Accessories
Huawei FreeBuds 4i Hands-On: Sound in a capsule
Is it the best set of ANC wireless earphones out there?
I’m no hardcore audiophile, but I regularly use earphones along with my devices to listen to my playlists and podcasts. From my smartphones to laptops, a decent pair of earphones is simply a must-have for everybody at this point. Some companies even go as far as making the sound experience a little better, even for mere earphone users.
Two years ago, I finally opted to buy wireless earphones because the wired life was not for me. Admittedly, I picked up the Huawei FreeBuds Lite when it first came out, and it was a decent first pair to say the least. Fast forward to the year 2021, Huawei comes out with their latest iteration: the Huawei FreeBuds 4i.
This iteration of Huawei’s own wireless earphones supposedly brings more technologies designed to give you a better sound experience. It’s the kind you can bring with you anywhere, and use at any time without interruption. Well, let’s actually see for ourselves, shall we?
Out of all the colors to choose from
When the FreeBuds 4i first arrived, I immediately looked at the label to find out what color it was. In the past, Huawei offered only black and white variants of their FreeBuds, with the black as an exclusive in some markets. I thought that I would be getting either one of the two colors, until apparently a third option was available: the Red edition.
Objectively speaking, it’s a great color accent for the FreeBuds 4i. I mean, they did it in a simple yet glossy way, plus it somehow resembles an MnMs chocolate piece when zoomed in. Personally, it wasn’t my preferred color; in fact, I actually wanted the black one because of how sleek it looked. Well, to compensate, they also managed to sneak in a cute case for your FreeBuds.
For the cases, you have four options to choose from, and mine just so happened to be a bear case. Eventually, I figured that since I wasn’t that big of a fan of the red color, I’ll slap on the case and it’s quite great. In fact, it’s such a cute case that I even took the time to think of a name for it.
Everyone, meet Seulgi (if you follow Red Velvet, I’m pretty sure you’ll understand the reference):
An auditory set up in some detail
Upon opening it up for the first time, I noticed that the design is quite similar to another popular set of wireless earphones out there. For me, that’s not a bad thing, and I think it’s something you’ll just brush aside with prolonged use. Also, it comes with the medium-sized ear caps already attached, with the other options tucked in the box.
Pairing it was quite seamless, like I literally just popped the cap and it connected to my phone. Of course, the intended way was to press the tiny button at the side to pair your phone or laptop to pair it successfully. For me, it’s great that I could just connect to the earphones by simply opening it up. It saves time configuring your Bluetooth settings, plus you already know it works.
Also, normally I don’t like downloading more apps on my phone just to properly set up a good pair of earphones. In the Freebuds 4i’s case, I was compelled to do so through Huawei’s AI Life app. Not only does it show the device’s battery levels, but it also shows you nifty settings to apply to both earbuds. Furthermore, you can use it to turn the active noise cancellation on and off, which is pretty great.
The initial sound trip
At first, the FreeBuds 4i surprised me for a bit mostly because of the active noise cancellation. Like most gaming headsets I own, it does a great job of blocking out a ton of noise when you’re at a distance from them. Of course, I kept turning the ANC on and off to test this, and the difference is staggering.
As for the sounds that this device produced, it’s quite great. Now, you don’t get an equalizer in the AI Life app to adjust any bass or treble levels to suit your ears. However, I felt it didn’t really need one since I had a fun time going on a full sound trip at night. Also, I mean Wendy’s “Best Friend” featuring Seulgi sounded incredibly soothing using the FreeBuds 4i, so I have no complaints.
In one of the updates for the earphones’ software, it mentioned that it has reduced sound latency when playing games. Honestly, I haven’t given this a full go just yet, but it’s quite nice that they added that in.
Was this the play all along?
Initially, the Huawei FreeBuds 4i seemed to be — what I would consider — a great option for wireless earphones. In the short time I’ve used it so far, it manages to tick all the boxes just for listening to your Spotify playlist non-stop. Also, it comes in a variety of colors that will suit your style whenever you bring it around.
While I rave about the initial experience, I am looking forward to seeing how this device fairs in my day-to-day activities. With all the optimizations each software update brings, I want to see if the FreeBuds 4i can truly be one of the best options out there, and not just a great one.
The Huawei Freebuds 4i retais for PhP 3,599. It is available for pre-order from April 19 to 29 and comes with a free Bluetooth Speaker (worth PhP 1,499) during the pre-order period.
Accessories
Bringing Care-a-Lot to my daily carry
This is why my gizmos and workspace finally feel like a warm hug!
Growing up, the Care Bears taught us that sharing was a superpower and that every emotion had a color.
For many of us, the Care Bears weren’t just characters on a screen; they represented a language of kindness and colorful dreams.
Bringing the CASETiFY x Care Bears collection into my daily rotation feels like carrying a small piece of that “Care-a-Lot” magic wherever I go.
My iPhone 16 Pro now lives in the Care Bears Shake Shake Case (PhP 3,990). It’s a tactile reminder of playfulness in the middle of a busy workday.
