Huawei Freebuds 4 Pro Review 1 scaled

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It’s been a while since I last reviewed a Huawei Freebuds model. The Freebuds 5i left a lasting impression, becoming my go-to earbuds despite having pricier options available. The FreeBuds Pro 2 and the original FreeBuds Pro were also standout products, though battery life was a concern with the Pro 2.

Having missed out on the FreeBuds Pro 3, I was keen to see how Huawei had refined its flagship earbuds with the FreeBuds 4 Pro.

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Specification

SpecificationsHuawei Freebuds 4 Pro
Dimensions
Earbud (each)Height: 29.1 mm, Width: 21.8 mm, Depth: 23.7 mm, Weight: approx. 5.8 g
Charging CaseHeight: 46.9 mm, Width: 65.9 mm, Depth: 24.5 mm, Weight: approx. 47 g
NoteThe actual size and weight may vary with product configuration and manufacturing process.
SpeakerDual Driver: 11 mm dynamic driver + planar diaphragm driver
Battery
CapacityEarbuds: 55 mAh (minimum value each); Charging Case: 510 mAh (minimum value)
Charging MethodWired: USB-C (5V-0.5A or above), Wireless: Supported (up to 5W)
Charging TimeEarbuds (in case): ~40 mins, Charging case (wired): ~1 hour, Charging case (wireless): ~150 mins
Battery Life (Sound Quality Priority)NC disabled: 6.5 hours (earbuds) + 31 hours (with case); NC enabled: 4.5 hours (earbuds) + 22 hours (with case)
Battery Life (Connection Priority)NC disabled: 7 hours (earbuds) + 33 hours (with case); NC enabled: 5 hours (earbuds) + 23 hours (with case)
Voice Call Battery LifeNC disabled: 4.5 hours (earbuds) + 22 hours (with case); NC enabled: 3.5 hours (earbuds) + 18 hours (with case)
NoteActual battery life varies depending on volume level, sound source, interference, and usage habits.
Controls
Tap ControlsTwo taps: Answer/end calls, Play/pause, Previous/next song, Wake voice assistant
Additional Tap ControlsThree taps: Previous/next song
SlideSlide up/down to adjust volume
Press and HoldEnable/disable noise reduction, Reject calls, Wake voice assistant
Connectivity
Bluetooth CompatibilityBT 5.2
Pop-Up PairingSupported (requires Huawei devices with EMUI 10.0 or above)
Simultaneous Dual-Device ConnectionSupported
SensorsInfrared, Hall, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Bone Acoustic, Touch, Press Sensors
Audio TechnologyDigital cross-over, Triple Adaptive EQ, Active Noise Cancellation, Call Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode
Resistance
Splash, Water, and Dust ResistanceEarbuds: IP54, Charging Case: Not waterproof
NoteIP54 resistance applies only to earbuds; performance may degrade over time. Liquid damage not covered under warranty.
In the Box
ContentsEarbuds (1 pair), Charging case, 7 pairs of ear tips (4 silicone: L, M, S, XS; 3 memory foam: L, M, S), Quick start guide, Warranty card, USB-C charging cable

Features

Huawei Freebuds 4 Pro Unboxing 1 1

The HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4 are wireless earbuds that offer a range of advanced audio technologies and features. These earbuds are designed to provide high-quality sound reproduction and noise cancellation capabilities.

Audio Performance

Dual-Driver System

The FreeBuds Pro 4 utilise a dual-driver setup, which includes an 11 mm quad-magnet dynamic driver unit. This configuration allows the earbuds to produce low frequencies down to 14 Hz.

Planar Diaphragm Tweeter

For high-frequency reproduction, the earbuds incorporate a planar diaphragm tweeter. This component is capable of generating treble frequencies up to 48 kHz.

Adaptive EQ

The earbuds employ a triple-adaptive EQ algorithm that adjusts the sound in real-time. This system takes into account factors such as volume level, ear canal structure, and wearing status to optimise the listening experience.

Connectivity and Codecs

The FreeBuds Pro 4 are equipped with the Qualcomm QCC3031 Bluetooth chip, which supports various audio codecs:

  • aptX HD
  • aptX Low Latency
  • aptX
  • AAC
  • SBC

Additionally, the earbuds support Huawei’s proprietary L2HC 4.0 audio codec, which enables lossless audio transmission up to 2.3 Mbps when used with compatible Huawei devices.

