Realme Buds Air 2 Launch in India: Full Details
Yes, the Realme Buds Air 2 was launched in India on February 4, 2021, alongside the Realme X7 series. The true wireless earbuds went on sale starting February 11, 2021, with an introductory price of ₹3,299, later settling at a regular price of ₹3,999.
Background and Positioning
Realme entered the true wireless earbuds market in India with the original Buds Air in late 2019, followed by the Buds Air Neo and Buds Q in 2020. The Buds Air 2 was the company’s attempt to bring active noise cancellation (ANC) to a more affordable price point, directly competing with offerings from Xiaomi, Oppo, and OnePlus. It was announced as a successor to the original Buds Air, retaining the stem-based design but adding a more polished finish and upgraded internals.
The launch event in India was a virtual presentation, with Realme emphasizing the earbuds’ ANC capability, low-latency gaming mode, and fast charging. The company positioned the Buds Air 2 as a budget-friendly alternative to premium ANC earbuds, which at the time typically cost ₹10,000 or more.
Key Specifications and Features
- Drivers: 10mm dynamic bass boost drivers with a composite diaphragm.
- Active Noise Cancellation: Hybrid ANC with a maximum reduction of 25dB.
- Bluetooth: Version 5.2 with support for AAC and SBC codecs.
- Battery Life: Up to 5 hours on a single charge with ANC on, and up to 25 hours total with the charging case (ANC off).
- Fast Charging: 10 minutes of charging provides up to 3 hours of playback.
- Water Resistance: IPX5 rating (sweat and light rain resistant).
- Gaming Mode: Low latency mode (claimed 88ms) for better audio-video sync in games.
- Touch Controls: Customizable via the Realme Link app.
Design and Build
The Buds Air 2 featured a glossy, pebble-like charging case with a USB-C port at the bottom. The earbuds themselves had a stem design similar to the original Buds Air but with a more refined finish, available in two colors: Closer Black and Quite Blue. The IPX5 rating made them suitable for workouts and light rain, though not for swimming or heavy water exposure.
The touch controls on the stems allowed for play/pause (double tap), next track (triple tap), and ANC mode switching (long press). Users could also customize these gestures through the Realme Link app, which was available for both Android and iOS.
Performance and Sound Quality
The 10mm drivers delivered a bass-heavy sound signature, which suited pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. The ANC was effective at reducing low-frequency noise like engine hum and air conditioner sounds, but less effective against higher-pitched noises like conversations or keyboard clicks. The transparency mode (called “Transparency� in the app) allowed ambient sound to pass through when needed.
Call quality was average, with the dual microphones doing a decent job in quiet environments but struggling in windy or noisy conditions. The low-latency gaming mode was a notable feature, reducing audio lag noticeably in games like PUBG Mobile.
Comparison with Competitors
At the time of launch, the Buds Air 2 competed with the OnePlus Buds Z (₹2,999), the Oppo Enco W51 (₹4,999), and the Redmi Earbuds S (₹1,999). The OnePlus Buds Z lacked ANC, while the Oppo Enco W51 offered similar ANC but at a higher price. The Buds Air 2 struck a balance between price and features, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers who wanted ANC.
Compared to the original Buds Air, the Buds Air 2 offered better battery life, newer Bluetooth version, and improved water resistance, while maintaining a similar design language.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Some users reported connectivity drops with the Buds Air 2, especially when paired with multiple devices. A common fix was to reset the earbuds by placing them in the case, holding the button on the case for 10 seconds, and re-pairing. Another issue was uneven battery drain between the left and right earbuds, which Realme addressed through firmware updates.
If the touch controls became unresponsive, updating the firmware via the Realme Link app often resolved the problem. For audio lag outside of gaming mode, enabling the low-latency mode in the app helped, though it increased battery consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Realme Buds Air 2 have active noise cancellation?
Yes, it features hybrid ANC with a claimed 25dB reduction. This works well for constant low-frequency sounds like engine noise or fans, but it won’t eliminate all background noise.
How long does the battery last on the Realme Buds Air 2?
With ANC on, you get about 5 hours of playback on a single charge, and up to 25 hours with the charging case. With ANC off, the earbuds last up to 6 hours, and the total reaches 30 hours with the case.
Is the Realme Buds Air 2 good for gaming?
Yes, thanks to the dedicated gaming mode that reduces latency to around 88ms. This makes audio sync noticeably better for fast-paced games, though it’s not as low as wired earbuds.
Can I use the Realme Buds Air 2 with an iPhone?
Yes, the earbuds work with any Bluetooth device, including iPhones. However, you’ll need the Realme Link app (available on iOS) to customize controls and update firmware, and some features like low-latency mode may not work as well on iOS.
Are the Realme Buds Air 2 water-resistant?
They have an IPX5 rating, which means they can withstand sweat and light rain. However, they are not designed for swimming or heavy water exposure, and the charging case is not water-resistant.
What is the difference between the Realme Buds Air 2 and the Buds Air 2 Neo?
The Buds Air 2 Neo was released a few months later with a lower price (₹2,999). It lacks ANC, has a slightly different design, and uses a different chipset. The Buds Air 2 offers ANC and better sound isolation, making it the better choice for noisy environments.
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