Breaking Norms
While it is not new for Sony to step into a new segment with its audio expertise, doing so with gusto is truly something different. After all the in-ears segment is something Sony has been doubling down on recently. That being said, the sporting gear space is totally new – especially when Sony has a small record of dabbling on the side. Specifically, with a handful of neck-band headphones and music players. That all changes with the Sony WF-SP700N, Sony’s very first and proper sports-based in-ear wearables. The most interesting bits: it is IPX4 rated, comes with noise-cancelling, and has plenty of sound and user optimisations.
Quick Setup
Once out of the box, it is advisable to not take the in-ears out of the case just yet. Instead, fire up NFC and Bluetooth on the smartphone and tap the underside of the carry-on pack. This will automatically pair the Sony WF-SP700N and tie-in all the necessary permissions. Personally, this level of ease should also be applicable to putting it on. While not as tricky as the Sony Xperia Ear Duo, it still took a while to put on Sony’s next-gen sport in-ears. Well, Sony Mobile’s own earphone pair, which dropped by the PC.com Tested Labs, encountered a major fault and could not do a proper test run.
Easy Engagement
After the pairing and short struggle to jam in the Sony WF-SP700N, a superbly easier task than hooking on the Sony Xperia Ear Duo, it is time to extensively use these in-ears. Let us start with the controls – there are only two buttons so there isn’t much to go on. Or is there? The one sitting on the left in-ear controls the power on/off function and the active noise cancellation modes. Right, of course, manages incoming and outgoing calls, muting the music player, and calling up Google Assistant. How about volume levels? Well, that’s all done via mobile app or smartphone.
Long Lasting
Before going into the performance, let’s also give due emphasis to the battery life of the Sony WF-SP700N. On a full charge, the in-ears last for a full day – with sporadic use – before it goes flat. FYI, putting them back into the case is what keeps them going too as the tiny carrier also acts as a portable charger. This is especially for folks who are always-on-the-go. When stored, the true earphones will recharge as much as they can before they are used again. Lesser use will allow these futuristic in-ears to last even longer – the furthest being two days tops. Indeed, true convenience for mobility has a new champ!
Solid Sound
How does the audio delivery for the Sony WF-SP700N stand out against a multitude of in-ears, headphones, and then some? Well, it is a dream to listen music with and sound from videogames are equally as awesome. This is achievable partially due to the ear-buds used. Working in tandem is the next-gen Sony Active Noise Cancellation system that is present in all the 2018 headsets. This is what ensures these in-ears are top notch. Sony has also thrown in the Sony Extra Bass function. That, and the sound balancing capabilities present in the Sony Headphones app, deliver a sound stage rarely present for in-ears.
Convenient Case
Personally, the most important aspect about the Sony WF-SP700N is the charging case. Primarily, its role is to act as a protective cradle for the in-ears when they are not in use. Equally as important is how it also provides the juice the earphones need to keep going for nine hours straight. While on paper it states that that is the total time with all-day use, it is proven that these high-spec ear-buds can last closer to 15-hours when used in short bursts. There is only one minor complaint – there is no clear indicators on the slide-over top-lid that help tell when the devices are charged. Since the LEDs glow upon docking, that aspect could be used.
(Text by: Victor)
