Enjoying within the large leagues

It isn’t usually {that a} value-for-money product outclasses its dearer counterparts in additional methods than one and the Oppo Enco X actually wi-fi earphones from 2019 did simply that. The truth is, even shut to 3 years since, the Oppo Enco X has persistently topped our record of the best possible TWS earbuds underneath ₹10,000. However one thing tells us that’s about to vary, with the launch of the successor – the Oppo Enco X2. On paper, the Oppo Enco X2 takes the profitable method utilized by its predecessor and pushes it to the acute. The Enco X2 ups the ante with improved ANC, LDAC codec help, added options, multipoint connectivity, and extra. All this, and the worth stays virtually the identical because the Oppo Enco X from 2019. It’s secure to imagine that our pleasure has been stirred up, since all indicators level towards the Oppo Enco X2 changing into the brand new “flagship killers” for months, and even years, to return. Is the joy warranted although or is all of it simply hype? Let’s discover out.
Oppo Enco X2 Overview: Construct, design, and luxury
The bottom design of the Oppo Enco X2 has been altered solely barely compared to the Enco X. A couple of design thrives that graced the Enco X are lacking right here, with Oppo having opted for a extra muted look. The silver brushed steel band that ran look the sides of the Enco X’s case is lacking right here. Moreover, the slight iridescent glow of the Enco X’s earbud stem additionally doesn’t make its option to the Enco X2. The design is extra muted and commonplace, and actually, we did miss among the design aptitude that was current on the Enco X right here.
The case and earbuds are shiny white with black colored R and L indicators added on the buds for straightforward identification – a contact we fairly appreciated. The earbuds have an in-ear design with silicone ear suggestions. Oppo has bundled a number of ear suggestions within the field, so most customers ought to discover a snug-fitting pair with ease. To help that, there’s even an ear tip match check characteristic built-in into the HeyMelody app. The corporate additionally claims that these ear suggestions include an antibacterial design with earwax prevention, that means that earwax is prevented from getting into the speaker shops. The earbuds, reportedly, even have an inorganic ion coating to stop bacterial development.
Whereas the case and earbuds are primarily manufactured from plastic, the standard is fairly good and it doesn’t really feel low cost. The charging case has a small footprint with an OPPO branding on the highest and a Dynaudio brand on the again to spotlight the continued collaboration. There’s additionally a USB C port and a charging indicator LED on the backside. The case’s hinge is strengthened with steel, making it strong and durable – one thing that’s not quite common at this worth.
As for the earbuds, every one weighs merely 4.7g, in order that they’re light-weight and cozy to put on over lengthy durations. The stems characteristic pressure-sensitive controls – one thing that labored wonders on earphones such because the AirPods 3 and the OnePlus Buds Professional. Sadly, our expertise with these controls wasn’t all that nice. The pressure-sensitive zone is in the midst of the stem, making them troublesome to entry precisely each time. On different earbuds with stress controls, they’re often positioned on the finish of the stem, which is way more intuitive.
Moreover, quantity will be managed by sliding down or up on the stem, however the placement of this zone is in the direction of the interior aspect of the ear, which doesn’t lend itself properly to comfy operation. For the subsequent iteration of the Enco X collection, we hope Oppo takes a web page out of Apple or OnePlus’ e-book to implement pressure-sensitive controls in a more practical method.
Regardless of this nitpick, the earbuds and case are well-built. The earbuds are additionally comfy and comfortable sufficient for use within the gymnasium. Add to that, the IP54 mud and water resistance ranking, and also you’ve bought a pair of earphones which are properly geared up to deal with the outside.
Oppo Enco X2 Overview: HeyMelody app and different options
We’ve seen actually wi-fi earbuds with distinctive sonic presence underneath ₹10-11K, however when that’s coupled with a stable array of utilitarian options, the mix is one thing particular. With the Oppo Enco X2, you get virtually each characteristic you would consider at ₹10,999. A few of these options are even absent on flagship TWS earphones.
First, let’s delve into the accompanying app, which is the HeyMelody app. Oppo telephone customers don’t want a devoted app because the options will be accessed through the Bluetooth menu. For these with non-Oppo gadgets, the app is on the market on each Android and iOS. It delivers incredible person expertise and a wide selection of options. You get toggles for ANC depth, 5 EQ presets, personalised ANC and sound (in response to your ear form and listening to), recreation mode, ear tip match check, and customisable controls. Sport Mode brings down the latency to 94ms, so latency when enjoying video games and watching movies is barely noticeable with this mode turned on.
The app additionally means that you can activate twin connection or multipoint connectivity – a nifty characteristic that means that you can join to 2 gadgets concurrently and swap seamlessly between them. It’s incredible to have this characteristic on a mid-range actually wi-fi pair of earbuds since some premium ones such because the Sony WF-1000XM4 have skimped out on this.
The Oppo Enco X2 brings with it a number of different options corresponding to Hello-Res licensed audio with excessive audio transmission charge. It helps an array of codecs together with high-quality ones corresponding to LHDC and LDAC, alongside the legacy AAC and SBC codecs. LHDC and LDAC will be toggled on inside the app itself, so that you don’t must mess with the Bluetooth settings or Developer Choices. Moreover, it’s powered by Bluetooth v5.2 with help for binaural low-latency Bluetooth transmission. All of this equates to incredible connectivity with no audio drops or jitters.
