In a market flooded with wireless earbuds, iQOO has quietly stepped into the spotlight with the launch of the iQOO Buds 1i in Indonesia. While the release wasn’t accompanied by fanfare, the Buds 1i are packed with features that aim to deliver a premium audio experience without the premium price tag. Let's dive into what makes these earbuds stand out and whether they deserve a spot in your pocket.
At the core of the iQOO Buds 1i is a 10mm high-resolution speaker driver, designed to offer rich, balanced, and detailed audio. These earbuds cover a full frequency response range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, ensuring that lows, mids, and highs are reproduced with clarity.
To enhance voice call quality, the Buds 1i incorporate AI-powered noise cancellation, actively reducing ambient sound for clearer communication. The DeepX 3.0 stereo sound engine also enhances the overall audio experience by offering four distinct sound modes:
For users on the go, battery life is a highlight. With the charging case, the Buds 1i deliver up to 50 hours of total playback, and a 10-minute quick charge gives you 3 hours of listening time—ideal for last-minute usage.
Gamers and multitaskers will appreciate Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity with dual-device pairing and an ultra-low 88ms latency mode, ensuring minimal delay between audio and visuals during gameplay.
Other modern features include touch controls, Google Fast Pair, Google Assistant integration, and Find My Earphones functionality. The buds are IP54 rated, making them resistant to dust and splashes—good for workouts or commutes.
Lastly, the earbuds come in a bold black-yellow “Starlight” finish, which stands out in a sea of monotone options.
The iQOO Buds 1i are priced at just IDR 349,000 (approximately $22) in Indonesia. At this price point, they compete directly with budget earbuds from brands like Realme, Redmi, and Noise, but offer a feature set that punches above their class.
In real-world usage, the iQOO Buds 1i deliver surprisingly good audio for the price. The 10mm drivers provide full-bodied sound, and the DeepX 3.0 presets genuinely enhance listening depending on the content. The Mega Bass mode especially shines for pop and electronic music, while Melodic Audiobooks mode helps make spoken content clearer without being fatiguing.
Call quality is also impressive. The AI noise cancellation doesn’t match premium ANC earbuds, but it does a good job in filtering out background chatter in cafés or public transport.
The 50-hour battery life is a game-changer at this price—most earbuds in this segment barely reach 30 hours. The dual-device pairing and low-latency gaming mode work flawlessly, with minimal lag even during intense mobile gaming sessions.
Where it may fall short is in fit customization—there’s limited mention of additional ear tips or advanced in-ear detection features, which could impact passive noise isolation for some users.
If you're looking for budget wireless earbuds with premium features, the iQOO Buds 1i make a compelling case. Whether you're a student, casual gamer, or daily commuter, they offer a well-balanced combination of sound quality, battery life, and usability features that’s rare at this price point.
While audiophiles or those looking for advanced ANC may need to spend more, the iQOO Buds 1i are a near-perfect entry-level pair of earbuds that exceed expectations.
Verdict: Yes, the iQOO Buds 1i are absolutely worth buying for budget-conscious users.
1. What is the battery life of iQOO Buds 1i?
The iQOO Buds 1i deliver up to 50 hours of total battery life with the charging case, and a 10-minute quick charge provides 3 hours of playback.
2. Do the iQOO Buds 1i support noise cancellation?
Yes, they feature AI noise cancellation for clear voice calls by reducing background noise, but they do not have active noise cancellation for media.
3. Are the iQOO Buds 1i good for gaming?
Yes, they offer an ultra-low 88ms latency gaming mode via Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring minimal audio delay during gaming sessions.
4. Can iQOO Buds 1i connect to two devices at once?
Yes, they support dual-device connectivity, allowing seamless switching between two paired devices.
5. Are iQOO Buds 1i waterproof?
They have an IP54 rating, making them resistant to dust and splashes—suitable for workouts and light rain but not for full submersion.
Image Credits: iQOO
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