CMF Buds Pro Challengers: Oppo Enco Air 2 Pro, Jabra Elite 2, More TWS Earbuds Under Rs 3,500
CMF Buds Pro, from Nothing, comes at a price of Rs 3,499.
Nothing has released the first batch of products in its budget-friendly CMF sub-brand. Of the trio, the one that has attracted the most attention is the Buds Pro TWS. The CMF Buds Pro come in an elegant round case that reminds one of a cosmetic compact and their orange edition will definitely turn heads, although some might find them a little on the loud side (pun unintended). The buds come with a number of features including ANC, ear detection (which pauses music if you take a single bud out of your ear), fast charging, and a battery life that can go up to ten hours on buds. They also deliver very clear sound, and their IP54 dust and water resistance makes them handy for wearing during workouts.
All of this at a price of Rs 3,499 makes them a considerable proposition for anyone on the look-out for budget TWS that sound good while looking different.
But that does not mean that the CMF Buds Pro do not have any challengers. In fact, their very attractive price tag puts them right in the middle of the most competitive part of the Indian TWS market, with a number of known brands lining up against them. These five TWS can challenge the latest Johnny Come Lately TWS in totally wireless audio town:
Oppo Enco Air 2 Pro
Price: Rs 3,499
The Oppo Enco Air 2 Pro were launched at close to Rs 5,000 earlier in the year. They have now got a price cut, which puts them right in the path of the CMF Buds Pro. Although their slightly oval case does not look too different from many other TWS, its semi-transparent lid gives them a slightly different look. They come with long-ish stems and thanks to large 12.4 mm drivers, they also deliver some very good audio.
Bass is particularly deep and rich, although if it is too overwhelming, you can always tweak it using the Hey Melody app, which gives you access to an equaliser and a number of other settings as well. The buds with ear detection and auto pause and play, and also offer very decent ANC for their price. They also offer multi-point connectivity, which is rare in this segment. The battery stands at a very good seven hours on the buds, which can go up to 28 hours with the case.
They also come with IP54 dust and water resistance, similar to the CMF Buds Pro. They might lack the design elan of the CMF Buds Pro, but are very good performers.
Realme Buds Air 5
Price: Rs 3,499
The Realme Buds Air 5 come in an oval-shaped case, that Realme claims is inspired by pebbles. It looks a little routine, but its deep sea blue shade will get a few glances. The buds come with long stems and pack in large 12.4 mm drivers that deliver impressive volumes with a distinct emphasis on bass, something which is rather common in this segment. You can boost it even further if you wish, or tone it down using the equaliser options in the Realme Link app if you find it too overwhelming. They come with ear detection and have a battery life of about seven hours without ANC, with the case boosting it to a very impressive 38 hours. The ANC is impressive and although there is no multi-point connectivity, these are perhaps the most impressive challengers to the CMF Buds Pro, although they are difficult to find (you get their expensive Pro variant more easily).
OnePlus Nord Buds 2
Price: Rs 3,299
OnePlus’ Nord line aims to offer competitive specs at affordable price tags and this core ideology extends to the TWS Nord introduces as well. OnePlus Nord Buds 2 were launched at the price of Rs. 3,299 but are available for Rs. 2,999 with a small discount. Available in two colours, the Nord Buds 2 Thunder Grey and Lightning White, the Nord Buds 2 come with a pill-shaped flat stem with a bulbous head with ear tips that go deep into your ear.
Both buds and cases are plastic but do not seem cheap. The buds come with a 12.4 mm dynamic driver paired with Dolby Atmos sound and an inbuilt Dirac audio Tuner. While the sound profile of the buds in general is slightly bass-forward, they come with equalizer settings that allows you to change the audio profile that suits your sound taste best.
The buds can last up to seven hours on a single charge while the case offers up to a good 36 hours of playback time. The Buds also come with decent ANC and an IP55 rating, making them sweat and splash-resistant. A strong contender that CMF Buds Pro have to go up against.
Jabra Elite 2
Price: Rs 2,990
Jabra has a great reputation when it comes to audio and it brings its A-game to the TWS market as well. Jabra’s Elite 2 were originally launched at Rs. 5,999 but are now available at a discounted price. The buds come with 6mm drivers that might seem small but deliver rich, punchy audio.
The sound is slightly bass-forward like many TWS in the category but you can customise audio as per your liking, using the equaliser. While the buds do not come with ANC, they do go deep in your ear canal and offer good noise isolation. They come with 7 hours worth of battery life on a single charge, while the case takes this to 21 hours.
The one area where the Jabra Elite 2 shines most is calling, delivering very clear call output. They come with a classic Jabra design which is not flashy but definitely gives the buds a very distinct look. They also come with IP55 protection, making them sweat and splash proof.
Skullcandy Dime 2
Price: Rs 2,699
CMF aims to bring good design to the budget segment. Skullcandy is already working on those lines. Available at Rs. 2,699 (thanks to a price cut) on Amazon, the Skullcandy Dime 2 are probably the most unique pair of TWS in this list in terms of design. The case of the Skullcandy Dime 2 has pill-shaped holes on top which reveal the Skullcandy logo engraved on the stem of the buds, fitting in like a jigsaw puzzle piece.
This design element pops out in colours like green and blue, although it is not as visible in black. Both buds and the case are quite small but come with integrated Tile finding technology which means you do not have to worry too much about losing them. The buds come with 6mm drivers and because they come from Skullcandy, the Dime 2 is obviously bass-centric.
They also come with an IPX4 rating making them splashproof, which is good enough for a sweaty workout session.
The Dime 2's battery is not the greatest — they can last for about 3 to 3.5 hours on a single charge while the case only offers another 8.5 hours of charge. They, however, score on design and come with good audio.
A serious threat to the CMF Buds Pro, especially among those who want stand-out design.
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