Noise Cancellation

The FreeBuds Pro 4 feature active noise cancellation (ANC) technology. They utilise a three-layer shape-memory foam for the ear tips, which is claimed to improve noise cancellation by up to 30% compared to previous models.

Call Quality

For voice calls, the earbuds employ an AI call-noise-cancellation algorithm and a reverse bone conduction microphone, along with three additional microphones. This setup is designed to maintain call clarity in noisy environments and windy conditions.

Additional Features

  • Head Motion Controls: Users can answer or reject calls by nodding or shaking their head.
  • Dual Device Connection: The earbuds can connect to two devices simultaneously, allowing for seamless audio switching.
  • Battery Life: The FreeBuds Pro 4 offer up to 33 hours of total playback time with the charging case.
  • Smart Charging: The earbuds incorporate overcharging protection to extend battery lifespan.
  • Proximity Pairing: Quick and easy pairing with compatible devices.

The HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4 aim to provide a comprehensive wireless audio solution, combining high-quality sound reproduction with advanced noise cancellation and user-friendly features.

Unboxing / Design / Fit

Huawei Freebuds 4 Pro Unboxing 2

The earbuds feature a stem design with a ceramic white colour reminiscent of Apple’s AirPods Pro but with Huawei’s own aesthetic touches. The charging case is compact and pocketable, with a matte finish that resists fingerprints well.

The build quality is excellent, with the earbuds feeling sturdy despite their light weight. The charging case hinge mechanism is particularly noteworthy, offering a satisfying snap when closed and a smooth action when opened.

The earbuds come in a choice of colours, including Silver Frost, Ceramic White, and Silver Blue. The colour options allow for some personalisation, though they remain understated and professional-looking.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is subjective, but the Freebuds 4 Pro should offer a good fit for most ear shapes. Huawei provides a variety of ear tip sizes in the box, including both silicone and memory foam options. This is a thoughtful inclusion, as the memory foam tips are often regarded as superior to silicon and can provide a better seal and improved passive noise isolation for some users.

At 5.8g per earbud, the Freebuds 4 Pro are light enough for extended wear without causing discomfort. However, some users might find the stem design less secure during vigorous activities compared to more sport-oriented earbuds.

The IP54 rating for dust and water resistance means these earbuds can withstand light splashes and sweat, making them suitable for workouts.  However, it’s worth noting that the charging case doesn’t share this water resistance, so care should be taken when handling it with wet hands.

During my time using them, I have done several outdoor runs and many gym sessions where they have been exposed to a lot of rain and sweat, and they earbuds have had no issues. With the correct ear tip size, I have found that these earbuds require little to no adjustment during vigorous exercise.  

Set Up & Huawei AI Life App – Needs to be sideloaded

Huawei Freebuds 4 Pro Unboxing 3

Setting up the Freebuds 4 Pro is straightforward, especially if you’re using a Huawei device. The earbuds support Huawei’s quick pairing feature, which allows for instant connection when you open the case near a compatible phone.

For non-Huawei devices, the pairing process is standard Bluetooth fare. The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.2, which offers improved connection stability and range compared to older versions.

To get the most out of the Freebuds 4 Pro, you’ll want to install the Huawei AI Life app. However, there’s a catch – it’s not available on the Google Play Store. You’ll need to either install the Huawei AppGallery and download it from there, or sideload the APK directly from the AppGallery website.

This extra step might be off-putting for some users, particularly those who are less tech-savvy or concerned about security. It’s a shame Huawei hasn’t been able to make the app more easily accessible, as it’s essential for accessing many of the earbuds’ advanced features.

Once installed, the AI Life app offers a range of customisation options. You can adjust the touch controls, fine-tune the EQ, update the firmware, and control the active noise cancellation settings. The app is well-designed and intuitive to use, making it easy to tailor the earbuds to your preferences.

If you have a Huawei or Honor device, you can make the most of the LDAC

Sound Quality

The Freebuds 4 Pro utilise a dual-driver system, combining an 11mm dynamic driver with a planar diaphragm driver. The inclusion of a planar diaphragm driver is impressive as this is a driver technology that’s normally used on expensive audiophile gear.  This setup aims to deliver both powerful bass and crisp, detailed highs.

