Google Pixel Buds 2a Review: Worthy Smart Earbuds
- Lawrence Ng
- 8m
- 3 min read
As a daily user who relies on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 for their smart functionality, excellent sound quality, good battery life, and overall comfort, assessing the new Pixel Buds 2a (retailing at S$199) requires dissecting the S$146 price difference. The critical finding is that while the Pixel Buds 2a are a remarkable value proposition, they represent a trade-off that is highly dependent on whether you prioritise superior audio and better ANC.
The Pixel DNA Remains Intact
If your existing Pro 2 experience is defined by the core smart features, the good news is that the 2a are not dumb buds and they retain the complete Pixel DNA. Google made a strategic shift, by ensuring the intellectual soul of the Pixel Buds are translated onto the 2a but kept the price much lower than the Pro 2. Features like Multipoint connectivity, which allows seamless connection to a laptop and a phone simultaneously, is included in the 2a, making its inclusion a "massive win for productivity". Both models are built upon the Google Tensor A1 chip, meaning the fundamental voice command experience is identical. While both models support features like Clear Calling, the Pro 2 will perform significantly better in noisy environments.
Better Separation, Bass, and a Blacker Canvas
From our comparison, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer better sound quality, including fuller bass and better sound separation. The Pro 2 is probably tuned for better accuracy and dynamic impact, delivering a fuller and richer low-frequency response and punchy bass. It maintains detailed reproduction and wider sound stage. In contrast, the 2a offers a very relaxed and smooth sound signature, favouring a non-fatiguing, laid back listen. While admirable for the price, the 2a exhibits a specific weakness where, as the volume approaches maximum, the soundstage starts to blur and the audio can become a little muddy.
The superior audio integrity of the Pro 2 is further supported by its better Active Noise Cancellation, which creates a quieter background, or a "blacker canvas". This allows the user to hear more detail at lower volumes, circumventing the high-volume blur that affects the 2a. Furthermore, the Pro 2's Transparency Mode is a core differentiator and it has one of the best "Hear-through" mode we have tried. It felt so clear and natural that sometimes you might forget that you are wearing earbuds. The 2a's implementation, by comparison, is a slight step down and does not pass through audio with the same clarity, making the Pro 2 the viable choice for users who frequently switch between immersion and awareness
Battery Life and Convenience
While the Pro 2 boasts good battery life, the 2a requires trade-offs in total usage hours and convenience. Although the earbuds battery life difference is minor, the total listening time with the charging case is at an enormous 10 hours gap. However, the smaller form factor of the 2a does make it more pocket friendly. The 2a's case also does not support Qi wireless and the 2a Buds also lacks on-bud volume control which we sorely miss.
The S$146 Decision The Pixel Buds Pro 2 remains the definitive choice for users who are very particular on sound quality and enjoy the the convenient features it has. The Pro 2 also justifies its premium price through superior audio fidelity, fantastic Transparency Mode, 30-hour total battery life, Wireless Charging, and the very friendly on-bud volume control. It will be a very worthwhile purchase especially if its price dropped. However, if you have better use of your S$146, the Pixel Buds 2a is definitely a very smart earbuds you should consider.