Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Series: A Leap into High-End Audio
Soundcore, the audio subsidiary of Anker, has traditionally been recognized for its cost-effective, quality audio products in the budget to mid-range market. However, with the introduction of its latest Liberty 5 Pro series, including the Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty 5 Pro Max headphones, Soundcore is ambitiously stepping into the high-end market, challenging established giants like Apple, Sony, and Bose.
Both models in the series are empowered by Anker’s new So chip. This chip, with its enhanced processing capabilities, aims to rival the sophisticated chips found in competitors’ products, offering the Liberty 5 Pro the most impressive in-call noise cancellation capabilities observed in any earphones to date.
Price and Product Differentiation
Previously, Soundcore’s most premium headphones were the Liberty 4 Pro, priced at $150. The new Liberty 5 Pro is priced at $170, while the Liberty 5 Pro Max comes in at $230, positioning them in direct competition with Apple’s AirPods Pro 3. Interestingly, the two models share identical hardware specifications, including the So chip, 9.2mm drivers, microphone array, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) performance, sound profile, battery life, IP55 rating, and features. The only differentiating factor is the design and functionality of their cases.
Case Features and Usability
The Liberty 5 Pro’s case is equipped with a 0.96-inch tilted TFT display, capable of controlling settings such as ANC, sound profiles, chat modes, and Dolby head tracking. These functions can also be managed through the Soundcore app, offering users a choice between on-device or app-based controls.
In contrast, the Liberty 5 Pro Max case features a larger 1.78-inch AMOLED display on its sliding top. This enhances user interaction with capabilities like adjusting screen brightness, changing wallpapers, and utilizing a built-in microphone with AI note-taking functionality. The case can record audio directly, storing up to 357MB, with options to transfer recordings to a phone for transcription and summarization via the Soundcore app. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who frequently need to record meetings or lectures, offering speaker differentiation and accuracy in transcriptions.
Audio Performance and Features
The Liberty 5 Pro’s design shares similarities with the Bose Ultra Earbuds, showcasing a large and thick outer body, yet offering a comfortable and secure fit. The earbuds are notably adept at delivering excellent call quality, with ambient noise cancellation that outperforms competitors in real-world testing. This feature is particularly highlighted during situations involving high background noise, such as busy streets or noisy environments, where call clarity remains uncompromised.
Out of the box, the default sound profile leans towards a bass-heavy output, which can muddy vocals, especially male voices. However, users can personalize the sound profile through a series of sound clip settings or an 8-band EQ. This adjustment significantly enhances the audio experience, balancing the bass while allowing mids and highs to shine, making music listening more enjoyable. The Liberty 5 Pro supports LDAC for high-resolution audio streaming from compatible devices.
Conclusion
In summary, the Liberty 5 Pro series represents a significant advancement in Soundcore’s product lineup, particularly for users who prioritize call clarity and noise cancellation. With its superior call handling, customizable sound profile, and competitive pricing, the Liberty 5 Pro stands out as a viable alternative to more expensive models from Apple and others. While the Liberty 5 Pro Max offers additional features like AI note-taking, its higher price may only be justified for users who need such functionalities regularly. For most consumers, the Liberty 5 Pro provides excellent value and performance in the high-end audio market.
Photography by John Higgins / The Verge
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