The word “ecosystem” has already become a little intrusive, but it can be safely applied to Xiaomi products. Xiaomi Airdots Pro 2 are new wireless headphones that complement the already wide range of gadgets from the Chinese manufacturer.
Mi AirDots Pro 2 TWS headphones are a higher quality alternative to the budget Redmi Earbuds S.
Xiaomi Airdots Pro 2 on AliExpress
What is included?
Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 headphones are supplied in a Xiaomi branded box in white and blue. On the box we see a picture of the headphones themselves, the MI logo, the inscription Air 2 and Chinese characters.
On the back there is a list of characteristics, but it is in Chinese. As you can see, I have the Chinese version of AirDots Pro 2 headphones, but I'm not sure if you will find the global version.
In any case, this is not a problem because you can use the Chinese version of the headphones with all mobile devices around the world.
Inside the box there are headphones, a charging case, a user manual and a USB Type-C cable for charging the case.
By the way, the user manual is also in Chinese.
Reviews from real customers
They don’t fit very well in your ears, or rather it’s like this: you take headphones from Apple, put them in and it’s almost the same thing, but the headphones from Apple sound, but the Mi Air 2 doesn’t sound.
And you take these headphones, you begin to somehow press them more into the auricle, try to find some position for these headphones that will improve the sound and this happens a little, but in reality you still think how terrible they sound. Yes, of course, they are quite convenient to use as a headset; you take them out, put them in, they connect to the phone very quickly.
To make them sound normal, they need to be re-flashed.
Is Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 a copy of Apple AirPods?
As I said, the Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 headphones are very similar to the Apple AirPods. They are made of the same glossy white plastic. The headphones have the same shape.
By the way, I always wondered why Apple chose this particular design. Is the microphone quality really better with that stick sticking out of your ear?
As you know, today you can find wireless Bluetooth headphones without a stick sticking out of your ear and with better microphone quality than the Apple AirPods. This is still a big mystery to me.
Let's return to Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2. On the outside of the earphone there is a touch panel for controls, for example, starting/pausing music, switching tracks, etc.
There is also an infrared sensor on the outside to stop music playback when you remove the headphones from your ear. It is very comfortable!
On the “leg” there is a two-pin charging connector and a microphone hole.
Connection and control
If you are the owner of a smartphone with MIUI 11 or higher, you will be able to feel the magic of connection. Quick connection and convenient notification with information about the charge of the headphones and case. When using other smartphones, the connection is standard and takes a couple of seconds. You can also read the connection instructions.
Each headphone has a touch pad for control. Available: pause/play, switch to next track and call control.
Infrared sensors also make life easier. They detect the location of Xiaomi headphones (in the ears or not) and pause playback when at least one earphone is removed. Playback will immediately resume when you put the earphone back in your ear.
The charging case has a USB Type-C port
The Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 charging case is really compact and stylish. It has a physical button on the right side, an LED indicator on the front, and a USB Type-C connector at the bottom.
The headphones are securely fixed in the charging case.
The rounded edges make the charging case easy to hold in your hand or pocket.
Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 supports the latest technologies
Speaking of new technologies, Xiaomi wireless headphones support Bluetooth 5.0. As you know, the latest version of Bluetooth technology provides a range of 10 meters, as well as a fast and stable connection.
Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 also support the new LHDC codec. The new codec allows you to transmit audio signals with quality up to 900 kbps. For example, the latest generation AAC codec is about three times worse than LHDC.
The resistance is 32 ohms, which is twice as high as the previous generation.
The AirDots Pro 2 headphones also feature ENC noise reduction technology. To be honest, I don't really understand how noise cancellation works on in-ear headphones. I'll check on her later.
By the way, Xiaomi headphones are equipped with a 14.2 mm speaker. The manufacturer promises high-quality sound, but I’ll tell you about that a little later.
Sound
These headphones have a built-in high-quality LHDC codec - one of the highest quality codecs available at the moment, and there is support for AAC .
But the LHDC codec is currently supported only by the Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G smartphone and some other Huawei smartphones. The headphones will connect to other devices using the AAC codec .
Sound problems
If the sound in the HWA codec is buggy, you need to enable ACC:
- Go to the phone settings: System => About phone => Build number, press many times until the message that you are a developer appears.
- Then we exit back to “SYSTEM” again and at the very bottom there will be a new tab “For Developer”.
- You need to go there and scroll to the “networks” section and there in “Blutooth Audio Codec” select “ACC”.