In practice, the sound quality is impressive. The bass is punchy and well-defined, without overwhelming the mid-range. The planar diaphragm driver shines in the high frequencies, offering clear and detailed treble that brings out the nuances in complex tracks.

There is a notable difference in the sound profile with the silicon tips and foam tips. With a good fit, silicon tips provide deeper bass while the foam is slightly more recessed. This is useful as it allows people to have greater control over the sound profile.

The soundstage is reasonably wide for in-ear headphones, providing good instrument separation and a sense of space in the audio. This is particularly noticeable when listening to live recordings or orchestral pieces.

Huawei has implemented a triple adaptive EQ system that adjusts the sound in real-time based on factors like volume level, ear canal structure, and how the earbuds are worn. This helps maintain consistent audio quality across different listening scenarios.

The Freebuds 4 Pro support a range of audio codecs, including aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, AAC, and SBC. When paired with compatible Huawei devices, they can also use the proprietary L2HC 4.0 codec, which enables lossless audio transmission up to 2.3 Mbps. This is a notable feature for audiophiles, though its real-world impact will depend on the quality of the source material and the listener’s ability to discern the difference.

Overall, the sound quality of the Freebuds 4 Pro is excellent, competing well with other earbuds in this price range and even some more expensive models. They offer a balanced, detailed sound that should satisfy most listeners, regardless of musical preferences.

Active Noise Cancelling

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a key feature of the Freebuds 4 Pro, and Huawei has made significant strides in this area. The earbuds use a combination of feedforward and feedback microphones to analyse and counteract external noise.

The ANC performance is impressive, effectively reducing low-frequency noises. While a synthetic test using aeroplane cabin noise played through my Edifier S3000 Pro speakers at 80% volume, the earbuds significantly reduced the low-end rubble, leaving some of the high-end hisses. With the silicon tips, I would subjectively say these have a similar performance to the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 and Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro which I have reviewed recently.

The foam tips provide some additional passive isolation, which provides some additional passive noise cancellation on the higher frequencies.

Huawei offers several ANC modes:

  1. Dynamic: This mode automatically adjusts the level of noise cancellation based on your environment.
  2. Cozy: Designed for quieter environments, this mode provides light noise cancellation.
  3. Ultra: This is the strongest ANC setting, ideal for very noisy environments like aeroplanes.

The earbuds also offer an Awareness mode, which allows external sounds to pass through. This is useful for staying aware of your surroundings or having quick conversations without removing the earbuds. The implementation is good, with voices coming through clearly without sounding overly artificial.

Microphone / Call Quality

Call quality is an area where the Freebuds 4 Pro truly excel. Huawei has implemented an AI call noise-cancellation algorithm, coupled with a bone conduction sensor and three additional microphones on each earbud.

This setup is highly effective at isolating your voice and reducing background noise. In testing, calls remained clear even in challenging environments like windy outdoor settings or busy cafes. The bone conduction sensor helps to pick up your voice clearly, while the AI algorithm filters out unwanted noise.

One particularly impressive feature is the ability to almost completely eliminate loud background noises during calls. In demonstrations, the earbuds were able to maintain clear voice transmission even with very loud music playing nearby – a feat that many other earbuds struggle with.

For those who frequently take calls in noisy environments, this feature alone could make the Freebuds 4 Pro a compelling choice.

Battery Life

Battery life is an area where the Freebuds 4 Pro show some improvement over their predecessors, but they still lag behind some competitors. With ANC turned on, you can expect around 4-5 hours of playback time from the earbuds themselves. Turning ANC off extends this to about 6.5 hours. This is perfectly fine for 99% of the time but there are occasions where a longer battery life would be helpful.

The charging case provides additional charges, bringing the total listening time to around 25 hours with ANC on, or 30 hours with it off. These figures are respectable, but not class-leading. Some rival earbuds offer significantly longer battery life, which might be a consideration for heavy users or frequent travellers.

Charging is done via USB-C, with a full charge of the case taking about an hour. The earbuds themselves charge in about 40 minutes when placed in the case. There’s also support for wireless charging.

Huawei has implemented a smart charging feature that aims to protect battery health by preventing overcharging.

