1
0
Xiaomi recently announced the release of their OpenWear Stereo, a wireless open-ear designed earphone that doesn’t compromise on audio quality.
What is the Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo?
The Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo, featuring an open-ear design and wireless connectivity, supports Hi-Res Audio through a 17 x 12mm dynamic driver, ensuring optimized bass performance. Versatile in design, it boasts an IP54 dust and water resistance rating along with an AI noise-cancellation microphone, guaranteeing top-notch enjoyment whether you’re in the office or at the gym.
The Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo is available in Sandstone Beige or Cosmic Grey and is retailing at major retail outlets and online retailer for S$199.
What’s in the box?
Upon unboxing the Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo, the first thing you encounter is the palm-sized hardcase, which doubles as the charging case. Weighing approximately 88g, the entire setup is lightweight and streamlined.
The earphones are magnetically attached to the charging case, and an LED light on the front indicates the charging status. The case is charged via the included USB-C cable, and a single charge provides 7.5 hours of use, with the case offering an additional 38.5 hours.
The XiaoMi OpenWear Stereo features an open-hook design crafted from lightweight liquid silicone. The hook is slender at the ear’s bridge and broadens at the base, accommodating my glasses alongside the headphones. Having tried numerous hook-on earphones, my priority is comfort for extended wear without interfering with my eyewear. Initially, I was concerned that the silicone might be too loose and prone to slipping off, but after using it during sports, I discovered it to be surprisingly secure and comfortable.
Unlike sports earbuds which can be quite “sporty’ looking, the XiaoMi OpenWear Stereo is actually quite aesthetically pleasing and can be used in different functions with ease.
The earbuds feature touch controls and can even be configured for taking photos. A double tap on either earbud will play or pause music, or answer and end calls. A triple tap allows you to skip songs or reject calls. However, the issue with touch control functions is the precision required for tapping; sometimes, multiple attempts are necessary to activate a function.
Specification.
| Dimensions | 54.24mm x 39.3mm x 13.79mm (Earbud) 105.8mm x 55.4mm x 26.1mm (Charge case) |
| Weight | 9.6g (Single Earbud) 68.68g (Charge Case) 88g (Total) |
| Battery Capacity | 7.5hrs, 60mAh (Earbud) 38.5hrs, 788mAh (Charge Case) |
| Connections | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Connection Range | 10m |
| Drivers | 17 X 12 mm dynamic driver 10mm sound leakage reduction driver |
| Codec supported | Hi-Res Audio, LHDC, SBC, AAC |
| IP Rating | IP54 dust and water resistant |
Sound Quality.
The Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo is fitted with 17x12mm dynamic driver which has optimized bass performance, LHDC. On top of that a 10mm sound leakage reduction driver further enhances the listening experience to keep audio personal beyond 25cm. This being an open ear headphone, it is already built for ambient awareness, so I don’t expect a closed stereo environment.
Over a two-week period, I tested the Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo and discovered its exceptional clarity, particularly when listening to podcasts or watching shows on my mobile devices. This clarity can be attributed to the environmental noise cancellation feature of the dual noise-reduction microphones. Even in a bustling coffee shop, I could clearly hear a talk streaming on my mobile phone, despite the background noise.
In terms of music, the Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo achieved impressive sound separation across different elements of the soundstage. It provided a respectable bass and remarkably clear vocals, creating an effect similar to that of closed-ear headphones. Nonetheless, it falls short in depth, and when multiple layers are present, the subtler melodies tend to be overpowered. Raising the volume tends to exacerbate this issue, leading to a less clear sound.
In terms of calls and Zoom meetings, the Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo was able to deliver crystal clear voices which I suspect was due to the dual microphones with AI noise reduction technology.
The Bottom Line.
Overall, my experience with the Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo has been positive. Its wearability is impressive; it’s lightweight and user-friendly. It didn’t interfere with my glasses and caused no ear pain even after wearing it all day. The midrange is excellent and the clarity is enhanced, making it ideal for Zoom meetings, workouts, and casual listening. Priced at SGD 199, it’s a solid choice for those who dislike the sensation of earbuds in their ear canal and are in search of quality stereo headphones.
TLDR:
All-purpose earbuds for open-ear users without breaking the bank.
The Good.
- Comfort.
- Price.
- Clear midrange.
The Bad.
- Tap function.
- Lack of sound harmony.
Sky Oh, Contributor
Sky's The Technovore's International Man of Mystery. He travels the world, enjoying the high life but still finds the time to write!
You must be logged in to post a comment.