A breakdown of the review per specifications

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Sony LinkBuds S IPX4

Mpow Flame S IPX7

Ingress protection ratings is the rank of protection offered by a casing, against solids and liquids. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value represents protection against solids say dust, while the second refers to protection against liquids (sweat).

Scoring IPX4, the Sony LinkBuds S's rating is read as, the first value of X denotes that no data available to specify a protection rating, and of liquids that they can withstand low pressure spray similar to that of a shower head when tilted at 180° for 10 minutes.

Compared to the Sony LinkBuds S, Mpow Flame S have a rating of IPX7 meaning that we are not yet certain of their rating with solids (dust) and that of liquids is that, Sony LinkBuds S has a lower liquid rating than Mpow Flame S

Weight

Sony LinkBuds S 9.6g

Mpow Flame S ✗

The Sony LinkBuds S have a weight of 9.6g . We consider a lower weight better for the reason that lighter devices are easier to move with.

Has No Wires Or Cables

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

Mpow Flame S ✗

For a device to be true wireless it should have no wires connecting any part of the device together, Sony LinkBuds S are true wireless for this case since they have no wires. This is an important difference since wireless earbuds have wires connecting the 2 earbuds .

Wingtips Included

Sony LinkBuds S ✗

Mpow Flame S ✓

Mpow Flame S have wingtips, these are reserved for earbuds for workouts and come as an optional add-on to each silicone ear tip for a better fit.

Sweat Resistance

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

Mpow Flame S ✓

Sony LinkBuds S are resistant to sweat

Mpow Flame S's resistance to sweat makes both devices ideal for use while doing sports such as long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc

Has Stereo Speakers

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

Mpow Flame S ✓

Sony LinkBuds S have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better listening experience.

The Mpow Flame S also have stereo speakers

Sony LinkBuds S
See price on Amazon

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

Mpow Flame S ✓

Active noise cancellation utilises advanced technology to actively cancel noise. How it works, it studies the sound pattern of incoming noise and generates a mirror signal to cancel it out. Simply put, it's like taking +1 (noise) then adding -1 (inverted noise) giving 0 resulting in a reduced level of noise.

Sony LinkBuds S have ANC enabling you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue since you don't have to crank up the device volume to outcompete background noise.

Mpow Flame S too have ANC which makes both earbuds ideal for plane rides and morning travels. The Sony LinkBuds S and Mpow Flame S work with different noise cancellation settings, pick the mode that you prefer for commute or that enhances your chill time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

Mpow Flame S ✓

The Sony LinkBuds S sit well in place, creating a sound seal that tones down your environment noise and also prevents the earbuds sound from leaking out .

Both of these devices have passive noise reduction which implies that both tone down ambient noise instead of actively using technology to cancel it out.

Driver Unit Size

Sony LinkBuds S 5mm

Mpow Flame S ✗

Sony LinkBuds S have a unit size of 5mm in diameter, the bigger the unit the more powerful, therefor producing better bass. A driver unit is basically a mini speaker that makes sound in the device, its size determines the loudness of the device.

Lowest Frequency

Sony LinkBuds S 20Hz

Mpow Flame S ✗

The Sony LinkBuds S's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well an audio component generates low recognizable frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal on its way through.

Highest Frequency

Sony LinkBuds S 40000Hz

Mpow Flame S ✗

Sony LinkBuds S's highest frequency is at 40000Hz, high-frequency response measures if and how well an audio component makes high audible frequencies and if it makes any adjustments to the signal while at it.

Has A Neodymium Magnet

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

Mpow Flame S ✗

Sony LinkBuds S have neodymium magnets, if used in earbuds produce a higher sensitivity and substantial sound output while using less power. They can help generate music at quite a high SPL, using high magnetic flux.

A Review By Comparison Of The Technics Eah Az80 Vs. Sony Linkbuds S

Battery Life

Sony LinkBuds S 6hours

Mpow Flame S 12hours

The Sony LinkBuds S's battery life is 6 hours, these last longer than 5 hours of listening which is considered average for a single charge. 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.

Mpow Flame S's battery life is more than that of Sony LinkBuds S by 6 hours . Every time you recharge your earbuds, they get a little less playing time. The effect is barely noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time.

Battery Life Of Charging Case

Sony LinkBuds S 14hours

Mpow Flame S ✗

The battery life of the charging case is given by the vendor, and the Sony LinkBuds S's case is said to have a full charge of 14 hours. A charging case with a longer battery life enables you to recharge your earbuds on the go many times before recharging the case itself.

Charge Time

Sony LinkBuds S 2hours

Mpow Flame S ✗

It requires 2 hours to fully charge the Sony LinkBuds S's battery. It is recommended to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds when they have been in storage for long periods.

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

Mpow Flame S ✓

Sony LinkBuds S have a battery level indicator, an indicator alerts you when the earbuds has a low battery. Its lights indicate the charging status of your device and case.

Mpow Flame S too have a battery level indicator, these allow you determine the charging state of your device, if charged fully, or having a low battery.

Sony LinkBuds S
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Has Usb Type-C

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

Mpow Flame S ✗

The Sony LinkBuds S use USB TYPE-C, an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power through a single cable.

Bluetooth Version

Sony LinkBuds S v5.2

Mpow Flame S v5

Sony LinkBuds S have Bluetooth version of 5.2, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves.

Mpow Flame S has a Bluetooth version of 5, older than that of Sony LinkBuds S . Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Sony LinkBuds S 10meters

Mpow Flame S 10meters

Sony LinkBuds S have a 10meters distance connecting via Bluetooth.

