Xiaomi has unveiled the Buds 5 Pro at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, marking a significant advancement in the realm of true wireless earbuds. These earbuds are the first to incorporate Qualcomm’s S7 Pro chip, enabling audio transmission over both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. This dual connectivity addresses longstanding challenges in wireless audio quality and latency.
Dual Connectivity: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Integration
Traditional wireless earbuds rely solely on Bluetooth for audio transmission, which often limits bandwidth and affects audio quality. The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro, however, utilize Qualcomm’s Expanded Personal Area Network (XPAN) technology, allowing them to stream audio over Wi-Fi with a bandwidth of up to 4.2 Mbps. This enhancement facilitates 96kHz/24-bit lossless audio streaming without increasing power consumption.
Compatibility and Connectivity
To leverage the Wi-Fi streaming capabilities, users need a compatible device equipped with Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon chipset. The pairing process involves the smartphone sharing Wi-Fi credentials with the earbuds, ensuring a seamless connection. Once connected, users can enjoy high-quality, lossless audio as long as they remain within the Wi-Fi network’s range.
Audio Performance: Triple-Driver System
The Buds 5 Pro feature a sophisticated triple-driver system, comprising an 11mm dual-magnetic driver, a ceramic tweeter, and a planar driver. This configuration ensures precise sound reproduction across a wide frequency range of 15Hz to 50kHz, delivering an immersive auditory experience. Additionally, the earbuds are tuned by Harman and support Qualcomm’s aptX Lossless codec, further enhancing audio fidelity.
Battery Life and Active Noise Cancellation
Users can expect up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge, with the charging case extending total usage to 40 hours. The Buds 5 Pro also offer Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), capable of reducing noise levels by up to 55dB. Xiaomi claims a latency of 15 milliseconds with noise cancellation active, making these earbuds suitable for gaming and video applications.
Additional Features: AI Integration and Controls
Beyond superior audio quality, the Buds 5 Pro incorporate various AI-driven features, including call recording, transcription, and translation services. They also support intuitive gesture controls, allowing users to manage playback and calls effortlessly.
Design and Durability
Each earbud weighs approximately 5.6 grams and boasts an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, ensuring durability for daily use. The ergonomic design provides a comfortable fit, suitable for extended listening sessions.
Pricing and Availability
The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro are available in two variants:
- Bluetooth-Only Model: Priced at $199.
- Wi-Fi Enabled Model: Priced at $219.
These earbuds are offered in Titanium Gold and Snow Mountain White color options.
