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Pixel Buds A-Series vs. Google Pixel Buds Pro: 4 Must-Know Facts
- The first version of the Pixel Buds launched on October 4, 2017.
- Google designed the Pixel Buds A-Series as a low-cost alternative to the Pixel Buds.
- The Pixel Buds Pro are the first “Pro” variant from Google’s earbud line.
- All Google Pixel Buds have Google Assistant and Google Translate support.
When the first generation of Pixel Buds hit the streets in 2017, they didn’t exactly set the world on fire. However, despite the lukewarm reviews, the company improved its earbuds with each generation, bringing us to a Google Pixel Buds Pro vs. Pixel Bud A-Series review. If you’re considering purchasing Google’s latest earbuds, keep reading to find the right choice for your needs.
Google Pixel Buds Pro vs. Pixel Buds A-Series: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pixel Buds Pro | Pixel Buds A-Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | July 28, 2022 | June 17, 2021 |
| Drivers | 11mm dynamic driver | 12mm dynamic driver |
| Noise Cancellation | Active | Passive |
| Battery Life | 7 to 11 hours | 5 hours |
| Charging Case | Yes | Yes |
| Microphones | 3 | 2 |
| Multipoint | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
Google Pixel Buds Pro vs. Pixel Buds A-Series: What’s the Difference?
Google decided to try something new with the latest generation of Pixel Buds headphones, which are aimed at different audiences. The Pixel Buds Pro are designed for consumers looking for a premium experience, while the A-Series have a more palatable price tag.
Audio Quality
- Pixel Buds Pro use Active Noise Cancellation with Silent Seal to adapt to your ear and help block outside sounds, creating a quiet foundation so your music can shine.Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the size of your ear canals or the headset is not worn properly in your ears, you may not obtain the correct sound qualities or call performance. Change the earbud tips to ones that fit more snugly in your ear.Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the size of your ear canals or the headset is not worn properly in your ears, you may not obtain the correct sound qualities or call performance. Change the earbud tips to ones that fit more snugly in your ear
- With custom 11 mm speaker drivers and Volume EQ, the earbuds sound amazing at any volume[1]
- The battery keeps up with your life, with up to 11 hours of listening time, or up to 31 hours with the charging case[2]; you can charge them wirelessly with Pixel Stand or other Qi-certified chargers[3]
- Transparency mode helps you hear outside sounds in real time so you can be more aware of your surroundings, like when crossing the street
- Ask Google for directions, respond to a text, or control your music, hands-free[4]
Whenever a company adds the “Pro” tag to a product, you can usually expect something extra in the audio department. Google doesn’t provide too many tech specs on their earbuds, but you will notice a difference in the audio quality between the [amazonlink=”B0B1NGPY94″ title=”Google Pixel Buds Pro”] and the Pixel Buds A-Series.
That’s due in part to the design and tech on the Pro Buds, which includes ANC (Active Noise Cancellation). This technology helps dampen background noise, which makes a significant difference in call clarity. Additional microphones also help in that regard.
Both pairs of earbuds have custom-built drivers with 12mm drivers on the A-Series and 11.5mm drivers on the Google Pixel Buds Pro. When you factor in the 5-band EQ, you’re going to get a better experience overall from the Pixel Buds Pro.
Battery Life
Additional features like ANC can affect the battery life of headphones and earbuds. The Google Pixel Buds Pro are no different, so you’ll only get around 7 hours of juice with active noise cancellation turned on. With ANC off, the battery life extends to 11 hours.
By comparison, the Pixel Buds A-Series earbuds only provide around 5 hours of battery life per charge. While 2 hours may not seem like a big difference with ANC active on the Pro buds, they have double the power with that feature off. There is a slight difference in the capacity of the charging case with the Pro adding 20 hours and the A-Series coming in at around 19.
A 5-minute charge will deliver an hour of playback with ANC active on the premium Google Pixel Buds Pro. With the Pixel Buds A-Series, you’ll get 3 hours of power from a 15-minute charge using the case. Top-off times are comparable, although you have to rely on USB-C for the A-Series, whereas the Pro have Qi-certified wireless charging.
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Design
From a distance, you won’t notice much of a difference in the design of these earbuds. The Google Pixel Buds Pro are a little heavier at .22 ounces than the A-Series which weigh .18 ounces. Each comes with a carrying case that holds a charge, but the Pixel Bud Pro’s case is a bit heavier because of some extra tech inside.
There are only two colors available with the Pixel Buds A-Series headphones (White and Green), while the Pro model comes in Red, Green, Blue, and Black. Neither pair of earbuds is waterproof, although they are sweat-resistant with an IPX4 rating. While there’s not a drastic difference in design, the Pixel Buds A-Series earbuds have a slightly more streamlined design compared to the Buds Pro.
Features
- Pixel Buds A-Series have custom-designed 12 mm dynamic speaker drivers that deliver rich, high-quality audio.Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the size of your ear canals or the headset is not worn properly in your ears, you may not obtain the correct sound qualities or call performance. Change the earbud tips to ones that fit more snugly in your ears.Connector Type:2.5mm Jack
- With a flush-to-ear design, three eartip sizes, and a stabilizer arc, the wireless earbuds stay in place and create a gentle seal for amazing sound
- Get up to 5 hours of listening time or 2.5 hours of talk time with a single charge, or listen for up to 24 hours with the charging case[1]
- Play music, get directions, check the weather, or have notifications read to you just by using your voice; or press and hold the earbud to talk to Google[2]
- Pair the Pixel Buds A-Series with your Pixel or any Android device in just one tap[3]; or quickly and easily connect to iOS or any other Bluetooth 4.0 plus device[4]
You’ll find a similar range of features on the Pixel Buds A-Series and Google Pixel Buds Pro. Controls are handled through a series of taps and swipes on both models, and Google Assistant is just a few words away.
One notable difference comes into play with Transparency mode; something you’ll only find on the Google Pixel Buds Pro. This lets sounds from the outside world in and allows you to carry on a conversation without removing the earbuds. In the future, the company plans to add spatial audio head-tracking support, which acts as a form of mobile surround sound.
The Pro buds are also designed to monitor in-ear pressure, whereas the Pixel Buds A-Series have a spatial vent that alleviates any pressure. Between ANC, transparency mode, and the 5-band EQ, you’ll get more features from the Google Pixel Buds Pro.
Price and Availability
As Google’s first foray into mid-range earbuds, the Google Pixel Buds A-Series have an affordable price tag. They are priced at $99, compared to the Google Pixel Buds Pro at $199.99.
The Pro earbuds are twice the price, although they are the best earbuds Google has produced to date. They are also the only styles currently sold by the company, as the previous models have been discontinued in favor of the Pixel Buds Pro and A-Series.
You can purchase either of these earbuds directly from the Google Store, and they provide financing for the Pixel Buds Pro. The A-Series earbuds should be the first to receive a discount through third-party retailers, although they’re still full price through Amazon at $99.
Google Pixel Buds Pro vs. Pixel Buds A-Series: Which One Is Better?
The price difference between these earbuds is understandable considering the audiences they are intended for. It should also make the buying decision easy for most consumers.
If you plan on using the earbuds outdoors or in noisy environments, the Google Pixel Buds Pro are the best choice because of their ANC and transparency mode. They also have better battery life and Bluetooth multipoint, so you can sync the earbuds to more than one device simultaneously. The Pixel Buds A-Series are the better choice if you just need a solid set of earbuds – without ANC.
If you’re not sold on either pair, you may want to consider comparable models, such as the Echo Buds, or see how the Pixel Buds Pro stack up against the new version of the AirPods Pro.
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Last update on 2023-01-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
