Accessories
Huawei FreeBuds 4i review: “The” audio daily driver
An audio experience you simply can’t miss
A great set of earphones becomes as integral to your everyday life as your preferred devices. Whether you like it wired or wireless, it’s simply something you can’t live without these days. From the early morning commutes to playing games with the squad, a daily driver like this comes in handy for all of those.
For the past few years, Huawei ventured into the wireless sound space much like their contemporaries. From the earphones and headsets to speakers, each iteration brings something new to the table. This is, what I felt, the Huawei FreeBuds 4i shapes itself up to be: something different, something more.
So, how much more does this new pair of TWS earphones bring to the table? For starters:
It comes in an oval-shaped charging case w/ an optional cover
Inside the box are a fast-charging USB-C cable and different earbud tip sizes
You have three colorways to choose from: Ceramic White, Carbon Black, or Red
Breaking down the full audio experience
As I was writing this, I went ahead and looked back at everything I said about the Huawei FreeBuds 4i the very instance I got my hands on it. I briefly touched on the audio experience, and even went out of my way to call it a great first impression — all things considered. After some more time using these wireless earphones, I have some more things to call out.
Enjoying the music every tone of the way
From my first impressions, I could already tell that these earphones were designed for you to listen to your music better. This isn’t just hearing the songs without any noise in the background, but rather for you to truly appreciate the songs you’re listening to. See, the Huawei FreeBuds 4i comes with two major audio enhancements: a dynamic 10mm audio driver and Active Noise Cancellation.
With the dynamic audio driver, I’m assuming that the music you’re listening to has some more explicit bass to it. Well, I wasn’t wrong but it was actually more than that the longer I listened to my playlist. When I was listening to most of the “pop” songs in my playlist, I could hear some level of depth to the tones and vocals. It’s those little intricacies that you only get to hear from a great set of headphones, to be honest.
However, the biggest selling point here is that sweet Active Noise Cancellation technology inside. Essentially, when it’s on, only your songs exist in your ears and not much else. It does a fantastic job blocking all background noise out, so you can immerse in your songs a bit longer. Honestly, it was a joy simply listening to all my songs with ANC on — especially early in the morning.
No delays with VODs, streams, and movies all the way through
In all honesty, this was the use case I was most concerned for because of my experience with my FreeBuds Lite. For some reason, I experienced some delay in my audio when I’m watching videos whether on YouTube or Netflix. For the longest time, it wasn’t a huge bother to me until I tried out the FreeBuds 4i and knew what I was missing.
Huawei included these low latency algorithms into the audio drivers that essentially remove lag between audio and video. While I was watching music videos and a KDrama on the side, it felt smooth to just see and hear the A/V sync like that. At least now, I wouldn’t laugh so hard when the audio is lagging behind.
Playing games and engaging in team comms
Where the ANC also shines in comes from, quite possibly, my 2nd most regular use case: gaming. In particular, I decided to play team-based games like League of Legends: Wild Rift and Call of Duty Mobile with full team comms. I’ve already touched on the ANC’s capabilities for rich, deep sounds, and it’s quite evident with games as well.
However, I’d like to touch on how the ANC helped out with team comms since I was sort of playing in a noisy environment. Essentially, apart from the ANC blocking out noise you hear, it also blocks out additional noise picked up by the microphone. In theory, it should project your voice in a clearer way.
I hopped on a Discord call on my phone, and my friends could tell the difference if I switched to wired earphones. They mentioned how they could hear the strong wind and my electric fan before switching to the FreeBuds 4i mid-game. Although, there were times they couldn’t hear me through my mic when I switched, but it didn’t happen regularly.
Define “daily driver?” for me please
Apart from the Active Noise Cancellation technologies, the FreeBuds 4i boasts 10 hours of continuous audio playback. Whether it’s a Spotify playlist or random YouTube videos, that’s quite a lot of nonstop audio banging in your ear. Actually, this is more of a battery life situation more than anything but it certainly stacks up.
What I love about the longevity of this accessory is that it still lasts long even if you charge for a few minutes. Within ten minutes of charging, I managed to use the earphones for a good 3-4 hours before running out of juice. That’s honestly quite long in itself, especially with the amount of songs and videos you can squeeze in at 50% volume.
With all the time I spent charging the buds, I managed to stretch my usage to 24 hours (yes, even in my sleep). This alone already made me believe that it fits the description of what a daily driver is all about. Plus, it charges quite fast while in its oval case, and its oval case also fully charges fast too (about an hour and a half).
Why the Huawei AI Life is a must-have
Like I mentioned before, I’m not a big fan of downloading additional software to make certain hardware work well. I mean, it just takes up more space on my phone that I would have needed for more photos and games. However, for the FreeBuds 4i, I installed the Huawei AI Life app to further maximize my use for it — and thank God I did.
See, if you’re not that big of a fan of using the gestures on the earphones, the AI Life app is where you need to go. In essence, it allows you to switch the ANC on/off, and you can even customize the touch gestures. Also, it even shows you the battery percentage of the buds and charging case. Honestly, I felt this added a bit more personalization to the FreeBuds 4i, something I was dying to experience.
