Apple's Beats Solo 4 Headphones Review: With ANC, the headphones would hit differently

Beats Solo 4 Headphones Review: Earlier in August this year, Beats entered the Indian market with the launch of the Solo Buds, Solo 4, and Pill speakers. In this review, we take a closer look at the features of the Beats Solo 4 headphones. While the company is known for delivering bass-heavy sound, the Beats Solo 4 headphones maintain that similar signature audio profile. The device also incorporates major upgrades, which will be discussed in the subsequent sections. 

Beats Solo 4 Headphones Review: Premium outlook with sleek profile 

The Beats Solo 4 looks stylish and premium, sporting a sleek profile and weighing just 217g. The build quality is impressive, with brushed steel hinges and foldable design making it a convenient device to carry. When folded, the device becomes compact and comfortably fits into the handbag. The ear cushions are soft and perfectly designed to block external sounds, contributing to passive noise cancellation. However, the on-ear design, while initially comfortable, may start to cause discomfort as the pressure from the headband becomes slowly perceivable during extended usage. The device is available in three colour options: Matte Black, Slate Blue, and Cloud Pink. 

Beats Solo 4 Headphones Review: Seamless connectivity across Apple and Android ecosystems

One standout feature of the Beats Solo 4 is its seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. Once synced with Apple devices, it becomes extremely easy to switch between them. Additionally, the compatibility with the ‘Hey Siri’ functionality allows users to seamlessly control volume, skip tracks, or give commands without having to touch the smartphone. The device also offers seamless connection with Android devices, thanks to features like ‘Find My’ and automatic pairing. The headphones also support a 3.5mm audio cable or USB-C, ensuring high-resolution and lossless sound output. Users can opt for the 3.5mm cable for a more refined experience compared to Bluetooth streaming. 

Beats Solo 4 Headphones Review: Sound quality, a clear standout

Beats has always been acknowledged for its bass-heavy sound output, and the Beats Solo 4 follows suit. Users who enjoy genres like EDM, hip-hop, and other music with deep bass will find this device appealing. When it comes to clarity and balance, the device performs well, delivering clear vocals without being subdued by the bass. The headphones represent instruments decently, making orchestral music pleasant and ensuring an immersive experience. The device’s spatial audio feature is also notable, with personalised spatial audio complemented by dynamic head tracking that adjusts the sound based on the user’s movements.

Beats Solo 4 Headphones Review: Robust battery

The company promises up to 50 hours of playback time, allowing an average to go for a week without needing to charge. The Fast Fuel feature is another handy functionality, which becomescrucial when the battery runs low. Additionally, a 10-minute charge offers up to 3-4 hours of playback time. 

Beats Solo 4 Headphones Review: ANC’s absence a big miss, call quality is decent

One significant downside of the Beats Solo 4 headphones is the absence of the Active Noise Cancellation feature. Given its price of Rs 22,999, the feature should have been included, as devices priced much lower offer this feature. Nonetheless, the call quality is good, thanks to the beam-forming microphones. These microphones effectively isolate the user’s voice from the background, delivering a clear voice at the receiver’s end. The device features a multi-function button for seamless pairing and power, and it operates without any noticeable issues. Additionally, the ‘b’ button allows users to play or pause music and answer calls. 

Beats Solo 4 Headphones Review: Verdict

Overall, the Beats Solo 4 is a good device with some standout features, including a bass-heavy output with decent clarity and balanced sound. The seamless connectivity across Apple and Android ecosystems gives it a clear edge, while the premium design is an eye-catcher. Battery life is also a crucial point to consider. However, the absence of the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature, which is even provided by alternatives priced more competitively, is a major downside. The on-ear design may be a thing of subjective discussion, but on a personal note, the device might leave users craving comfort while using it for extended sessions. 
Beats Solo 4 Headphones Review: Pros and Cons

Beats Solo 4 HeadphonesPros:

- Premium design with lightweight profile

- Decent sound quality

- Seamless connectivity across Apple and Android devices

Beats Solo 4 Headphones Cons:

- No ANC feature

- Price towards the higher side