Review 232: 02.11.2021 at 07:00 pm
Is the new AirPods 3 better than the first generation and the Pro version for most users?
In this review, I’ll discuss the specs and features of the new headphones to make it easier for you to decide which one is better for you, Keep reading to find out the pros and cons of these headphones.
One of the most popular headphones now have a new generation with new features and specs, the biggest change is the new design, it now looks like the Pro version, both the case and the ear pieces.
The case slightly resembles the case of the Pro version, but the ear pieces look very similar. The difference is that it doesn’t come with the silicon tips, if you prefer a headphones that isolates you from your surroundings, then go with the Pro version since it has silicon tips, But if you prefer to not be isolated, then go with the first or the third generation of the AirPods headphones.
The new headphones come with 33% shorter stems than the previous generation. Apple says that they worked hard to ensure thatthese new
headphones fit most of users without bothering them, it is something that’s complicated to do since ears have different shapes and sizes.
Though, the first generation of these headphones were comfortable with most users. The ear pieces and the case now support IPX4 water and sweat resistance.
Apple also add force sensors to the new headphones, where you can use it to control the headphones. One press for playing content, stop it or answer phone calls. Two presses to move to the next track. Three presses to go back to the previous track. Press and hold to activate Siri, Apple also added a new skin sensor.
Sometimes, when you remove the headphones from your ears, the content will continue playing, it doesn’t detect that it is now longer in the ear, unlike
other headphones with this feature supported, but with the new sensor, the headphones will detect whether they are in the ears or not, and then, when removed, the content will stop playing.
Apple also used a better and newer driver inside the headphones for better bass. The audio quality now is better, But don’t expect massive improvements from he fist generation.
All of them are good, though. Noise Cancelation during phone calls is now better, since the mic is directed towards the inside of the ear. The mic is also covered with a layer that minimizes unwanted sounds, This means that the mic will provide better audio quality.

Let me be honest. Some of the features like the audio quality have been improved, But if you have no complaints about the previous generation, then there’s no reason to upgrade, But if it is time to upgrade, then do it.
The headphones support Spatial audio and Dolby Atmos. When playing supported content, you’ll hear the audio from all sides. The same thing applies to the Dolby Atmos technology, it is great feature when watching content
or playing supported games.
The headphones also support Head Tracking. To simplify it, the audio comes from the right direction even if your change the position of your head, When you change the direction of your head, the audio also moves with it. This is called head tracing or spatial audio.
The headphones also support Adaptive EQ, which analyzes the shape of your ear and give you the best audio possible. Each ear canal is different, which is normal.
Some people have different ear canals, and it is natural. The headphones study the depth of the ear canal so that it can provide the best possible audio experience. But if you face no problems with your current headphones, then there’s no need to upgrade.
The design of the case is similar to the design of the Pro version, though a little be smaller in dimension. The case supports charging using the MagSafe charger, There’s also another lightning port. The headphones come with a USB-C to Lightning charging cable.
The MagSafe charger was first introduced with the iPhone 12, and now it supports iPhone 13 and these headphones. The magnets inside the headphones that allows for MagSafe charging can be attached to the iPhone, but it’s heavy.
I don’t think Apple will allow for reverse wireless charging with these headphones and the iPhone 12 and 13 series. But I also think that Apple might introduce a new accessories to charge the headphones off the iPhone.
The battery inside can last for up to 6 hours, Using the right cable and charger, 5 minutes of charging will provide one hour of listening time. The case has a battery that can charge for up to 30 hours.
The headphones can be found using the Find My app if you lose them, It uses the Approximately View feature. Using the app, you can locate the headphones.
Let’s continue discussing the AirPods 3 headphones:

The headphones can now also support locating lost Apple devices, Some users wanted the headphones to support Noise Cancelation, but Apple didn’t add it. If Apple decided to add this feature, then it’ll become the AirPods Pro.
Some users don’t prefer Noise Cancelation, Some users complain about headphones, but if you prefer this feature, go for the Pro version.
Basically, most of the features in the AirPods 3 are from the AirPods Pro, The headphones cost 200 USD in some countries.
For sure there are pros and cons for this headphones:

Pros: it comes with a new design, supports adaptive audio, spatial audio and the battery lasts for long, but for me, Apple has entered a new price category. You can add 30 to 40 USD and get the Pro version.
You can buy the Pro version, remove the silicon tips and use it without them.

Is there a need for AirPods 3?
Apple now sells 3 different in-ear headphones, The first one is the AirPods 2 with the wireless charging case. The second is the AirPods Pro, and the third is the AirPods 3. The new AirPods 3 are called AirPods 3 with MagSafe. I was hopeful for headphones with more features than this, but we’ve got this.
This new headphones is part of the ecosystem, but those how have the 2nd gen AirPods won’t need to upgrade. Unless, of course, you need the new technologies in these headphones.
Hopefully, this review is helpful for you, This is to save you money and get the best technologies when needed.
Written by:

CEO of OTTO Magazine