So, you’re on the hunt for new wireless earbuds and wondering if the HMD Amped Buds are worth your hard-earned cash. If you’re tired of your phone dying mid-day or your earbuds running out of juice at the worst possible moment, then these might just be the game-changer you’ve been looking for. HMD, the folks behind some interesting mobile innovations, has tossed their hat into the crowded true wireless earbuds ring with the Amped Buds, and they’re bringing a pretty unique trick to the party: a charging case that doubles as a portable power bank for your phone. Imagine that – your earbuds not only keeping your tunes going but also giving your phone a much-needed boost! It’s a bold move, and honestly, it makes these stand out from a sea of standard wireless earbuds that mostly just do the basics. This review is going to dig into everything you need to know, from how they sound and feel to whether that power bank feature is genuinely useful or just a gimmick.
Design and Comfort: A Fresh Look with a Twist
When you first unbox the HMD Amped Buds, you’ll probably notice they don’t look like every other pair of earbuds out there. HMD went for a rather distinctive hinge design on the earbuds themselves, moving away from the more common AirPods-style stems. This isn’t just for show. the hinge allows for some adjustment, aiming to give you a more secure and comfortable fit in your ear. I’ve heard some folks say this design really helps them get a snug fit, while others, especially those who prefer super lightweight earbuds, might need a bit of time to get used to it. It’s always a good idea to try them out if you can, especially if comfort for long listening sessions is a big deal for you.
The earbuds come with silicone ear tips, which are crucial for both comfort and getting a good seal for optimal sound and noise cancellation. You’ll usually get a few sizes in the box, so make sure to play around with them to find your perfect match. Sometimes, just switching to a wider tip can make all the difference in how they feel and sound.
Now, let’s talk about that charging case. Unlike the sleek, often rounded cases we’re used to seeing, the Amped Buds case is a bit of a rectangular slab. It’s noticeably larger than most earbud cases, more akin to a mini portable power bank or even a deck of cards. But, hey, there’s a good reason for that extra bulk! It houses a much bigger battery, which we’ll get to in a moment. Despite its size, HMD says it’s still quite slim at 14mm thick and weighs around 80g, making it pocket-friendly, though perhaps not “invisible-in-your-pocket” friendly.
Durability is another key point. The earbuds themselves boast an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance, meaning they’re ready for your workouts, a bit of rain, or dusty commutes. The case also gets an IPX4 rating, so it can handle splashes too. That’s pretty solid for everyday use and makes them a reliable companion for active lifestyles. Fujifilm Fujinon Techno-Stabi TS-L 16×40: A Real-World Review
The HMD Amped Buds are available in Black, Cyan, and Pink, giving you a few options to match your style. The case color even extends to the buds, which is a nice touch. If you’re someone who appreciates both unique design and practical durability in your tech, these earbuds definitely offer something different in the ergonomic earbuds space.
The Revolutionary Charging Case & Epic Battery Life
Let’s get to the star of the show: the charging case. This isn’t just any earbud case. it’s a 1600mAh battery powerhouse that doubles as a reverse wireless charging station. Yes, you read that right – it can actually charge your phone! HMD proudly claims it’s the world’s first wireless earbuds with a charging case that wirelessly powers up compatible smartphones.
This feature is a godsend for those moments when your phone is running low, and you’re nowhere near an outlet. You can simply pop the case on the back of a compatible smartphone like the HMD Skyline series or even certain Apple iPhone models that support wireless or MagSafe charging, and it’ll give it a juice boost. It can wirelessly charge an iPhone 16 Pro by up to 20% or provide 24% charge via a wired connection using its USB-C port. While 1600mAh isn’t going to fully charge a modern smartphone with a 5000mAh battery, it’s enough to get you through an emergency, making the difference between being stranded or connected. It’s a fantastic backup to have, especially if you’re out and about a lot and carry a Qi2 wireless charger for other devices.
And speaking of battery, the overall endurance here is insane. The HMD Amped Buds boast an incredible total playback time of up to 95 hours when used with the charging case. That’s nearly four full days of continuous listening! This monster battery life means you can pretty much forget about charging for a while, whether you’re commuting, working, or on a long trip. Bang & Olufsen Beosound 2 Gradient Collection Review: Is This Limited Edition Speaker Worth the Hype?
Let’s break down the numbers:
- Earbuds alone ANC off: You’re looking at around 8.1 hours per charge.
