In recent times, tech wearables have gained much popularity for their convenience and functionality; and also because they can be used in making grand fashion statements.
These wearables come in the form of smartwatches, fitness trackers, rings, wrist bands and, of course, earbuds or true wireless earphones.
Every smartphone manufacturer is rushing to join the trend to produce their version of these wearables to maximise the user experience of their smartphones. And those manufacturers who do not have a product ready to sell are buying generic models and adding their branding to ensure they don’t miss the boat.
The latest to join the stack is TECNO, one of the leading budget-phone brands in Ghana and Africa.
In this article, my focus is on earbuds from TECNO called buds. TECNO Buds is a truly wireless earphone by the Chinese phone manufacturer to revolutionise the earphones used in their phones with something more trendy but with a premium sound experience.
The version of buds I am reviewing today is the TECNO buds 1. Before we dive into the review let’s check out what’s in the buds 1 box.
Unboxing TECNO buds 1
Inside the buds 1 is the following:
- Earphone charging case
- Bluetooth earphone
- Micro USB charging cable
- A quick guide ( Manual)
- Extra pairs of Ear-Tips
Key Specs of TECNO buds 1
- Model: BDO1
- BT Version: V5.0
- Battery Capacity: Earphone Battery: 40mAh*2
- Charging Box Battery: 300mAh
- Music Playing Time: Earphone: 24 Hours
- Earphone + Charging Box: 212 Hours Speaker
- Dimension: p8.6mm
The buds 1 is retailing in Ghana at GHC 99, making it the most affordable true wireless earphones (earbuds) on the market. At this point, let’s dive right into exploring the potential of this wearable innovation from TECNO with the primary purpose of concluding if it’s a good fit for you despite its fantastic price.
When buying an earbud, these are the key areas to focus on:
- Cost
- Ear-Tips
- Battery Life
- Controls
- Noise Canceling
- Charging Case
Cost
The buds 1 is plastic made doesn’t feel premium but has this Airpod lookalike at a glance. TECNO has done a great job of giving us this simple, clean design at this price tag. The company, I believe, could have done more if the price was like any other earbuds on the market, but their objective was to create something affordable yet good!
There is a saying — Good quality doesn’t usually come cheap; I beg to differ regarding the TECNO buds 1. TECNO intelligently used materials and accessories that make the bud 1 effortless: From using plastic for the charging case to using Micro USB keeps the production cost at a reasonable price.
The design is excellent, the functionality is fantastic, and the sound is not superb.
My conversation was clear, and there was no funny feedback, and those I spoke with confirmed this. Some didn’t even notice I was using an earbud. This experience can differ depending on the ear-tips you are using. I am comfortable using the default.
Listening to music is okay, not the best best, but you will most likely be impressed with the capability of this budgeted earbud from TECNO.
The good part is that the earbuds fit well in the ear bowl ( you can choose between the ear-tips as the bud 1 comes with an extra). I have had the bud 1 for a few days, and I have enjoyed using it.
Ear-Tips
By default, buds 1 comes with a large Silicone ear-tip on the earphones. However, our ear bowls are different, and not everyone will be comfortable with large ear-tips. TECNO, irrespective of this device’s price, still managed to add extra (small size) ear-tips: this is a big deal!
Fit and comfort are essential, and having an earbud that sits comfortably in the ear bowl – and doesn’t drop out the moment you start running – is necessary.
Battery Life
According to TECNO, this can last you a day with support from the charging case. I find this relative based on one’s use. The nature of my work makes me spend hours on the phone talking. With this GHC 99 buds 1, I can talk uninterruptedly for 2 to 3 hours before placing back into the charging case.
Controls
I didn’t imagine this! But the buds 1 has a touch surface for controls. You can increase ( right earphone) to decrease ( left earphone), play and pause music, skip to the last music, etc. The fun bit is that four taps on the touch surface activates your voice assistance. IIsn’tthis cool?
Charging Case
The charging case that stores and recharges wireless earbuds is an essential part of a pair of wireless earbuds. The case needs to be robust if you’re taking the earbuds out and about with you. In the case of buds 1, this feels plastic and fragile. It fits nicely in the pocket, but one needs to be careful with handling as a hard drop could damage it!
Noise Canceling
TECNO buds 1 has no active noise-cancelling feature. When plugged into the ear bowl instantly provides a passive noise-cancelling (because it seats well into one’s ear bowl, making it impossible for other surround sounds to penetrate), which is acceptable for a device at this price tag. The good part of that buds 1 does not have an active noise-cancelling is you are guaranteed longer listening time as active noise-cancelling circuitry eats batterie.
What do I think?
At GHC 99, the TECNO buds 1 is ideal for a first-time wireless earphone user without prior experience with a premium option at higher price tags. Users of high-end earbuds will find bud 1 exciting. Everything from battery, control and sounds is standardly good due to its price tag, you shouldn’t pay too much, but TECNO did a good job: From making some of the best to smartphones and now affordable wireless earbuds. TECNO’s plan to enter the mobile accessories market has started well. If the cost of acquiring an earbud has been the reason you have joined the truly wireless earphone club, TECNO presents you with the opportunity at a fantastic price. It is worth it, trust me!.
Get your buds 1 from any accredited TECNO shop across the country or order online via https://www.tecno-mobile.com/gh/stores/
