AirPods vs. AirPods Pro: check out the differences (and similarities) between the headphones

The AirPods Pro are already with us, and after the initial scare with its price a bit salty (and its design reminiscent of a certain game), it’s time to analyze the differences between the new Apple headphones and the “traditional” AirPods.

This is important because the additive “Pro” in the recent launch it doesn’t necessarily mean that the newest product is better in every respect; in some ways, it is simply different – and it is your needs that will define which line accessory is right for you. Let’s take a look at the differences (and similarities) between the two, then.

Design

Here is the most obvious difference: while ordinary AirPods have their iconic longitudinal design, with a “antenna” that extends a lot, AirPods Pro are more stocky, with smaller legs (and therefore more discreet). The difference in look extends to the cases: the case of the new headphones is flatter and wider, to accommodate the different design of the AirPods Pro.

Comfort

The other clear difference between the products is the way they fit in your ears. Traditional AirPods have what Apple calls “universal fit”, that is, a unique, rigid shape, designed to fit comfortably in most human ears – even though this “universal” is a decoy, since I myself never managed keep one stuck to my body for more than 15 seconds (I know I’m in the minority, however).

AirPods Pro, on the other hand, are in-ear: they have silicone tips that go into your ear and provide a much firmer fit. Apple added an air vent to the headphones at the bottom, which serves to compensate for the pressure difference that forms inside your ear when you attach the accessory.

It is worth noting that Apple includes, in the AirPods Pro box, three pairs of silicone tips in different sizes; you can test each one to see which one fits your ear best – there is even a software feature on iOS to test whether you are using the correct size ear tips.

AirPods Pro silicone piece sizes

Another important point is that the tips of the AirPods Pro connect with clips to the main part of the headphones – unlike other in-ear headphones, in which you need to fit the malleable pieces into the solid part (which inevitably leads to falls and losses) . Here the process is much more friendly and secure.

Technology

In addition to the natural insulation brought by the silicone tips, the AirPods Pro have Active Noise Cancellation – that is, the accessory microphones “hear” external noise and block it with frequencies sent to your ears. With that, you can even be in very noisy environments (like an airplane) listening to your music, videos and podcasts without any problems.

Inside view of AirPods Pro

Obviously, however, noise cancellation is not conducive at all times. For this reason, AirPods Pro also have a Environment Mode; when activated, it allows external sounds to pass to the headphones and you can listen, for example, to the sounds of the street or the speech of the person you are talking to.

AirPods Pro controls

You can switch between Active Noise Canceling and Ambient Mode by pressing the rod of the AirPods Pro – this is because, in another point other than traditional AirPods, the “legs” of the new headphones have a pressure sensor made just for this task ( or to control playback and calls).

Audio

The audio performance of traditional AirPods is already known to basically everyone, even those who have never used Apple headphones: they are competent accessories, capable of delivering good sound reproduction – but with no ambition to appeal to audiophiles or reproduce sounds with absolute precision. and neutrality.

Internal structure of AirPods Pro

AirPods Pro, on the other hand, have more aspirations in that field. Apple included such a Adaptive Equalization, a technology that adjusts reproduction to the shape of your ear; we still have a driver high amplitude and low distortion for bass emission. Finally, a high dynamic range amplifier is responsible for delivering high-fidelity reproduction without major impacts on the battery.

Naturally, we will only have a more concrete idea of ​​how good AirPods Pro are in audio playback when the headphones reach the hands of professional testers. At least the promises are quite ambitious.

Chip

AirPods Pro next to iPhone 11 Pro with volume adjustment

No difference here: AirPods Pro have the very same H1 chip from ordinary headphones at its core. The pairing process, therefore, is the same, as is the integration with Siri and the low audio latency when connecting to iPhones and other devices.

On the other hand, the system-in-package (SiP) complete of AirPods Pro is also more powerful, with ten cores that are responsible for making all this technology embedded in them work properly.

Drums

All of this within the AirPods Pro comes at a price: their battery capacity is slightly less when compared to their cheaper siblings. While traditional AirPods last up to 5 hours of playback, the new Apple headphones last up to 4 and a half hours; in both cases, accessories can last “more than 24 hours” – in Apple’s words – considering the extra charges of the cases.

It is worth noting that if Active Noise Canceling or Ambient Mode is turned off, AirPods Pro can achieve the same 5 hours of playback as AirPods. Obviously it does not make sense to buy the Pro model for use with such disabled modes, but in a moment of power tightness, it may be an option.

Resistance

Unlike ordinary AirPods, AirPods Pro have a water and sweat resistance certificate to call your own. This is the IPX4, which means that the headphones can survive splashes, natural sweat from the ears or other brief contact with liquids – just don’t try to swim with them, because it certainly won’t work.

Even so, it is worth noting that “traditional” AirPods were already quite resistant in this regard. Too much, I would say.

Refill case

We already said that the case of AirPods Pro is visually different from that of ordinary headphones. Other than that, there is not much difference in their functioning: the top cover has the same magnet, the LED indicating the charge level is similar and both have a Lightning port for recharging.

AirPods Pro Case

There is a detail, however: while traditional AirPods are sold in two versions (with a common case or with a case with wireless charging), AirPods Pro will always come with cases capable of being recharged wirelessly – obviously using Qi technology.

In addition, Apple now includes a Lightning to USB-C cable in the AirPods Pro box.

Pricing and availability

Here’s another important detail: AirPods Pro are significantly more expensive than their proletarian brothers (heh – Swiss proletariat, perhaps). Here in Brazil, the new headphones will come out for R $ 2,250, while traditional AirPods start at R $ 1,350; the option with a wireless charging case costs R $ 1,680.

It is also worth noting that the traditional AirPods have been on sale here for some time, while the AirPods Pro still have no expected arrival as they will have to be approved by Anatel.

And the Powerbeats Pro?

Finally, we must also consider the existence of Powerbeats Pro – Apple subsidiary headphones that also feature an in-ear design and H1 chip. Unlike AirPods Pro, however, they have no active noise cancellation and are prone to use during sports.

They leave by R $ 2,150, a little less than the new Apple headphones, and may have their share of supporters, too – you can check details about them on the Beats page itself and in our comparison with ordinary AirPods.

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With all of that in place, it remains to be seen from you: who intends to leave for the AirPods Pro? Leave your opinions below.