- Earbuds alone ANC on: This drops to a still-respectable 4.9 hours.
- Total with case ANC off: Up to 95 hours.
- Total with case ANC on: Still an impressive 58 hours.
The case itself can be charged via USB-C or wirelessly, adding to its versatility. This kind of battery performance and the added power bank functionality truly make the HMD Amped Buds a standout option if battery anxiety is a constant struggle for you. Finding long-lasting wireless earbuds with this kind of dual functionality is pretty rare.
Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation: Immersive Audio on the Go
When it comes to how these buds sound, HMD has clearly put some thought into it. The Amped Buds are equipped with 10mm precision-tuned drivers. These drivers are designed to deliver a well-balanced audio experience with deep, powerful bass and clear, crisp treble. If you like your podcast to have a bit of punch and clarity, these buds aim to deliver that.
A big win for audio enthusiasts is the Snapdragon Sound support. This technology generally enhances clarity, bass, and overall listening quality, providing high-resolution, lossless audio. It’s a nice touch that often means a more premium sound experience, especially if your device also supports Snapdragon Sound. Plus, you’re not stuck with just the factory tuning. the companion app offers a customizable equalizer EQ, letting you tweak sound profiles to your liking. So, whether you prefer more bass for your hip-hop or a flatter profile for podcasts, you can adjust it to match your preferences.
Now, let’s talk about silencing the world around you. The HMD Amped Buds come with Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation ANC and Environmental Noise Cancellation ENC. Hybrid ANC combines traditional ANC with ambient noise cancellation to provide an immersive audio experience, aiming to block out distractions in noisy environments like a busy cafe or a train commute. ENC, on the other hand, is all about making your calls crystal clear by reducing background noise for the person on the other end. Onyx Boox Palma 2 Review: The Pocket E-Reader That Thinks It’s a Smartphone?
To achieve this, each earbud features a triple microphone setup, meaning there are six microphones in total across both buds. These work together to isolate your voice during calls and effectively reduce ambient noise, ensuring that your conversations are clear even in bustling surroundings. For anyone who takes a lot of calls on the go, this is a huge plus. The combination of strong sound drivers and effective noise cancellation makes the Amped Buds a serious contender in the noise cancelling earbuds market.
Connectivity and Smart Features: Staying Connected and In Control
connected world, how easily your earbuds pair and switch between devices is super important. The HMD Amped Buds come with Bluetooth 5.4, which means you get a stable and efficient connection to your devices. This newer Bluetooth standard usually translates to better range, stronger connections, and improved power efficiency.
For Android users, there’s even more convenience with Google Fast Pair. This feature allows for super quick and seamless pairing with Android devices – just open the case near your phone, and a pop-up appears, ready to connect. No more fiddling through Bluetooth settings!
Another fantastic feature for anyone juggling multiple devices is multipoint support. This lets you pair the Amped Buds with up to two devices simultaneously, like your phone and your laptop, and seamlessly switch between them. Imagine watching a video on your tablet and then instantly taking a call on your phone without having to manually reconnect. It’s a real time-saver and a convenience you’ll quickly appreciate in Bluetooth 5.4 earbuds.
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Gamers and video bingers will be happy to hear about the low latency mode. This mode is specifically optimized to reduce audio delay, ensuring that what you see on screen perfectly matches what you hear. Many true wireless earbuds struggle with this, so HMD’s focus here is a welcome addition, making them a solid choice for mobile gaming or watching movies.
You’ll also find touch controls on the earbuds, allowing you to manage playback, calls, and even activate your virtual assistant like Google Gemini with simple taps. And if you ever misplace your buds, Android users can breathe a sigh of relief, as the Amped Buds support Google’s Find My Device feature, making it easier to locate them. All these smart features really round out the user experience, making the Amped Buds more than just audio devices but truly integrated tech companions.
Price and Value: Are They Worth the Investment?
The HMD Amped Buds entered the market with a price tag of around €199 / £179, which translates to approximately $207 USD. This places them squarely in the mid-to-high range for true wireless earbuds, putting them in contention with some established players. However, when you consider their unique selling propositions, the value proposition becomes much clearer.
