Along with the Vivo X50 series launch, Vivo also introduced its first True Wireless Earbuds, the Vivo TWS Neo.
DESIGN: 4/5
Vivo’s first True Wireless earbuds have a pretty standard look, but as they say, don’t fix what ain’t broke. The earbuds is a half-in ear design that reminisces Apple’s first generation of Earpods. There’s not much on the earbuds themselves except the touch-slide controls on both of them.
If there’s one word I could use to describe the case, it is tic-tac like in terms of shape. It may be bigger compared to some TWS cases, but thanks to the slim form-factor you can easily place this in your pocket. You can find the pairing button on the front of the case, while the USB Type-C connector is located at the bottom.
HARDWARE: 4/5
The Vivo TWS Neo has a 14.6mm driver on each bud which provides pretty good audio. The touch controls on each bud control the volume, play and pause, and accept or reject calls. The call quality is also pretty good thanks to the AI noise cancellation and dual-microphone in each bud.
Vivo has also equipped their first TWS earbuds with some great features such as Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, AptX Adaptive, ear detection, and Dual Channel Transmission 2.0 which lowers latency to 88ms. If you’re also using a Vivo smartphone, you can access Vivo’s DeepX Stereo Sound Effects, Vivo’s own sound system which enhances audio depending on you’re preferred setting.
Battery life for the Vivo TWS Neo was also pretty decent, I found that they last me a whole week of mixed heavy and light use. The Vivo TWS Neo was light coming in at a mere 4.7g for each bud and 45.7g for the case.
USER EXPERIENCE: 4/5
I have to come clean here, I am not a huge fan of semi-in-ear earphones. They have their own quirks that I just can’t appreciate, but I won’t take that against the Vivo TWS Neo.
The Vivo TWS Neo came just in time when I was just about to return to school to take up law. As part of the new normal, classes have been conducted online via online conferencing apps like Zoom. This demanded a need for audio solutions that offer not only great sound but also great microphones. Luckily the Vivo TWS Neo readily took on the challenge, providing clear audio both for me and my professors and blockmates.
Another great thing about the Vivo TWS Neo is its weight and battery life. The light weight of the buds made it the perfect companion for online conferencing. The Vivo TWS Neo’s battery lasted me about two to three days of heavy on and off use. The earbuds were also extremely fast when it comes to charging needing only about an hour and a half for a charge of battery. The Vivo TWS Neo was also incredibly light, coming in at just 4.7g per bud so it was not that straining when used for a long time—more on this later.
Connection with the Vivo TWS Neo was also great, The Bluetooth 5.2 made so that I was still connected to my phone on the second floor even though I had gone to refill my bottle of water. Touch controls on the buds also made it convenient for me to adjust the volume or switch through my playlist during study sessions.
But as much as it was good, I have to say; the semi-in-ear design is just isn’t for me. I have small ears, with even smaller earholes—the major enemy for semi-in-ear earphones. The Vivo TWS Neo was comfortable at first, but after using it for a few hours it would become a bit uncomfortable for me.
Another problem I had with the Vivo TWS Neo was the lackluster bass and the low volume. I’m the type of person who wants to listen to music and other media as loud as possible. While the Vivo TWS Neo was decently loud, it failed to reach my expectation of loudness. As part of that, other aspects of the device such as the lows, mids, and highs didn’t quite reach my preferred listening levels. If you have a Vivo phone you can access the Vivo DeepX stereo effects which give you three different stereo sound effects.
VALUE: 4/5
Coming in at PHP 4999 the Vivo TWS Neo has some tough competition in the market. It may be a bit pricey earbuds but it can back it up with some of its features.
Specifications:
- Wearing Style: Half In-Ear True Wireless
- Speaker size: 14.2mm
- Battery life: 4.5 hours for each bud, up to 22.5 hours with the charging case
- Weight: 4.7g (buds), 45.7g (Case)
- Noise Cancellation: AI Noise Cancellation
- Microphone: 2 beam foaming microphones
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2
- Connections: USB Type-C, Instant Connection, Dual Channel Transmission 2.0, AI Dynamic Low Latency
- Controls: Slide touch controls, AI Assistant, Answer or Reject Call.
- Features: Built-in wear detection,
- IP Rating: IP54
What’s Hot:
- DeepX sound system
- Instantly connects with vivo phones
- Great battery life
- Light earbuds
What’s Not:
- The fit is not for everyone
- A bit pricey
- Volume is not the loudest
- Bass is lacking even in Bass mode
Bottomline:
The Vivo TWS Neo is a decent pair of earbuds with its myriad of extra features.
Also published in Gadgets Magazine November 2020 Issue.
Reviewed by Gabriel Pe