In the overcrowded universe of wireless headphones, finding a model that stands out for design, technology and user experience is a challenge. Huawei has tried it with the new FreeBuds 7i, and the bet is as ambitious as it is interesting. They are not just noise canceling headphones; are a personalized sound ecosystem in many ways.
The first thing that catches your attention is its aesthetic of soft curves and geometric contours, an evolution of the already iconic design of the series. Available in Pink, White and Black (€99), its lightness and the four sizes of pads included in the box are not a minor detail. The fit is comfortable and secure, ideal for long sessions of use or intense workouts without fear of them coming off.
Huawei has equipped the 7i with its Intelligent Dynamic ANC 4.0. But what does this mean in practice? They have Real-time adaptive cancellation: This means that the headphones constantly analyze outside noise (from the hum of an airplane to conversations in an office) and adjust the cancellation level instantly to offer the best balance between isolation and listening comfort.
They also incorporate ultra-large vent technology. This is a key physical component. It helps balance internal pressure, reducing that annoying “plugged” feeling that other ANCs can cause, resulting in a more natural experience.
But the real qualitative leap is 3D immersive audio, a configuration that, beyond cancellation, creates an immersive and three-dimensional sound. To that we must add the IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). This is the secret ingredient to 3D sound. This sensor detects micromovements of the head. When you play content, the audio is adjusted to create the feeling that the sounds are coming from fixed points in the space around you (as if the instruments were placed in a room), not just inside your head. It works with any content and from any device, which is a huge advantage when it comes to making quality compatible with different operating systems.
When it comes to calls, the FreeBuds 7i integrate a hybrid system. On the one hand, they have a bone conduction microphone and on the other hand, 3 conventional microphones. This combination, powered by AI algorithms, filters out ambient noise (up to 90 dB, the equivalent of traffic on a busy street) and prioritizes voice with exceptional clarity.
But the most innovative function, and one that is on its way to becoming an aspiration for other manufacturers, is control by head gestures. For example, to answer, simply nod and shake to reject the call.. If we are running or cycling or cooking, the option of not depending on our hands is more than welcome.
In summary, with robust autonomy, fast charging that solves emergencies, excellent noise cancellation and advanced configurations, the FreeBuds 7i do not play at being the cheapest, but at offering a premium and unique experience in a mass market. The competition has been warned.