Initially, I thought that you couldn’t change the gestures outright. I preferred having a gesture to play/pause songs and skip some of them — something the AI Life app covers. I genuinely think this is an app you should consider downloading if you plan to pick these earphones up.
Is this your GadgetMatch?
At PhP 3,599, the Huawei FreeBuds 4i provides an audio experience that you simply cannot turn a blind eye to. Apart from the simple yet fashionable aesthetic, it comes with a pair of TWS earphones that bring deeper sound quality for any use case. With its long battery life and quick charge capabilities, it’s something worth using every single chance you get.
While there were some hiccups along the way, it doesn’t ruin the audio experience entirely. With integrations in the AI Life app, you can easily find ways around these hiccups to help ease these off. Also, the level of control it gives you makes the whole experience more personal.
It’s not something different in every sense of the word, but the Huawei FreeBuds 4i brings something more to the table. It’s simply not just great, but it poses itself as one of the best options for wireless earphones out there.
Accessories
Bellroy expands in the Philippines with retailer partnerships
Products now available at Beyond the Box, Digital Walker
Australian carry brand Bellroy has expanded its footprint in the Philippines, striking partnerships with retailers Beyond the Box and Digital Walker.
This shall enable Filipino customers to experience the brand’s award-winning, protective tech kits firsthand at select physical stores and even online.
Bellroy has befome a global favorite since its inception in 2010 for its design-led minimalism and commitment to sustainability.
Some of the brand’s featured products readily available in-store include MagSafe-compatible phone cases and the best-selling Desk Caddy and Tech kit.
The latter is designed to organize chargers and cables seamlessly.
Meanwhile, the Venture and Lite series bags are also available. These are crafted from durable, water-resistant fabrics made from 100% recycled PET plastic bottles.
Furthermore, exclusive editions featuring INNOVERA, a high-performance plant-based leather alternative with 80% renewable carbon content, are also on display.
Customers can visit select Digital Walker and Beyond the Box branches nationwide to check Bellroy’s offerings.
They are present at flagship locations in Bonifacio High Street, Uptown Mall, and Glorietta. Alternatively, customers can also shop online via digitalwalker.ph and beyondthebox.ph.
Accessories
Dyson now has its own pricey handheld fan
The HushJet Mini Cool can spin up to a blazing 65,000rpm.
Handheld fans are in again. With the scorching heat bearing down on the country, a portable way to keep cool is an absolute must if you want to last even a few minutes out in the sun. Now, if you have the money, why settle for a plain old JisuLife? Dyson has just launched its own handheld fan called the HushJet Mini Cool.
Ironically, when I see a JisuLife, I already think of a Dyson with its unique design reminiscent of a turbofan engine. With its new handheld fan, Dyson is once again reimagining new ways to deliver wind from one place to another.
The HushJet Mini Cool doesn’t feature Dyson’s iconic circular chamber. Rather, it’s very tubular with an asterisk-like spout to deliver cool air. The brushless motor inside can spin up to 65,000rpm, which translates to air speeds of up to 25m/s.
For reference, the JisuLife Pro 1 spins only up to 15,000rpm. The HushJet Mini Cool has some serious firepower for such a small device.
For functionality, Dyson’s fan has six speeds, which includes a boost mode for those extra-hot days. It can also stand on its own, so it can be a makeshift desk fan if the need arises.
For its insane windspeeds, the fan doesn’t have the most stellar battery life. A single charge is reportedly enough for only six hours of juice. Thankfully, it can be charged via a USB-C cable and a charging stand shipped with the box.
As with most things Dyson, the HushJet Mini Cool costs a pretty penny, setting you back by US$ 99.99. It comes in three colorway options: Stone/Blush, Ink/Cobalt, and Carnelian/Sky (available in May).
SEE ALSO: The JisuLife Outdoor Fan Ultra 1 takes portability to a bigger scale
There’s a moment when a new piece of gear stops feeling new. You stop thinking about it. You stop noticing it. It just becomes part of your setup. That’s what happened with the GameSir G7 Pro ZZZ Edition.
I keep saying this about GameSir controllers that I’m starting to sound like a paid shill—but I’m not. The truth is, this is a spectacular controller. It has quietly become my default whenever I game on PC.
And for someone who tends to overthink setups, that says a lot.
I’ve been playing my usual rotation—Sleeping Dogs for quick pick-up sessions, and NBA 2K26 when I just want to zone out. Nothing too hardcore. Nothing too technical. But enough to get a real feel for what a controller is like to actually live with.
And the G7 Pro? It just works.
Familiar, but better
I actually first held this controller at Gamescom in Cologne while playing Honor of Kings: World. At the time, I didn’t even realize it wasn’t a standard Xbox controller. That’s how natural it felt.
It was only during a lull in the demo that I noticed the GameSir branding and went, “Wait, this isn’t first-party?”
