Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a comparison that many of you have been asking for: the Realme Buds Air 3S versus the Realme Buds Air 3. If you're in the market for a new pair of earbuds, you've probably stumbled upon these two contenders. Both promise a lot, but which one truly delivers the best bang for your buck? Let's break it down!

Design and Comfort

When it comes to design and comfort, both the Realme Buds Air 3S and the Realme Buds Air 3 bring something unique to the table. The design of earbuds greatly influences how they fit and feel in your ears, so this is a crucial aspect to consider.

The Realme Buds Air 3 sport a more traditional, stem-style design. These earbuds are sleek and have a polished look that many users appreciate. The smooth finish and ergonomic shape ensure they sit comfortably in your ear for extended periods. The stem isn't just for aesthetics; it also houses the microphones, which are positioned closer to your mouth for clearer calls. Comfort-wise, the Buds Air 3 come with multiple ear tip sizes, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your ear canal. This is essential for not only comfort but also for achieving optimal noise isolation. Many users find this design familiar and reliable, making it a safe bet if you're used to stem-style earbuds. They are lightweight, which reduces ear fatigue, making them ideal for all-day use. The case is compact and pocketable, making it easy to carry around without adding bulk to your pockets or bags. Overall, the design is minimalist yet functional, focusing on providing a comfortable and secure fit.

On the other hand, the Realme Buds Air 3S take a slightly different approach with a shorter stem and a more rounded earbud design. This design is intended to provide a snug fit that sits securely in your ear. The earbuds have a matte finish, which gives them a more modern and understated look. A key feature of the Buds Air 3S is the inclusion of an ear wing, which adds an extra layer of security. The ear wing helps to lock the earbud in place, making it a great option for those with active lifestyles or anyone who wants to ensure their earbuds stay put during workouts or other activities. The comfort of the Buds Air 3S is enhanced by the lightweight construction and the availability of multiple ear tip sizes. The shorter stem design may appeal to those who prefer a less conspicuous look, as it sits closer to the ear. The charging case is also compact and easy to carry, maintaining Realme's commitment to portability. The matte finish not only looks good but also helps to resist fingerprints and smudges, keeping your earbuds looking clean and new.

Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a classic stem design with a focus on sleekness and familiarity, the Realme Buds Air 3 might be the better option. However, if you prioritize a secure fit with the added benefit of an ear wing and a more modern aesthetic, the Realme Buds Air 3S could be the winner. Both models offer excellent comfort for extended use, so it really comes down to which design feels more natural and secure in your ears. Consider what activities you'll be doing while wearing the earbuds and choose accordingly.

Sound Quality

Sound quality is where the rubber meets the road, right? Let's get into the sonic differences between the Realme Buds Air 3S and the Realme Buds Air 3.

The Realme Buds Air 3 pack a punch with their 10mm dynamic drivers. These drivers are tuned to deliver a balanced sound profile, making them versatile for various types of music. You can expect clear highs, well-defined mids, and a decent amount of bass. The overall sound signature is fairly neutral, which means that the earbuds don't overly emphasize any particular frequency range. This makes them suitable for listeners who prefer a more natural and accurate representation of their music. The Buds Air 3 also support the SBC and AAC codecs, which are standard for Bluetooth audio transmission. While they don't support higher-resolution codecs like aptX or LDAC, the sound quality is still commendable for most users. Additionally, the Buds Air 3 feature active noise cancellation (ANC), which helps to block out external sounds and allows you to focus on your music. The ANC performance is quite effective at reducing ambient noise, such as traffic sounds or background chatter. This makes them a great option for commuting or working in noisy environments. The transparency mode is also a useful feature, allowing you to hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds. Overall, the Realme Buds Air 3 offer a well-rounded audio experience with a focus on balance and clarity.

On the flip side, the Realme Buds Air 3S come equipped with an 11mm dynamic driver, slightly larger than the ones in the Buds Air 3. In addition to the larger driver, the Buds Air 3S also features a triple-driver setup. This configuration allows for a more detailed and immersive sound experience. The sound signature is generally more V-shaped, with boosted bass and slightly emphasized highs. This can make the music sound more exciting and engaging, particularly for genres like electronic dance music (EDM) and hip-hop. The bass response is noticeably more powerful and punchy compared to the Buds Air 3. The Buds Air 3S also support the SBC and AAC codecs, similar to the Buds Air 3. While they lack support for higher-resolution codecs, the triple-driver setup helps to compensate for this limitation by providing a richer and more detailed sound. The active noise cancellation (ANC) on the Buds Air 3S is also quite effective, though it may not be as strong as the Buds Air 3 in certain frequency ranges. The transparency mode works well, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings when needed. Overall, the Realme Buds Air 3S offer a more energetic and dynamic sound profile with a focus on bass and detail. These are great for users who enjoy a more immersive and exciting listening experience.

So, which one is better? If you prefer a balanced and neutral sound with effective ANC, the Realme Buds Air 3 are a solid choice. But if you crave a more bass-heavy and detailed sound, the Realme Buds Air 3S might be more your speed. It really boils down to your personal taste in music and sound profiles.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Call Quality

Let's talk about how well these earbuds block out the world and handle your calls – two very important factors, right?