Mpow Flame S have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the Sony LinkBuds S

Has Aac

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

Mpow Flame S ✓

Sony LinkBuds S 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.

Since its the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Sony LinkBuds S will work fine with your MacBook. If you are planning on using these with Android , ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well.

The Mpow Flame 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.

Has Ldac

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

Mpow Flame S ✓

The Sony LinkBuds S 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.

Mpow Flame S support it as well, LDAC, can automatically change to a lower bitrate of 330kbps or 660kbps for stability.

Has Aptx Adaptive

Sony LinkBuds S ✗

Mpow Flame S ✓

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

Has Aptx Low Latency

Sony LinkBuds S ✗

Mpow Flame S ✓

Mpow Flame S support APTX Low Latency, a codec developed by Qualcomm. It uses Bluetooth 5.0 technology to provide low latency audio (around 40ms), which is useful when you want to avoid audio lag for example when playing games.

Has Aptx Hd

Sony LinkBuds S ✗

Mpow Flame S ✓

The Mpow Flame S 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).

A Review By Comparison Of The Echo Buds 3Rd Generation Vs. Sony Linkbuds S

Number Of Microphones

Sony LinkBuds S 6only

Mpow Flame S ✗

Sony LinkBuds S have 6 microphones.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Sony LinkBuds S ✗

Mpow Flame S ✓

The Mpow Flame S have a noise-canceling microphone, these microphones are made to reduce background sounds from the earbuds' sound.

Sony LinkBuds S
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Has Ambient Sound Mode

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

Mpow Flame S ✓

The Sony LinkBuds S support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient sound to still be heard even when wearing the earbuds

The Mpow Flame S 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 jog but still want to hear traffic.

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

Mpow Flame S ✓

Sony LinkBuds S support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when removed from your ears so that the music is paused.

Mpow Flame S 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

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

Mpow Flame S ✓

When misplaced in a room, or can't easily find them in your bag, the Sony LinkBuds S have a find earbuds feature.

Mpow Flame S also have the find earbuds feature. Use the device app on your smartphone to play a sound from your device to help you find them.

Supports Fast Charging

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

Mpow Flame S ✓

The Sony LinkBuds S support fast charging. Usually, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to reduce the amount of time it takes to fully charge a device.

The Mpow Flame S support fast charging. This kind is similar to regular charging, just that the battery is filling up much faster. Say, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery is charged to 50% in just thirty minutes.

Has A Mute Function

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

Mpow Flame S ✓

Sony LinkBuds S have a mute function, they have the option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device.

The Mpow Flame S also support this function. The mute function means that you can turn off the device's microphone, but you can still hear the other party talk.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

Mpow Flame S ✓

With the Sony LinkBuds S, so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the device.

The Mpow Flame S also have a control panel on them.

Has Voice Prompts

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

Mpow Flame S ✓

The Sony LinkBuds S have voice prompts. Automatically receive information via audio messages, say if there is a problem with the connection.

Mpow Flame S too support voice prompts .i.e the earbuds will notify you when the battery is low, and you need to recharge the earbuds.

Travel Bag Is Included

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

Mpow Flame S ✓

Sony LinkBuds S come with a special pouch. Carrying earphones openly, or putting them inside your bag without a casing may easily damage them.

Mpow Flame S also have a case included, which is useful for safe transportation.

A Review By Comparison Of The Echo Buds 3Rd Generation Vs. Sony Linkbuds S

Category	Features	Sony LinkBuds S	Mpow Flame S
DESIGN	ingress protection (ip) rating	IPX4	IPX7
	weight	9.6g	✗
	has no wires or cables	✓	✗
	wingtips included	✗	✓
	sweat resistance	✓	✓
	has stereo speakers	✓	✓
SOUND QUALITY	has active noise cancellation (noise control)	✓	✓
	has passive noise reduction	✓	✓
	driver unit size	5mm	✗
	lowest frequency	20Hz	✗
	highest frequency	40000Hz	✗
	has a neodymium magnet	✓	✗
POWER	battery life	6hours	12hours
	battery life of charging case	14hours	✗
	charge time	2hours	✗
	has a battery level indicator	✓	✓
CONNECTIVITY	has usb type-c	✓	✗
	bluetooth version	v5.2	v5
	maximum bluetooth range	10meters	10meters
	has aac	✓	✓
	has ldac	✓	✓
	has aptx adaptive	✗	✓
	has aptx low latency	✗	✓
	has aptx hd	✗	✓
MICROPHONE	number of microphones	6only	✗
MICROPHONE	has a noise-canceling microphone	✗	✓
EXTRAS	has ambient sound mode	✓	✓
	has in/on-ear detection	✓	✓
	has find earbuds feature	✓	✓
	supports fast charging	✓	✓
	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 Review By Comparison of the Sony Linkbuds S Vs. Mpow Flame S

Reasons why you might like the Sony LinkBuds S

Reasons why you might like the Mpow Flame S

A summary of the review by feature comparison

A breakdown of the review per specifications

Design

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Weight

Has No Wires Or Cables

Wingtips Included

Sweat Resistance

Has Stereo Speakers

Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Driver Unit Size

Lowest Frequency

Highest Frequency

Has A Neodymium Magnet

Power

Battery Life

Battery Life Of Charging Case

Charge Time

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Connectivity

Has Usb Type-C

Bluetooth Version

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Has Aac

Has Ldac

Has Aptx Adaptive

Has Aptx Low Latency

Has Aptx Hd

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Has Find Earbuds Feature

Supports Fast Charging

Has A Mute Function

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Has Voice Prompts

Travel Bag Is Included

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