On October 18, and after more than two and a half years of waiting, Apple finally announced the launch of the third generation of AirPods.
Many novelties of the new listeners They were disclosed in advance, but there were a few surprises. On the one hand and contrary to expectations, Apple keeps the second generation AirPods in its catalog and sells them at the same time as the new model. AirPods 3 seem to be, in fact, a happy medium between AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro.
In this comparison, we focus on the two cheapest options in the range of listeners from Apple. Is it worth paying $ 50 / MXN $ 1,200 more for the new AirPods 3, or should you save the money and go for the AirPods 2 of 2019?
Price and where to buy
Here are the current prices (December 2021) for Apple’s AirPod lineup:
- AirPods (2nd gen., 2019): $ 149 / MXN $ 3,299
- AirPods (3rd gen., 2021): $ 199 / MXN $ 4,499
- AirPods Pro: $ 279 / MXN 5,999
- AirPods Max: 629 $ / 13 699 MXN
All these AirPods models are available on the Apple website, but also in stores in line
Design and build
Leaked images of the new AirPods 3 had been circulating for months, so it was no surprise that Apple revealed that its design was closer to that of the AirPods Pro: smaller stems, streamlined shape; even the charging case is more similar to the one that came with the Pro. The only thing that hasn’t reached the standard AirPods are the silicone earplugs.
The AirPods 2, on the other hand, have slightly longer stems, and the headphones are shaped like regular EarPods.
AirPods 3 may become popular with users who find the original AirPods too small or constantly fall out of their ears, but also think AirPods Pro are too expensive.
Battery performance
One of the great advancements of the AirPods 3 is in battery performance. Somehow, Apple has managed to improve battery life in a earphone smaller: AirPods 3 offer a better battery (according to Apple) than AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro!
The new ones listeners they can last up to six hours on a single charge, compared to five hours on the previous model. Additionally, AirPods 3 can last four hours on calls, compared to three for AirPods 2.
A fully charged MagSafe case (included with AirPods 3) will give you, on multiple charges with the case, enough power for 30 hours of music playback, compared to 24 hours for AirPods 2 and its case.
The new AirPods can offer up to 20 hours of talk time on a single charge of the case, compared to just 18 hours offered by AirPods 2, even though they have a larger case.
The MagSafe charging case comes with the AirPods 3.
Apparently, the new AirPods can offer some sort of emergency quick charge like an Apple Pencil or the AirPods Pro – five minutes of charge is enough to have an hour of music playing or an hour of talk time. AirPods 2 need to stay in the case longer, but a 15-minute emergency charge will give you three hours of playtime.
This more powerful battery alone is worth the 1,200 $ / MXN $ of next-gen AirPods.
Audio quality
Battery performance is nice, but really if you’re buying wireless headphones, it’s for music.
The AirPods 3 also outperform its predecessor in the audio department: the new devices are compatible with Apple’s 3D Spatial Audio technology, and the manufacturer has also included new technologies so you can create an adaptive EQ, better bass and better dynamic range. .
It’s no surprise that AirPods 3 sound significantly better than AirPods 2.
Other details
AirPods 3 are now splash and water resistant, with an IPX4 rating. This means that you can use them without any problem while playing sports and in the rain (but not submerged in water).
Thanks to a new sensor, which we oddly didn’t find in the AirPods Pro either, the AirPods 3 can distinguish significantly more gestures on the rod than its predecessor. In addition to the standard double tap, there is also single tap, triple tap and hold.
The third generation also gained another inward-facing pickup, which is likely crucial for its adaptive EQ.
Verdict
For just $ 50 / MXN $ 1,200 more, the AirPods 3 offer many advantages: In addition to a significantly longer battery life, the sound has been improved and Apple’s new mid-range headphones even offer Spatial Audio. The higher price is definitely worth it.
Original article published in Macwelt.
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