Beats Solo 4: Upgraded Sound, Comfort, and Battery Life for Wireless Headphones
The Beats Solo 4 headphones represent a significant upgrade to the iconic on-ear wireless lineup. These headphones blend improved sound quality with enhanced comfort, making them a compelling choice for music enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.
Key takeaways:
- Lightweight design at 217 grams, improving comfort for extended wear
- Impressive 50-hour battery life for uninterrupted listening
- Enhanced sound quality with revamped acoustic architecture
- Support for Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
- Lacks Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) compared to competitors
Sleek Design and Improved Comfort
The Beats Solo 4 headphones showcase a refined design that prioritizes comfort and style. With a weight of just 217 grams, they’re 43 grams lighter than the Studio Pro model, making them ideal for extended listening sessions. The compact design features cushioned ear pads and a padded headband, ensuring a snug fit without causing discomfort.
Available in Matte Black, Slate Blue, and Cloud Pink, these headphones sport a brushed matte finish on the hinges, giving them a premium look despite their plastic construction. The attention to detail in the design makes the Solo 4 a fashionable accessory for everyday use.
Enhanced Sound Quality
At the heart of the Beats Solo 4 are 40mm drivers with a revamped acoustic architecture. This upgrade results in cleaner audio, improved clarity, and better bass definition compared to its predecessor, the Solo 3. The sound profile offers a dynamic range with crisp, sculpted highs and punchy bass, catering to various music genres.
One of the standout features is the support for Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. This technology creates an immersive listening experience, making you feel like you’re in the center of the music. While the Solo 4 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation, the cushy ear pads provide decent passive noise reduction, helping to isolate you from ambient sounds.
Connectivity and Controls
The Beats Solo 4 comes equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 support, ensuring stable and efficient wireless connections. For those who prefer a wired connection, there’s a USB-C port for lossless audio playback and a 3.5mm analog cable option. This versatility allows you to enjoy high-quality sound across various devices and scenarios.
Physical buttons on the left ear cup provide easy control over playback and volume, making on-the-go adjustments a breeze. The headphones are compatible with both Apple and Android devices, thanks to their custom Beats chip. While it doesn’t feature Apple’s H1 or H2 chip, the Solo 4 still offers seamless connectivity and reliable performance.
Battery Life and Call Quality
One of the most impressive features of the Beats Solo 4 is its 50-hour battery life. This extended playtime makes them perfect for long flights, full workdays, or even week-long trips without needing a charge. It’s a significant improvement that puts these headphones ahead of many competitors in terms of battery longevity.
Call quality has also seen a notable upgrade. The Solo 4 features upgraded beamforming digital MEMS microphones and advanced noise-reduction algorithms. This combination results in clear voice quality during calls, with callers reporting a significant reduction in background noise. If you’re looking for headphones that can handle both music and calls with equal proficiency, the Solo 4 is a solid choice.
Comparisons and Considerations
While the Beats Solo 4 offers several improvements over its predecessor, it’s worth considering how it stacks up against competitors. The lack of active noise cancellation (ANC) is a notable omission, especially when compared to models like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or the Sennheiser Accentum Plus. These rivals offer ANC and may provide better overall sound quality and comfort for some users.
Additionally, the Solo 4 doesn’t include ear detection sensors for auto-pause functionality, a feature that’s becoming increasingly common in this price range. However, if you’re a fan of the Beats brand and appreciate their signature sound profile, these headphones offer a significant step up from the Solo 3.
Value and Final Thoughts
The Beats Solo 4 represents a solid update to the iconic line of on-ear headphones. With improved sound quality, extended battery life, and enhanced comfort, they offer a compelling package for both Beats loyalists and newcomers to the brand. However, the current price point may seem high when compared to the feature sets of some competitors.
If you’re considering the Solo 4, it might be worth waiting for sales to get better value for your money. For those looking to explore other options or automate their audio experience, Make.com offers innovative solutions for integrating your audio devices with other smart home features.
In conclusion, the Beats Solo 4 delivers on its promise of improved performance and comfort. While it may not lead the pack in every category, it’s a worthy contender in the competitive world of wireless headphones, especially for those who prioritize battery life and the Beats sound signature.
Sources:
TechRadar – Beats Solo 4 review
CNET – Beats Solo 4 review: Big performance upgrades but wait for a sale
CNET – Beats Solo 4 headphones are now just $100
TechRadar – New Beats Solo 4 headphones leak suggests we’ll see a supercharged battery life
