Like the ES600M, The AWEI Q3i is an in-ear headphone that is said to produce decent sounds at an affordable price, with even an in-line microphone to boot. Can a sub-Php300 in-ear earphones deliver?
The Q3i, unlike the ES600M, presents itself with thin, round cables. The earphones are donning in a two-toned plastic housing, and includes two extra pairs of rubber tips in different sizes. It has an in-line microphone that doubles as a button click control. The 3.5mm input plug is not gold-plated and does not come with a leather case.
Replacing the rubber tips sometimes take a lot of time and effort, as it is almost impossible to put them. That’s good in a way if you’re going to stick with the ones already in the in-ears, but if you prefer to use any of the extra tips for better comfort, you’re in a tough situation.
There are times when I question the durability of the product. Three days into using the in-ear monitors, I noticed that the cord has detached itself from the glossy 3.5mm plug, exposing its copper wiring underneath. Adding the fact that the plug itself might be seen as very short and sometimes slippery, it can be susceptible to damage caused by repetitive plug-outs from any device. The cords are thin and tangles easily, which makes it harder to use especially when you’re in a hurry or getting it our from your bag.
Most of AWEI’s in-ear monitors we reviews offered great bass, and this one doesn’t disappoint with providing a bassy sound. The mellow highs, hollow mids, and bassy lows sound a bit congested but is still transparent enough to be distinguishable, and the sound stage is set at moderate. Cable Microphonics are quite present when the cords are frictioned against any surface.
While the noise cancellation blocks most of the subdued outside noise out, a few can still be heard while listening to music. The depth is nowhere to be heard, and the sound may at times sound to be sibilant.
The microphone does not offer noise cancellation, but is able to reproduce our speeches well when we tried recording a few lines with it and talked to people over the phone.
AWEI Q3i specs:
Frequency: 18~25KHz
Impedance: 16 ohms
Sensitivity: 116dB +/-3dB
Driver element: 10mm
Cable length: 1.5m
For Php250, the AWEI Q3i aren’t as bad as what you might think after reading this review. It does produce a decent sound for casual listening, and the bass is. This build of the accesory, however, is rather questionable if it would last long enough. With that being said, you get your money’s worth, as it is one of the most affordable in-ear headphones with a built-in microphone we’ve seen so far.
What we liked about it:
* Good bass
* Really affordable price
What we didn’t like:
* Build quality is questionable
* Depth, noise cancellation
* Very slippery 3.5mm plug
i’m planning to buy an earphone at SM BF this week
what is the best AWEI product you can recommend?
i read your past reviews of their products and still can’t decide
i listen to all kinds of music
pde po bang irecommend nyo sken ung best na product nila?
I just bought an AWEI ES-860HI for Php450. It has volume control, in-line microphone. The button for the mike can also be used for skipping to the next track (double clicking). I am no expert. But wow! This one really delivers.
Looking forward for your review on this model.
Di ko alam tong brand na to pero laging nirereview ng Yuga. Is it like a sponsor ng site?
this product only comes with 1 week warranty! that is BS!.. no matter how cheap this is, it is not worth it!!! sayang lang ang pera sa prodcuto na to!! that 1 week warranty is a waste of money..
The article needs more proofreading.
i have this one equipped to my great old sony mp3 player (had to solder the mic to produce stereo output though) for workout. i was really impressed at how it isolate the noise through comfy ear tips. i didnt even have to bother trying the spare ones. there’s zero strain on prolonged and use. good for chill music as it produces bright mids and high and deep bass. okay for metal heads but i really find the mid to powerful it ruins the angst of riffs. well that’s just my personal preference tho but i guarantee it is a great buy!
Nakakalito ang mga products ng awei.