When Apple first introduced the original AirPods in 2016, they changed the game to wireless earbuds. The seamless integration, iconic design, and impressive sound marked a new era.
Yet, as with any pioneer product, it wasn’t without its share of critiques. Among the more pronounced feedback from users was about the call quality. It became such a focal point that whispers and speculations became common in tech circles.
Fast forward two years, and Apple, in its classic style of addressing user feedback, came up with the AirPods Pro 2. While many upgrades were expected, the one that caught everyone’s attention was the promise of enhanced call quality.
So, how do these upgraded earbuds fare in real-world call scenarios? Are they indeed the answer to those early critiques?
Let’s dive into this comprehensive AirPods Pro 2’s call review and find out by yourself!
Table of Contents
Airpods Pro 2 Call Quality Review
The AirPods Pro 2 presents a handful of improvements that Apple lovers have been waiting for.
Featuring advanced active noise cancellation, fine-tuned spatial audio, intuitive touch controls, and an extended battery lifespan, it certainly stands out among its predecessors.
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of call performance, let’s start from the very beginning: unboxing.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Upon opening the box, the first thing that struck me was the similar look of the AirPods Pro 2. Apple has always had a knack for preserving certain design elements that make its products instantly recognizable, and this was no exception.
Inside, besides the main attraction – the AirPods Pro 2 themselves – you’ll find:
- The MagSafe-Enabled Wireless Charging Case
Not just a regular charging case, this one now comes equipped with Apple’s U1 chip. This integration is important for the precision ‘Find My’ feature, essentially embedding an Apple AirTag into the case. In terms of design, there’s an added feature for attaching a lanyard, although it’s a bit of a letdown that Apple doesn’t provide one in the box.
- Different Ear-Tip Sizes
Beyond the default ear tips attached to the buds, Apple has now included an extra set of small ear tips, summing up to a total of four sizes. This is a welcome addition, especially considering the feedback on the previous generation’s fit.
- Documentation and Charging Cable
The obligatory set of user manuals and a lightning charging cable is also included in the box.
Said that, in terms of first impressions, the AirPods Pro 2 might feel like a déjà vu experience for those familiar with the original AirPods Pro.
But it’s the small changes, especially the separation of the skin-detection sensor and the noise-canceling microphone, are admirable.
Key Features and Tech Specs For Better Call Quality
As mentioned earlier, the AirPods Pro 2 might seem like a modest evolution from the previous design. However, its underlined technology truly sets it apart, especially when it comes to call quality.
- Apple’s Precision Driver: A custom high-excursion driver ensures that every word spoken is clear, without the distortion that can sometimes plague wireless earbuds.
- Dynamic Range Amplifier: This custom amplifier ensures that voice clarity is maintained, balancing both low and high-frequency sounds to provide a consistent call experience.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): A vital feature, ANC ensures that background noises are minimized, allowing for clearer conversations even in bustling environments.
- Adaptive Transparency: This feature allows users to seamlessly blend their ambient surroundings with their call audio, ensuring they’re always aware of their environment without compromising on call clarity.
- Pressure Equalization Vent System: Ensures that the ear pressure remains balanced, leading to prolonged comfort during those extended calls.
- Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking: While primarily designed for immersive audio experiences during media playback, this feature ensures that sound is consistent regardless of head movement, which can subtly enhance voice clarity during calls.
- Adaptive EQ: Adapts the sound in real-time according to the shape of your ear, ensuring optimal voice clarity and richness during calls.
Each of these features comes together to form a holistic solution aimed at one core objective: impeccable call quality, regardless of where you are or what you’re doing.
Testing Airpods Pro 2 Call Quality
When it comes to testing the real-world performance of the AirPods Pro 2, choosing different scenarios—from the indoors to the busy streets—gives a comprehensive understanding of its capabilities.
Below are the details of how I found the call quality through diverse environments to truly gauge its performance. Have a look below:
The Indoor Experience
Looking down into the controlled environment of indoor spaces, the AirPods Pro 2 showcases its supreme prowess. Apple’s proprietary dual beaming microphones, coupled with motion-detecting accelerometers and unique skin-detect sensors, form a triad that ensures voice clarity remains unparalleled.
