Google has stepped up its audio game with the launch of the Pixel Buds 2a, aiming to deliver a straightforward and capable pair of wireless earbuds for daily use. Priced at Rs 12,999, these second-generation A-series buds bring upgrades like active noise cancellation (ANC) and spatial audio to an affordable package. After using them extensively for over two weeks, it's evident that Google's focus is on nailing the essentials: comfort, reliable connectivity, and clear call quality, while sprinkling in just enough smart features to stand out in India's competitive market.
Design & Comfort: Lightweight and Practical
The unboxing experience reveals a familiar yet refined design. The pebble-shaped case now weighs a lighter 47.6 grams (without earbuds), shedding some bulk from its predecessor. It sports a minimalistic, matte finish that feels premium. Available in Hazel and Iris colour options, our review unit was the latter, featuring a clean two-tone design with a distinctive lilac band around the lid for easy visibility.
The earbuds themselves are impressively light at 4.7 grams each, with extremely rounded edges for a secure fit. They proved exceptionally comfortable during long listening sessions, a boon for users with shorter ear canals. A key design highlight is the inclusion of a spatial vent, which significantly reduces the pressure build-up often associated with ANC, eliminating that uncomfortable "underwater" feeling. The trade-off is a slight allowance for ambient sound, but it's a worthwhile compromise for enhanced comfort.
Touch controls on a circular pad at the rear of each bud handle playback, noise mode toggling, and activating Google's Gemini assistant. The IP54 rating ensures resilience against sweat, dust, and light rain, which we confirmed during a morning run. However, the design isn't without flaws: the absence of wireless charging and on-bud volume controls (requiring you to use your phone) are notable omissions at this price point.
Performance & Sound: Clarity Over Thumping Bass
Pairing is instantaneous on Android devices thanks to Google's Fast Pair technology. The software integration is a strong suit, with features like hands-free Gemini access working reliably for setting reminders or controlling music. The earbuds conveniently appear directly in Android's Bluetooth settings.
Sound quality is where the Pixel Buds 2a pleasantly surprises. The tuning prioritises clarity and a balanced soundstage over overwhelming bass. Vocals are clean, and instruments have room to breathe. Testing with popular Bollywood tracks like "Kesariya" and "Agar Tum Saath Ho" revealed warm vocals and a pleasing mid-range. While bass-heavy numbers such as "Malang" or "Ghungroo" don't hit as hard as on some JBL or Sony models, the overall presentation remains tidy and controlled.
The ANC performance is solid for the price, effectively muffling constant low-frequency noises like air conditioners or fans at home. Outdoors, it takes the edge off traffic and chatter but doesn't completely silence them. Call quality is a strong point, with voices coming through clearly even in moderately noisy environments. Video playback is smooth with minimal lag, though fast-paced gaming exhibits the slight delay common to most wireless buds.
Battery Life & Verdict: A Dependable Daily Driver
Battery life is adequate for daily needs. With ANC activated, we got between 5.5 to 6 hours on a single charge. Turning ANC off extended that to nearly 8 hours. The charging case provides a total backup of approximately 20 to 24 hours before needing a USB-C recharge.
The Google Pixel Buds 2a carve a niche for users who value a fuss-free, comfortable experience above flashy extras. They don't boast the deepest bass or the most aggressive noise cancellation. Limitations like Pixel-only spatial audio, no wireless charging, and the lack of swipe volume controls are real. Yet, for Rs 12,999, they excel in core areas: they are supremely comfortable, sound clear, handle calls well, and integrate seamlessly with the Android ecosystem. If you seek reliable, everyday earbuds that sound good and disappear in your ears, Google's latest offering is a compelling and pleasant companion.
About the Author: Neha Saini is a tech journalist with a background in English and Journalism.
