Xiaomi Xiaomi has introduced new wireless earbuds — the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro. These are different models, not to be confused with the Redmi Buds 5 Pro and the new Redmi Buds 6 Pro, which cost about $60 compared to the $220 Xiaomi. Redmi is a more budget-friendly sub-brand, whereas Xiaomi is the more expensive flagship brand. That is how the logic goes.
Compared to the previous Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, the main differences are 3 audio drivers instead of one, support for the Qualcomm aptX Lossless codec offering a bitrate of up to 2.1 Mbps, a voice recorder feature, and simultaneous translation. Harman’s “Golden Ear” expert team collaborated on the sound tuning. You can also get a separate Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro Wi-Fi wireless earbuds version supporting XPAN technology alongside a bitrate up to 4.2 Mbps.
A dual power amplifier and three drivers handle the sound for the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro in-ear earbuds. Additionally, two independent amplifiers control the lows and highs to minimize distortion. The acoustic setup includes an 11 mm dual-magnet dynamic driver carried over from the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, alongside a ceramic tweeter and a planar driver. These Bluetooth earbuds cover a frequency range of 15 Hz — 50 kHz.
The earbuds support only 3 codecs: SBC, AAC, and aptX Lossless with a bitrate up to 1.2 Mbps. The prior generation featured 4 codecs: SBC, AAC, LHDC 4.0, and LDAC. Qualcomm XPAN technology is supported additionally on the Wi-Fi version of the earbuds with a bitrate up to 4.2 Mbps. At the same time, you cannot simply grab them and listen to music in 24-bit / 96 kHz quality. When this news was published, you could only select the maximum bitrate on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra phone. The Xiaomi 15 Pro, Xiaomi 15, Xiaomi MIX Flip, and Xiaomi MIX Fold 4 phones support a bitrate up to 2.1 Mbps. Owners of the REDMI K80 Pro, REDMI K80, Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro, Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Xiaomi 14 Pro, Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70 Pro, and Redmi K70 only get support for a bitrate up to 1.2 Mbps. The manufacturer promises to expand the supported models list later without giving specific dates. Important! Several features stop working if you stream audio over Wi-Fi, including spatial audio, dual-device connection, and firmware updates.
Overall, the Wi-Fi audio transmission technology looks intriguing, but it remains unclear how viable this concept actually is and whether it makes sense. We will find out.
The voice recorder function lets you record phone calls, audio playing from your device, and ambient sound. You do not even have to take the earbuds out of the charging case to record. The maximum recording length is 4 hours. Face-to-face translation (for live conversations with someone nearby) and simultaneous translation are supported with an accuracy of ≥98.7%. The translator operates exclusively on devices running the Xiaomi HyperOS interface.
Each earbud packs 3 microphones for calls, noise cancellation handling sounds up to 100 dB, and wind reduction. Adaptive noise cancellation depth has grown from 53 to 55 dB, with bandwidth expanding up to 5 kHz. You can fine-tune the adaptive noise cancellation via the Xiaomi Earbuds app for Android and iOS. The app also lets you map controls, turn on spatial audio, and more. Helpful sound options include effect adjustments, an adjustable EQ featuring preset profiles, and more. You can also experience the collaboration with the Harman Golden Ear experts through two signature EQ presets.
The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro earbuds offer 8 hours of battery life at medium volume, reaching 40 hours total with the charging case, while a 10-minute stint in the charging case yields 4.5 hours of playback. The Wi-Fi model lasts 10 hours and 40 hours with the charging case, where a 10-minute charge in the charging case provides 4 hours of playback. Bluetooth support moves from version 5.3 up to 5.4. The manufacturer claims gaming audio latency drops as low as 50 ms. Each earbud weighs 5.6 g, and the total weight with the charging case is 53 g. You can buy the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro earbuds in gray and white, whereas the Wi-Fi version comes strictly in black featuring a transparent lid.
What would you be interested in comparing this model with? Write in the comments.
