The Truth about the New Beats by Dre!

The headphones we are about to explore hold the promise of being a significant leap forward in Apple's lineup, possibly surpassing all their predecessors by a considerable margin. You may wonder how that's even feasible. Well, think of them as a lighter, foldable version of the AirPods Max, equipped with a better case, a USBC port, extended battery life, and at a more affordable price point. Impressive, right? However, there's always a catch.

Before we delve into the details, let's take a moment to acknowledge a fascinating fact—Apple owns Beats! Yes, the tech giant acquired Beats for billions of dollars, and now they operate as a subsidiary company. Knowing this, it's intriguing to imagine replacing the Beats logo with Apple's iconic emblem. Suddenly, these headphones become an extraordinary blend of Apple's prowess with Beats' unique style. Nevertheless, for our discussion's sake, let's refer to them as Beats headphones.

These new over-ear noise-canceling headphones, priced at $350, belong to the premium tier, alongside Sony's Mark fives and Bose's QC45s. But there's more to them than meets the eye. Let's explore the reasons why they might outshine Apple's flagship AirPods Max.

To begin with, let's talk about their design. While they may not be all-metal like the AirPods Max, the build quality is commendable, and in fact, preferred by many due to their lighter weight. The ear cups are delightfully soft and flexible, ensuring a comfortable experience even during extended usage, such as long flights. What's even better is that these headphones can be folded, making them more travel-friendly. The accompanying case is thoughtfully designed, featuring pockets for cables and additional space for essentials. A practical choice indeed.

The overall design resembles the previous generation, albeit with a cleaner and more refined look. Some of the flashy elements have been removed, leaving behind a classy appearance. However, the darker matte colors are prone to fingerprints, which might be a slight inconvenience. Additionally, the shallower ear cups, though comfortable, might cause slight fatigue, as they rest directly against the ears.

Moving on to the technical aspects, these headphones offer some appealing features. For starters, there's a headphone jack on the left side—an absent feature in the AirPods Max. Furthermore, they come with a USB Type-C port, enabling lossless audio when connected to compatible sources. The longer battery life is another advantage, boasting 40 hours with noise cancellation off and 24 hours with ANC on. Quick charging also provides four hours of listening time with just 10 minutes of charging. And let's not forget, they are approximately $200 cheaper than the AirPods Max!

Without a doubt, these could potentially be hailed as Apple's best headphones ever, especially when considering the cost-effectiveness. However, before we proclaim them as undisputed champions, let's delve into some intriguing aspects of these headphones that make them distinct.

Firstly, unlike many other over-ear noise-canceling headphones in this category, they lack on-head detection. Though not a critical feature for everyone, it's worth noting its absence. Secondly, surprisingly, these headphones do not include any Apple chips, unlike previous Beats models. While this may not be a dealbreaker, it does impact certain functionalities. For instance, the lack of multi-point connectivity means switching between devices is not as seamless. Additionally, there's no instant wake and pair feature, and they don't stay actively connected to the Find My network.

However, these minor quirks aside, these headphones still provide a pleasant experience. They fast pair with Android devices, making them versatile for non-Apple users. The sound quality, while favoring a V-shaped equalizer with pronounced bass, remains enjoyable for various music genres, videos, podcasts, and calls. They might not be suitable for video editing, but they serve well for entertainment purposes.

An interesting feature emerges when the headphones are connected via USB Type-C—a built-in EQ with three profiles. Each profile caters to different audio preferences, providing users with a personalized listening experience. It's a thoughtful addition, though some may wish for more extensive customization.

In conclusion, Apple's latest Beats headphones offer a compelling alternative to the AirPods Max, possessing certain unique characteristics that set them apart. While they may not be an absolute replacement for Apple's flagship, they do come remarkably close, especially for those seeking a more budget-friendly option. With their solid performance, solid microphone quality, and remarkable Bluetooth latency, these headphones certainly hold their ground in the market. As for the minor downsides, they could be considered luxury features and might not overshadow the overall experience for most users.

In essence, these Beats headphones are worth considering, and it wouldn't be surprising to spot them frequently on flights, providing a satisfying and enjoyable auditory journey. It's intriguing that Apple and Beats seem to maintain a certain distance in their communication, but perhaps it adds to the mystery of their collaboration. Regardless, these headphones have the potential to leave a lasting impression on audiophiles and casual users alike. So, why not give them a try and see if they strike the right chord for you?