Pixel Buds Pro 2: A Comprehensive Review
Two years after the original Pixel Buds Pro debuted, Google returns with the Pixel Buds Pro 2, bringing notable enhancements in sound quality, Gemini interaction, and battery longevity. Let’s delve into the specifics of this upgrade.
Hardware & Design
At first glance, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 appear unchanged, with the case maintaining its classic eggshell color and familiar texture.
Subtle Yet Significant
Upon opening the case, the redesign becomes apparent. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are more compact with a rounded chassis, showcasing the iconic “G” logo and small microphone grills on the earbud’s faceplate.
A New Look
The earbuds’ shape has evolved from a bean-like form to something resembling a miniature car wheel. This concentric design occupies less ear space, featuring a small rubber fin for secure placement, especially useful during vigorous activities like running or exercising. Once in the ear, the new design is immediately noticeable, providing a lighter feel and an improved audio jingle for a welcoming touch.
Comfort and Fit
The updated design minimizes contact with the ear, reducing fatigue and discomfort over extended wear. The buds feel as though they’re floating, alleviating the soreness often associated with prolonged use.
Personalized Fit
In-ear comfort is subjective. While some may find the new design less secure initially, the floating sensation enhances comfort over time. Larger earbuds can sometimes provide a better seal, but the Pixel Buds Pro 2 relies on silicone and skin contact for sealing. Multiple ear tip options and an app-based fit check aid in achieving the perfect fit. Experimentation with different sizes for each ear is encouraged.
Touch Controls
The floating design amplifies the echo of touch controls, making taps and swipes more noticeable. While not exclusive to Pixel Buds Pro 2, it requires adjustment. Touch controls remain alongside voice-activated Gemini commands, though a long press is still necessary to initiate actions.
Software and Gemini Live
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 retain a familiar touch control setup with customizable actions for noise cancellation and Gemini activation. The interface is user-friendly, but the smaller bud surface can lead to occasional mis-taps.
Gemini Interaction
Google integrates aspects of the Gemini experience, albeit with some limitations. Voice commands are necessary to initiate Gemini Live sessions, lacking visual prompts and relying solely on notifications.
Gemini Live allows for seamless, screen-off communication, enhancing natural interaction. However, microphone sensitivity could be improved as it sometimes misinterprets speech. The Find My Device integration is a welcome addition, allowing tracking of both the case and individual buds.
Gemini for Headphones
The initial Gemini rollout on Android phones faced challenges, focusing more on conversation than functionality. Similar issues arise with the Pixel Buds Pro 2, prioritizing Gemini Live over daily assistant tasks. The screen activation during assistant use is not ideal for on-the-go scenarios, and limitations on reading notifications hinder its effectiveness.
Notifications and Features
Gemini’s notification handling is a step back, relying solely on voice commands for alerts. The absence of the touch-and-hold gesture for time and notifications is a missed opportunity, making Gemini a less effective assistant at launch.
Notifications Overhaul
Google is revamping the notification experience, initially focusing on messaging apps. Future updates aim to expand functionality to other app types, enhancing the overall experience.
Battery Life
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 boast improved battery performance, offering an additional hour of life with ANC on or off. The case extends usage by at least 10 hours, totaling 30 and 48 hours for ANC on and off, respectively.
Charging Options
The heavier case, possibly due to the increased battery and IPX4 water resistance, supports USB-C and Qi wireless charging. My experience aligns with Google’s battery claims, providing ample usage time, especially without frequent ANC use.
Audio Quality
The audio performance of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is satisfactory but not groundbreaking. Bass feels overemphasized, and high frequencies lack clarity. While the overall sound profile is acceptable, it falls short compared to competitors like the OnePlus Buds Pro 3.
EQ Adjustments
The inclusion of EQ adjustments offers some customization, though it serves more as a temporary fix. The 11mm drivers don’t fully deliver, and ANC impacts audio quality, diminishing depth and clarity.
Conclusion
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are designed for productivity and comfort, excelling in call quality and ease of use within Google’s ecosystem. However, they may not satisfy those seeking superior audio performance. Priced at $229, their value lies in software integration and Gemini capabilities rather than pure audio quality.
For those prioritizing convenience and connectivity, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a solid choice, but audiophiles might want to explore other options.
Purchase Information
Buy the Pixel Buds Pro 2
Contributors: Abner Li and Damien Wilde
