Huawei marks a new step in its range of wireless headphones. The Freearc Huawei, the latest gadgets sold by the Chinese brand, were subjected to our hands of experts. Here is what we thought about it.
Huawei signs his comeback on the open headphones market. After its freeclip, appreciated by criticism, the Chinese firm returns in force with a whole new range, the Freearc.
Available for € 119.99, Huawei’s latest gadgets combine accessibility, innovation and performance. A triad of assets that we really liked, despite some faults which will probably not suit all audiences.
|
|
An original design that proves itself
On the design side, it is clear that the Freearc are flawless. Huawei shows through his product his concern for detail and the importance which was given to the comfort of users. With its C-Bridge design, which we already found on the freeclip, the Freearc headphones allow you to curl up around our ear and exercise a pleasant distribution of the weight.
Even worn several hours in a row, freearc do not cause any ear pain, due to their lightness (8.9g) and their silicone coating. Thanks to the presence of a nickel-titane alloy rod, these manage to adapt to the shape of your ear without relaxing over the years. These advantages make Huawei’s accessories end up being almost imperceptible: a good point that we greatly appreciated during our test.
However, it should be noted that the C-Bridge shape will sometimes be disturbing for glasses. Because Freearc go around the ear, they can conflict with the branches of your mount, even if it is in no case a major defect.
It is important to note that freearc has IP57 certification, meaning that the headphones are protected from dust and that it can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. If Huawei’s devices can face the rain, we advise you not to wear them during your swimming session.
A correct sound quality
If design and comfort seem to be the key words of the Freearc, Huawei also did not skimp on audio quality. With the integration of a large 17 x 12 mm transducer as well as a symmetrical acoustic structure, the sound of Huawei devices is pleasant. We deplore the quality of the bass and mediums, often failing in open headphones, including those of the Chinese brand. Freearcs are however impeccable regarding the treble. Overall, the sound is largely correct.
It is also important to note that, despite the fact that they are open, the Freearc do not let the sound escape, preventing people next to you from hearing what your ears are going through.
Freearc are not in-ear headphones and do not give the possibility of taking advantage of active noise reduction. A real handicap when you are in the street or on the train, because you will not be able to isolate the exterior noises and listen to your music in peace.
A solid balance
If the absence of this functionality among freearcs will repudiate more than one, Huawei does not hide that its product is mainly intended for sports sessions. THE wireless are not intended to be used in town or in public transport, but rather during bodybuilding or yoga sessions. Huawei devices were effective during our sports hours, capable of staying solidly fixed in the ear despite jumps, squats, pumps or jogging. The Chinese brand succeeds in its bet and is perfectly suited to beginners and experienced athletes.
Thus, it is certain that freearces are not intended for any type of audience, since Huawei particularly targets sportsmen. If you are looking for silence and tranquility, it is not towards this model that you will have to turn.
Controls and applications
Despite the somewhat original design of the Freearc, hand controls were not put aside. As with many other wireless headphones, it is possible to give orders from the body of headphones. The actions are basic and instinctive: to tap twice to pause/restart music or win/hang up a call, type three times for the next track, stay supported to reject a call …
Finally, freearcs give the possibility of increasing or decreasing the sound, all while swilating from bottom to top or from top to bottom. Note that all these manipulations are not necessarily simple, since the headphones move when we put their finger on it. If the devices remain fixed during sports sessions, handle them with our hands makes the balance a little more precarious.
Microphone
Freearc are particularly appreciable with regard to their microphones. Two, these were very convincing during our calls. Huawei did not fail to emphasize that the microphones of his headphones had a triple noise reduction, thus eliminating all the sounds around. The discussions are therefore fluid and audible, even when you walk around the street or in a shopping center.
Perfect autonomy
Again, Huawei strikes hard with regard to autonomy. Freearc has a particularly appreciable battery of 55 mAh (510 mAh for the load case) allowing to keep 7 hours in a row without problem. Thanks to the case, which recharges the headphones, the Huawei gadget has autonomy reaching approximately 28 hours. Only 10 minutes of charging can allow you to earn 3 hours of autonomy.
The freearc case has a USB-C port. This is only rechargeable, the cable not being supplied by Huawei.
Conclusion
Thanks to its intelligently thought out design and its pleasant audio quality, Huawei freearc present themselves as effective and original wireless headphones. We really enjoyed carrying these little gadgets, which combine lightness and quality.
However, it remains certain that freearc will not suit any type of audience, being ostensibly intended for confirmed athletes or Sunday runners. Real assets during sports sessions, these new Huawei gadgets are a success. This is why we recommend them highly.