Home Wireless Earbuds Huawei Freebuds 5I Vs. Xiaomi Flipbuds Pro

A Review By Comparison of the Huawei Freebuds 5I Vs. Xiaomi Flipbuds Pro

Last updated on Apr 17, 2023   7 min read
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Huawei FreeBuds 5i

Huawei FreeBuds 5i

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Reasons why you might like the Huawei FreeBuds 5i

Overall Score 6.8 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IP54
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 7.5 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 4 only
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode
VS
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

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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 Huawei FreeBuds 5i Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro
DESIGN ingress protection (ip) rating IP54 IPX4
weight 9.2g 12.2g
has no wires or cables
sweat resistance
has stereo speakers
SOUND QUALITY has active noise cancellation (noise control)
has passive noise reduction
driver unit size 10mm 11mm
lowest frequency 20Hz
highest frequency 40000Hz
POWER battery life 7.5hours 7hours
battery life of charging case 20.5hours 21hours
charge time 1hours 0.52hours
battery power 55mAh
has wireless charging
has a battery level indicator
CONNECTIVITY has usb type-c
bluetooth version v5.2 v5.2
maximum bluetooth range 10meters 10meters
has ldac
has aptx adaptive
audio latency 94ms
MICROPHONE number of microphones 4only 6only
has a noise-canceling microphone
mic sensitivity -47dBV/Pa
EXTRAS has ambient sound mode
has in/on-ear detection
has find earbuds feature
supports fast charging
multipoint count 2only 2only
has a mute function
control panel placed on a device
has voice prompts
travel bag is included
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A breakdown of the review per specifications

Design

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Huawei FreeBuds 5i IP54
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro IPX4

Ingress protection ratings is the level of protection given by a casing, against solids and water. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values The first value of the IP rating represents protection against solids say dust, followed by the one that refers to resistance against liquids (water).

Scoring IP54, the Huawei FreeBuds 5i'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 Huawei FreeBuds 5i, 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

Huawei FreeBuds 5i 9.2g
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro 12.2g

The Huawei FreeBuds 5i have a weight of 9.2g . We prefer a lower weight better because lighter devices are more comfortable to carry.

The Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro, at 12.2g are heavier than the Huawei FreeBuds 5i by of 3g

Has No Wires Or Cables

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

True wireless devices have no cables connecting any part of the device together, Huawei FreeBuds 5i are true wireless for this matter since they don't have cables. This is an important difference since wireless earbuds have wires connecting the two earbuds together.

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro also is true wireless because it doesn't have cables linking the pair of earbuds .

Sweat Resistance

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Huawei FreeBuds 5i are resistant to sweat

Has Stereo Speakers

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Huawei FreeBuds 5i have stereo speakers, what this means is that Huawei FreeBuds 5i's speakers deliver sound from separate channels on both left and right sides, this creates a richer sound and a better listening experience.

Both Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro and Huawei FreeBuds 5i have stereo speakers

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
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Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

ANC makes use of more advanced kind of tech to reduce unwanted ambient sounds. How it works, it studies the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and then inverts the soundwaves to cancel it out. In simple terms, it's like taking +1 (noise) then producing -1 (inverted noise) giving 0 which results in a reduced level of noise.

The Huawei FreeBuds 5i have ANC allowing you to listen at lower volume levels, good for your ears since you don't have to crank up the earbuds volume to overcome background noise.

The Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro too have ANC making both earbuds ideal for plane rides and rush hour commutes. Each work with different noise cancellation modes, pick the setting that suits your commute or that suites your relaxation time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

The Huawei FreeBuds 5i sit well in place, creating a sound covering that reduces background sounds and also prevents the device sound from leaking out .

Both of these devices have passive noise reduction this implies that they limit ambient noise instead of actively using ANC to cancel it out.

Driver Unit Size

Huawei FreeBuds 5i 10mm
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro 11mm

The Huawei FreeBuds 5i have a unit size of 10mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, and can produce better bass. A driver unit is the component that makes sound in the device, 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 Huawei FreeBuds 5i by 1mm , 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 can generate louder sound, but this does not mean that they deliver better quality sound.

Lowest Frequency

Huawei FreeBuds 5i 20Hz
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Huawei FreeBuds 5i's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio component generates low frequencies that can be heard, and if it alters the signal while at it.

Highest Frequency

Huawei FreeBuds 5i 40000Hz
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Huawei FreeBuds 5i's highest frequency is at 40000Hz, high-frequency response indicates how well an audio component generates high human frequencies and if it makes any adjustments to the signal while at it.

Power

Battery Life

Huawei FreeBuds 5i 7.5hours
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro 7hours

Huawei FreeBuds 5i's battery life is 7.5 hours, these last longer than 5 hours of listening which is considered average before recharge. A device's battery life is commonly given by the manufacturer, and with more battery hours, you get to use it for longer and requires fewer chargings.

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro's battery life is less than that of Huawei FreeBuds 5i by 0.5 hours . Each time you recharge your earbuds, they get a little less playing time. The effect is not noticeable at first, but over a few years, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time.

