Alongside the Pixel 10 and Pixel Watch 4, Google today announced the Pixel Buds 2a. These $129 earbuds feature active noise cancellation (ANC) and come four years after the first generation.
The design was inspired by the Pixel Buds Pro 2 with an arc-shaped stabilizer that you can twist-to-adjust the fit (counterclockwise for snug fit or clockwise for relaxed feel). Once in my ears, I couldn’t really tell the difference between the Pro and new A-Series models . The ‘G’ logo on the dome is printed on rather than engraved.
Smaller and lighter than the first generation (5.06 vs 4.7 grams with medium eartip), there’s a custom-designed 11mm dynamic speaker driver, high-frequency chamber, and active in-ear pressure relief.
Using Bluetooth 5.4, Pixel Buds 2a has a Tensor A1 chip to power “Active Noise Cancellation with Silent Seal 1.5.” Google touts 1.5x as much ANC as the original Pixel Buds Pro. Included in the box are extra small, small, medium, and large eartips that are color-matching.
We briefly got a chance to try the noise cancellation and worked quite well to block out what a colleague was saying behind me. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to play any music.
Each earbud has two microphones, while Google touts wind-blocking mesh covers, Bluetooth Super Wideband, and Clear Calling to aid voice quality. There’s also stereo spatial audio, while the companion app offers a 5-band equalizer.
In terms of controls, you have capacitive touch (or tap) sensors for controlling audio, calls, accessing Gemini (Live), and ANC/Transparency mode switching . You cannot swipe to adjust volume. In-ear detection is powered by an IR proximity sensor to automatically play/pause.
There’s also multipoint support to switch between devices, Fast Pair, and Find Hub to ring the buds when lost.
On the battery front, you get 7 hours of listening time with ANC and 20 hours with the charging case. Without noise cancellation, it’s 10 hours and 27 hours with the case. Placing the buds in the case for 5 minutes gets you up to 1 hour with ANC.
Available in Hazel (dark green) and Iris (light purple), the earbuds have IP54 sweat and water resistance.
Pixel Buds 2a vs. Pixel Buds Pro 2
The charging case has the same general shape as before but is now appreciably shorter and an even more pebble-like feel. It’s just USB-C charging, while the case is IPX4 rated. Notably, the case battery can be replaced by taking off the bottom shell (with screws in the earbud wells) and sliding out the old cell.
You can pre-order the Pixel Buds 2a for $129 starting today with an October 9 ship date.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Comments