Starting with the Realme Buds Air 3, the ANC performance is genuinely impressive for its price range. It utilizes a combination of feedforward and feedback microphones to detect and cancel out external noise. In real-world scenarios, the Buds Air 3 effectively reduce ambient noise such as traffic sounds, office chatter, and the hum of an air conditioner. This allows you to focus on your music or podcasts without being disturbed by your surroundings. The ANC performance is particularly noticeable in the lower frequencies, which helps to block out droning sounds like engine noise. The level of noise cancellation can be adjusted via the Realme Link app, allowing you to customize the intensity based on your environment. In addition to ANC, the Buds Air 3 also feature a transparency mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds. This is particularly useful when you need to be aware of your environment, such as when crossing the street or waiting for an announcement. Call quality on the Realme Buds Air 3 is also quite good, thanks to the dual-microphone setup on each earbud. These microphones work together to reduce background noise and ensure that your voice comes through clear and crisp. The microphones are positioned on the stem of the earbud, which helps to improve voice clarity by placing them closer to your mouth. Overall, the Realme Buds Air 3 offer reliable ANC performance and clear call quality, making them a solid choice for both music listening and communication.

Moving on to the Realme Buds Air 3S, the ANC capabilities are also noteworthy. While it may not be as strong as the Buds Air 3 in some frequency ranges, the Buds Air 3S still provide effective noise cancellation for most everyday situations. The Buds Air 3S also utilize a combination of feedforward and feedback microphones to detect and cancel out external noise. The ANC performance is particularly effective at reducing mid-range frequencies, such as human voices and keyboard clicks. This makes them a great option for working in a busy office or studying in a library. Similar to the Buds Air 3, the Buds Air 3S also feature a transparency mode, allowing you to hear your surroundings when needed. The level of noise cancellation can be adjusted via the Realme Link app, giving you control over the intensity of the ANC. Call quality on the Realme Buds Air 3S is also quite good, thanks to the quad-microphone setup. The microphones work together to reduce background noise and enhance voice clarity. The placement of the microphones, combined with noise reduction algorithms, ensures that your voice sounds clear and natural to the person on the other end of the line. Overall, the Realme Buds Air 3S offer solid ANC performance and clear call quality, making them suitable for both music listening and communication.

In summary, both earbuds offer respectable ANC. The Realme Buds Air 3 might have a slight edge in overall noise reduction, but the Realme Buds Air 3S hold their own, especially in environments with a lot of mid-range frequencies. For call quality, the Realme Buds Air 3S come out on top thanks to its quad-microphone setup, ensuring clearer conversations even in noisy environments.

Battery Life

Battery life can be a deal-breaker, so let's see how these two stack up in terms of longevity.

The Realme Buds Air 3 offer a solid battery life that should satisfy most users. On a single charge, the earbuds can provide up to 5.5 hours of listening time with ANC enabled, and up to 7 hours with ANC disabled. The charging case provides an additional 30 hours of battery life, bringing the total to around 37 hours. This is more than enough to get you through several days of moderate use. The earbuds also support fast charging, which is a convenient feature when you're in a hurry. A quick 10-minute charge can provide up to 100 minutes of listening time. The charging case itself can be fully charged in about 2 hours via the USB-C port. The battery life of the Realme Buds Air 3 is quite competitive in its price range, making it a reliable option for those who value long-lasting performance. Overall, the Realme Buds Air 3 offer a balanced combination of battery life and charging speed, making them a practical choice for everyday use.

On the other hand, the Realme Buds Air 3S offer a slightly different battery performance. On a single charge, the earbuds can provide up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC enabled, and up to 7.5 hours with ANC disabled. The charging case provides an additional 24 hours of battery life, bringing the total to around 30 hours. While the total battery life is slightly less than the Buds Air 3, the Buds Air 3S offer slightly longer listening time on a single charge. This can be a significant advantage for those who prefer to use their earbuds for extended periods without having to recharge them. The Buds Air 3S also support fast charging, which allows you to quickly replenish the battery when needed. A quick 10-minute charge can provide up to 5 hours of listening time. The charging case can be fully charged in about 2 hours via the USB-C port. The battery life of the Realme Buds Air 3S is still quite good, offering a balance between listening time and overall battery capacity. Overall, the Realme Buds Air 3S offer a competitive battery performance with a focus on providing extended listening time on a single charge.

So, which one wins? The Realme Buds Air 3 offer slightly more total battery life, while the Realme Buds Air 3S give you a bit more juice per charge. Both support fast charging, so you're covered either way.

Price

Price is always a deciding factor, isn't it? Generally, the Realme Buds Air 3 and Realme Buds Air 3S are priced similarly. However, keep an eye out for deals and discounts, as prices can fluctuate. Check different retailers and online marketplaces to find the best possible price before making your purchase.

Conclusion

Alright, guys, let's wrap this up. Choosing between the Realme Buds Air 3S and the Realme Buds Air 3 really comes down to your personal preferences and priorities.

If you value a balanced sound profile, slightly better ANC, and a bit more total battery life, the Realme Buds Air 3 are a solid choice.

However, if you prefer a more dynamic, bass-heavy sound, a more secure fit with ear wings, and clearer call quality, the Realme Buds Air 3S might be the better option for you.

Consider what features are most important to you, weigh the pros and cons, and happy listening!