Home Wireless Earbuds Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 Vs. Xiaomi Flipbuds Pro

A Review By Comparison of the Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 Vs. Xiaomi Flipbuds Pro

Last updated on Oct 19, 2023   7 minute read
Note: This page may contain affiliate links, we only earn from qualifying purchases!
Bowers & Wilkins PI7

Bowers & Wilkins PI7

See price on Amazon

Reasons why you might like the Bowers & Wilkins PI7

Overall Score 6.4 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IP54
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 4.5 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 6 only
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode
VS
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

See price on Amazon

Reasons why you might like the Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Overall Score 5.7 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IPX4
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 7 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 6 only
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode

A summary of the review by feature comparison

Category Features Bowers & Wilkins PI7 Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro
DESIGN ingress protection (ip) rating ip54 ipX4
weight 50g 12.2g
has no wires or cables
has stereo speakers
SOUND QUALITY has active noise cancellation (noise control)
has passive noise reduction
driver unit size 9.2mm 11mm
lowest frequency 10hz
highest frequency 20,000hz
POWER battery life 4.5hours 7hours
battery life of charging case 18hours 21hours
charge time 3hours 0.52hours
has wireless charging
has a battery level indicator
CONNECTIVITY has usb type-c
bluetooth version v5 v5.2
maximum bluetooth range 10meters 10meters
has aac
has aptx adaptive
has aptx hd
MICROPHONE number of microphones 6only 6only
has a noise-canceling microphone
EXTRAS has ambient sound mode
has in/on-ear detection
has find earbuds feature
supports fast charging
multipoint count 2only
has a mute function
control panel placed on a device
has voice prompts
travel bag is included
See price on Amazon See price on Amazon

A breakdown of the review per specifications

Design

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ip54
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro ipX4

IP ratings refer to the rank of protection offered by an enclosure, against dust and liquids. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values The first value of the IP rating refers to protection against solids say dust, followed by the one that refers to protection against liquids (sweat).

Having a value of 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 the second value of 4 means 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, Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro 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

Weight

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 50g
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro 12.2g

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a weight of 50g . We take in account a lower weight best for the reason that lighter devices are more comfortable to transport.

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro, at 12.2g are lighter than the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 with a difference -37.8g

Has No Wires Or Cables

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

For a device to be true wireless it should have no cables linking any part of the device together, Bowers & Wilkins PI7 are true wireless for this matter since they don't have wires. This is a major distinction as some wireless earbuds have cables linking the two earbuds together.

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro also is true wireless since it doesn't have cables connecting the pair of earbuds together.

Has Stereo Speakers

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have stereo speakers, what this means is that Bowers & Wilkins PI7's speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, this creates a richer sound and a better listening experience.

The Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro also have stereo speakers

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
See price on Amazon

Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Active noise cancellation utilises advanced kind of tech to actively cancel noise. How it works, it detects and analyzes the sound pattern of incoming noise and then inverts the soundwaves to cancel it out. Simply put, it's like having +1 (noise) and adding -1 (inverted noise) giving zero resulting in a reduced level of noise.

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have ANC allowing you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue as you don't need to crank up the earbuds volume to outcompete background sounds.

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro too have Active Noise Cancellation making both devices ideal for flights and rush hour travels. Each work with different noise cancellation types, pick the mode that you prefer for commute or that enhances your relaxation time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 stay tightly in place, this creates a sound seal that tones down your environment noise while preventing the earbuds music from leaking out at the same.

Both Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro, and Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have passive noise reduction which means that both tone down ambient noise instead of actively using ANC to cancel it out.

Driver Unit Size

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 9.2mm
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro 11mm

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 driver unit is 9.2mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, and can produce better bass. A driver unit is basically a mini speaker that makes sound in the earbuds, its size corellates with the sound produced by the device.

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro driver unit is 11mm in diameter, making them have a larger driver unit than that of Bowers & Wilkins PI7 by 1.8mm , many people have a misconception 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 imply that they produce better quality sound.

Lowest Frequency

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 10hz
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Bowers & Wilkins PI7's lowest frequency is at 10Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well a particular audio device generates low audible frequencies and if it alters the signal while at it.

