Airpods Pro 4, the pros and cons?

Apple’s AirPods Pro 4 have introduced several new features and improvements over their predecessors, but are they worth the upgrade? Let’s dive into the pros and cons of the latest generation.

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By Evan GanSep 17, 20240 comments

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AirPods Pro 4: The Pros and Cons

Apple’s AirPods Pro 4 have introduced several new features and improvements over their predecessors, but are they worth the upgrade? Let’s dive into the pros and cons of the latest generation.

Pros of AirPods Pro 4

1. Advanced Noise Cancellation

One of the most notable highlights of the AirPods Pro 4 is its improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). With enhanced algorithms and extra microphones, these earbuds can block out more ambient noise, making them perfect for noisy environments like airports or busy streets.

2. Adaptive Transparency Mode

The new Adaptive Transparency Mode allows you to stay aware of your surroundings while still enjoying your music or podcasts. It intelligently adjusts the level of external noise that passes through, making public conversations or announcements easy to hear without taking off the AirPods.

3. Enhanced Sound Quality

Thanks to new drivers and spatial audio technology, the sound quality on the AirPods Pro 4 is better than ever. You'll experience a deeper bass, more defined mids, and enhanced high frequencies, offering an immersive audio experience, particularly when using spatial audio content.

4. Extended Battery Life

The AirPods Pro 4 now boast an upgraded battery, providing up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge with ANC enabled—a 33% increase from the previous generation. The charging case adds an extra 24 hours, making it perfect for those who need long-lasting performance.

5. Improved Fit and Comfort

Apple has tweaked the design slightly for a more secure fit. They also include extra ear-tip sizes, ensuring the AirPods Pro 4 are more comfortable for a wider range of users.

Cons of AirPods Pro 4

1. Higher Price Tag

With great features come higher costs. The AirPods Pro 4 are priced at a premium, and for budget-conscious users, this can be a deal-breaker. Those happy with their older AirPods may not feel the need to upgrade given the higher price point.

2. Limited Customization

While the AirPods Pro 4 offer some level of control through quick gestures and Siri integration, the lack of physical customization and limited touch controls may not satisfy power users looking for more granular control over their device's functionality.

3. No Significant Design Overhaul

Visually, the AirPods Pro 4 look quite similar to previous models. Users who care about aesthetics or are waiting for something groundbreaking in terms of design may be disappointed. Apple is known for sticking to its tried-and-true approach, which is durable, but at this stage, some may crave more innovation here.

4. Dependency on iOS

While AirPods Pro 4 work with non-Apple devices like Android phones or laptops, many of the advanced features—such as spatial audio and optimized touch controls—are heavily restricted to the Apple ecosystem. If you're a non-iPhone user, certain features will be limited, making it harder to justify the investment.

Final Thoughts: Are the AirPods Pro 4 Worth It?

The AirPods Pro 4 deliver significant upgrades in sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, and battery life, but they come at a higher cost and don’t offer drastic design changes. If you’re already within the Apple ecosystem and value top-tier audio performance or use your earbuds daily in noisy environments, the AirPods Pro 4 could be a worthwhile investment.

If, however, you’re satisfied with your current AirPods or are hesitant about the price tag, the upgrades may feel marginal, making it harder to justify an immediate upgrade.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade to the AirPods Pro 4 or sell your existing gadgets to fund the jump, you can buy or sell your used gadgets at Manmade Cycle—a trusted marketplace for used tech gear.

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