4/5
After two years of release of the first generation Pixel Buds Pro, Google finally dropped the Pixel Buds Pro 2. If you are a fan of the first-gen buds with their pebble-shaped case, solid sound quality, and impressive noise cancellation, then you’ll likely be intrigued by the new and improved version.
Under the hood, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 earphones have the company’s first Tensor A1 chip. Google says that the latest generation Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer better ANC, hands-free Gemini integration, and a premium sound signature. The overall design has also been refined with a more ergonomic design and stylish form factor without compromising on performance.
And yes, the price tag has bumped up too. The Pixel Buds Pro debuted with a price tag of Rs 19,990 in 2022. This has now increased by Rs 2,910 as the all-new Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 carries a price tag of Rs 22,900.
Given the two-year gap between releases, it’s only fair to expect the Pixel Buds Pro 2 to bring notable upgrades and features. So, are the Pixel Buds Pro 2 worth the extra spend? Let’s dive in and find out.
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 design
Pixel Buds Pro 2 earphones have a familiar design that is clearly refined in all the right ways. At first glance, they look similar to their predecessor, but there are significant changes under the hood. Google has managed to shrink the buds by 27% and shave off 1.5 grams of weight. Each earbud weighs about 4.7 grams, making them not only smaller but also among the lightest earbuds available in the market. For comparison, Apple AirPods Pro 2 earbuds weighs 5.3gram each, while the weight of the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 is 5.28gram.
One feature that we really loved about the Pixel Buds Pro 2 which also sets these buds apart is the improved fit. The original buds had a few quirks, like the missing wings for a more secure fit. With the Pixel Buds Pro 2, Google has resolved this with a snugger, more comfortable fit that keeps your music and calls crystal clear, no matter how active you get.
Google’s new “twist-to-adjust stabilizer” works wonders, ensuring the earbuds stay securely in place whether you’re powering through a workout or simply relaxing. The addition of small, rubberized winglets adds to the snug fit, offering a balance between security and comfort. During our review, we used the original Pixel Buds Pro and can easily say that the latest model has a more secure, snugger and comfortable fit than its predecessor.
The fit of Pixel Buds Pro 2 is truly a game-changer for anyone with smaller ears or those who wear earbuds for extended periods. Pixel Buds Pro 2 are comfortable enough for hours of use without causing any discomfort.
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are available in four sleek color options – Porcelain, Wintergrey, Peony and Hazel. All four look classic and we especially liked the Wintergrey that we also received as our review unit. The earbuds come with an IP54 rating, making them resistant to dust and splashes. The charging case also boasts of an IPX4 rating.
Talking about the case, it now features a built-in speaker that works with Google’s Find My Device network. This means that misplacing your earbuds or their case becomes less of a worry when you can make the case emit a sound to help locate it. There is a USB Type-C port on the case for charging. The pairing/reset button is placed on the rear side of the case.
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 performance
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 delivers a performance upgrade that’s hard to ignore. Equipped with a Tensor A1 chip, these earbuds take sound quality, noise cancellation, and smart features to a new level. Whether you’re an audiophile, a podcast junkie, or someone who values clear calls, these buds aim to please. The earbuds are quick to pair with your phone – Android and iPhone. During our review, we tested the device with Pixel 8 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro and surprisingly, the earbuds maintained their impressive performance across both systems.
From the moment you press play, it’s evident that Google has poured its expertise into these earbuds. While the Pixel Buds Pro 2 features the same 11mm drivers as their predecessors, but with an upgraded acoustic architecture that delivers crisp and detailed sound. The highs are crisp and well-defined, capturing intricate details without sounding sharp. For instance, in Pritam’s Kesariya from Brahmastra, the Buds handle the delicate flute sections beautifully, letting the higher frequencies sing without overshadowing the vocals. Similarly, in Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now, the cymbals and Freddie Mercury’s soaring vocals stand out with clarity, creating an uplifting listening experience.
The mids are smooth and rich, ensuring vocals and mid-range instruments are front and center. In Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s timeless Tere Bin Nahin Lagda, the soulful vocals sound warm and captivating, with every inflection coming through clearly. The low end is punchy and well-controlled. In AR Rahman’s Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire, the bassline drives the energy of the track, and the Buds deliver it with precision. Similarly, the thumping bass in Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy feels impactful yet refined. Overall, Pixel Buds Pro 2 deliver an enjoyable experience for bass lovers without muddying the overall sound.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 shines with their improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Powered by refined algorithms in the Tensor A1 chip, these earbuds effectively block out ambient sounds. While in noisy environments like cafes or on public transport, the ANC creates a serene listening bubble. Loud sounds like sirens may still filter through. Then there is the transparency mode that works seamlessly, making conversations and environmental sounds feel natural.
Controls on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are intuitive. Swiping horizontally on the earbuds adjusts the volume—front to back lowers it, and back to front increases the volume. Playback, track skipping, and ANC activation are easily managed with customisable tap and hold gestures.
Gemini AI on Pixel Buds Pro 2
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 introduces Gemini AI integration, allowing voice commands for tasks like asking questions or controlling playback. While the AI shows promise, it’s not entirely hands-free, requiring manual activation for each query. We asked it to find nearby restaurants, and hospitals. The AI was quick to list nearby hospitals, but faltered to navigate to one. After a few attempts, it finally managed to open Google Maps and display the directions.
The integration allows you to open an app without manual intervention. For instance, we asked the AI assistant to take us to the Gmail app and it did. We then asked it to show emails from a particular contact (Myntra in our case) and it listed around 30 emails with an overview of each email. Now what is great is that you don’t need to open the emails to get a gist of their content.
You can also ask the Gemini AI to draft messages, email, set calendars, alarms and more. However, the ability to send messages or make calls is not available yet.
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 battery life
Google claims that with ANC on, the earbuds can easily last up to 8 hours, stretching to 12 hours with ANC off. In real-world usage, these claims hold up, making them reliable companions for long commutes, workdays, or workouts. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 easily powered us through five days of office life that included a mix of music, answering calls and scrolling through Instagram.
Verdict
At Rs 22,900, the earbuds offer an impressive mix of performance, features, and design. From premium sound quality with deep bass and clear mids to highly effective noise cancellation, Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds stand out as a strong contender in the high-end segment. Features like intuitive volume controls, excellent call quality, and a comfortable, secure fit make them an all-day companion.
While the Gemini AI integration could use some refinement, the overall performance makes these earbuds a worthy upgrade for those seeking premium audio and smart features. For Android users, especially those with Pixel devices, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is an outstanding choice.