Highest Frequency

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 20,000hz
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio component produces high recognizable frequencies and if it adjustments to the signal on its way through.

Power

Battery Life

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 4.5hours
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro 7hours

Bowers & Wilkins PI7's battery life is 4.5 hours, these last less than 5 hours of listening which is considered average before recharge. A device's battery life is given by the manufacturer, and with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and requires fewer chargings.

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro'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 listening time. The effect is not noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time.

Battery Life Of Charging Case

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 18hours
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro 21hours

The battery life of the charging case is given by the vendor, 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 enables you to recharge your earbuds on the go multiple times before having to recharge the case itself.

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro's charging case has a battery life of 21 hours, more than that of Bowers & Wilkins PI7 by 3 hours

Charge Time

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 3hours
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro 0.52hours

It takes 3 hours to fully charge the Bowers & Wilkins PI7's battery. It is recommended to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds for the first time.

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro takes 0.52 hours to fully charge the battery, less than that of Bowers & Wilkins PI7 by 2.48 hours

Has Wireless Charging

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7, the device supports wireless charging. To charge the earbuds, you just place down on a compatible charging pad.

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro also support wireless charging, take note of the charging standard of a device.

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a battery level indicator, an indicator notifies you when the earbuds has a low battery. The battery indicator lights show the charging state of your device and charging case.

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators enable you to determine the charging state of your earbuds, whether fully charged, or having a low battery.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
See price on Amazon

Connectivity

Has Usb Type-C

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 use USB TYPE-C, a standard connector for transmitting both data and power in a single cable.

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro too support USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug is part and parcel of most current laptops, phones, and tablets.

Bluetooth Version

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 v5
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro v5.2

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 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.

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro has a Bluetooth version of 5.2, newer than that of Bowers & Wilkins PI7 . Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 10meters
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro 10meters

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a 10meters distance connecting via Bluetooth.

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the Bowers & Wilkins PI7

Has Aac

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support AAC, a codec that is 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 a similar bit rate.

Being the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 will work fine with your iPhone. If you are planning on using these with Android , ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well.

Has Aptx Adaptive

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

The 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).

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro support APTX Adaptive as well which implies that both can adjust the bit rate for different scenarios, such as reducing interference from other devices.

Has Aptx Hd

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

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).

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 6only
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro 6only

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have 6 microphones.

The Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro microphones are 6, equal to that of the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 . More microphones record better sound quality and help the earbuds to filter out noise.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are designed to filter out background sounds from the earbuds' sound.

The Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro too use a noise-canceling microphone. This is useful in noisy environments.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
See price on Amazon

Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to pass through ambient noises so that they can still be heard even when wearing them

The Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro support ambient sound mode as well, it’s useful when you want to listen to music but also be aware of what’s happening around you, for example when you’re having a run but would still want to hear traffic.

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the earbuds can detect when removed from your ears .

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro support in/on-ear detection, automatically pauses your music, or audiobook when you remove earbuds from your ears improving your listening experience.

Has Find Earbuds Feature

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

When misplaced in a room, or can't be found in your bag, the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support the find earbuds feature.

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro also have the find earbuds feature. Simply use the device app on your smartphone to play an alarm from your earbuds to find them.

Supports Fast Charging

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support fast charging. Commonly, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to reduce the time it takes to charge a device.

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro too support fast charging. It's very similar to regular charging, just that the battery is filling up much faster. For example, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in just thirty minutes.

Multipoint Count

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro 2only

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro have a multipoint of 2 connections, this feature allows you connect to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. Say, you can switch calls from one device to another without manually disconnect and reconnect.

Has A Mute Function

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a mute function, they support the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds.

The Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro also support the mute function. It means that you are in position turn off the device's microphone, but you can still hear the other party talk.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7, so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the device.

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro also have a control panel on them.

Has Voice Prompts

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have voice prompts. Automatically receive information via audio messages, say if there is a problem with the connection.

The Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro too have voice prompts .i.e the earbuds will notify you if the battery is running low, and you need to recharge them.

Travel Bag Is Included

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 come with a special case. Carrying earphones openly, or putting them in your pockets without a casing may easily damage them.

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro also have a travel bag included, which offers safe transportation.

Related Reviews