IP ratings is the level of protection given by an enclosure, against solids and liquids. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values The first value of the IP rating represents protection against solids such as dust, while the second refers to resistance against liquids (sweat).
Having a value of IPX4, the Sony WF C500's rating is read as, the first number 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. In comparison to the Sony WF C500, 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
Sony WF C500 have a weight of 10.8g . We prefer a lower weight better because lighter devices are easier to carry.
Sony LinkBuds S, at 9.6g
weigh less than the Sony WF C500 with a difference -1.2g
For a device to be true wireless it should have no wires connecting any part of the device together, Sony WF C500 are true wireless for this case since they have no cables. This is a major distinction since wireless earbuds have cables linking the two earbuds together. Sony LinkBuds S also is true wireless because it has no cables connecting the 2 earbuds .
Sony WF C500 are resistant to sweat
Sony LinkBuds S's resistance to sweat makes both devices good for use while doing sports such as long-distance running, marathons, cardio sweat workouts , etc
Sony WF C500 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 Sony LinkBuds S also have stereo speakers
Sony WF C500 sit tightly in place, this creates a sound covering that tones down background sounds and also prevents the device sound from leaking out at the same. Both Sony LinkBuds S, and Sony WF C500 have passive noise reduction this means that they tone down ambient noise instead of actively using ANC to cancel it out. Sony WF C500 have a unit size of 5.8mm in diameter, the bigger the unit the more powerful, therefor producing better bass.
The driver unit is basically a mini speaker that makes sound in the device, the unit size dictates the loudness of the device. Sony LinkBuds S driver unit is 5mm in diameter,
which means that they have a smaller driver unit than that of Sony WF C500 by 0.8mm
, as many tend to believe 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 are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not mean that they deliver better quality sound.
Sony WF C500's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well an audio component produces low audible frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal on its way through. Sony LinkBuds S's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this implies that
both devices make sound with equal bass
The Sony WF C500's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response tells how well a particular audio component makes high recognizable frequencies and if it changes to the signal while at it. Sony LinkBuds S's highest frequency is at 40,000Hz, this means that
Sony LinkBuds S can generate a clearer and crispier treble than the Sony WF C500
The Sony WF C500's battery life is 10 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. Sony LinkBuds S's battery life is
less than that of Sony WF C500 by 4 hours
. Each time you recharge your earbuds, they get a little less listening time. The effect is not noticeable at first, but over a few years, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time.
The battery life of the charging case is given by the manufacturer, and the Sony WF C500's case is said to have a full charge of 10 hours. A charging case with a longer battery life allows you to recharge your earbuds on the go many times before having to recharge the case itself. Sony LinkBuds S's charging case has a battery life of 14 hours,
more than that of Sony WF C500 by 4 hours
It takes 2.5 hours to fully charge the Sony WF C500's battery.
It is recommended to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds for the first time. Sony LinkBuds S takes 2 hours to fully charge the battery,
less than that of Sony WF C500 by 0.5 hours
Sony WF C500 have a battery level indicator, an indicator notifies you when the device has a low battery. Its lights indicate the charging state of your device and charging case.
Sony LinkBuds S too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators allow you tell the charging state of your device, if charged fully, or the battery is running low. The Sony WF C500 have USB TYPE-C, an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power in a single cable. Sony LinkBuds S too have USB TYPE-C.
This USB-C plug comes along with most current laptops, phones, and tablets. The Sony WF C500 have Bluetooth version of 5, 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,
newer than that of Sony WF C500
. Newer versions provide faster data transfers.
The Sony WF C500 have a 9meters distance to connect via Bluetooth. Sony LinkBuds S have a maximum range of 10meters,
longer than that of Sony WF C500 by 1meters
Sony WF C500 support AAC, a codec used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps.
Since 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 Sony WF C500 will work fine with your iPhone. If you are planning on using these with Android you need to pay even closer attention to codec support for if they only have AAC they won't provide the best audio quality possible, 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. The Sony WF C500 have 2 microphones.
While the Sony LinkBuds S microphones are 6,
more than that of Sony WF C500 by 4
. More microphones record better sound quality and enable the device to filter out background sounds. The Sony WF C500 support fast charging. Usually, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to lower the amount of time it takes to charge the earbuds.
The Sony LinkBuds S too support fast charging. It's very similar to regular charging, only that the battery fills up much faster. For example, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery is charged to 50% in 30 minutes.
The Sony WF C500 have a mute function, they have the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device. The Sony LinkBuds S also have the mute function. It means that you can turn off the device's microphone, but still hear the other party talk.
With the Sony WF C500, so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever functions are supported on the earbuds. The Sony LinkBuds S too have a control panel on them. Sony WF C500 have a warranty period of 1 Years, the period of time that warrant free repair and adjustment services in case of a malfunction occurring under normal use following instruction manuals.
The Sony WF C500 have voice prompts. Automatically receive information through audio messages, say if there is an issue with the connection. Sony LinkBuds S too support voice prompts meaning the device will notify you when the battery is low, and you need to recharge them.
The Sony WF C500 come with a special pouch. Carrying earphones openly, or putting them inside your bag without a cover can easily put them at risk of getting damaged. Sony LinkBuds S also have a case included, which offers safe transportation.
