call or engaging with the Google Assistant.
A-series Pixel Buds features special vents to filter out external noise, preventing the closed-off sensation experienced when using true wireless earbuds. This enhances awareness of surroundings while on the move but may not be ideal for quieter podcasts or audiobooks on busy streets. Traffic noise and conversations can interfere with listening, causing users to raise the volume to hear content. Google’s adaptive sound feature automatically adjusts volume based on surroundings, but it doesn’t help when listening to podcasts or audiobooks, as users still need to manually increase the volume to catch all content. This can lead to users raising the volume just to follow conversations.
Google Assistant Support
Google Assistant can be summoned by saying “Hey Google” and receiving notifications when a message arrives in WhatsApp or a similar platform. Users can press and hold one of the earbuds to have the Assistant read the message aloud, or press and hold again after the message is read to respond. This functionality works only with supported apps.
Another notable feature is the hands-free Google Translate integration. Users can say “Help me speak Japanese,” and the earbud will confirm with a sound. Once confirmed, the translation is read in your ears. Google Translate has made significant advancements in recent years, but the experience is somewhat stop-and-start. It is hoped that it will eventually provide real-time translation, allowing for seamless conversations without the need to pause and ask for a second.
Battery life
The Pixel Buds A-Series offers around 5 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, which is generally accurate. Other brands like Samsung Galaxy Buds and Jabra Elite series offer similar ranges. Huawei FreeBuds 4i can last a couple of hours longer on a single charge, despite having active noise cancellation. However, the earbuds recharge quickly when placed back in the case, providing a few hours of playback in just 15 minutes.
The case can recharge the empty earbuds about four times before needing its own recharge. However, wireless charging is not supported, which was present in the original Pixel Buds but omitted from the A-Series. Despite this, A-Series provide excellent value for money with compact and lightweight design. The charging indicators on the case provide a rough idea of the remaining battery status and the app allows users to check the exact percentage of battery left in both the case and the earbuds.
Conclusion
The Google Pixel Buds A-Series priced at offer a commendable value for money but lack active noise cancellation, a feature found in some competitors. The hinge feels delicate potentially causing it to snap off if too much pressure is applied. If you prefer claustrophobia when wearing traditional wireless earbuds, the Pixel Buds A-Series may be a good choice for those who prefer a more comfortable fit. However, if you’re looking for a more effective solution consider other options.
The Google Pixel Buds A-Series offer solid value at $99 but lack active noise cancellation. They're a good fit for those who prioritize comfort over noise isolation.