When I’m heading out, the Share Bear Earbuds Pouch (PhP 2,990) clips onto my bag. It keeps my music close while reminding me of the value of sharing. It’s surprisingly versatile, too, fitting my Shokz OpenFit 2+ or even the bulkier case of the JBL Sense Pro.
When I switch to a different MagSafe case, the Starry Night Snappy Cardholder Stand (PhP 2,490) magnetically attaches to the back of my phone, adding a bit of celestial whimsy to my day
Even my workspace has a new glow. The Twilight Dreams Laptop Sleeve (PhP 3,090) fits my 13-inch MacBook perfectly, wrapping my most important work tool in nostalgic, soft-toned illustrations.
We often look for tech that performs, but we rarely look for accessories that hugs back. This collection does both.
It turns my everyday essentials into a canvas for positivity, proving that even in a digital world, there’s always room for a little more care.
Accessories
CASETiFY relaunches Evangelion collab for 30th anniversary
Fans can now customize their own NERV-ready cases
The A.T. Field is activated. To mark 30 years of Neon Genesis Evangelion, CASETiFY has relaunched its highly popular Evangelion collaboration. This time, fans control the sync rate.
For the first time, buyers can fully customize their Evangelion cases. The drop lets fans mix and match NERV logos, the 4th Angel, character art featuring Shinji Ikari and Rei Ayanami, and bold background graphics. The result is a case that feels like a personal unit build, straight out of the series’ control room.
The lineup pulls directly from Evangelion iconography. Designs include classic NERV insignias, holographic “A.T. Field” defense graphics, “Active Time Limit” warnings, and the official 30th Anniversary emblem. Each case uses CASETiFY’s signature impact protection, turning your device into a pocket-sized defensive barrier.
The collection goes beyond phone cases. Fans can also pick up matching AirPods cases, MagSafe wallets, watch bands, and laptop and tablet sleeves to complete their everyday tech setup.
Android users are included in the rollout. The collection supports devices like the newly released Samsung Galaxy S26 series, making it a timely drop for those looking to suit up their latest flagship.
The Evangelion collection is now available via the official CASETiFY website.
CASETiFY has unveiled its full lineup of cases and accessories for the Samsung Galaxy S26, timed with the flagship’s global debut.
The new collection blends protection with personalization. Users can customize cases with photos and text or choose from bold, artistic prints across multiple case styles. The lineup also includes phone charms, body straps, magnetic accessories, screen protectors, and camera lens covers built specifically for the Galaxy S26.
Orders opened on February 25, 2026 via CASETiFY’s website.
Built for protection and everyday use
Leading the lineup is the Impact Ring Stand Magnetic Case ($85). It features a lifted camera ring with a built-in stand that adjusts from 0 to 150 degrees for hands-free viewing. The case carries 6.6-foot drop protection, 3x MIL-STD-810G certification, EcoShock cushioning, and CASETiFY’s Duo-Lock bonding system. It also supports wireless charging and magnetic accessories.
The Impact Magnetic Case ($70) increases drop protection to 8.2 feet with 4x MIL-STD-810G certification. It adds side sockets for charms and a raised bezel for screen protection.
For those who prefer a transparent look, the Impact Clear Magnetic Case ($70) focuses on long-lasting clarity and anti-yellowing materials. It offers 6.6-foot drop protection and 3x MIL-STD-810G certification.
Slim, glossy, and grip-focused options
The Mirror Magnetic Case ($70) adds reflective functionality with 4.9-foot drop protection, while the Compact Magnetic Case ($55) targets users who want a lightweight, slim profile with 4-foot drop protection.
The Glaze Magnetic Case ($70) stands out with a scratch-resistant glossy finish and anti-print peel-off technology, paired with mirror functionality and magnetic compatibility.
Rounding out the collection is the Force Case by CASETiFY ($55), designed for enhanced grip and durability. It delivers 6.6-foot drop protection, 3x MIL-STD-810G certification, Duo-Lock bonding, and full wireless charging support.
With multiple case styles and accessory options, CASETiFY’s Galaxy S26 collection gives users room to match their device to their personality without compromising protection.
-
News2 weeks agoXiaomi 17 Ultra is now available outside China
-
MWC 20261 week agoInfinix NOTE 60 Ultra makes a motorsport-inspired debut
-
Reviews2 weeks agoTECNO CAMON 50 Ultra review: End of an era?
-
MWC 20262 weeks agoTECNO launches the all-new CAMON 50 series
-
MWC 20262 weeks agoTECNO showcases cool concepts at MWC 2026
-
Reviews2 weeks agoXiaomi Pad 8 review: Slab that slaps!
-
Reviews2 weeks agoForget the Phone: Xiaomi 17 Ultra Is A CAMERA!
-
MWC 20262 weeks agoTECNO unleashes Tonino Lamborghini collection
























