IP ratings refer to the rating of protection given by a casing, against solids and water. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values The first value refers to protection against solids say dust, followed by the one that refers to resistance against liquids (sweat).
Having a value of IPX4, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s rating for solids indicates 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. Compared to the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), Sony LinkBuds S have a rating of IPX4 meaning that
we are not yet certain of their rating with solids (dust)
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 for the reason that lighter devices are more comfortable to move with.
The Sony LinkBuds S, at 9.6g
weigh more than the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by of 1.04g
For a device to be true wireless it must have no cables 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 difference since wireless earbuds have cables linking the two earbuds .
Sony LinkBuds S also is true wireless since it doesn't have wires connecting the two earbuds together. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have sweat resistance
Sony LinkBuds S's resistance to sweat makes both devices fit for use during long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have stereo speakers, what this means is that Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better listening experience.
The Sony LinkBuds S also have stereo speakers
Active noise cancellation makes use of advanced technology to actively cancel noise. ANC works when, it listens to the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and generates a mirror signal to counter it. In simple terms, it's like having +1 (sound from your surrounding) then producing -1 (counter sound by the device) to make zero which results in a reduced level of noise.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have Active Noise Cancellation allowing you to listen at lower levels of volume, good for your ears since you don't have to crank up the device volume to outcompete background noise. The Sony LinkBuds S too have ANC which makes either of the earbuds ideal for flights and morning travels. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) and Sony LinkBuds S operate with different noise cancellation types, pick the setting that suits your travel or that enhances your chill time.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) sit tightly in place, creating an acoustic covering that tones down your environment sounds and also prevents the earbuds voice audio from leaking out .
Both of these devices have passive noise reduction which means that they limit ambient noise instead of actively using ANC to cancel it out. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) driver unit is 11mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, and can produce better bass. The driver unit is basically a mini speaker that makes sound in the earbuds, the unit size determines the loudness of the device.
Sony LinkBuds S driver unit is 5mm in diameter,
which implies that they have a smaller driver unit than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 6mm
, a common assumption that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.
However, large drivers usually have difficulty producing high frequencies so yes, larger drivers are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not indicate that they produce better quality sound. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s lowest frequency is at 10Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio component produces low frequencies that can be heard, and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it.
Sony LinkBuds S's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this means that
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) produce a juicier bass than the Sony LinkBuds S
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response tells how well a particular audio device produces high recognizable frequencies and if it adjustments to the signal while at it. Sony LinkBuds S's highest frequency is at 40,000Hz, this implies that
Sony LinkBuds S produce a clearer and crispier treble than the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
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 usually given by the manufacturer, and with more battery hours, you get to use it for longer and requires fewer chargings.
Sony LinkBuds S's battery life is
equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
. Every time you recharge your device, they get a little less playing time. The effect is not noticeable at first, but over a few years, your wireless earbuds will no longer play for long like they used to. The battery life of the charging case is given by the manufacturer, 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 recharging the case itself. Sony LinkBuds S's charging case has a battery life of 14 hours,
less than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 16 hours
It requires 0.3 hours to fully charge the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery. It is recommended to fully charge the battery before using the earbuds when they have been in storage for long periods.
Sony LinkBuds S takes 2 hours to fully charge the battery,
more than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 1.7 hours
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), the device supports wireless charging. To charge the device, you simply place down on a compatible charging pad. 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 state of your earbuds and charging case. Sony LinkBuds S too have a battery level indicator, these allow you to tell the charging state of your device, whether fully charged, or having a low battery. 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.
Sony LinkBuds S has a Bluetooth version of 5.2,
newer than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
. Newer versions provide faster data transfers. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a 10meters distance to connect via Bluetooth. Sony LinkBuds S have a maximum range of 10meters,
equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support AAC, a codec used for Bluetooth audio.
It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Since it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at the same bit rate.
Being the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) will work well with your iPad.
If you intend on using these with Android , ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well. The Sony LinkBuds S 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.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have 6 microphones. While the Sony LinkBuds S microphones are 6,
equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
. More microphones result in better sound quality and enable the earbuds to filter out noise. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are made to filter out background sounds from the earbuds' sound.
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. Sony LinkBuds S support in/on-ear detection, automatically pauses your music, or audiobook when you remove earbuds from your ears improving your listening experience. When lost in a room, or can't be found in your bag, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support the find earbuds feature.
Sony LinkBuds S also have the find earbuds feature. You can use the earbuds app on your smartphone to play an alarm from your device to help you find them. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support fast charging.
Commonly, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to lower the amount of time it takes to charge the earbuds. Also the Sony LinkBuds S support fast charging. This kind is similar to regular charging, just that the battery fills up much faster.
For example, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in just thirty minutes. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support multipoint of 2 connections, the multipoint feature allows you to link to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. Say, you can easily switch calls from one device to another without manually disconnect and reconnect.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a mute function, they have the option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device. The Sony LinkBuds S also support this function. It means that you are in position turn off the earbuds' microphone, but still hear the other party's voice.
With the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the earbuds. Sony LinkBuds S too have a control panel on them. The 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 that has followed instruction manuals.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information via audio messages, like if there is an issue with the connection. The Sony LinkBuds S too support voice prompts .i.e the device will notify you if the battery is running low, and it's time to recharge the device.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) come with a special pouch. Carrying earbuds openly, or putting them inside your bag without a cover can easily put them at risk of getting damaged. Sony LinkBuds S also have a case included, which is useful for safe transportation.