How to connect Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 to a smartphone?
Now let's connect the new Xiaomi headphones to the smartphone. Of course, it is best to use Xiaomi smartphones because the MIUI user interface has a fast headphone connection feature.
When you connect for the first time, you will see a pop-up window to quickly connect your headphones. After connecting, another window will appear with the battery level of the charging case and the headphones themselves.
Of course, you can connect Xiaomi AirDots 2 to any other Android and iOS smartphone, but to do this you need to go to the Bluetooth settings menu and select Mi True Wireless Earphones 2.
Redmi AirDots/Mi True Wireless Earbuds Series
Budget wireless headphones Xiaomi Redmi AirDots (in the global market - Mi True Wireless Earbuds) have an original shape - their entire body is inserted into the auricle (this is the so-called in-ear form factor ). Most users find this form factor convenient. However, each person's ears have a unique structure. Some people can use headphones all day without any problems. Others have to take them out every 10 minutes to give their ears a rest.
Redmi AirDots headphones
Is it possible to play sports with these headphones? There can be no clear answer to this question. For some people, Redmi AirDots do not fall out of their ears during increased physical activity; for others, it’s the other way around. This can only be verified in practice.
Included with Redmi AirDots, the manufacturer supplies a set of 3 silicone ear pads (pads) of different sizes - L, M and S.
Each pair of Redmi AirDots 2nd and 3rd generation headphones connects directly to the sound source . A person can use either 2 TWS earphones at once, or any of them separately. Gadgets connect to the phone via Bluetooth 5.0 . This protocol provides high data transfer rates and reliable, uninterrupted contact. Signal transmission range from the source.
Also included with the headphones is a case for storing and charging accessories. The headphones are held inside it using magnets.
The headphones charge up to 100% within 1.5 hours . It takes about to charge the case .
In 2022, stores will sell Redmi AirDots 2nd and 3rd generation wireless headphones.
AliExpress: where to buy original Xiaomi wireless headphones, not cheap fakes
Redmi AirDots 2/Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2
The most budget version of the headphones - Redmi AirDots 2 - is made of matte black plastic. In the global market, this model is called Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 .
These gadgets are controlled using a mechanical button . The key occupies the entire front surface of the accessory. A mechanical button is, of course, less convenient than a touch button. But the user is protected from accidental clicks.
Redmi AirDots 2 / Mi TW Earbuds Basic 2
Using the key, you can start playing an audio track, pause it, answer a phone call, end a conversation, or reject an incoming call. You can also call a voice assistant using the button. You cannot switch between tracks or adjust the volume using this key.
The weight of one earphone is purely symbolic - 4.1 g. The battery capacity of the accessory is 43 mAh. Without recharging, these gadgets can work for 4 hours .
The capacity of the battery installed inside the case is 300 mAh. The case can recharge the headphones 2-3 times. In general, inexpensive gadgets can work in offline mode for 12 hours .
The connector for the charger in the case of this model is outdated - micro-USB . The cable is not included in the package.
With budget Redmi AirDots 2 you can easily listen to audiobooks, podcasts and other similar formats. You can also listen to music in these “ears”. This model is especially well optimized for youth music (rap, hip-hop, electronic music). But for obvious reasons, the sound quality here will be lower than that of models costing 10 thousand rubles. For reference: Redmi AirDots 2 will produce sound at the same level as regular wired “ears” for 600-700 rubles. Considering the price of gadgets, you can be quite satisfied with the sound quality.
However, Redmi AirDots 2 are not suitable for gamers. The reason is a noticeable delay between the action taking place on the screen and the sound of this action in the headphones (about 0.8 s).
The quality of the conversational microphones is also worse than that of smartphones or more expensive TWS headphones. This is especially noticeable in noisy environments.
On AliExpress, the original Redmi AirDots 2 cost 1,200 rubles . Models for 650-700 rubles are fakes that have nothing to do with Xiaomi (and a lot of them are sold). The global version of the product, which is sold in Russia , costs 1,490 rubles . All products here are certified, there are no fakes.
Redmi AirDots 2/Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2
1,890 rubles. Xiaomi Authorized Store
Buy
Redmi AirDots 2/Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2
1,150 rubles (AliExpress)
Buy
Redmi AirDots 2S / Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2S
Redmi AirDots 2S is an improved model of the 2nd generation of AirDots. In Russian retail, the accessories are called Mi TW Earbuds Basic 2S .
