Ingress protection ratings refer to the rating of protection given by an enclosure, against solids and liquids. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value means protection against solids say dust, while the second refers to resistance against liquids (sweat).
Scoring IPX4, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s rating is read as, the first number of X denotes that no data available to specify a protection rating, and of liquids that they can withstand low pressure spray similar to that of a shower head when tilted at 180° for 10 minutes. In comparison to the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a rating of IP54 meaning that
ingress of dust is not totally prevented but dust does not enter in harmful quantities to interfere with the correct operation or impair safety
and that of liquids is that,
they both have the same rating against liquids
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a weight of 8.56g . We consider a lower weight better because lighter devices are easier to carry.
The Bowers & Wilkins PI7, at 50g
weigh more than the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) with a difference of 41.44g
For a device to be true wireless it should have no wires linking any part of the device together, Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) are true wireless for this matter since they have no wires. This is an important distinction since wireless earbuds have cables linking the pair of earbuds .
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 also is true wireless because it has no cables connecting the two earbuds together. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have sweat resistance
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, this creates a richer sound and a better listening experience.
Both Bowers & Wilkins PI7 and Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have stereo speakers
ANC utilises more advanced technology to reduce unwanted ambient sounds. ANC works when, it detects and analyzes the sound pattern of incoming noise and then generates a mirror signal to cancel it out. Simply put, it's like taking +1 (noise) then producing -1 (counter sound by the device) giving zero resulting in a reduced level of noise.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have Active Noise Cancellation enabling you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue since you don't have to crank up the earbuds volume to outcompete background sounds. The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too have Active Noise Cancellation which makes either of the devices ideal for flights and rush hour commutes. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) and Bowers & Wilkins PI7 work with different noise cancellation modes, pick the noise cancellation type that you prefer for travel or that enhances your chill time.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) sit tightly in place, this creates an acoustic seal that tones down your environment noise well as preventing the device music from leaking out at the same. Both Bowers & Wilkins PI7, and Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have passive noise reduction this means that they reduce ambient noise without using technology to cancel it out. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a unit size of 11mm in diameter, the bigger the unit the more powerful, therefor producing better bass.
The driver unit is the component that makes sound in the device, its size determines the loudness of the earbuds. Bowers & Wilkins PI7 driver unit is 9.2mm in diameter,
which implies that they have a smaller driver unit than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 1.8mm
, as many tend to believe that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.
However, large drivers find it difficult to produce high frequencies so yes, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not mean that they produce better quality sound.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s lowest frequency is at 10Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well an audio component produces low frequencies that can be heard, and if it alters the signal on its way through. Bowers & Wilkins PI7's lowest frequency is at 10Hz, this implies that
both devices can produce equal bass
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response indicates how well a particular audio component produces high recognizable frequencies and if it makes any adjustments to the signal on its way through. Bowers & Wilkins PI7's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this means that
both devices produce equal treble
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery life is 6 hours, these last longer than 5 hours of listening which is considered average for a single charge.
A device's battery life is given by the manufacturer, and with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and have to charge the device less often. Bowers & Wilkins PI7's battery life is
less than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 1.5 hours
. Every time you recharge your device, they get a little less playing time. The effect is not noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time.
The battery life of the charging case is given by the vendor, and the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s case has a charge of 30 hours. A charging case with a longer battery life allows you to recharge your earbuds on the go multiple times before having to recharge the case itself. Bowers & Wilkins PI7's charging case has a battery life of 18 hours,
less than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 12 hours
It takes 0.3 hours to fully charge the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery.
It is recommended to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds when they have been unused for long periods. Bowers & Wilkins PI7 takes 3 hours to fully charge the battery,
more than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 2.7 hours
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), the device supports wireless charging. To charge the earbuds, you simply put down on a compatible charging pad.
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 also support wireless charging, take note of the charging standard of a device. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a battery level indicator, an indicator alerts you when the earbuds has a low battery. The battery indicator lights show the charging status of your device and case.
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators enable you determine the charging state of your device, whether fully charged, or the battery is running low. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have Bluetooth version of 5, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data movement between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. Bowers & Wilkins PI7 has a Bluetooth version of 5,
equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
. Newer versions provide faster data transfers.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a 10meters distance to connect via Bluetooth. Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a maximum range of 10meters,
equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support AAC, a codec that is used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps.
Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate.
Since its the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) will work fine with your iPad. If you intend on using these with Android you need to pay even closer attention to codec support for if they only have AAC they won't provide the best audio quality possible, ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well.
The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support AAC as well. Designed to be the successor of the MP3 format, AAC generally achieves higher sound quality than MP3 encoders at the same bit rate. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have 6 microphones.
While the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 microphones are 6,
equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
. More microphones record better sound quality and help the earbuds to filter out noise. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a noise-canceling microphone, these microphones are made to reduce background sounds from the desired sound. The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too use a noise-canceling microphone.
This is useful in noisy environments. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when removed from your ears so that the music is paused. The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support in/on-ear detection, automatically pauses your music, or audiobook when you remove earbuds from your ears saving battery life.
If misplaced in a room, or can't easily find them in your bag, Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support the find earbuds feature. Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too have the find earbuds feature. You can use the device app on your smartphone to play an alarm from your device to locate them.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support fast charging. Usually, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to lower the time it takes to charge a device. The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support fast charging.
It's very similar to regular charging, only that the battery fills up much faster. For example, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in 30 minutes. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support multipoint of 2 connections, this feature allows you to link to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them.
Say, you can seemlessly switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a mute function, they support the option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device. The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too have the mute function.
It means that you are in position turn off the device's microphone, but still hear the other party talk. With the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever functions are supported on the device. Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too have a control panel on them.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a warranty period of 1 Years, the period of time that warrant free repair and adjustment services in case of a malfunction occurring under normal use following instruction manuals. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support voice prompts. Automatically receive information via audio messages, like if there is a problem with the connection.
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too support voice prompts .i.e the earbuds notifies you if the battery is running low, and it's time to recharge them. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) come with their own special pouch. Carrying earphones openly, or putting them in your bag without a cover can easily damage them.
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 also have a case included, which offers safe transportation.