Oppo Enco X2 Overview: Efficiency
In the event you had any qualms in regards to the Oppo Enco X2’s sound high quality, let me put your thoughts comfortable. These are essentially the most sonically-advanced, consumer-grade TWS earphones out there underneath ₹11K. The proof lies within the pudding, and the pudding is the distinctive {hardware} coupled with incredible tuning. As soon as once more, the tuning has been accomplished in collaboration with the Danish firm, Dynaudio, which has an imposing repute in Hello-Fi circles.
The Enco X2, just like the Enco X, brings twin coaxial drivers, which is unprecedented at this worth level within the TWS earphones class. You get 11mm dynamic drivers paired with 6mm planar diaphragm drivers – every caring for a unique a part of the frequency vary. The earphones are geared up with a triple-core chipset which features a standalone DAC.
Uncompensated frequency response graph of Oppo Enco X2 (Blue) vs Impartial (Darkish Inexperienced)
All of this wizardry brings out a balanced sound signature with beautiful quantities of element and character within the bass and mids. The audio pops a little bit extra compared to the Oppo Enco X because the bass area of the frequency response vary sees a slight enhance. Nonetheless, this enhance results in no muddiness by any means. What you get is punchy, fast-attacking bass response with very brief decay. Mids are detailed and unhindered by the bass.
Uncompensated frequency response graph of Oppo Enco X2 (Blue) vs Oppo Enco X (Purple)
Vocals in tracks are articulate, clear and don’t sound sibilant, which is typically a problem at this worth vary. The highs are sparkly and the drop-off just isn’t too harsh as properly. Because of the barely pumped-up bass, the problem we confronted with the Enco X the place the treble might find yourself sounding a bit too harsh at instances is solved. So, what you get right here is extremely balanced and detailed sound with little to complain about.
The soundstage is superb as properly and has improved compared to the Enco X, though it doesn’t match the Sennheiser MTW 3’s huge stage. Imaging is nice too with devices’ location being simply discernible within the combine. General, these are extremely versatile earphones that sound divine for his or her worth when listening to virtually any style of music. The Oppo Enco X2 swings manner above its worth vary and might positively tackle even some premium TWS earphones out there in 2022.
Let’s transfer on to Energetic Noise Cancellation, probably the most sought-after options on headphones in 2022. The corporate claims 45 dB of noise cancellation with the brand new Enco X2s – an enchancment over the originals. The distinction is definitely fairly palpable with the Enco X2 with the ability to drown out various ambient chatter. The earphones can simply diminish sounds corresponding to an AC’s hum or an airplane’s drone, and may do a fairly commendable job lowering human voices and high-speed followers. Noise cancellation is on the market in 4 modes – Delicate, Reasonable, Max, and Good. The Good Mode picks one of many three primarily based in your present atmosphere and ambient sound ranges.
The Oppo Enco X2 comes geared up with AI noise cancellation for calls with bone conduction expertise that extrapolates your voice and relays it in a transparent method. The earbuds have a triple microphone setup with both sides sporting three high-sensitivity mics. The calls and voice recordings are a lot clearer than they have been on the Oppo Enco X. They even do a a lot better job in noisy environments with the buds selecting up minimal surrounding noises.
Oppo Enco X2 Overview: Battery life
Whereas the Oppo Enco X didn’t blow us away with its battery efficiency chops, the Enco X2 does sufficient for us to take a seat up and take discover. The earphones include a whopping 40 hours of complete playtime and 9 hours of playtime on a single cost. These figures are with AAC codec on and ANC turned off, however it’s nonetheless spectacular and on the upper aspect of the spectrum. With LHDC and ANC turned on, you’re 5 hours of playtime on a single cost and 20 hours in complete. Whereas these aren’t incredible numbers, the battery life has actually improved over its predecessor.
In our exams, the Oppo Enco X2 earbuds lasted a little bit over 5 hours on a single cost with ANC turned on and LDAC codec energetic. The earbuds additionally help quick charging, which was absent on the Enco X. A fast 5-minute cost will web you 2 hours of playback time and the earbuds take about an hour to cost to full. There have been many situations the place we’ve merely plugged the earphones in for a couple of minutes and loved an hour of playtime earlier than having to cost them once more. The earbuds additionally include Qi wi-fi charging help, which is tremendous handy.
Oppo Enco X2 Overview: Verdict
The Oppo Enco X2 follows the footsteps of its predecessor and even goes above and past what the Enco X achieved. It punches away above its weight with distinctive audio high quality and an array of nifty options on supply at ₹10,999. Oppo has taken quite a few steps to enhance the person expertise with the addition of options corresponding to personalised sound and ANC, LDAC codec help, nice battery life, and improved ANC. These can be our go-to pair of TWS earphones to advocate to those that need to expertise each characteristic a 2022 TWS can supply with out paying a hefty premium.