The Sony WF-1000XM4 is the latest addition to Sony's true wireless earbuds lineup. They are a successor to the popular WF-1000XM3, and Sony promises many improvements over their predecessor including better sound quality, improved noise-canceling performance, and a sleeker design.
In this review, we will take a closer look at the WF-1000XM4 and see if they live up to the hype. We'll cover everything from sound quality to battery life, to the user interface, and compare them to some of their competitors on the market.
1. Introduction to Sony WF-1000XM4
What is the Sony WF-1000XM4?
The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are the latest addition to Sony's line of wireless earbuds. These earbuds are designed to provide exceptional sound quality and noise-canceling capabilities in a compact and comfortable package.
What's in the box?
The Sony WF-1000XM4 comes with the earbuds themselves, a charging case, a USB-C charging cable, and three sizes of ear tips for a comfortable and customized fit.
2. Design and Build Quality
Ergonomics and Comfort
The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are designed to fit comfortably in your ears for long listening sessions. They come with three sizes of ear tips to ensure the perfect fit for your ears.
Materials and Construction
The earbuds are made with high quality materials that feel durable and premium. The charging case is made of matte plastic that feels nice to the touch.
Water and Sweat Resistance
The earbuds have an IPX4 rating, which means they are water-resistant and can handle sweat and light rain, but they are not fully waterproof. It is not recommended to use them while swimming or in heavy rain.
3. Sound Quality
Drivers and Frequency Response
The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are equipped with 6mm drivers that deliver accurate and detailed sound reproduction. The frequency response ranges from 20Hz to 20kHz.
Soundstage and Imaging
The soundstage and imaging of the Sony WF-1000XM4 are impressive for earbuds. The soundstage is wide and spacious, and the imaging is accurate and precise.
Equalization and Customization
The Sony Headphones Connect app allows you to customize the sound profile of the earbuds to your liking. You can adjust the EQ settings and even choose from various presets designed for different music genres.
4. Noise Canceling Performance
How Does Noise Canceling Work?
The noise-canceling technology in the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds works by using microphones to pick up external sounds and then canceling them out with an opposite sound wave.
Effectiveness of Noise Canceling
The noise-canceling performance of the Sony WF-1000XM4 is excellent. It can effectively block out most external sounds, making it ideal for use in noisy environments.
Natural Sound Control FeaturesThe earbuds come with natural sound control features that allow you to adjust the level of noise canceling depending on your environment. You can also use the ambient sound mode to let in external sounds when you need to be aware of your surroundings.
5. Battery Life and Charging
Battery Life of Earbuds and Case
The battery life of the Sony WF-1000XM4 is impressive, with up to 8 hours of playback on a single charge and up to 24 hours with the charging case. This means that you can use them comfortably for a full day without worrying about running out of battery. Additionally, the earbuds take only 5 minutes of charging time to get you an extra hour of playback, which is a boon when in a hurry.
Rapid Charging and Wireless Charging
The charging case of the Sony WF-1000XM4 supports both USB-C rapid charging and wireless charging, which means that you can charge the case quickly and conveniently. The earbuds also support Qi-compatible wireless charging, making it easier to keep your earbuds charged on the go.
6. User Interface and Controls
Touch Controls and Gestures
The Sony WF-1000XM4 provides a range of touch controls and gestures that make it easy to manage your music and calls without taking out your phone. You can tap once to play/pause, double-tap to skip to the next track, and triple-tap to go back to the previous track. Additionally, you can access your voice assistant, control the volume, and more with simple gestures.
Peripheral App and Customization
Sony provides a dedicated app that lets you customize the sound settings, manage noise canceling, and access new features as they become available. You can also customize the touch controls and assign different functions to each gesture. This app definitely enhances the user experience.
Voice Assistance
The Sony WF-1000XM4 supports voice assistants such as Google Assistant and Alexa and can be activated with a simple touch gesture. This functionality is extremely useful when your hands are tied up or when you're on the move.
7. Comparison with Competitors
Comparison with other True Wireless Earbuds
The Sony WF-1000XM4 is one of the best true wireless earbuds in the market, with great sound quality, noise-canceling, and battery life. It is definitely a worthy competitor to the likes of Apple AirPods Pro, Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro, and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds.
Comparison with Other Sony Headphones
The Sony WF-1000XM4 is a great addition to Sony's high-end headphone lineup. It offers better noise-canceling and battery life compared to the Sony WF-1000XM3 and is a smaller and more portable version of the acclaimed Sony WH-1000XM4.
8. Final Verdict and Pricing
The Pros and Cons of Sony WF-1000XM4
The Sony WF-1000XM4 is a great pair of wireless earbuds with superior sound quality, noise-canceling, and battery life. The earbuds come with a comfortable and secure fit, as well as touch controls that make it easy to manage your music and calls. The only downside would be the price, which at $279.99 is steep, but you get what you pay for!
Is it Worth the Price?
If you value high-quality sound and noise-canceling, then the Sony WF-1000XM4 is definitely worth the price. Its superior battery life and touch controls and gestures further enhance the user experience. However, if you're on a budget, you might want to consider other options in the market. In conclusion, the Sony WF-1000XM4 is a solid choice for anyone in the market for true wireless earbuds. They offer excellent sound quality, top-notch noise canceling, and a comfortable design. Though they are a bit on the pricier side, they are worth the investment for anyone who values quality and functionality in their earbuds. Overall, we highly recommend the Sony WF-1000XM4.
FAQ
How do I customize the controls on the Sony WF-1000XM4?
You can customize the touchpad controls of the earbuds through the Sony Headphones Connect app. The app lets you assign various actions such as volume control, playback control, and activating noise canceling.
Can I use only one earbud at a time with the Sony WF-1000XM4?
Yes. The earbuds support both single and dual listening modes. You can use either the left or right earbuds individually, depending on your preference.
Are the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds waterproof?
No, the earbuds are not waterproof, but they are IPX4 rated, which means they are sweat and splash-resistant.
How long does it take to fully charge the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds and case?
The earbuds take around 1.5 hours to fully charge, while the charging case takes around 3.5 hours to charge. However, with fast charging, a 5-minute charge can provide up to 60 minutes of playback time.
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