Xiaomi Unveils Buds 5 Pro: First Wireless Headphones with Wi-Fi Support

On February 27, Xiaomi unveiled the Buds 5 Pro, marking the brand's first foray into wireless headphones with Wi-Fi support. This new model offers two connectivity options: a Wi-Fi variant capable of transmitting audio at up to 4.2 Mbit/s and a traditional Bluetooth version. The introduction of Wi-Fi connectivity aims to provide audiophiles with higher fidelity sound streaming, enhancing the overall listening experience.

The Buds 5 Pro are engineered with a dual amplifier system and feature three driver blocks per earbud. Each unit houses an 11mm dynamic woofer with titanium plating and a 10mm ceramic tweeter, ensuring a balanced and robust sound profile. The audio tuning has been refined by experts from Harman Golden Ear, and users will appreciate the new Master Harman equalizer mode, which allows for personalized sound adjustments tailored to individual preferences.

Active noise cancellation (ANC) is a standout feature of the Buds 5 Pro, effectively reducing ambient noise by up to 55 dB. This technology ensures clear audio during calls, even in noisy environments, by minimizing background sounds by as much as 100 dB. The headphones are powered by a 470 mAh battery, offering up to 8 hours of playback without the charging case and extending to 40 hours when paired with the case via Bluetooth.

From a connectivity standpoint, the Buds 5 Pro support Qualcomm aptX Lossless, enabling lossless streaming of 24-bit audio at 48 kHz over Bluetooth with a data rate of 2.1 Mbit/s. The Wi-Fi version further elevates audio quality by allowing music to be streamed at 24-bit and 96 kHz with a bandwidth of 4.1 Mbit/s. Additionally, the inclusion of the LC3 codec ensures efficient wireless performance with a low latency of just 50 milliseconds, catering to both high-fidelity audio enthusiasts and gamers alike.

Priced at 1,499 yuan (approximately $205) for the Wi-Fi variant and 1,299 yuan (around $180) for the Bluetooth version, the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro are set to compete in the high-end wireless headphone market. While the international release date remains unconfirmed, further details are expected to be revealed at the upcoming MWC press conference on March 2.