The TWS segment under Rs 10,000 has become fiercely competitive, with brands packing flagship-grade features into increasingly affordable earbuds. Realme's latest entrant, the Buds Air 8 Pro, aims to raise the bar further by combining dual drivers, dual DACs, 55dB active noise cancellation, LHDC 5.0 support, and improved battery life into a package priced at Rs 6,999. On paper, the Buds Air 8 Pro checks almost every box one could ask for. After spending time with the earbuds across music listening, calls, commuting, and everyday use, here's what the Realme Buds Air 8 Pro brings to the table.
Design and Performance
Realme Buds Air 8 Pro makes a strong first impression with its design. The charging case adopts a premium two-tone finish, with the top lid featuring a reflective mirror finish while the rest of the body uses a matte texture. The combination gives the case a sophisticated look but enough to catch eyes. The same design language extends to the earbuds, which feature a matte finish complemented by mirrored accents on the stems. In a market where most TWS earbuds tend to look alike, the Buds Air 8 Pro manages to stand out with a distinct identity.
The case itself is compact and lightweight enough to slip into a pocket without any hassle. The earbuds are equally lightweight and extremely comfortable to wear. During long listening sessions, they remained comfortable without causing fatigue, and the fit stayed secure throughout. Even during walks and light workouts, the earbuds stayed firmly in place and never required constant readjustment. The IP55 rating further adds peace of mind against sweat and light rain.
Talking about the audio performance, the combination of an 11mm woofer and a 6mm micro-planar tweeter delivers a lively and engaging sound signature. Bass is punchy without becoming overpowering, vocals remain clear, and the highs have enough sparkle to bring out finer details in tracks.
Listening to Bollywood songs such as Kesariya, Sajni, Tum Kya Mile, and Chaleya, the Buds Air 8 Pro handled vocals particularly well, allowing singers' voices to come through with clarity and warmth. Tracks with heavier bass, such as Sher Khul Gaye and Jhoome Jo Pathaan, benefited from the earbuds' energetic low-end response, while the treble remained controlled enough to avoid sounding harsh. The overall tuning leans towards a V-shaped sound profile, making modern Bollywood, pop, and EDM tracks enjoyable and engaging.
Support for the LHDC 5.0 codec further enhances the listening experience on compatible devices. Audio feels more detailed and spacious, while the dual DAC setup helps maintain good separation between instruments. The companion app also offers extensive customization through multiple EQ presets, custom tuning options, Golden Sound personalization, and Dynamic Audio enhancements.
Active Noise Cancellation and Battery Life
Rated at up to 55dB, the ANC does an impressive job of reducing everyday distractions, including traffic noise, air-conditioner hum, and office chatter. While it may not completely match flagship earbuds costing significantly more, it performs exceptionally well for its price segment. Transparency mode is equally useful and allows ambient sounds to come through naturally when needed.
Battery life is dependable as well. The earbuds comfortably last through a workday with mixed usage, while the charging case extends total endurance considerably.
Verdict
Realme Buds Air 8 Pro's combination of strong audio performance, effective 55dB ANC, excellent call quality, reliable battery life, and versatile connectivity makes it one of the most complete TWS packages available under Rs 7,000. The glossy design may divide opinions, especially because it tends to attract fingerprints and minor scratches. Having said that, it is a relatively small compromise considering everything else the earbuds offer.
At Rs 6,999, Realme Buds Air 8 Pro strikes an excellent balance between features, performance, and value. For anyone looking for a premium TWS experience without stretching into flagship territory, these earbuds deserve a place near the top of the shortlist.
About the Author: TOI Tech Desk
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