Vivo unveiled the TWS Earphone Neo to go
along with the X50 phones. This true wireless headset makes use of a 4th
generation Qualcomm chip designed specifically for TWS applications. It’s based
on Bluetooth 5.2 technology, which enables aptX Adaptive for “near CD quality”
audio (vivo’s words). Low latency is the other advantage of sticking with
wires, but vivo has that covered too – the new headset can automatically switch
to 88ms low latency mode, a boon for gaming and video calls (longer delays
cause the speaker’s lips and their voice to go out of sync).
The vivo TWS Earphone Neo has 14.2mm
drivers, fairly large for wireless buds. You can tune their sound to your
liking with three DeepX modes – one that optimizes bass, one tuned for voice
and one focused on high frequencies.
A two microphone system does noise
cancellation during voice calls and the buds have been designed in such a way
that some ambient sound makes its way to your ears so that you remain aware of
your environment. They are IP54 rated as well, meaning rain and sweat proof.
The buds feature touch controls and can summon a digital assistant. Taking a
page out of Apple’s playbook, vivo phones can detect and seamlessly set up the
headset the first time you activate it.
Each bud has enough battery life for 5.5
hours if you’re using the standard AAC codec. If you go for the higher quality
aptX Adaptive, however, the listening time drops to 4.2 hours. The charging
case can extend listening time to up to 27 hours (the case itself is charged
through a USB-C port). The vivo TWS Earphone Neo is available in China, the
price in CNY 500 (US$ 70/€ 63).