These features are finely tuned to distinguish and prioritize the user’s voice over other noises. During numerous indoor tests, it was evident that even amidst disturbances like household appliances whirring or people chatting in the background, the voice quality transmitted through the AirPods Pro 2 remained consistently clear and rich.
The Outdoor Experience
Stepping outside, the true versatility of the AirPods Pro 2 comes to light. Whether it’s a gentle breeze or a gusty wind, the earbuds’ wind noise reduction feature ensures that your conversations remain free from those typical windy distortions.
An interesting observation during outdoor testing was the earbuds’ delicate balance in sound management. While they efficiently reduce unwarranted noises, they don’t alienate users from their surroundings entirely. The gentle chirping of birds or the distant rustling of leaves subtly makes its way into the call, giving a more organic and immersive call experience.
Testing in Urban Noises
Urban environments are a blare of sounds. From the relentless honking of cars to the distant hum of city life, the AirPods Pro 2 faces its most challenging test in such scenarios. Impressively, the earbuds manage to greatly dampen the more jarring sounds like sirens or overhead airplanes. However, it’s crucial to address a common misconception.
While the AirPods Pro 2 significantly reduces background noises, it doesn’t completely eliminate them. But it’s this very aspect that ensures you’re not completely cut off from the world around you, striking a balance between immersion and awareness.
AirPods Pro vs. AirPods Pro 2: Which One is Better?
The AirPods Pro 2 showcases evident improvements in call quality when compared to its predecessor, the AirPods Pro. Let’s take a look at what other areas it makes improvements:
| Feature/Specification | AirPods Pro | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Microphone System | Dual Beamforming | Dual Beamforming with improved placement |
| Noise Cancellation | Active Noise Cancellation | Enhanced Active Noise Cancellation |
| Ambient Sound Management | Moderate indoors & outdoors | Superior indoors & excellent outdoors |
| Wind Noise Reduction | Present but with minor distortions | Highly Efficient |
| Battery Life (Call) | 3.5 Hours | 4.5 Hours |
| Voice Clarity | Clear with minor ambient interference | Crystal clear with minimal interference |
You can see that, besides better call quality, the Pro 2 takes the lead for managing ambient sounds and wind noise reduction.
Conclusion
After an extensive review of the AirPods Pro 2, it’s clear that Apple has outdone itself in terms of call quality, making significant leaps from its predecessor.
The intricate blend of tech, including dual beamforming microphones, enhanced noise cancellation, and wind reduction, ensures users can enjoy clear calls in a variety of environments. Furthermore, the inclusion of sensors such as the accelerometer and skin-detect sensor provides users with an audio experience tailored to their unique environment and activities.
Personal Recommendation: For individuals who prioritize call quality, the AirPods Pro 2 is undoubtedly a worthy investment. Its performance in diverse scenarios, coupled with improvements over the previous model, places it a cut above many competitors in the market.
FAQs
- How does the call quality of AirPods Pro 2 fare in noisy environments?
In noisy environments, the AirPods Pro 2 excels due to its enhanced active noise cancellation. Even in bustling urban scenarios or windy outdoors, the earbuds manage to filter out most of the disruptive noises, ensuring a clear call experience.
- How does the AirPods Pro 2 call quality compare to its predecessors?
The AirPods Pro 2 offers notable improvements in call quality over its predecessor, particularly in ambient sound management and wind noise reduction. The voice clarity is more consistent, with minimal interference even in challenging environments.
- Are there any common issues users are experiencing with call quality?
While the majority of users have praised the AirPods Pro 2 for its call quality, a small fraction of users have noted occasional hiccups with the earbud’s noise cancellation in extremely windy conditions. However, these instances are few and far between.
- Can software updates improve the call quality of AirPods Pro 2?
Yes, software updates can potentially enhance the call quality. Apple has a history of rolling out updates that fine-tune the performance of its products. By ensuring your AirPods Pro 2 are regularly updated, users can benefit from any tweaks or enhancements Apple introduces down the line.
- How does the battery life during calls compare to other activities?
During calls, the AirPods Pro 2 lasts up to 4.5 hours, which is slightly less than when listening to music or other audio due to the active use of microphones and noise cancellation. However, this is still commendable and on par with many premium earbuds in the market.