That first impression stuck.
Back home, using it on my own setup, that same feeling carried over. It doesn’t scream premium in the way some flashy controllers do, but it feels solid, balanced, and intentional. The weight distribution is right. The grips feel secure. Nothing about it feels cheap.
There are small touches here that go a long way, too. I’m a big fan of the orange accents around the sticks—it gives the controller just enough character without going overboard.
Even the ZZZ collaboration design, which could have easily gone full loud and chaotic, feels surprisingly restrained. It still has personality, but it doesn’t scream for attention.
And if you do get tired of how it looks, you can just swap things out. Switching from the default black faceplate to a clear version gives it a completely different vibe. It’s a small thing, but it helps the controller feel fresh over time—like it can evolve with your setup instead of being stuck as one look forever.
It’s the kind of controller you don’t have to adjust to.
Just works, right out of the box
I’ve already broken down everything included in the package in our unboxing reel. But what matters more is this: you don’t actually need to touch most of it to enjoy the controller.
And that’s a good thing.
I like my gear to be great by default. Not something I have to tweak before it becomes usable.
The G7 Pro nails that.
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Clicks you can trust
The buttons are one of those things you don’t think about—until they’re bad. Here, they’re not.
They’re not loud. Not distracting. You can play comfortably without feeling like you’re announcing every input to the room. I wouldn’t necessarily game beside someone sleeping, but it’s not something I’d worry about either.
What you do notice is how smooth everything feels.
Not necessarily faster than a standard Xbox controller, but more precise. More consistent. There’s a sense of durability to every press, like it’s built to take repeated inputs without wearing down. It’s subtle. But it adds up.
The only thing I didn’t vibe with was the default circular D-pad. It’s not bad—it’s just not for me. Good thing there’s a more traditional option in the box. I swapped that out eventually– after these photos were taken.
When control actually matters
If there’s one moment that sold me on the G7 Pro, it wasn’t in a shooter. It was in NBA 2K26. I usually play a more system-heavy game. Move the ball. Run plays. Keep things controlled.
But with this controller, I found myself leaning into isolation. More dribble-heavy possessions. More one-on-one situations. Not because I had to—but because I felt like I could.
The sticks felt reliable enough to handle it. No hesitation. No second guessing. No fear of drift creeping in. That confidence changes how you play.
And that’s when you realize a controller is doing something right.
Triggers built for a specific kind of player
The triggers are interesting. They come with locks that turn them into near-instant inputs—perfect for competitive shooters. And to be fair, they work. But for me, they feel a little too shallow.
There’s barely any travel, to the point where it almost feels like you’re not pressing anything at all. That’s great if you’re chasing faster reaction times. Not so great if you prefer a bit more feedback.
This is one of those features that will either click with you immediately or not at all. If you play a lot of shooters, you’ll probably love it. If you don’t, it’s easy to ignore.
More control than I actually use
Customization is a big part of the G7 Pro’s appeal. Swappable D-pads. Magnetic faceplates. Extra buttons. Back paddles. It’s all there.
You can see everything included in our unboxing, but the short version is this: it gives you a lot of control over how you want to play.
Personally, I didn’t use most of it.
I tend to stick to default layouts, especially since I jump between platforms and want to keep my muscle memory consistent. The extra buttons can feel a bit overwhelming if you’re not into tinkering.
But that’s the thing—you don’t have to use them.
You can explore at your own pace. Or ignore them completely. And the controller still feels complete.
Seamless where it matters
I mostly used the G7 Pro wired on my Legion 7i. Setup was easy. Plug it in, press the Xbox button, and it just works. No weird pairing issues. No friction.
Any hiccups I ran into were more on Windows than the controller itself. That reliability matters more than any spec sheet.
A controller that fits into your routine
Battery life was never really a concern for me.
Partly because my gaming sessions have been shorter lately—quick bursts here and there. But also because it just didn’t feel like something I had to constantly think about.
I didn’t use the charging dock much yet since I’m still reworking my setup. But I do want to make space for it eventually. It looks good, and it fits the kind of “drop and go” routine I prefer.
For now, I’ve just been using my UGreen Nexode charger alongside everything else on my desk. Not ideal, but it works.
Not perfect—but close
If I had to nitpick, it really comes down to two things.
The default circular D-pad isn’t for everyone. And the extra buttons might feel like overkill if you just want a straightforward experience.
That’s it.
Everything else feels dialed in.
Is the GameSir G7 Pro ZZZ Edition your GamingMatch?
I think the reason I enjoyed using the G7 Pro so much is simple. I’ve already assigned it a role. This is now my go-to PC gaming controller.
As someone who leans PlayStation, the DualSense is still king for me overall. That’s years of muscle memory and familiarity. It’s hard to replace.
But having a dedicated controller for each platform removes friction. It clears space in your head. And the G7 Pro does that effortlessly. From here on out, it’s going to be the standard I measure other PC gaming controllers against.
And that might be the biggest compliment I can give it.
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