Ingress protection ratings refer to the level of protection offered by an enclosure, against dust and water. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values The first value refers to protection against solids such as dust, while the second refers to resistance against liquids (water).
Scoring IPX4, the JBL Tune Flex's rating is read as, the first value of X denotes that no data available to specify a protection rating, and the second number 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 JBL Tune Flex, Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 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
The JBL Tune Flex have a weight of 9.6g . We consider a lower weight best because lighter devices are easier to carry.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), at 8.56g
weigh less than the JBL Tune Flex with a difference -1.04g
For a device to be true wireless it should have no cables linking any part of the device together, JBL Tune Flex are true wireless for this matter since they have no cables. This is an important difference as some wireless earbuds have wires connecting the 2 earbuds together. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also is true wireless because it doesn't have cables linking the 2 earbuds .
JBL Tune Flex have sweat resistance
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s resistance to sweat makes both devices fit for use during long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc
JBL Tune Flex 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 Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also have stereo speakers
ANC utilises advanced kind of tech to reduce ambient sounds. ANC works when, it detects and analyzes the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and then generates a mirror signal to counter it. In simple terms, it's like taking +1 (noise) then adding -1 (inverted noise) to make zero therefore "diluting" the noise.
The JBL Tune Flex have ANC allowing you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue as you don't have to crank up the earbuds volume to outcompete background sounds. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have Active Noise Cancellation making either of the devices ideal for plane rides and morning travels. Each operate with different noise cancellation modes, pick the noise cancellation type that you prefer for commute or that enhances your chill time.
JBL Tune Flex stay well in place, creating an acoustic covering that tones down background noise well as preventing the device music from leaking out .
Both Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), and JBL Tune Flex have passive noise reduction this implies that they reduce ambient noise without using technology to cancel it out. JBL Tune Flex have a unit size of 12mm in diameter, the bigger the unit the more powerful, and can produce better bass. The driver unit is basically a mini speaker that produces sound in the device, its size dictates the loudness of the earbuds.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) driver unit is 11mm in diameter,
which means that they have a smaller driver unit than that of JBL Tune Flex by 1mm
, 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 it's true that, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not mean that they produce better quality sound. JBL Tune Flex's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well a particular audio device generates low recognizable frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal on its way through.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s lowest frequency is at 10Hz, this implies that
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) produce a juicier bass than the JBL Tune Flex
The JBL Tune Flex's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response indicates how well an audio component produces high human frequencies and if it makes any adjustments to the signal while at it. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this implies that
both devices can generate equal treble
SPL, is the level of pressure of sound, in decibels, dB, JBL Tune Flex's measurement is 108dB/mW. Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.
JBL Tune Flex's battery life is 8 hours, these last longer than 5 hours of listening which is considered average before recharge. A device's battery life is given by the manufacturer, and with more battery hours, you get to use it for longer and have to charge the device less often. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery life is
less than that of JBL Tune Flex by 2 hours
. Each time you recharge your earbuds, they get a little less listening time.
The effect is barely noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time. This is given by the manufacturer, and JBL Tune Flex's case is said to have a full charge of 24 hours. A charging case with more battery hours enables you to recharge your earbuds on the go several times before recharging the case itself.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s charging case has a battery life of 30 hours,
more than that of JBL Tune Flex by 6 hours
It requires 2 hours to fully charge the JBL Tune Flex's battery. It is highly adivsable to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds for the first time. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) takes 0.3 hours to fully charge the battery,
less than that of JBL Tune Flex by 1.7 hours
The JBL Tune Flex have a battery level indicator, an indicator alerts you when the earbuds has a low battery.
The battery indicator lights indicate the charging state of your device and case. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators enable you determine the charging state of your earbuds, if charged fully, or having a low battery. The JBL Tune Flex have USB TYPE-C, an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power in a single cable.
The JBL Tune Flex have Bluetooth version of 5.2, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that enables data transfers between devices placed in range, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) has a Bluetooth version of 5,
older than that of JBL Tune Flex
. Newer versions provide faster data transfers. The JBL Tune Flex have a 10meters distance to connect via Bluetooth.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a maximum range of 10meters,
equal to that of the JBL Tune Flex
JBL Tune Flex 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.
Being the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the JBL Tune Flex 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 Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 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. JBL Tune Flex have 4 microphones. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) microphones are 6,
more than that of JBL Tune Flex by 2
. More microphones result in better sound quality and help the earbuds to filter out noise.
JBL Tune Flex use a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are made to filter out background sounds from the earbuds' sound. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too use a noise-canceling type of microphone. This is useful in noisy areas.
JBL Tune Flex microphone sensitivity is measured at -38dBV/Pa. The size 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 pick up.
The JBL Tune Flex support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to pass through ambient noises to still be heard even when wearing the earbuds
If misplaced in a room, or can't be found in your bag, the JBL Tune Flex have a find earbuds feature. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have the find earbuds feature. You can use the device app on your smartphone to play a sound from your earbuds to help you locate them.
JBL Tune Flex support fast charging. Most often, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to lower the time it takes to charge a device. Also the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 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 is charged to 50% in thirty minutes. JBL Tune Flex support 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 having to manually disconnect and reconnect. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support multipoint count of 2,
equal to that of the JBL Tune Flex
. Bluetooth multipoint is useful because you can be on one call and not miss notifications from another connected device. JBL Tune Flex have a mute function, they support the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too support the mute function. The mute function means that you can turn off the device's microphone, but you can still hear the other party talk. The JBL Tune Flex, so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the device.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also have a control panel on them. The JBL Tune Flex support voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information through audio messages, like if there is an issue with the connection.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also support voice prompts meaning the device notifies you when the battery is low, and you need to recharge the earbuds. JBL Tune Flex come with a special case. Carrying earbuds without a case, or putting them in your bag without a casing may easily put them at risk of getting damaged.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also have a travel bag included, which offers safe transportation.
