Review: Infinix XE 27 Immersive Sound Earbuds with Active Noise Cancelling

Nowadays, the market is flooded with varying qualities of audio devices. We see very many different offerings for earbuds, and headphones from varied companies. The thing is, whoever sells you the smartphones is also in a position to be able to influence your decision on which accessories you buy. That’s why in the last few years we’re seeing a lot of smartphone companies expand their accessories.

Infinix has introduced the XE 27 Earbuds. They cost KES 2,500 and present themselves as a very budget-friendly option – infact, the most affordable ones I’ve see offering Active Noise Cancellation. You can buy them from X-Park here.

Infinix is pushing a spec typically seen in more expensive models, but pricing it at a range that more people can consider, save towards it and outright afford it. Apart from active noise cancellation (ANC), the buds also offer a decent battery life, and what looks to be durable design.

Design and Comfort

The Infinix XE 27 earbuds feature a straightforward, no-frills design – it’s like that because that’s what we’re now used to from expensive competitors, and from traditional earbuds. They are lightweight, which makes them comfortable to wear for extended periods without causing ear fatigue. Each earbud is equipped with a 10mm driver that is capable of delivering heavy bass, catering to users who prefer a more robust sound profile.

The charging case is equally lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry in a pocket or bag. The case and the earbuds have a matte finish, which gives them a modern look and feel. One significant convenience is the USB Type-C charging port on the case, which is compatible with the same cable used for most smartphones, reducing the need to carry multiple cables.

Sound Quality and Features

Sound quality in the Infinix XE 27 is commendable, especially considering the price point. The earbuds offer clear and balanced audio for most music genres. The bass is pronounced, thanks to the 10mm drivers, making these earbuds suitable for bass-heavy tracks. If you prefer a more flat sound signature, you might not be the target audience especially given there’s no companion app.

ANC functionality is a key feature of the XE 27. While the noise cancellation is not on par with high-end models like the AirPods Pro 2, it is surprisingly effective for the price. It manages to dampen ambient noise sufficiently, allowing for a more immersive listening experience. However, users should note that the isolation might not be adequate in very noisy environments.

Battery Life and Connectivity

The battery performance of the Infinix XE 27 is quite good from my weeks with it. I’ve not been tracking how much they take from 100% to zero. However, I have gone days on end without charging. The earbuds themselves promise a playback time of several hours on a single charge. The charging case extends the total usage time to up to 28 hours, depending on the usage patterns and whether ANC is active. Each earbud is powered by a 45mAh battery, and the case holds an additional 460mAh.

Connectivity is another strong point for the XE 27. The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.0, which ensures a stable connection up to 10 meters from the connected device – when in direct line of sight. This is ideal for users who may need to move around without carrying their connected device with them. Inside the house however, you’re limited to a smaller distance thanks to walls.

Water Resistance and Durability

The IPX4 certification means that the XE 27 earbuds are resistant to water splashes from any direction, making them suitable for exercise or use in light rain. This feature is particularly useful for users who engage in outdoor activities or want earbuds that can withstand a bit of moisture.

User Interface and Controls

The touch controls on the XE 27 are intuitive and responsive. Users can manage playback and calls with simple taps on the earbuds. For example, a long press on the left bud toggles ANC, while music playback can be controlled by double-tapping either bud. These controls are easy to learn and use, which enhances the overall user experience. On the box you get all the details about the touch controls. I just wish there was an app so one can customise them.

Limitations of the Infinix XE 27:

A notable limitation of the Infinix XE 27 is the absence of a companion app. This means users cannot customize sound profiles, update firmware, or adjust touch controls, which might be a drawback for those who prefer a more personalized audio experience. Competitor offerings like the Oraimo Airbuds 4 offer an app companion and things like firmware updates that allow customizations and support over long usage.

Overall, the Infinix XE 27 earbuds offer good value for their price. They provide effective noise cancellation, satisfactory sound quality, and user-friendly features in a durable and comfortable design. While they do lack some higher-end features, such as app integration, they are an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers looking for reliable earbuds.