Beats, a subsidiary of Apple, has recently expanded its footprint in the Indian market with the launch of three products: the Solo 4 on-ear headphones, the Buds 4 true wireless earbuds, and the Pill Bluetooth speaker. Among these, the Beats Solo 4 stands out with its promise of combining style and performance. In this review, we will look into the design, audio quality, connectivity, and overall performance of the Beats Solo 4 to see if it lives up to its high expectations.
1. Design and Build
The Beats Solo 4 on-ear headphones feature a minimalist design with a matte plastic exterior and a metallic-looking “b” logo on each ear cup. The headphones are equipped with well-cushioned ear cups attached to the band via a metal slider with notched grooves for easy adjustment. The faux leather ear pads are designed to be durable, though they are not replaceable.
The left ear cup’s “b” logo is clickable for play/pause. The area above the logo can be clicked to increase volume and the bottom area can be clicked to reduce volume. When there is an incoming call, pressing once will accept the call. Pressing the button twice whether during a call or when the call arrives, will disconnect the call. Finally, when the button is pressed once, the call can be mute or unmute. Towards the bottom, the left ear cup, a small white LED indicator next to the 3.5mm headphone jack shows power and connectivity status. The right ear cup houses the power button and a USB-C port for charging.
While the Solo 4 is portable with foldable ear cups that fit into an included carrying case along with USB-C and 3.5mm cables, it is not waterproof and lacks an ingress protection rating. Therefore, caution is advised in humid environments or during intense physical activities. In India, the Solo 4 is available in three shades: blue, black, and pink.
For comfort, the Solo 4 weighs 217 grams and can feel heavy on the head after prolonged use. Additionally, its on-ear design may cause discomfort over extended periods due to the clamping force, which places pressure directly on the ears. Furthermore, the headphones lack wear sensors that automatically pause music when they are removed, a feature found in some modern headphones.
The Beats Solo 4 retail package includes the headphones, a USB-C charging cable, a 3.5mm audio cable, and a compact carrying case. It also comes with a quick start guide and warranty information for easy setup and support.
| Preview | Product | |
|---|---|---|
|
Beats Solo 4 – Wireless Bluetooth Over Ear Ultralight Headphones, Up to 50H of Battery Life, 10… | Check Price on Amazon |
Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
2. Audio Quality and Noise Cancellation
With an emphasis on clarity and balance, the Beats Solo 4, equipped with 40mm dynamic drivers, offers a cleaner sound profile that deviates from the bass-heavy signature traditionally associated with Beats products. The headphones feature an upgraded acoustic architecture designed to reduce distortion and maintain sound fidelity. This results in a more nuanced listening experience, with clear treble that accentuates vocals and a well-balanced bass that avoids overpowering the overall sound. The Solo 4 supports SBC and AAC codecs, meaning it does not support higher-quality Bluetooth audio formats, which could be a drawback for audiophiles seeking superior wireless audio quality.
Despite these improvements, the Solo 4 lacks active noise cancellation, a feature you would expect on headphones priced around Rs 23,000. While there is some passive noise isolation due to the on-ear design and snug ear cushions, it is relatively limited. This means that the Solo 4 may not be the best choice for those seeking a high level of quietness in noisy environments. Passive isolation is more effective at higher volumes but still falls short compared to the active noise-cancelling capabilities offered by some rivals.
In terms of call quality, the Beats Solo 4 excels, providing clear and defined audio during phone conversations. The headphones are effective at minimizing background noise, which helps ensure that your voice comes through clearly to the recipient, regardless of ambient conditions.
3. Connectivity and Battery Life
The Beats Solo 4 headphones offer a range of connectivity options, reflecting a significant update from their predecessors. They feature a USB-C port, which not only supports charging but also allows for wired audio playback. Additionally, the Solo 4 includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a rare inclusion in today’s wireless headphones market. This port supports high-resolution, lossless audio playback, making it ideal for use with various devices, including in-flight entertainment systems that typically lack Bluetooth connectivity. For wireless connectivity, the Beats Solo 4 utilises Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a stable and efficient connection with a range of devices. The headphones are compatible with both iOS and Android platforms.
Battery life is one of the major highlights of the Beats Solo 4. These headphones can deliver up to 50 hours of Bluetooth playback on a single charge, surpassing the 40-hour battery life of the Solo 3 and even outperforming the Beats Studio Pro by 10 hours. This extended battery life makes them an excellent choice for long listening sessions or extended use throughout the day.
When the battery does run low, a quick 10-minute charge via USB-C can provide up to 5 hours of additional playback time, allowing for a fast top-up when needed. Notably, if the battery is completely depleted, the headphones can still be used with the 3.5mm analogue cable, ensuring that users are not left without audio access. This flexibility, combined with the impressive battery longevity, makes the Beats Solo 4 a reliable choice for users who value long-lasting performance and versatile connectivity options.
4. Controls and App Support
When it comes to controls, on the left ear cup of the Beats Solo 4, you’ll find a large button featuring the ‘b’ logo, which handles playback controls and voice assistant activation. This button allows you to play, pause, skip tracks, and manage calls. Surrounding this central button are volume rockers for easy adjustment of sound levels. The controls are designed to be intuitive, with a satisfying click response that provides tactile feedback during use.
The Beats Solo 4 integrates seamlessly with both iOS and Android devices. I couldn’t find a dedicated app for Beats in the Apple App Store, whereas the Android app is available in the Google Play Store. On Android devices, the Beats app also provides options to modify call controls, view battery status, and other settings. Both iOS and Android users can benefit from the integration into Apple’s and Google’s Find My systems, which helps locate the headphones if misplaced.
5. Verdict
The Beats Solo 4 offers a compelling combination of design, comfort, and performance. Its clean sound profile, extended battery life, and versatile connectivity make it a strong choice for users who value long-lasting performance and flexible usage. However, the lack of active noise cancellation and the potential discomfort during extended use might be drawbacks for some. Overall, the Solo 4 is a stylish and functional option, particularly appealing for those who prioritise battery life and connectivity options.
Beats Solo 4 price in India
To purchase the Beats Solo 4 headphones, buyers can visit the Apple Store (online and offline) and Beatsbydre’s official website. Priced at Rs 22,900 (~$270), the Solo 4 is available in shades like Matt Black, Slate Blue, and Cloud Pink.
Comments