Battery Life Of Charging Case

Huawei FreeBuds 5i 20.5hours
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro 21hours

The battery life of the charging case is given by the vendor, and the Huawei FreeBuds 5i's case has a charge of 20.5 hours. A charging case with a longer battery life allows you to recharge your earbuds on the go many times before recharging the case itself.

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro's charging case has a battery life of 21 hours, more than that of Huawei FreeBuds 5i by 0.5 hours

Charge Time

Huawei FreeBuds 5i 1hours
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro 0.52hours

It requires 1 hours to fully charge the Huawei FreeBuds 5i's battery. It is highly adivsable to fully charge 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 Huawei FreeBuds 5i by 0.48 hours

Battery Power

Huawei FreeBuds 5i 55mAh
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Huawei FreeBuds 5i's battery capacity is 55mAh, battery capacity, represents the amount of electrical energy that a battery can store.

Has Wireless Charging

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro, the device supports wireless charging. To charge the device, you just place down on a supported charging pad.

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

The Huawei FreeBuds 5i have a battery level indicator, an indicator notifies you when the device has a low battery. The battery indicator lights display the charging status of your device and case.

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro too have a battery level indicator, these allow you to tell the charging state of your earbuds, if charged fully, or having a low battery.

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
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Connectivity

Has Usb Type-C

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Huawei FreeBuds 5i have USB TYPE-C, an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power in a single cable.

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro too use USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug comes along with most current laptops, phones, and tablets.

Bluetooth Version

Huawei FreeBuds 5i v5.2
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro v5.2

Huawei FreeBuds 5i have Bluetooth version of 5.2, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that enables data transfers between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves.

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro has a Bluetooth version of 5.2, equal to that of the Huawei FreeBuds 5i . Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Huawei FreeBuds 5i 10meters
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro 10meters

Huawei FreeBuds 5i have a 10meters distance to connect via Bluetooth.

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the Huawei FreeBuds 5i

Has Ldac

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Huawei FreeBuds 5i 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 can reach a high bitrate of 990kbps, providing high-resolution audio.

Has Aptx Adaptive

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro support APTX Adaptive, an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that are developed by Qualcomm. It has a variable bit rate (between 279kbps and 420kbps).

Audio Latency

Huawei FreeBuds 5i 94ms
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Latency refers to the time it takes for the audio signal to be transmitted to your earbuds. Huawei FreeBuds 5i have a latency of 94ms, a lower latency reduces audio lag and is particularly important when playing games or watching videos.

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

Huawei FreeBuds 5i 4only
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro 6only

The Huawei FreeBuds 5i have 4 microphones.

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro microphones are 6, more than that of Huawei FreeBuds 5i by 2 . More microphones result in better sound quality and help the device to filter out noise.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

The Huawei FreeBuds 5i use a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are made to filter out background sounds from the earbuds' sound.

The Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro too have a noise-canceling type of microphone. Especially useful in noisy areas.

Mic Sensitivity

Huawei FreeBuds 5i -47dBV/Pa
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Huawei FreeBuds 5i microphone sensitivity is measured at -47dBV/Pa. The extent of the analog or digital output signal from the microphone with its input stimulus is a calculation of its sensitivity. It's the 'loudness' of the sound that the microphone can recognize.

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
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Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Huawei FreeBuds 5i support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient sound so that they can still be heard even while wearing the earbuds

The Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro support ambient sound mode as well, helpful when you want to listen to music while being aware of your surrounding, say you’re having a jog but still want to hear traffic.

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

The Huawei FreeBuds 5i have in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when removed from your ears so that the music is paused.

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro too 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

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

When lost in a room, or can't easily find them in your bag, Huawei FreeBuds 5i support the find earbuds feature.

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro also have the find earbuds feature. Use the earbuds app on your smartphone to play a sound from your earbuds to locate them.

Supports Fast Charging

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

The Huawei FreeBuds 5i support fast charging. Most often, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to reduce the amount of time it takes to fully charge a device.

Also the Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro too support fast charging. It's very similar to regular charging, just that the battery is filling up much faster. Say, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in 30 minutes.

Multipoint Count

Huawei FreeBuds 5i 2only
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro 2only

The Huawei FreeBuds 5i have a multipoint of 2 connections, the multipoint 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 having to manually disconnect and reconnect.

The Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro support multipoint count of 2, equal to that of the Huawei FreeBuds 5i . Bluetooth multipoint comes in handy when you can be on one call and not miss notifications coming from another connected device.

Has A Mute Function

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

The Huawei FreeBuds 5i have a mute function, they have the option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device.

The Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro also have the mute function. The mute function means that you unilaterally turn off the earbuds' microphone, but still hear the other party talk.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

With the Huawei FreeBuds 5i, so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the device.

The Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro too have a control panel on them.

Has Voice Prompts

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Huawei FreeBuds 5i have voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information via audio messages, like if there is a problem with the connection.

The Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro too have voice prompts meaning the device notifies you when the battery is running low, and you need to recharge them.

Travel Bag Is Included

Huawei FreeBuds 5i
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Huawei FreeBuds 5i come with a special pouch. Carrying earphones openly, or putting them in your pockets without a casing may easily damage them.

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro too have a case included, which is useful for safe transportation.

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