Over All Rating 3/5
Price Starts From ₹ 22,900
PROS 👍
- Battery Life
- Android Compatibility
- Spatial Audio With Head Tracking*
CONS 👎
- No IP Rating
- No Active Noise Cancellation
- Uncomfortable During Extended Usage
After much anticipation, Beats has finally made its official debut in India, bringing three products to Indian shores – the Beats Solo Buds, Beats Solo 4, and Beats Pill. Known globally for its trendy design and celebrity endorsements, Beats is already popular among Indian audiophiles and music lovers. Now, with the Beats Solo 4 Wireless, the wait is over, and fans can finally experience this much-anticipated addition to their on-ear headphone lineup firsthand. So, how does the new Solo 4 stack up?
Here's an in-depth review of Beats Solo 4
Design
The design of the Beats Solo 4 hasn’t strayed far from its predecessor, the Solo 3 Wireless. At first glance, they still carry that sleek, modern look, albeit with a few subtle upgrades. As an Indian commuter, I found the lightweight plastic build (217 grams) to be a blessing during those crowded train rides or long hours at the office.
However, they are still on-ear headphones, meaning after an hour or two, you’ll definitely feel them sitting on your ears. While the cushioned ear pads do a decent job, they’re not on par with the comfort provided by over-ear designs. The headphones fold up neatly, and the included fabric carry case ensures they stay protected, making them a convenient companion for travel.
Features
One of the major highlights of the Solo 4 is its ability to seamlessly switch between iOS and Android. While Apple users benefit from one-touch pairing and features like Music Sharing and hands-free Siri activation, Android users are not left out. The Beats app provides firmware updates and even helps locate your lost headphones.
That said, it’s the Spatial Audio that stands out – though Android users only get stereo sound for now. As someone who enjoys both Bollywood and international content on platforms like Netflix, the Spatial Audio with head tracking on Apple devices adds a sense of immersion that’s hard to beat.
The 50-hour battery life is a significant improvement for most users who may not always have the luxury of carrying a charger, this longevity is impressive. Fast Fuel, Beats’ rapid charging feature, offers 5 hours of playback after just 10 minutes of charge – perfect for those last-minute rushes before heading out the door.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound, the Solo 4 delivers a sharp clarity and bass, but it’s far from audiophile-grade. Bollywood tracks with heavy bass, like those from Yo Yo Honey Singh, pump with energy, and vocals in songs by Arijit Singh sound smooth. Yet, there’s a noticeable lack of natural depth compared to higher-end models.
Beats has historically leaned toward bass-heavy tuning, and while the Solo 4 tones that down, it’s still not the most balanced pair out there. For those of us who enjoy a mix of genres – from classical Indian music to hip-hop and international pop – the Solo 4 handles them decently, though it won’t offer the detail and richness of premium over-ear headphones.
Another point worth mentioning is the lack of noise cancellation, which feels like a miss in today’s crowded market. Active noise cancellation has become a staple feature even in mid-range headphones, and given the noise levels in Indian cities, this would have been a game-changer for the Solo 4.
Connectivity and Battery
The Beats Solo 4 offers a lot of flexibility with both Bluetooth and wired options. You can use the 3.5mm or USB-C cable to connect to your device, which is a rare and welcomed feature. Whether you’re tuning into a podcast on the go or watching a movie on your laptop, the option to switch between wireless and wired modes makes these headphones quite versatile.
Battery life, as mentioned earlier, is one of the Solo 4’s strong points. With up to 50 hours of listening time, you won’t have to worry about frequent charging. Plus, with Fast Fuel, the quick boost for last-minute use is a handy addition. This extended battery life is particularly useful in India, where charging stations aren’t always readily available during long commutes or travels.
Verdict
The Beats Solo 4 certainly comes with its own charm, especially for those who value aesthetics and brand appeal. With their sleek design and improved sound quality, these headphones will undoubtedly turn heads in India’s style-conscious urban environments. However, the lack of active noise cancellation and an emphasis on bass-heavy sound might make them feel dated in a market flooded with more feature-rich alternatives.
While they offer solid performance, the Solo 4 doesn’t necessarily outshine its competition, especially considering the price point. If you’re a die-hard Beats fan or love their celebrity-backed image, the Solo 4 will likely appeal to you. But if you’re after pure audio quality or advanced features like noise cancellation, there are better options available at a similar or lower price.