The Realme Buds Air7 Pro are an excellent choice in the sub-₹5,500 true wireless stereo (TWS) market, featuring a premium design, strong sound, and advanced features. With an aviation-grade aluminium case, an IP55 rating, and a dual-driver system featuring LHDC 5.0 codec, they deliver impressive audio quality. The 53dB ANC is top-notch, and the long battery life, combined with fast charging, is practical. While there are minor drawbacks, like the lack of wireless charging and some app issues for iOS users, the overall value is substantial. For those seeking high-end features on a budget, the Buds Air7 Pro outperforms competitors like the Oppo Enco Air 3 Pro and OnePlus Buds 3 in terms of design, ANC, and audio quality.
The Good
- Dual drivers with Hi-Res audio
- Luxurious aluminum case
- Strong noise cancellation
- Up to 48 hours with fast charging
The Bad
- No Wireless Charging
- Possible discomfort with max ANC
- App syncing problems for iOS users
-
Build & Design
-
Sound
-
Battery
Realme has consistently offered feature-packed options at budget-friendly prices. The Realme Buds Air 7 Pro, priced at approximately ₹5,499, aims to enhance the mid-range segment with a premium design, advanced noise cancellation, and impressive audio performance. Launched alongside the Realme GT 7 series, these earbuds boast a wide range of features. Is this the best TWS (true wireless stereo) earbuds available? Let’s find out.
Design and Build
The Realme Buds Air7 Pro are distinguished by their premium aesthetic, especially considering their price point. The charging case is made from aviation-grade aluminium, a first in this segment, which gives it a solid and luxurious feel. Weighing approximately 43 grams, the case is compact and easy to carry, featuring a brushed texture. The unit we have is in Metallic Grey, which exudes sophistication. However, it’s worth noting that aluminium can feel cool in air-conditioned environments or warm in hot conditions.
The earbuds feature a stem design with a glossy finish on the inner side and a matte outer surface, striking a balance between style and functionality. They are lightweight, weighing in at 4.5 grams each, ensuring comfort during workouts or commutes. The IP55 rating for dust and water resistance makes them suitable for active lifestyles, handling sweat and light rain with ease. The included silicone ear tips (small, medium, and large) ensure a snug fit, and the earbuds stay secure during runs or gym sessions. The strong magnets in the case hold the earbuds firmly, though larger fingers might find them tricky to remove.
Performance and Sound
The Realme Buds Air7 Pro deliver an impressive audio performance, powered by an 11mm dynamic bass driver and a 6mm micro-planar tweeter with dual DAC capabilities. This setup, combined with Hi-Res Audio certification and LHDC 5.0 codec support, ensures detailed sound across a 20-40KHz frequency range. The default EQ tuning follows a V-shaped profile, highlighting punchy bass and crisp highs. Tracks that feature clear instrument separation highlight the distinct roles of each element, while bass-heavy songs deliver impactful and well-defined low-end frequencies. For balanced audio, the Realme Link app offers EQ presets and a custom equalizer for fine-tuning.
The 53dB ANC is a standout feature, surpassing the 50dB of the Buds Air6 Pro. It effectively blocks ambient noise, such as traffic or office chatter, creating an immersive listening experience. However, at maximum ANC strength, some users may notice slight ear pressure, though it’s a minor trade-off for the isolation provided. Transparency mode works well, allowing environmental awareness without removing the earbuds, and the 45ms low-latency mode ensures seamless audio-video sync for gaming and streaming. Call quality feels upgraded, thanks to a six-mic setup with AI-powered noise reduction, delivering clear voice capture.
Battery life is another strong point, with up to 48 hours of total playback (case and buds) without Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), 26 hours with ANC enabled, and 20 hours with Low-Latency Digital Audio (LHDC) enabled. In real-world tests, the earbuds lasted approximately 6.5 hours per charge with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) enabled at 50% volume. A 10-minute fast charge provides up to 11 hours of playback, making it ideal for users on the go. However, the absence of wireless charging is a drawback compared to some competitors.
App Connectivity
The Realme Link app (available on Android and iOS) is a key component of the Buds Air7 Pro experience, offering extensive customization. Users can adjust ANC levels (Smart, Max, Moderate, Mild), tweak touch controls, and access EQ settings. Features like Golden Sound, which tailor audio to the user’s ear canal, are innovative but may disrupt preferred sound profiles for some users. The app also supports dual-device pairing, allowing seamless switching between devices like a phone and laptop. Bluetooth 5.4 ensures stable connections with minimal dropouts, and Google Fast Pair simplifies setup on compatible devices. However, iOS users may encounter occasional syncing issues, and the lack of volume control via touch gestures is a minor inconvenience. The app’s AI features, such as Live Translator and Face-to-Face Translator, integrate with Realme phones to support 32 languages, adding unique functionality for travellers or multilingual users.