AirPods 3: A Big Disappointment
check_circlePros
- The sound quality is actually pretty good, but it's not a game changer.
- The volume is nice and loud, but it distorts at max volume.
- The mic is decent, but it's not as clear as I'd like.
- The build quality is surprisingly good, considering the price.
- It's easy to pair with my phone, but sometimes it drops the connection.
- The case is sleek and looks nice, but it's a bit flimsy.
- The battery lasts longer than I expected, but that's about it.
cancelCons
- The earbuds keep falling out of my ears, which is super annoying.
- The design is not ergonomic at all - it's uncomfortable to wear.
- The battery life is shorter than I expected, especially considering the price.
- The sound isn't worth the price tag - it's not a huge upgrade from the AirPods 2.
- The controls are finicky and sometimes don't work as expected.
- The customer support is pretty unhelpful - they just kept sending me generic responses.
- The price is way too high for what you get.
Editor's Summary
I'm still trying to wrap my head around the AirPods 3. I mean, I've been using the AirPods 2 for years, and while they're not perfect, they got the job done. But the new model promised a lot more - better sound, longer battery life, and a sleeker design. Unfortunately, it's been a total letdown. The sound is decent, but it's not worth the hefty price tag. And don't even get me started on the battery life - it's shorter than I expected. I'm starting to think I should've just stuck with the AirPods 2. I used it for a week and the build quality surprised me. The buttons feel solid and the battery lasts longer than I expected, but that's about it. The design is not ergonomic at all - it's uncomfortable to wear. The earbuds keep falling out of my ears, which is super annoying. The sound isn't a huge upgrade from the AirPods 2, and the battery life is shorter than I expected. I'm really disappointed in the AirPods 3.
Specifications
I've had my trusty AirPods 2 since spring 2020, and while they're not in great shape anymore, I still get a rush from using them. But, I decided it was time to retire them and get some new ones, especially since the left earbud kept disconnecting during use.
To be honest, I should've just stuck with the same model again, but I thought, why not upgrade to AirPods 3? As it turned out, things didn't quite go as planned.
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Apple Airpods 3Country of origin: USA
Country of manufacture: China
Price: around 20,000 rubles
Where to buy: I'm paranoid about counterfeits, so I only buy Apple products from Re: Store and MVideo.
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Manufacturer's information
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Immersive sound
When you're listening to music or watching movies and shows, the spatial audio technology with dynamic head tracking creates a truly immersive three-dimensional sound experience. It's like you're right there in the concert hall or cinema.
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Music in its purest form
The adaptive equalizer automatically adjusts the music to your personal taste. The inward-facing microphones measure the sound characteristics you're hearing, and based on that data, the low and mid frequencies are corrected in real-time to give you the full richness of the music.
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Bass like you've never heard before
The dynamic driver developed by Apple uses a special amplifier, delivering incredible sound detail. You'll clearly hear the entire spectrum – from deep, rich basses to crystal-clear high notes.
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Stylish to look at. And sound.
The design of the new AirPods has been completely reimagined: the stem is now shorter, and the shape is optimized for the best sound.
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Packaging
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It's all standard here – a dense white cardboard box, the epitome of minimalism.
I've gotta say, I'm consistently impressed by Apple's packaging.
PackagingThe box is unobtrusively sized. If there's a wrapping paper on top, you might even think it's a piece of jewelry.
Russian-language stickerOn the back, there's a large Russian-language sticker. I've noticed this importer's cost-cutting measure yet again.
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Accessories
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Along with the stylish box and earbuds, you get a charging cable.
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Charging cable includedThey've stopped including the charging case to save on environmental impact.
Apple Airpods 3I hope that, once I buy these earbuds, I won't discover that the manufacturer has deemed the charging case unnecessary and will only provide the earbuds in a paper bag. xa0
My impressions
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I bought these AirPods last summer, and I haven't had a single day since then where I regretted my purchase.
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The biggest drawback of the AirPods 3 is their design.
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Apple Airpods 3I don't get it - how could Apple have been releasing wired earbuds for years, then 'cut' the wires, successfully selling the AirPods 2, and then come out with this...
Apple Airpods 3 and AirPods 2At first glance, it might seem like the ones on the left are the same as the ones on the right, but with a more futuristic and streamlined design.
Nah, they just chopped off the 'wires'. That's it.
But nope!
Apple Airpods 3 and AirPods 2Apple, did you guys ever actually try putting these in your own ears when you were designing them?
Apple Airpods 3 and AirPods 2The AirPods 2 just slide right in, like they're meant to be there. Can't say the same for the 'trio'.
Apple Airpods 3They literally press against your ear from the inside!
I put them in, and they fall out. I fiddle with them a bit to get a tighter fit. I'm still uncomfortable.
It's not just that they're bigger - they're also curved at an unnatural angle.
You can only sit there with a scowl on your face with these earbuds. Smile? Forget it - they're flying out of your ears. Try to talk? Same thing.
Ugh, it's infuriating!
I have to say, I expect a lot more from earbuds costing $200, not having to hold them in my hands or catch them mid-air.
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The absolute dismissal of human ear anatomy by the manufacturer completely ruins all the 'good things' they tried to bring to this model.
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Apple Airpods 3xa0
From the get-go, I was blown away by the sound. If the '2' model is average, well, it's just that - average - but the '3' model is like having a Dolby Surround theater in my ears.
As I recall, I put on a movie and started doing the dishes. I couldn't tell if the earbuds were connected or not. I pulled one out - the movie stopped, the sound disappeared. So, I guess they were connected after all. The sound from the movie with these earbuds is seriously immersive. The actors are right there in my ear, sighing away.
It's impressive. It's effective. Too bad I have to turn off the water, dry my hands, and adjust the earbuds every five minutes to avoid losing them down the drain.
Apple Airpods 3On a train ride, I tried to watch a movie with AirPods 3, but with all the noise, I couldn't hear a thing. The noise-cancellation only works when the earbud is snugly in place. Any gap, and all the tech is useless.
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As for listening to music and audiobooks, I don't notice any difference in sound quality between the second and third models.
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Apple Airpods 3 and AirPods 2One thing that sets the '3' model apart from the '2' is the microphone.
I've gotta say, Apple's been consistently upgrading their iPhone camera, processing power, and screens, but their microphones have remained a weak spot. It's weird that this tradition has carried over to their AirPods, making it super tough to have conversations with AirPods 2.
Fortunately, AirPods 3 have finally addressed this issue with a revamped microphone. However, when I'm talking, I have to hold the earbuds in place or they keep falling out.
Apple Airpods 3When I bought these earbuds, I wasn't allowed to try them on. It was all about visual inspection, which, for me, wasn't enough to gauge whether they'd stay in my ear or not.
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Apple Airpods 3 I don't feel like using AirPods 3 anymore. Instead of enjoying them, they just frustrate me.
After that train incident, I've become super paranoid about using them outside the house. I only use them when I'm doing chores or sewing, which means I'm in a pretty static position.
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AirPods 2 are half the price of AirPods 3. If you really want Apple earbuds, it's worth saving up and getting the AirPods 2 instead.
Don't make the same mistake I did...
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I'm actually waiting for my old earbuds to wear out, and then I'll go buy another pair of AirPods 2. For me, they're the best, and it feels like Apple's messing with me.
