Sony's New Budget Earphones: A Review of the C500S
While Sony is known for their premium headphones and earphones, namely the XM series, the company has recently launched a new budget pair of truly wireless earphones called the C500S. Priced at a relatively low ₹5990, these earphones are an affordable option for those looking for high-quality sound and features without breaking the bank.
Unboxing Experience
The unboxing experience of the C500S is a modern take on the traditional Sony packaging. The outer packaging is minimal, with little use of plastics, making it stand out from other brands in the market. Inside the box, you'll find a charging cable, the earphones themselves, additional ear tips, and a whole bunch of documentation. The earphone case is lightweight, and the top cover is translucent, giving it a sleek look. However, it's worth noting that the build quality of the case is where Sony has cut corners, as the top part of the cover seems a little shabby.
Build Quality and Design
The design of the C500S is compact, with a small form factor that makes them easy to carry around. Despite their small size, they offer up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge, and an additional 20 hours when charged in the case. The earphones themselves are pre-installed with medium tips, but you'll find small and large tips inside the packaging as well, giving you more options for customization.
Build quality is where the C500S shines, however. The earphones themselves are made of high-quality materials that provide a comfortable fit and excellent sound isolation. Whether you're listening to music or taking calls, these earphones will keep you connected without any distractions.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, the C500S features Bluetooth 5.0, which is a significant improvement over older versions. However, it's worth noting that they don't support multi-device connectivity, which means you can only pair them with one device at a time. This is a minor drawback, as the transition between devices happens quickly and seamlessly.
The earphones also don't have any kind of noise cancellation, but this is offset by the ability to customize your sound profile using the Headphones Connect app from Sony. Available for both iOS and Android devices, the app allows you to increase or decrease bass levels, set up equalizers, and even access presets that enhance the base of the headphones.
Sound Quality
One of the most surprising aspects of the C500S is their sound quality. Despite being a budget earphone, they deliver a surprisingly premium sound that's comparable to more expensive models on the market. The wide soundstage is prevalent, with noticeable changes happening in the music curve when you make small adjustments to the equalizer.
The earphones also support Sony's 360 Reality Audio technology, which provides an immersive listening experience like no other. With a subscription to one of the supported services, you can enjoy this feature and take your music to new heights.
IPX4 Rating
The C500S also features an IPX4 rating, making them resistant to water splashes and basic sweat. This is a significant advantage over many other earphones on the market that are more prone to damage from moisture.
Voice Calls and Microphone Pickup
Finally, the C500S is great for voice calls and has impressive microphone pickup. Despite being designed to sit snugly in your ear, they still manage to pick up your voice clearly without any distortion or background noise. Whether you're making a call or receiving one, these earphones will ensure that you're heard loud and clear.
Conclusion
Overall, the Sony C500S is an impressive budget earphone that delivers high-quality sound and features at an affordable price. While there are some minor drawbacks, such as lack of multi-device connectivity and poor build quality in certain areas, they are largely outweighed by the earphones' many strengths. If you're looking for a reliable and affordable option for your daily listening needs, the C500S is definitely worth considering.
Giveaway
To celebrate the launch of the C500S, Sony has partnered with us to give away a pair of these amazing earphones to one lucky winner. To enter, simply follow the instructions in the description below and you'll be entered into the giveaway. Don't forget to like and subscribe for more exciting content, and hit that bell notification icon to stay up-to-date on our latest videos.