Realme Buds Air 7. Priced aggressively at just ₹2,799, Realme is pitching these earbuds as the best true wireless stereo (TWS) under ₹3,000. But do they really live up to the hype?
I’ve been using the Realme Buds Air 7 extensively for the past 10 days, testing everything from sound quality and design to battery life and comfort. performance to help you decide if they’re truly worth your money.
If you’re unsure about buying these Neckband vs TWS Earbuds, this detailed review will clarify your doubts. We’ll also compare them with some of their top competitors, so stick around until the end.
Realme Buds Air 7: An Overview
Realme has consistently delivered impressive TWS earbuds with great features, and the Realme Buds Air 7 continues that trend. With an affordable price point, they aim to cater to the budget-conscious consumer without compromising on quality. The Buds Air 7 boasts several key features, including active noise cancellation (ANC), a long-lasting battery life, and a sleek, ergonomic design. But how do these features stack up in practice? Let’s find out.
Unboxing And First Impressions: What’s in the Box?
Let’s kick things off with the unboxing experience. The Realme Buds Air 7 comes in a sleek, well-designed box that immediately adds to the excitement. The packaging proudly highlights key features like Hi-Res Audio certification and LHDC codec support, which we’ll explore in detail shortly.
Inside the box, here’s what you’ll find:
- A premium-feeling charging case
- Earbuds with extra silicone ear tips for a secure and comfortable in-ear fit
- Basic documentation and manuals
Surprisingly, no charging cable is included. While this might be a downside for some, it’s not a significant issue for most users, especially since many of us already use our smartphone’s charging cable. I haven’t found those short-included cables helpful anyway.
Should Realme have included a charging cable, or is it fine without one? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Design Aur Build: Stylish or Scratch Magnet?
Now, let’s discuss the earbuds’ design. I’ve been using the Moss Green variant, which features a transparent lid on the charging case, giving it a distinct and eye-catching vibe. If you like techy aesthetics with a modern twist, this design definitely stands out.
There’s also another color option: Ivory Gold. This variant skips the transparent lid in favor of a more classic, premium look. While I appreciate the transparent style for its uniqueness, those who prefer a more sleek and minimalist appearance might find Ivory Gold the better pick.
The Realme Buds Air 7 earbuds are impressively lightweight and sleek, with a stylish design that blends a matte outer finish and a glossy in-ear section. This contrast not only looks good but also feels premium in hand.
One thing that really stood out to me is the magnetic lock mechanism in the charging case. It’s powerful no matter how hard you shake it, the buds won’t fall out. In fact, I once tried pulling them out quickly, and they snapped right back in — that’s how powerful the magnets are!
When it comes to comfort, these earbuds feature a secure in-ear design that fits my ears snugly. I even did a little shake test, and they stayed put without any issues. Whether you’re on a call, working out, or just wearing them for hours, the fit remains comfortable and stable throughout.
Sound Quality: Such Amazing Sound for ₹3000?
Now, let’s get to the most important part: sound quality. The Realme Buds Air 7 comes equipped with 12.4mm Dynamic Bass Boost Drivers and support for the LHDC 5.0 codec, a big win for anyone who appreciates high-resolution audio.
After using these earbuds for 10 days, I can confidently say they sound impressive for the price point.
Sound Breakdown:
Bass: If you’re a bass lover, these won’t disappoint. The bass is punchy, deep, and energetic, which is perfect for genres like EDM, hip-hop, and Bollywood hits.
Mids & Highs: Unlike many budget earbuds where bass overshadows vocals, the Realme Buds Air 7 maintains a good balance. Vocals are clear, and instruments like guitars and pianos sound crisp and detailed.
Overall Sound Signature: Expect a warm, rich, and well-rounded audio profile. Dialogues in movies are clear and immersive, and bass effects in gaming are genuinely felt.
With the Realme Link app, you can fine-tune the EQ settings to your liking. There’s even a “Heavy Bass” preset for those who want an extra thump. As for loudness, the volume output is already high enough that I never felt the need to enable the volume enhancer.
How It Stacks Up Against the Competition:
Compared to competitors like the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro, which feature Harman-tuned audio, the Realme Buds Air 7 lean slightly more toward the bass-heavy side. But despite that, they don’t compromise on mids or treble clarity. In the under ₹3,000 price range, this level of sound performance is truly among the best, no exaggeration.
Features: ANC, Gaming Mode, and Much More
The Realme Buds Air 7 isn’t just about audio. They’re loaded with features that are rarely seen at this price point. Here’s a quick rundown of what you get:
Key Features at a Glance
52dB Active Noise Cancellation (ANC):
At this price, getting such a powerful ANC is impressive. It effectively blocks out constant sounds like fan or AC hums, and while louder noises like honks or background chatter still slip through faintly, it’s highly effective for everyday use.
Transparency Mode:
This mode works naturally when you switch it on, ambient sounds come through clearly, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings without removing the earbuds.
Gaming Mode (45ms Low Latency):
With 45ms ultra-low latency, casual gaming feels smooth and responsive. During my BGMI sessions, the audio sync was spot-on. While it’s perfect for casual gamers, competitive players may still prefer wired options for the lowest latency.
Responsive Touch Controls:
Tap gestures like double-tap, triple-tap, and press & hold are fully customizable via the Realme Link app. Touch response is quick, accurate, and hassle-free.
In-Ear Detection:
This innovative feature automatically pauses music when you remove an earbud and resumes playback when you pop it back in, and it works flawlessly.
Dual Device Pairing:
You can connect to two devices simultaneously, like your phone and laptop. While switching between them can sometimes lag, it’s likely fixable with a firmware update.
