As a proper follow up to 2019’s WF-1000XM3, Sony is stepping up in the premium TWS earbuds game with the WF-1000XM4. While they are smaller than their predecessor visually, the biggest change with the WF-1000XM4 is its new Integrated processor V1 that combines both Sony’s QN1e chip and Bluetooth connectivity into one chip, giving it more features.
With the V1 chip, the WF-1000XM4 has better noise cancellation with two noise-sensing microphones per earbud and a newly designed 6mm driver with 20% better magnet volume. These new upgrades makes the WF-1000XM4 filter noise up to 40% better than its predecessor. There’s also an Automatic Wind Noise Reduction mode to suppress any wind noise.
If that is not enough, Sony also improved the passive noise cancellation as well with their new in-house polyurethane foam tips that maximizes surface contact between the earbud tip and ear canal for a better seal and a guide in ensuring a good fit as well.
Being a premium pair of TWS earbuds, Sony touts that the WF-1000XM4 is the first TWS earbuds in the world to support Hi-Res audio using Sony’s LDAC codec—which can carry 3x more data than conventional Bluetooth audio. It can even upscale your digital music using DSEE Extreme as well, and there’s support for 360 Reality Audio for a more immersive audio experience.
The WF-10000XM4 has Speak-to-Chat, which lets you have conversations without taking out the earbuds by automatiucally pausing the music the moment you speak to someone. Quick Attention, on the other hand, is meant for listening to announcements and saying things briefly, and can be activated by placing your finger over the left earbud. Adaptive Sound control adjusts sound settings based on where you are and what you are doing.
When it comes to calls, the WF-1000XM4 has a bone-conduction sensor that aids the microphones in ensuring a clear voice in those hands-free calls. The sensor only picks up vibrations from your voice and filters out any ambient sound.
With all those features—along with an IPx4 rating that is absent on its predecessor—the WF-1000XM4 is rated for up to 8 hours on a single charge and up to 24 hours with the battery case. A 5-minute charge can give you an hour of playtime, and the WF-1000XM4 has support for wireless charging.
The WF-10000XM4 is priced at $280(~Php 13.4k) and will be available soon in the Philippines.
