OPPO Unveils Enco Air 4i: The Cheapest Wireless Earbuds from the Company
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| OPPO Unveils Enco Air 4i |
In a bold move to capture the budget-friendly audio market, OPPO has recently launched the Enco Air 4i, touted as the company’s most affordable wireless earbuds to date. Priced at an astonishingly low 99 yuan (approximately $14 USD) in China, these earbuds promise to deliver exceptional value without compromising on quality. Announced on February 23, 2025, and available for purchase starting February 24, 2025, on JD.com, the Enco Air 4i is already generating buzz among tech enthusiasts and bargain hunters alike. This article delves into the features, specifications, and potential impact of the OPPO Enco Air 4i, exploring why it could be a game-changer in the competitive world of true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds.
A New Benchmark in Affordable Audio
The wireless earbuds market has seen tremendous growth in recent years, with brands vying to offer premium features at lower price points. OPPO, a Chinese tech giant known for its innovative smartphones and audio products, has consistently delivered reliable earbuds under its Enco lineup. Models like the Enco Air 4 Pro and Enco X3 have impressed users with advanced features such as active noise cancellation (ANC) and high-fidelity audio. However, the Enco Air 4i takes a different approach by targeting cost-conscious consumers who still demand decent performance.
At just $14, the Enco Air 4i undercuts many competitors in the budget TWS segment, including offerings from brands like Xiaomi, Realme, and even OPPO’s own Enco Buds series. This aggressive pricing strategy positions the Enco Air 4i as an attractive option for students, casual listeners, and anyone looking for an affordable yet reliable pair of wireless earbuds.
Key Features of the OPPO Enco Air 4i
Despite its budget-friendly price tag, the Enco Air 4i doesn’t skimp on features. OPPO has packed these earbuds with specifications that rival more expensive models, making them a standout choice in the entry-level market. Here’s a breakdown of what the Enco Air 4i brings to the table:
- Impressive Audio Quality with a 12.4mm Driver
The Enco Air 4i is equipped with a 12.4mm dynamic driver, a feature typically found in higher-end earbuds. This driver size ensures deeper bass, clear mids, and crisp highs, offering a balanced sound profile for music, podcasts, and calls. OPPO has also included custom EQ tuning and spatial audio support, enhancing the listening experience with a more immersive soundstage.
- Long-Lasting Battery Life
Battery performance is a critical factor for wireless earbuds, and the Enco Air 4i excels in this department. Each earbud houses a 58mAh battery, while the charging case boasts a 560mAh capacity. This translates to up to 12 hours of playback on a single charge and an astonishing 54 hours of total usage with the case. For context, this surpasses the battery life of many mid-range earbuds, making the Enco Air 4i ideal for extended use without frequent recharging.
- Bluetooth 5.4 and Low Latency
The Enco Air 4i supports Bluetooth 5.4, the latest standard in wireless connectivity, ensuring a stable and energy-efficient connection. It also features a low-latency mode with a 47ms response time, which is excellent for gaming and video streaming. This makes the earbuds a versatile choice for entertainment beyond just music playback.
- Durability and Design
OPPO has designed the Enco Air 4i with practicality in mind. The earbuds feature an IP55 rating for water and dust resistance, making them suitable for workouts or light rain. Additionally, they’ve been tested to withstand drops from 1.8 meters (earbuds) and 1.5 meters (case), as well as extreme temperatures up to 75°C. Weighing just 4.3g each, the earbuds offer a comfortable in-ear fit with a sleek, modern design that includes a short stem and smooth, curved edges.
- Smart Features for Convenience
The Enco Air 4i comes with customizable touch controls, allowing users to manage playback, answer calls, and even trigger a remote camera shutter for photos. It also supports dual-device pairing, AI voice assistant integration, and a “Find My Earbuds” function via the companion app—features that are rare at this price point.
- Certified Battery Durability
OPPO has secured TÜV Rheinland certification for the Enco Air 4i’s battery, guaranteeing durability over 1,000 charge cycles without significant degradation. This certification adds a layer of trust for users concerned about long-term performance.
How Does the Enco Air 4i Compare to Its Predecessors?
The Enco Air 4i appears to be an upgraded version of the Enco Air 4, which was released in 2024. While the Enco Air 4 Pro targeted the mid-range market with premium features like 49dB ANC and LHDC 5.0 codec support, the Enco Air 4i focuses on affordability without sacrificing core functionality. The inclusion of a larger 12.4mm driver, Bluetooth 5.4, and extended battery life suggests that OPPO has refined its budget offering to deliver more bang for the buck.
Compared to the Enco Air 3, another popular model in the lineup, the Enco Air 4i offers a lighter design (4.3g vs. heavier predecessors) and improved battery capacity, though it lacks advanced features like ANC. This trade-off is understandable given its ultra-low price, as OPPO aims to cater to a different audience with the Enco Air 4i.
Who Should Buy the OPPO Enco Air 4i?
- Budget Shoppers: At $14, it’s hard to find a better deal for wireless earbuds with this level of performance.
- Casual Listeners: If you enjoy music or podcasts on the go but don’t need audiophile-grade sound, these earbuds deliver.
- Gamers on a Budget: The 47ms low-latency mode makes it a solid choice for mobile gaming without breaking the bank.
- Fitness Enthusiasts: The IP55 rating and lightweight design make it suitable for workouts.
The Competitive Edge in the Budget TWS Market
The budget wireless earbuds segment is fiercely competitive, with brands like Xiaomi (Redmi Buds), Realme (Buds Air), and Anker (Soundcore) dominating the sub-$30 category. So, how does the Enco Air 4i stack up?
- Xiaomi Redmi Buds 4 Lite: Priced around $20, these earbuds offer decent sound and battery life but lack the Enco Air 4i’s spatial audio and 54-hour total playback.
- Realme Buds Air 3 Neo: At roughly $25, they include a 10mm driver and good battery life, but the Enco Air 4i’s Bluetooth 5.4 and durability certifications give it an edge.
- Anker Soundcore Life P2 Mini: Priced closer to $30, these offer better sound but don’t match the Enco Air 4i’s price-to-performance ratio.
OPPO’s aggressive pricing and feature set could disrupt the market, forcing competitors to rethink their strategies in the ultra-budget segment.
Why the Enco Air 4i Matters
The launch of the Enco Air 4i reflects OPPO’s commitment to democratizing technology. By offering premium features like Bluetooth 5.4, a large driver, and exceptional battery life at an unbeatable price, OPPO is making quality audio accessible to a broader audience. This move aligns with the company’s broader strategy of blending innovation with affordability, a formula that has worked well for its smartphones and previous audio products.
Moreover, the Enco Air 4i’s release on February 24, 2025, coinciding with the current date, underscores OPPO’s timing to capture early adopters and holiday shoppers in markets like China. If the earbuds expand to global markets, they could become a go-to option for cost-conscious consumers worldwide.
Final Thoughts: A Budget Audio Revolution?
The OPPO Enco Air 4i is more than just a pair of cheap earbuds—it’s a statement. With its robust feature set, durable design, and jaw-dropping price, it redefines what’s possible in the budget TWS category. While it may not compete with flagship models in terms of sound finesse or noise cancellation, it doesn’t need to. Its purpose is clear: to deliver reliable, everyday audio at a price that’s hard to ignore.
For anyone in the market for affordable wireless earbuds, the Enco Air 4i is worth considering. As OPPO continues to innovate and expand its Enco lineup, the Enco Air 4i stands out as a testament to the brand’s ability to balance cost and quality. Whether you’re a student, a casual listener, or a gamer, these earbuds could be the perfect companion for your daily audio needs.