The main difference between this version and the basic one is that AirDots 2S have touch control rather than mechanical control .
The headphones are made of glossy (not matte) plastic. This makes them look more premium. The color of the accessories is black.
Redmi AirDots 2S / Mi TW Earbuds Basic 2S
These affordable TWS earbuds are equipped with proximity sensors . If you remove the accessory from your ear, the audio file will automatically stop playing.
AirDots 2S are capable of working in a special gaming mode . After activating this function, the lag between the sound and the image will be almost imperceptible. It will become comfortable to play.
The case for AirDots 2S is equipped with a 600 mAh battery. This is 2 times larger than the basic version (therefore, the dimensions of the case are also larger). battery life of the gadgets has increased to 20 hours .
The device supports the technology of instant connection to the source when opening the case cover . The charger connector in the case is a modern USB-C . There is no charging cable included.
In China, original AirDots 2S cost about 2,450 rubles . Models costing less than 2,000 are most likely fakes. In Russia, the price for original certified Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2S is 2,850 rubles .
Redmi AirDots 2S
1,750 rubles (AliExpress)
Buy
Redmi AirDots 3
AirDots 3 are representatives of the next generation of inexpensive TWS headphones. Accessories are available in original colors - blue, white and pink (the usual black color is not available).
Redmi AirDots
Another change is that the operating time of gadgets has increased. Without recharging, the “ears” can work for 5-7 hours (depending on the sound volume). The accessory case is equipped with a 600 mAh battery. The total battery life reaches 25-30 hours .
This time the manufacturer included charging cable USB Type-C in the package .
On AliExpress Redmi AirDots 3 cost 2,850 rubles . This model is not supplied to the Russian market.
Redmi AirDots 3
2,850 rubles (AliExpress)
Buy
Redmi Buds 3
This headphone model stands apart in the younger Redmi line. Firstly, finally the Chinese and global versions of the device are called the same - Redmi Buds 3 . And secondly (and this is the main thing), these headphones have a different shape - the shape of earbuds . Outwardly, they are similar to the famous Apple accessories - AirPods. For greater similarity, the “ears” of Redmi Buds 3 are even available in white .
Redmi Buds 3
These wireless headphones are controlled using the touch key . You can even switch between tracks using this key. However, it still cannot adjust the volume.
The manufacturer has endowed budget wireless accessories with an advanced noise reduction function during a call . Naturally, these headphones have a proximity sensor and a quick pairing with a smartphone when opening the case lid.
The in-ear form factor made it possible to place a larger dynamic emitter (speaker) inside the device. Its diameter is 12 mm . For comparison: for previous models it is 7.2 mm. As a result, the Redmi Buds 3 sound about the same as all other earbuds on the market.
The operating time of the accessories on a single charge is about 5 hours . You can recharge the “ears” from the case 3 times (its battery capacity is 310 mAh). The total operating time of the device in offline mode is 20 hours .
Budget headphones have a fast charging . After charging for 10 minutes, they will play music for 1.5 hours. The standard charger connector is USB Type-C. A charging cable is included.
The price of Redmi Buds 3 in China is 2,550 rubles. In Russia, this model is sold for 3,450 rubles .
Redmi Buds 3
2,550 rubles (China, AliExpress)
Buy
Redmi AirDots 3 Pro / Redmi Buds 3 Pro
Redmi AirDots 3 Pro is an advanced version of the 3rd generation of Redmi headphones. Here the manufacturer again returned to the in-channel form factor. On the global (including Russian) market, these gadgets are called Redmi Buds 3 Pro .
Redmi AirDots 3 Pro / Redmi Buds 3 Pro
The manufacturer added an active noise reduction function . Noise reduction operates in 3 modes . In the most powerful mode, up to 80% of external sounds are eliminated. It is comfortable to listen to music even in the subway, train and similar places.
AirDots 3 Pro are controlled using a touch panel . A single touch of a key is not taken into account (this protects against accidental touches). switch tracks using the button .
The model is equipped with a motion sensor (when the accessory is removed from the ear, playback is paused). Gadgets are connected to the device when the case lid is opened .
Advanced Redmi AirDots 3 Pro can be connected to 2 devices at the same time (for example, a smartphone and a laptop).
Each wireless earbud is equipped with a 35 mAh battery. In active noise reduction mode, it can work without recharging for 4 hours , without activating this mode - 6 hours . The battery capacity of the case is 470 mAh. The total operating time of gadgets in offline mode is up to 28 hours .