What you’re really paying for here isn’t just a pair of good-sounding earbuds with active noise cancellation. You’re investing in the unprecedented 95-hour total battery life and, more significantly, the revolutionary charging case that doubles as a Qi2 wireless power bank. No other earbuds currently offer this level of integrated portable power for your smartphone, making them a genuinely unique proposition. Pixelmug P1 AI Enhanced Mug with Pixel Display Review: Your Desk Just Got a Whole Lot More Interesting
So, who are these for?
- The Power User: If you’re constantly on the go, frequently find your phone’s battery dwindling, and hate carrying extra power banks, these are practically tailor-made for you.
- The Commuter/Traveler: The long battery life and effective ANC make them perfect companions for long commutes, flights, or road trips where charging opportunities might be scarce.
- The Tech Enthusiast: If you appreciate innovative features and want an earbud experience that pushes boundaries beyond just audio, the Amped Buds offer something genuinely new.
- The Multi-Device User: With Bluetooth 5.4, Google Fast Pair, and multipoint connectivity, switching between your phone and laptop is a breeze.
While the price might seem a bit steep compared to some basic budget wireless earbuds, the added utility of the charging case, combined with solid sound, excellent battery life, and effective noise cancellation, presents a compelling package. You’re getting a 2-in-1 device that solves real-world battery anxiety, which for many, will easily justify the cost. They are available in Black, Cyan, and Pink, so you can pick one that fits your vibe.
Pros and Cons
Let’s quickly sum up the highs and lows of the HMD Amped Buds:
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- Revolutionary Charging Case: Doubles as a 1600mAh Qi2 wireless power bank for your smartphone.
- Exceptional Battery Life: Up to 95 hours total with the case 58 hours with ANC.
- Solid Sound Quality: 10mm drivers with Snapdragon Sound and customizable EQ via app deliver balanced, clear audio with good bass.
- Effective Noise Cancellation: Hybrid ANC and ENC 6 microphones total for immersive listening and clear calls.
- Advanced Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4, Google Fast Pair, and multipoint support for seamless device switching.
- Durable Design: IP54 earbuds and IPX4 case ratings for dust and splash resistance.
- Low Latency Mode: Great for gaming and video streaming.
Cons:
- Larger Case Size: The power bank functionality makes the case bulkier than most traditional earbud cases.
- Comfort for Some: The unique hinge design might require some getting used to, and might not be ideal for all ear shapes during extended wear.
- Premium Price Point: At around €199, they’re not the cheapest option on the market, though the features might justify it for many.
- Phone Charging Capacity: While useful in a pinch, 1600mAh isn’t enough for a full charge of most modern smartphones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the HMD Amped Buds unique compared to other wireless earbuds?
The standout feature of the HMD Amped Buds is their charging case, which functions as a 1600mAh Qi2 wireless power bank capable of providing an emergency charge to compatible smartphones. This is a unique innovation not commonly found in other true wireless earbuds.
What is the total battery life of the HMD Amped Buds?
The HMD Amped Buds offer an impressive total playback time of up to 95 hours when used with the charging case and ANC turned off. With Active Noise Cancellation ANC enabled, the total battery life with the case is still a very respectable 58 hours.
Do the HMD Amped Buds have Active Noise Cancellation ANC?
Yes, the HMD Amped Buds feature Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation ANC and Environmental Noise Cancellation ENC. These technologies work together with a triple microphone setup on each bud six mics total to reduce background noise for immersive listening and clearer calls.
Can the HMD Amped Buds charge any smartphone?
The HMD Amped Buds’ case can wirelessly charge Qi2-compatible devices, including the HMD Skyline series and certain Apple iPhone models that support wireless or MagSafe charging. It also has a USB-C port for wired charging, though the 1600mAh capacity is primarily for emergency power boosts, not full charges of most modern phones. Unboxing the Beast: First Impressions
Are the HMD Amped Buds suitable for workouts?
Yes, the HMD Amped Buds are well-suited for workouts and outdoor activities. The earbuds have an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance, while the charging case has an IPX4 rating, meaning they can handle sweat and light rain.
What is Snapdragon Sound, and why is it important for these earbuds?
Snapdragon Sound is an audio technology that enhances sound quality, clarity, and bass, providing high-resolution and lossless audio. Its inclusion in the HMD Amped Buds generally means a more premium and detailed listening experience, especially when paired with a device that also supports Snapdragon Sound.
How much do the HMD Amped Buds cost, and what colors are available?
The HMD Amped Buds are priced around €199 / £179 / ~$207 USD. They are available in three color options: Black, Cyan, and Pink.
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