IP ratings refer to the rank of protection offered by a casing, against solids and liquids. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value means protection against solids such as dust, while the second refers to protection against liquids (sweat).
Scoring IP54, the Bowers & Wilkins PI7's rating is read as, the first value of 5 denotes 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 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 Bowers & Wilkins PI7, Sennheiser Momentum 3 have a rating of IPX4 meaning that
no data available to specify a protection rating
and that of liquids is that,
they both have the same rating against liquids
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a weight of 50g . We take in account a lower weight better because lighter devices are easier to carry.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3, at 10.6g
are lighter than the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 by -39.4g
True wireless devices have no cables linking any part of the device together, Bowers & Wilkins PI7 are true wireless for this matter since they have no cables. This is a major distinction as some wireless earbuds have wires linking the 2 earbuds together. Sennheiser Momentum 3 also is true wireless because it doesn't have wires linking the 2 earbuds .
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from separate channels on both left and right sides, this creates a richer sound and a better listening experience.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 also have stereo speakers
ANC makes use of advanced technology to reduce ambient sounds. How it works, it listens to the sound pattern of incoming noise and then generates a mirror signal to cancel it out. In simple terms, it's like taking +1 (sound from your surrounding) and adding -1 (counter sound by the device) to make 0 thus "diluting" the noise.
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have Active Noise Cancellation enabling you to listen at lower levels of volume, causing less ear fatigue as you don't need to crank up the device volume to outcompete background sounds. Sennheiser Momentum 3 too have Active Noise Cancellation making either of the devices ideal for plane rides and rush hour commutes. Each operate with different noise cancellation settings, pick the noise cancellation type that you prefer for commute or that suites your relaxation time.
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 stay well in place, this creates an acoustic covering that reduces background sounds and also prevents the earbuds sound from leaking out .
Both of these devices have passive noise reduction which implies that both reduce ambient noise instead of actively using ANC to cancel it out. The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 driver unit is 9.2mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, therefor producing better bass. A driver unit is basically a mini speaker that produces sound in the earbuds, its size determines the loudness of the device.
Sennheiser Momentum 3 driver unit is 7mm in diameter,
which implies that they have a smaller driver unit than that of Bowers & Wilkins PI7 by 2.2mm
, many people have a misconception 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 Bowers & Wilkins PI7's lowest frequency is at 10Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio component produces low audible frequencies and if it alters the signal on its way through.
Sennheiser Momentum 3's lowest frequency is at 5Hz, this means that
Sennheiser Momentum 3 produce a juicier bass than the Bowers & Wilkins PI7
The Bowers & Wilkins PI7's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response shows how well a particular audio component generates high human frequencies and if it changes to the signal while at it. Sennheiser Momentum 3's highest frequency is at 21,000Hz, this implies that
Sennheiser Momentum 3 produce a clearer and crispier treble than the Bowers & Wilkins PI7
The Bowers & Wilkins PI7's battery life is 4.5 hours, these last less than 5 hours of listening which is considered average for a single charge. A device's battery life is commonly given by the manufacturer, and with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and have to charge the device less often.
Sennheiser Momentum 3's battery life is
more than that of Bowers & Wilkins PI7 by 2.5 hours
. Each time you recharge your device, they get a little less playing time. The effect is barely noticeable at first, but over time, 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 Bowers & Wilkins PI7's case is said to have a full charge of 18 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. Sennheiser Momentum 3's charging case has a battery life of 21 hours,
more than that of Bowers & Wilkins PI7 by 3 hours
It requires 3 hours to fully charge the Bowers & Wilkins PI7's battery. It is recommended to fully charge the battery before using the earbuds for the first time.
Sennheiser Momentum 3 takes 1.5 hours to fully charge the battery,
less than that of Bowers & Wilkins PI7 by 1.5 hours
The Bowers & Wilkins PI7, the device supports wireless charging. To charge the earbuds, you simply put down on a supported charging pad. Sennheiser Momentum 3 also support wireless charging, take note of the charging standard of a device.
The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a battery level indicator, an indicator notifies you when the device has a low battery. Its lights indicate the charging state of your earbuds and charging case. Sennheiser Momentum 3 too have a battery level indicator, these allow you tell the charging state of your earbuds, whether fully charged, or the battery is running low.
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 use USB TYPE-C, an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power through a single cable. Sennheiser Momentum 3 too support USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug is part and parcel of most current laptops, phones, and tablets.
The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have Bluetooth version of 5, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that enables data movement between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. Sennheiser Momentum 3 has a Bluetooth version of 5.2,
newer than that of Bowers & Wilkins PI7
. Newer versions provide faster data transfers. The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a 10meters distance connecting via Bluetooth.
Sennheiser Momentum 3 have a maximum range of 10meters,
equal to that of the Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 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 the same bit rate.
Since its the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 will work well with your MacBook. If you are planning 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 Sennheiser Momentum 3 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. Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support APTX Adaptive, an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that are developed by Qualcomm. It has a variable bit rate (between 279kbps and 420kbps).
Sennheiser Momentum 3 support APTX Adaptive as well which means both can adjust the bit rate for different scenarios, such as reducing interference from other devices.
The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support APTX HD, an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that are developed by Qualcomm. It supports high-quality 24-bit audio (at a bit rate of 576kbps).
The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have 6 microphones. The Sennheiser Momentum 3 microphones are 6,
equal to that of the Bowers & Wilkins PI7
. More microphones result in better sound quality and enable the device to filter out noise.
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 use a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are intended to reduce noise from the desired sound. The Sennheiser Momentum 3 too use a noise-canceling microphone. This is useful in noisy environments.
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient sound to still be heard even while wearing the earbuds
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 support ambient sound mode as well, helpful when you want to listen to music but also be aware of what’s happening around you, for example when you’re having a jog but would still want to hear traffic. Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the earbuds can detect when they are removed from your ears .
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 too support in/on-ear detection, automatically pauses your music, or audiobook when you remove earbuds from your ears improving your listening experience. If misplaced in a room, or can't be found in your bag, the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support the find earbuds feature.
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support fast charging. Commonly, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to reduce the amount of time it takes to fully charge the earbuds. Also the Sennheiser Momentum 3 too support fast charging.
This kind is similar to regular charging, just that the battery fills up much faster. Say, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in 30 minutes. The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a mute function, they support the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 also have this function. The mute function means that you unilaterally turn off the earbuds' microphone, but still hear the other party talk. The Bowers & Wilkins PI7, so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the device.
Sennheiser Momentum 3 too have a control panel on them. The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have voice prompts. Automatically receive information through audio messages, say if there is an issue with the connection.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 also have voice prompts .i.e the earbuds notifies you if the battery is low, and it's time to recharge the device. The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 come with their own special case. Carrying earbuds openly, or placing them in your bag without a cover may easily damage them.
Sennheiser Momentum 3 too have a case included, which offers safe transportation.