AirDots 3 Pro support fast charging . After charging in the case for 10 minutes, they can play sound for up to 3 hours. The case can be recharged either from a USB-C cable or from a wireless charger . A charging cable is included in the package.
AirDots 3 Pro has emitters (speakers) with a diameter of 9 mm (on previous models - 7.2 mm). This change was reflected in the quality of the reproduced sound. In addition, the quality of conversational microphones has improved significantly.
These accessories are available in black and gray . On AliExpress Redmi AirDots 3 Pro cost 3,950 rubles . The price of Redmi Buds 3 Pro in Russian retail is 5,990 rubles .
Redmi AirDots 3 Pro / Redmi Buds 3 Pro
5,990 rubles (Russia, Authorized Xiaomi store)
Buy
Redmi AirDots 3 Pro / Redmi Buds 3 Pro
3,550 rubles (China, AliExpress)
Buy
We have summarized the technical parameters of all budget Xiaomi wireless headphones in one table.
| AirDots 2 / Mi Earbuds Basic 2 | AirDots 2S / Mi Earbuds Basic 2S | AirDots 3 | Redmi Buds 3 | AirDots 3 Pro / Redmi Buds 3 Pro | |
| Form factor | intracanal | intracanal | intracanal | earbuds | intracanal |
| Control | mechanical | sensory | sensory | sensory | sensory |
| Dynamic emitter diameter, mm | 7,2 | 7,2 | 7,2 | 12 | 9 |
| Operating time per charge | 4 hours | 4 hours | 5-7 hours | 5 o'clock | 4-6 hours |
| Total battery life | 12 hours | 20 hours | 25-30 hours | 20 hours | 28 hours |
| Connector | micro-USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| Cable | No | No | included | included | included |
| Fast charging | No | No | No | There is | There is |
| Wireless charger | No | No | No | No | There is |
| Noise suppression | No | No | No | during a conversation | active noise cancellation in 3 modes |
| Game Mode | No | There is | No | No | No |
| Proximity sensor | No | There is | There is | There is | There is |
| Connect to 2 devices | No | No | No | No | There is |
| Color | black | black | blue, white, pink | white | black gray |
| Price (China) | 1200 rubles | 2450 rubles | 2,850 rubles | 2550 rubles | 3950 rubles |
| Price (Russia) | 1490 rubles | 2850 rubles | 3490 rubles | 5990 rubles |
Sound quality
Xiaomi AirDots 2 are in-ear headphones without silicone ear pads. I know a lot of people like this design, but I prefer headphones with silicone ear pads. The sound is not very loud, so on a crowded street you will hear voices around you.
When you are in a quiet room the sound is very good. The headphones have good bass, as well as mids and highs.
Overall, the sound quality of the AirDots Pro 2 is good, but I can't say it's much better than other Xiaomi headphones, such as the Redmi AirDots. By the way, Redmi AirDots are three times cheaper than Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2.
General impression
The main advantage of the model is its affordable price, which sets it apart from its competitors. At the same time, it supports SBC, AAC audio codecs, instantly synchronizes with your phone and can work autonomously for up to 20 hours. They will also automatically turn off when removed from the ear.
The only drawback is that the design is not the most stylish and the “leg” is quite long. A comfortable fit in the ear depends on how well its anatomical shape matches the plastic ear pad of the device. It happens that you have to buy additional silicone ear pads.
How long do Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 last on one charge?
You will be surprised, but I did not find information about the battery capacity of Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 headphones and charging case. However, I do know the battery life.
Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 work up to 4 hours on a single charge.
Using the charging case, battery life increases to 14 hours.
Charging time for headphones in the case is about 1 hour. It takes 2 hours to fully charge the charging case.
Overall, the battery life of the Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 is good, but not amazing.
We recently published an article about the Haylou T15 with 60 hours of battery life. This is 4 times more than AirDots Pro 2.
Synchronization with phone
As soon as the box lid is opened and Bluetooth is turned on on the smartphone, the devices are immediately paired. Accordingly, synchronization takes literally 1-2 seconds, which significantly saves time.
It is possible to work in stereo format, i.e. Two headphones work, and they can also function separately. Bluetooth version 5 allows you to maintain a stable connection at a distance of up to 10-15 meters, even if there are obstacles in the form of walls. In open space this distance increases noticeably.