Bluetooth 5.4 Connectivity:
Comes with the latest Bluetooth 5.4 for stable and power-efficient connections. It also supports Google Fast Pair and Windows Swift Pair, making setup a breeze.
All of these features are easily manageable through the Realme Link app, from toggling ANC levels to adjusting EQ settings and enabling gaming mode. What’s even better? These features, which were highlighted at the launch event, actually deliver in real-world usage.
Call Quality:
The Realme Buds Air 7 are equipped with six microphones three on each earbud and come with ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) to enhance call clarity.
- I tested the call performance in different scenarios, and here’s how they performed:
- Outdoor Calls: On busy roads, while some background sounds like horns were slightly audible, my voice stayed clear and understandable to the person on the other end. That’s impressive for this price.
- Indoor Calls: The microphone performance was even better indoors. Friends I spoke to mentioned that my voice sounded crisp, natural, and noise-free, even during longer calls.
For under ₹3,000, this level of microphone clarity and noise control is definitely above average, making these earbuds a solid pick for calling on the go.
Competitors Se Comparison: Is This the Best?
Under ₹3,000 price segment, there are quite a few alternatives, like the Redmi Buds 6 and OnePlus Buds 3 Pro. However, the Realme Buds Air 7 holds its own impressively especially when it comes to sound quality, ANC performance, and battery life.
If you’re looking for AI-powered features, the Honor Earbuds Open might catch your eye, but they come with a higher price tag.
At a launch price of just ₹2,799, the Realme Buds Air 7 delivers exceptional value for money. It strikes a strong balance between premium features and affordability, making it one of the most compelling TWS options in this budget range.
Comfortability, fit, and touch controls.
The Realme Buds Air 7 are compact and lightweight, fitting snugly in the ears without sticking out too much. Even after long sessions, two to three hours of continuous use, they remained comfortable, with no ear fatigue or discomfort.
The touch controls were another highlight. The double-tap and triple-tap gestures worked reliably every time, whether I was pausing music, skipping tracks, or going back to the previous one. The responsiveness of the controls added to the seamless experience, making it easy to navigate without having to pull out my phone.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): A Game-Changer?
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is one of the standout features of the Realme Buds Air 7. ANC can be a rare feature for budget earbuds, and Realme has made sure to include it in this model. But does it actually work as effectively as it does in premium models?
In real-world usage, the ANC feature performs decently, reducing ambient noise and making your listening experience more immersive. However, it’s essential to manage expectations. While the ANC does a good job at filtering out constant background noise, such as the hum of an air conditioner or engine noise on public transport, it doesn’t eliminate higher-frequency sounds like voices or sudden noises. Still, it’s a solid feature to have at this price point.
The transparency mode is also available, allowing you to hear your surroundings when needed ideal for situations like crossing the street or having a quick conversation without removing the earbuds.
Battery Life: Power That Lasts
Realme promises up to 25 hours of total battery life with the Realme Buds Air 7, including the charge from the case. In terms of battery life, these earbuds excel in their price range. On a single charge, you can expect around 5-6 hours of continuous listening time with ANC turned on, and even longer if you turn it off.
The charging case supports quick charging via USB-C, offering around 10 hours of battery life from just a 10-minute charge. For users who are constantly on the go, this fast charging feature can be a real lifesaver.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Realme Buds Air 7 stand out in the budget TWS category?
The Realme Buds Air 7 stands out for offering key features typically found in premium earbuds, such as Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), solid sound quality with balanced audio, and long battery life—all at a very affordable price. These features make it a top contender in the budget TWS category.
Is the sound quality of Realme Buds Air 7 suitable for the price?
Yes, the sound quality is quite good for the price. The 10mm dynamic drivers deliver clear, balanced sound with decent bass. While bass enthusiasts might find it lacking in depth, the overall sound profile is clear and suitable for most listeners.
How effective is the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on the Realme Buds Air 7?
The ANC on the Realme Buds Air 7 works well for blocking out consistent, low-frequency sounds, like background noise or traffic hum. However, it may not be as effective at canceling out higher-frequency sounds, like voices or sudden noises. For the price, the ANC is a solid feature.
What is the battery life of the Realme Buds Air 7?
The Realme Buds Air 7 offers up to 25 hours of total battery life, including the charging case. On a single charge, you can expect 5-6 hours of continuous use with ANC. The earbuds also support fast charging, providing around 10 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge.
Are the Realme Buds Air 7 comfortable to wear for long periods?
Yes, the Realme Buds Air 7 is designed to be comfortable for extended listening sessions. They come with multiple ear tip sizes for a secure fit, and their lightweight, ergonomic design reduces ear fatigue. Most users will find them comfortable for long periods.
Do the Realme Buds Air 7 support fast pairing with Android devices?
Yes, the Realme Buds Air 7 supports Google Fast Pair, which allows for quick and easy pairing with Android devices. This feature enhances the overall convenience of using the earbuds with supported Android phones.
Conclusion
The Realme Buds Air 7 offers an excellent balance of features and performance for its price. With superb sound quality, adequate ANC, a comfortable design, and a solid battery life, these earbuds provide substantial value for anyone seeking affordable true wireless earbuds. While they may not be perfect and have some drawbacks, particularly in terms of build quality and bass performance, they remain a top contender in the budget TWS category.
If you’re looking for an entry-level pair of TWS earbuds with active noise cancellation and solid sound, the Realme Buds Air 7 is an excellent choice. They may not be the absolute best in every area, but they certainly offer great bang for your buck.
