Pixel Buds A-Series test. At 99 euros, Google found the right value for money

By maintaining the audio quality and the main features of the Pixel Buds while cutting back on options, after all, not essential, Google is repositioning itself ideally on the market of wireless headphones with these new Pixel Buds A-Series at a good price. more affordable than its current model at 199 euros.

After months of rumors, Google has just officially launched its new wireless headphones , the Pixel Buds A-Series. Taking up the range strategy of Pixel smartphones, with less expensive “A” versions, the American giant offers us here quasi-clones of the current Pixel Buds at 199 euros, the services of which it has reworked to be able to offer them at 99 euros. A much more attractive price which places the Pixel Buds A-Series in a particularly advantageous position against the competition. But hasn't Google made too many compromises to achieve a reduction of 100 euros?

After a few days of using the Pixel Buds A-Series, one simple observation is clear: they are identical to the second generation of Pixel Buds released last year, both from an aesthetic point of view and for their audio quality and their features. And this is rather very good news.

The Pixel Buds A-Series are available in a new olive green colorway. ©Google

We appreciate the semi-in-ear design of these headphones, which are easily positioned in the ear without causing any particular discomfort. A little silicone ergo helps hold them in place and they come with three pairs of ear tips which create quite effective passive isolation. The Pixel Buds A-Series are IPX4 certified, meaning they are sweat and water resistant and can be used while exercising. Note that they are a little lighter than the Pixel Buds (5 g each against 5.3 g) but the difference is not noticeable when wearing them.

We find the same pebble-shaped charger case whose soft-touch matte finish provides very satisfying contact. It opens easily with one hand and slips into a pocket without taking up too much space. According to Google, the case delivers up to 24 hours of earphone use by charging them multiple times. The Pixel Buds A-Series are given for five hours of listening and up to 2.5 hours of communication. This is generally what we found in use and it is rather a good average for wireless headphones.

Versatile audio quality

The A-Series Buds inherit the audio configuration of the current Pixel Buds, with dynamic 12 mm speakers and vents that avoid the "plug" effect and allow you to hear what is happening around you . No active noise reduction, but the same adaptive sound system as on the Pixel Buds which increases the sound volume when you are in noisy environments. Our appreciation of the audio quality of these extends to the Pixel Buds A-Series: they produce balanced, clear and rich sound that is suitable for a wide range of musical styles. A bass boost function that can be activated in the mobile application fulfills its mission well.

On the left, the Pixel Buds A-Series. On the right, the Pixel Buds released in 2020. No apparent difference. © Marc Zaffagni

Very practical headphones

We also find the quality for phone calls that we appreciated with the Pixel Buds. The presence of vents allows you to hear your voice when you speak in order to avoid raising your voice. The control of the headphones is done via the touch interface on the external part: a tap to play/pause and take a call; double tap to skip a song, reject a call or interrupt the Google Assistant; triple tap to return to previous track; a long press activates the Google Assistant. The A-Series Buds feature wearing sensors that pause playback when removed and resume when replaced.

There is also the simultaneous translation function in 40 languages ​​which is impressive. Say "Ok Google, help me speak (preferred language)" and pass an earpiece to the person you want to converse with in their native language. Then, press and hold your earbud and speak. When you release, the translation starts.

The ergonomics of the Pixel Buds A-Series are identical to that of the Pixel Buds. ©Google

So where did Google manage to save money on the Pixel Buds?

In use, the Pixel Buds A-Series are really as pleasant and efficient as the Pixel Buds. However, Google had to find a way to compromise to lower the price so drastically. This is played on details and the abandonment of functions which can be done without difficulty.

Thus, we notice that the quality of the plastic used for both the headphones and the case is lower. We feel it in particular at the hinge of the case which seems more frail when we exert a little pressure on it. Google has also removed Qi wireless charging from the Pixel Buds case, but we can't say that's really a handicap. As a result, the case is also lighter (52.9 g with headphones against 66.7 g).

The only compromise we regret is the removal of the swipe-of-finger gesture control of volume on the Pixel Buds. Instead, pass the phone or say “Hey Google, volume up/down”. But that's not a deal breaker.

The audio configuration of the Pixel Buds A-Series is similar to that of the Pixel Buds. © Marc Zaffagni

The opinion of Futura

With the arrival of these Pixel Buds A-Series at 99 euros, the Pixel Buds range does not make much sense as it stands and we must admit that paying 100 euros more for the Pixel Buds is not justified. Google has probably planned to replace them with a version that could offer active noise reduction, simultaneous connection to several devices and enhanced audio services that would validate a higher price. But, in the meantime, with mostly equivalent services for a price half the price, the Pixel Buds A-Series are essential in the Google offer. And they also become a very recommendable choice in the category of wireless headphones under 100 euros.

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