IP ratings is the level 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 such as dust, while the second refers to resistance against liquids (sweat).
Having a value of IPX4, the Google Pixel Buds Pro's rating is read as, the first number of X denotes that no data available to specify a protection rating, 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. In comparison to the Google Pixel Buds Pro, 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
The Google Pixel Buds Pro have a weight of 12.4g . We consider a lower weight better because lighter devices are easier to carry.
The Bowers & Wilkins PI7, at 50g
weigh more than the Google Pixel Buds Pro with a difference of 37.6g
For a device to be true wireless it must have no cables linking any part of the device together, Google Pixel Buds Pro are true wireless for this matter since they have no wires. This is an important distinction as some wireless earbuds have cables linking the two earbuds together. Bowers & Wilkins PI7 also is true wireless since it has no cables connecting the 2 earbuds .
The Google Pixel Buds Pro come with wingtips, these are reserved for earbuds for workouts and come as an optional add-on to each silicone ear tip for a more secure fit.
Google Pixel Buds Pro have sweat resistance
Google Pixel Buds Pro have stereo speakers, what this means is that Google Pixel Buds Pro's 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 Google Pixel Buds Pro have stereo speakers
ANC utilises advanced technology to reduce unwanted ambient sounds. ANC works when, it detects and analyzes the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and generates a mirror signal to counter it.
Simply put, it's like taking +1 (sound from your surrounding) then adding -1 (counter sound by the device) giving zero resulting in a reduced level of noise.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro have ANC allowing you to listen at lower levels of volume, causing less ear fatigue as you don't have to crank up the device volume to overcome background noise. The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too have ANC making either of the devices ideal for flights and rush hour commutes.
Each work with different noise cancellation modes, pick the setting that you prefer for travel or that enhances your relaxation time. Google Pixel Buds Pro sit tightly in place, this creates a sound seal that reduces background sounds while preventing the earbuds voice audio from leaking out .
Both Bowers & Wilkins PI7, and Google Pixel Buds Pro have passive noise reduction which implies that they tone down ambient noise instead of actively using technology to cancel it out. The Google Pixel Buds Pro have a unit size of 11mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, and can produce better bass.
The driver unit is basically a mini speaker that produces sound in the device, its size corellates with the loudness of the earbuds. Bowers & Wilkins PI7 driver unit is 9.2mm in diameter,
which means that they have a smaller driver unit than that of Google Pixel Buds Pro 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 yeah, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not mean that they deliver better quality sound.
Google Pixel Buds Pro's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well a particular audio component produces low recognizable frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal on its way through. Bowers & Wilkins PI7's lowest frequency is at 10Hz, this means that
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 make sound with a juicier bass than the Google Pixel Buds Pro
Google Pixel Buds Pro's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response indicates how well an audio device produces high recognizable frequencies and if it changes to the signal on its way through. Bowers & Wilkins PI7's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this implies that
both devices generate equal treble
SPL, is the pressure level of sound, measured in decibels, dB, Google Pixel Buds Pro's measurement is 75dB/mW.
Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source. The Google Pixel Buds Pro's battery life is 11 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 have to charge the device less often.
Bowers & Wilkins PI7's battery life is
less than that of Google Pixel Buds Pro by 6.5 hours
. Each 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. This is given by the manufacturer, and the Google Pixel Buds Pro's case is said to have a full charge of 20 hours.
A charging case with more battery hours enables you to recharge your earbuds on the go several 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 Google Pixel Buds Pro by 2 hours
It requires 1 hours to fully charge the Google Pixel Buds Pro's battery. It is recommended to fully charge the battery before using the earbuds for the first time.
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 takes 3 hours to fully charge the battery,
more than that of Google Pixel Buds Pro by 2 hours
Google Pixel Buds Pro, the device supports wireless charging. To charge the earbuds, you simply place down on a supported charging pad. Bowers & Wilkins PI7 also support wireless charging, take note of the charging standard of a device.
Google Pixel Buds Pro have a battery level indicator, an indicator notifies you when the device has a low battery. The battery indicator lights display the charging state of your earbuds and case. Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators allow you to tell the charging state of your earbuds, whether fully charged, or the battery is running low.
Google Pixel Buds Pro use USB TYPE-C, a standard connector for transmitting both data and power in a single cable. Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too support USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug comes along with most current laptops, phones, and tablets.
Google Pixel Buds Pro 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 Google Pixel Buds Pro
. Newer versions provide faster data transfers. Google Pixel Buds Pro have a 10meters distance to connect via Bluetooth.
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a maximum range of 10meters,
equal to that of the Google Pixel Buds Pro
Google Pixel Buds Pro support AAC, a codec 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 Google Pixel Buds Pro will work well with your MacBook. If you intend on using these with Android , 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. The Google Pixel Buds Pro support LDAC, a codec developed by Sony
which allows streaming high-resolution audio over Bluetooth connections at up to 990 kbps at 32 bit/96 kHz. It is capable of a very high bitrate of 990kbps, providing high-resolution audio.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro have 6 microphones. While the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 microphones are 6,
equal to that of the Google Pixel Buds Pro
. More microphones record better sound quality and enable the device to filter out background sounds. The Google Pixel Buds Pro use a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are made to reduce noise from the earbuds' sound.
The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too use a noise-canceling microphone. This is useful in noisy environments. The Google Pixel Buds Pro support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to pass through ambient noises to still be heard even when wearing the earbuds
The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 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.
Google Pixel Buds Pro support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the earbuds can detect when they are removed from your ears .
The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too support in/on-ear detection, automatically pauses your music, or audiobook when you remove earbuds from your ears improving your listening experience. When misplaced in a room, or can't be found in your bag, the Google Pixel Buds Pro have a find earbuds feature. The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 also have the find earbuds feature.
Simply use the device app on your phone to play an alarm from your device to locate them. Google Pixel Buds Pro support fast charging. Commonly, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to lower the amount of time it takes to charge a device.
Also the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too support fast charging. It's very similar to regular charging, only that the battery is filling up much faster. Say, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in just thirty minutes.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro have a multipoint of 2 connections, the multipoint feature allows you to link to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. Say, you can switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect. Google Pixel Buds Pro have a mute function, they support the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device.
The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too have this function. It means that you are in position turn off the device's microphone, but you can still hear the other party's voice. With the Google Pixel Buds Pro, so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the device.
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 also have a control panel on them. The Google Pixel Buds Pro support voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information via audio messages, like if there is an issue with the connection.
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too support voice prompts meaning the device will notify you when the battery is running low, and you need to recharge the earbuds. The Google Pixel Buds Pro come with their own special pouch. Carrying earbuds openly, or placing them in your bag without a casing may easily put them at risk of getting damaged.
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 also have a case included, which is useful for safe transportation.
