Google Pixel Buds 2a Review: Well-rounded TWS earbuds

Google’s new Pixel Buds 2a True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earphones succeed the first-generation Pixel Buds A series, which was launched way back in 2021.

It comes with big upgrades, including longer battery life, reliable performance and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a first for the A-series model. Here are our thoughts on Google's latest earbuds.

Design and build quality:

The new Pixel Buds 2a's charging case retains most of the design elements of the previous iterations, but in a compact form factor.

It features a smooth pebble-like design with a matte finish. It offers a good grip for the palms to hold the small case, but it gets stained pretty quickly.

Our review unit is a hazel colour variant. The charging case comes in ivory white shade, and the interiors including the earphones are dark grey in colour. If you are wildlife enthusiasts, you will definitely find the colour scheme has strong resemblance to Black Mamba's mouth.

[P.S Pardon me, if it was too disturbing for comparing the earphone case colourway to the mouth of a fearsome snake]

Google Pixel Buds 2a.

Google also offers the device in Iris colour option. The latter's case is the same as the hazel variant, but the earbuds feature a light purple colour.

Compared to the predecessor, the wing tip of Pixel Buds 2A is smaller and ergonomically redesigned. Called the stabilising fin, it offers a twist-to-adjust mechanism to offer a secure, comfortable fit and seal it as much as possible to block outside noise from entering the ears.

Each bug weighs 4.7 g, 0.4g less than the Pixel Buds A(5.1g). It looks similar to the Pixel 2 Pro, bringing uniformity in design for Pixel Buds.

It has an in-ear design and has no stem like we see in most budget TWS earphones. The company has incorporated mesh covers at the top to help block wind and improve call clarity.

The light-weight Pixel Buds 2a offer a nice fit and feel. The medium-sized eartips perfectly fit my ears. One can wear it for hours comfortably, even in a tropical climate like ours in India.

The retail package comes with three more sets of ear tips in sizes: Extra Small (XS), Small (S), and Large (L).

Google Pixel Buds 2a.

However, like any tiny TWS buds, there is always anxiety of losing them in crowded places, like the peak rush hour commute in mass transit vehicles like a metro or buses.

On the bright side, there is a way to locate the misplaced Pixel Buds 2a charging case. Owners can make good use of Google's Find My Device app (on phone)/network (on web). The charging case comes with a good speaker to ring loudly and be located by the user.

Google Pixel Buds 2a.

Also, the earbuds support an IP54 rating. It can resist heavy sweating near the ears during workouts at the gym or jogging outdoors. And, the charging case comes with an IPX4 rating and survives water splashes. But, owners are advised to keep the device in a safe, open place at home to get it dried and only then, put it on charge.

It can only be charged through the Type-C port at the base and doesn't support wireless charging.

On the back of the charging case, it has pairing/reset button.

Each earbud comes with two microphones and an IR proximity sensor for in-ear detection to play and pause automatically.

Even the charging case comes with a Hall Effect sensor to detect when the case is opened or closed.

On top, the earbuds feature capacitive touch sensors to register tap gestures. With one tap, earbuds can pause the music, and double-taps to skip to the next track. It supports similar gesture support to answer calls. It also supports voice commands to invoke the Gemini digital assistant.

Like with Pixel phones, Google uses eco-friendly materials for the components and packaging of the Pixel Buds 2a.

Google Pixel Buds 2a.

In terms of weight, 41 per cent of the product is made from recycled materials, and the magnets used in the earbuds and the charging case are 100 per cent recycled rare-earth elements.

The tin used in printed boards, including the main logic board, is 100 per cent recycled.

Even the cobalt for the battery is 100 per cent repurposed from old devices. The retail packaging is also entirely fibre-based with zero plastic.

Performance:

The device supports both iOS and Android 6.0 (or newer versions)-based devices, but the latter, in particular, Pixel phones are more optimised to deliver a better experience.

At the heart, Pixel Buds 2a houses Google's proprietary Tensor A1 chipset and custom-designed 11 mm dynamic speaker driver.

As noted above, Pixel Buds 2a boast of Active Noise Cancellation. It is powered by Silent Seal 1.5 technology, which works with the Tensor A1 chipset to control the external noise and ensure a clear and crisp hearing experience while listening to music or podcasts and during phone calls.

Google Pixel Buds 2a.

With the Clear Calling feature and ANC, the Buds 2a work really well in controlling the chatter of colleagues near the cubicle at the office, or at home with the TV on. But, outdoors, particularly in a busy street during a peak rush hour, commuting on the bus, you have to slightly increase the volume to hear the voice more clearly.

Having said that, the microphones are amazingly good, as they pick the voice of the user clearly and ensure it is heard in crisp quality on the other side of the call.

ANC may not be as effective as we see on the Pixel Buds 2 Pro or other premium (above Rs 25,000 range) TWS earphones, but it is on par with rival brands in its class (under Rs 15,000).

The overall sound output quality and ANC capabilities of the Pixel Buds 2a while listening to music and during phone calls are really good, better than most of the rival brands in its class.

Google Pixel Buds 2a.

With a full charge, the earbuds can deliver up to ten hours of audio playtime. And, with the case, they can last for 27 hours.

With ANC on, Buds 2a can last for seven hours, and with the case, it can offer 20 hours of listening time.

It also supports fast charging. With just five minutes of charging, the earbuds can deliver up to one hour of listening time. However, there is no wireless charging option.

Google Pixel Buds 2a.

Final thoughts

The Google Pixel Buds 2a series is a well-rounded mid-range TWS option.

It comes with a lightweight design and offers a comfortable fit to the ears. It delivers well on ANC and call quality. Strong battery performance and thoughtful software integration with Android devices make Pixel Buds 2a worth its asking price.

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