IP ratings refer to the level of protection given by a casing, against dust and liquids. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value means protection against solids such as dust, followed by the one that refers to protection against liquids (water).
Having a value of 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. Compared to the JBL Tune Flex, Sony LinkBuds S 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
JBL Tune Flex have a weight of 9.6g . We take in account a lower weight best because lighter devices are more comfortable to carry.
Sony LinkBuds S, at 9.6g
have the same weight as the JBL Tune Flex
For a device to be true wireless it should have no wires connecting any part of the device together, JBL Tune Flex are true wireless for this case since they don't have wires. This is a key difference as some wireless earbuds have wires connecting the two earbuds together. Sony LinkBuds S also is true wireless because it has no wires linking the pair of earbuds .
JBL Tune Flex have sweat resistance
Sony LinkBuds S's resistance to sweat makes both devices good for use during long-distance running, marathons, cardio sweat workouts , 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.
Both Sony LinkBuds S and JBL Tune Flex have stereo speakers
ANC utilises more advanced kind of tech to actively counter noise. ANC works when, it detects and analyzes the sound pattern of incoming noise and then generates a mirror signal to cancel it out. Simply put, it's like having +1 (noise) then producing -1 (inverted noise) giving 0 hence "diluting" the noise.
The JBL Tune Flex have ANC enabling you to listen at lower levels of volume, good for your ears as you don't have to crank up the earbuds volume to overcome background noise. Sony LinkBuds S too have Active Noise Cancellation which makes either of the devices ideal for plane rides and rush hour travels. The JBL Tune Flex and Sony LinkBuds S work with different noise cancellation modes, pick the noise cancellation type that you prefer for travel or that enhances your chill time.
The JBL Tune Flex sit tightly in place, this creates an acoustic covering that tones down background noise well as preventing the device music from leaking out at the same. Both Sony LinkBuds S, and JBL Tune Flex have passive noise reduction which means that both tone down ambient noise instead of actively using ANC to cancel it out. The JBL Tune Flex have a unit size of 12mm in diameter, the bigger the unit the more powerful, and can produce better bass.
A driver unit is the component that produces sound in the earbuds, its size corellates with the loudness of the device. Sony LinkBuds S driver unit is 5mm in diameter,
which implies that they have a smaller driver unit than that of JBL Tune Flex by 7mm
, as many tend to believe 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 are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not imply that they deliver better quality sound.
JBL Tune Flex's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well an audio device generates low audible frequencies and if it alters the signal on its way through. Sony LinkBuds S's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this implies that
both devices can make sound with equal bass
The JBL Tune Flex's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response tells how well a particular audio component produces high recognizable frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it. Sony LinkBuds S's highest frequency is at 40,000Hz, this implies that
Sony LinkBuds S generate a clearer and crispier treble than the JBL Tune Flex
SPL, is the pressure level 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 for a single charge. A device's battery life is given by the manufacturer, and with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and have to charge the device less often.
Sony LinkBuds S'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 not noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will no longer play for long like they used to. This is given by the manufacturer, and the JBL Tune Flex's case has a full charge of 24 hours.
A charging case with a longer battery life allows you to recharge your earbuds on the go multiple times before having to recharge the case itself. Sony LinkBuds S's charging case has a battery life of 14 hours,
less than that of JBL Tune Flex by 10 hours
It takes 2 hours to fully charge the JBL Tune Flex's battery. It is recommended to fully charge the battery before using the earbuds when they have been in storage for long periods.
Sony LinkBuds S takes 2 hours to fully charge the battery,
equal to that of the JBL Tune Flex
JBL Tune Flex have a battery level indicator, an indicator notifies you when the device has a low battery. Its lights show the charging state of your earbuds and case. Sony LinkBuds S too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators enable you to tell the charging state of your device, if charged fully, or the battery is running low.
The JBL Tune Flex have USB TYPE-C, a standard connector for transmitting both data and power through a single cable. Sony LinkBuds S too support USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug comes along with most current electronics.
The JBL Tune Flex have Bluetooth version of 5.2, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in range, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. Sony LinkBuds S has a Bluetooth version of 5.2,
equal to that of the JBL Tune Flex
. Newer versions provide faster data transfers. JBL Tune Flex have a 10meters distance connecting via Bluetooth.
Sony LinkBuds S have a maximum range of 10meters,
equal to that of the JBL Tune Flex
JBL Tune Flex support AAC, a codec used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it provides 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 fine with your iPad. If you intend on using these with Android , ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well. The Sony LinkBuds S 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. While the Sony LinkBuds S microphones are 6,
more than that of JBL Tune Flex by 2
. More microphones result in better sound quality and help the device to filter out background sounds.
JBL Tune Flex have a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are designed to filter out noise from the desired sound. JBL Tune Flex microphone sensitivity is measured at -38dBV/Pa. The magnitude of the analog or digital output signal from the microphone with its input stimulus is a measure of its sensitivity.
It's the 'loudness' of the voice that the microphone can recognize. The JBL Tune Flex support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient noises to still be heard even when wearing the earbuds
The Sony LinkBuds S support ambient sound mode as well, helpful when you want to listen to music but also be aware of what’s happening around you, say you’re having a run but would still want to be able to hear traffic. If misplaced in a room, or can't be found in your bag, the JBL Tune Flex support the find earbuds feature.
Sony LinkBuds S too have the find earbuds feature. You can use the device app on your smartphone to play an alarm from your device to help you find them. The JBL Tune Flex support fast charging.
Most often, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to lower the time it takes to charge the earbuds. Sony LinkBuds S 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 is charged to 50% in just 30 minutes. The JBL Tune Flex have a multipoint of 2 connections, this feature allows you to link to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. For example, you can switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.
The JBL Tune Flex have a mute function, they support the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device. The Sony LinkBuds S too support this function. It means that you are in position turn off the earbuds' microphone, but still hear the other party's voice.
With the JBL Tune Flex, so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the device. Sony LinkBuds S also have a control panel on them. JBL Tune Flex support voice prompts.
Automatically receive information through audio messages, say if there is an issue with the connection. Sony LinkBuds S also have voice prompts .i.e the device will notify you when the battery is running low, and you need to recharge them. The JBL Tune Flex come with a special case.
Carrying earbuds openly, or placing them in your pockets without a casing can easily put them at risk of getting damaged. Sony LinkBuds S also have a case included, which is useful for safe transportation.