A quick charge feature is also available, providing about 3 hours of playback (with ANC off) from a 10-minute charge. This can be handy if you need a quick top-up before heading out.

While the battery life is adequate for most use cases, it’s worth noting that using the highest quality audio codecs and strongest ANC settings will drain the battery more quickly. Users who prioritise these features might find themselves charging the earbuds more frequently than they’d like.

Additional Features

The Freebuds 4 Pro come with several additional features that add to their overall value:

  1. Head Motion Controls: You can answer or reject calls by nodding or shaking your head. While novel, the practical utility of this feature may vary depending on the user. As I use earbuds regularly for fitness, I only experimented with this feature as I am prone to triggering functions when working out.
  2. Touch Controls: The earbuds feature touch-sensitive stems that allow for various controls. You can adjust volume, skip tracks, and toggle ANC with different tap and swipe gestures. These controls are customisable through the AI Life app. Similar to the head controls, I am prone to touching earbuds when working out and triggering a function. Thankfully, the customisations allow you to select no function for things like single tap, pinch and swiping which are the main things that cause me problems.
  3. In-ear Detection: The earbuds can automatically pause music when removed from your ears and resume playback when reinserted. This works reliably and is a useful feature for brief interruptions.
  4. Find My Earbuds: If you misplace an earbud, you can use the AI Life app to make it play a sound, helping you locate it. This is a handy feature, especially given the small size of the earbuds. It is not a feature I need to use often, but on one occasion in the past, I accidentally dropped an earbud in the bin and only found it due to the function of finding my earbud. When you are spending over £100 on earbuds, this can be a valuable feature. It is worth noting that the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro also have a find my case function, which these don’t.
  5. Gaming Mode: This low-latency mode reduces audio delay, which can be useful for mobile gaming or watching videos.

Price and Alternative Options

The Huawei Freebuds Pro 4 have an RRP of £180, and at the time of writing, there was a £20 off code if you buy them from the Huawei website or Amazon.

PreviewProductRatingPrice
HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 2 Silver Grey HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 2 Silver Grey No ratings yet £119.99

The Huawei Freebuds Pro 3 are available for as low as £120.

I thought the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 were superb. These have a higher RRP of £200 but at the time of writing were available from OnePlus for £179 and as low as £130 on Amazon but all those listings are from 3rd party sellers.

I’d say the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro are worth considering at a lower price point of £130.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are well reviewed and available for £169 (RRP £219).

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a bit more expensive at £199 with an RRP of £219.

Overall

The Freebuds 4 Pro are another superb pair of earbuds from Huawei, and they have immediately earned their place in my regular rotation of earbuds.

The sound quality is excellent, with enough adjustments to suit most tastes. The inclusion of foam tips is an added bonus which will help more people find a suitable fit for their ears. Additionally,  the support for high-quality codecs is a plus for those with compatible phones.

The battery life, while not class-leading, should be sufficient for most daily use cases. However, heavy users or frequent travellers might find themselves reaching for the charging case more often than they’d like.

The need to sideload the AI Life app for non-Huawei users is a bit of a hurdle and, unfortunately, unavoidable. However, once set up, the app provides useful customisation options that enhance the overall user experience.

Pricing is competitive as these earbuds hold their own against many of the premium offerings on the market. That being said, there are also plenty of superb options at a similar price point with the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 being my preferred earbuds for the past for months.

Overall, the Huawei Freebuds 4 Pro are a superb pair of feature-rich earbuds with excellent sound quality, ANC, and call quality. I can therefore give these a strong recommendation.

Huawei Freebuds 4 Pro Review

Summary

The Huawei Freebuds 4 Pro are a solid choice for anyone in the market for high-quality true wireless earbuds, particularly if call quality and noise cancellation are high on your list of priorities. While they come with a premium price tag, the performance they offer goes a long way towards justifying the cost.

Overall
95%
95%
  • Overall - 95%
    95%

Pros

  • Excellent active noise cancellation
  • Outstanding call quality, even in noisy environments
  • High-quality audio with support for advanced codecs
  • Comfortable fit with multiple ear tip options
  • Useful additional features like dual-device connection and wireless charging

Cons

  • Battery life, while improved, still lags behind some competitors
  • The AI Life app is not easily accessible for non-Huawei users

Last update on 2025-02-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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