Xiaomi unveiled a more affordable version
of its AirPod-like true wireless headset, the Mi AirDots 2 SE. They are
available for pre-order in China and shipments will start on the May 19. At CNY
170 (US$ 24/€ 22), they are less than half the price of the AirDots 2s.
The main difference is that the SE does
not support the high definition codec LHDC, but they do offer AAC. Bluetooth
5.0 is used for the connection to your phone, the signal is transmitted
simultaneously to each bud (which offers a more stable connection).
Each bud weighs just 4.7g and is good for
5 hours of listening. The 48g case adds 20 hours more to the battery life and
it can be charged in 1.5 hours using the included USB-C cable. Wireless
charging is not supported, however, another cutback. The Xiaomi Mi AirDots 2 SE
have touch controls as well as wear detection, which will automatically pause
your music when you take them off and then resume it once you put them back in.
There’s deep integration with the
company’s MIUI phones, which can show you the battery charge of each bud and
the case. Also, the first time you open the case, the phone will detect them
and pair with them seamlessly.
The SE supports the same “Environmental
Noise Cancellation” feature as the pricier 2s models – this is just Xiaomi’s
way of saying in-call noise cancellation (using two mics). There’s no active
noise cancellation, however.
