The fourth-gen Beats offer solid sound, 50-hour battery life, spatial audio, and cross-platform features
The updated Solo 4 headphones are an extension of the cherished original that helped make Beats a household brand. Longer battery life, better sound quality, and compatibility with both Apple and Android devices are features of this most recent version.
The 2009-released Solo HD had its most recent redesign as the Solo 3 in 2016, which coincided with Apple’s acquisition of Beats. The Solo headphones, which are in their fourth generation and cost £200 (€230/$200/A$330), are the lightest and smallest in Beats’ lineup. They are priced below the £350 Studio Pro model.
Although the design hasn’t altered much, it has been updated with better materials and colour schemes. Beats headphones stay on-ear, resting on the ears rather than around them, in contrast to rival models that have moved away from this design.
Comfort is enhanced over earlier generations with the addition of soft ear cushions and a minor reduction in the clamping force on the sides of the head. But after prolonged usage, they may become unpleasant, just like any other on-ear designs. The headphones include a durable, small case that can be folded up for travel.
A volume rocker and the Beats button, which controls playback, are located on the left ear cup. The detachable cable, which is a rare feature in today’s wireless headphones market, is connected to a 3.5mm headphone socket next to a small, easily missed white LED that shows power and connectivity.
The power button and a USB-C connector, which allows for wired audio and phone conversations with other USB-capable devices, are located on the right cup. Bluetooth playback is possible for up to 50 hours on a single charge. Additionally, by utilising the provided 3.5mm analogue cable, the headphones can be used without a battery.
Specifications
217 grammes in weight
Measurements: 177 x 158 x 68 mm
40 millimetre drivers
Connectivity: USB-C for charging and music, 3.5mm for 3.5 Bluetooth
Codecs for Bluetooth: SBC, AAC
Longest battery life: 50 hours
Sophisticated system features for the iPhone and Android
The primary advantage of the Beats headphones, similar to the new Studio Buds+, is their extensive interoperability with both iOS and Android devices.
When compared to competing products, they provide a greater level of integration with iPhones, including rapid pairing, quick settings access for control, and hands-free Siri.
To utilise Apple items on your iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other devices, you only need to associate them with one device. Not only may two pairs of headphones be used with a single device thanks to audio sharing, but the company’s specialised spatial audio technology with head tracking for surround sound is also included.
They provide comparable functionality, like quick pairing, syncing, and device switching between Google and Android devices. Settings, battery widgets, controls, and other features are available in the Beats Android app.
In addition, the headphones work with both Google’s and Apple’s Find My systems, so you can track them down on any platform in case you misplace them.
Cleaner Beats audio
They provide comparable functionality, like quick pairing, syncing, and device switching between Google and Android devices. Settings, battery widgets, controls, and other features are available in the Beats Android app.
In addition, the headphones work with both Google’s and Apple’s Find My systems, so you can track them down on any platform in case you misplace them.
They are less suitable for quiet listening conditions since they lack noise cancellation and have inadequate passive isolation. But even in noisy environments, the call quality is superb, with a genuine tone and crisp sound that effectively blocks out background noise for the person receiving the call.
Sustainability
Apple does not state how long the batteries should last, although normally, lithium batteries hold at least 80% of their initial capacity for more than 500 complete charge cycles.
Apple charges £95 for battery replacements that are not covered under warranty. Despite the fact that Apple does not provide environmental impact statistics for peripherals like headphones, the headphones are made of recycled plastic. Even for non-Apple products, the corporation offers free recycling programmes and trade-in options.
Price
It costs £199.95 (€229.95/$199.99/A$329.95) to purchase the Beats Solo 4.
In contrast, the Marshall Major V costs £130, the Sony ULT Wear costs £150, and the Beats Studio Pro costs £350.
Verdict
The Beats Solo 4 headphones are a big step forward from the models that came before them. The improvements in functionality and sound quality more than make up for the modest design alterations.
The headphones are a unique offering for consumers of both the Android and iPhone ecosystems since they provide complete cross-platform compatibility. It’s nice to have the 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C charging, and audio capabilities. Even though the headphones fit comfortably, prolonged usage of on-ear headphones might cause tiredness.
With the exception of those looking for strong, deep bass, most users will find the improved sound profile—which places less emphasis on bass—to be an improvement. However, when compared to competitors at similar prices, they are less appealing due to the lack of noise cancellation and minor features like wear sensors that pause music when the headphones are removed.
Given the paucity of competition in the on-ear headphone market, the Beats Solo 4 offer a dependable alternative that is expected to be just as popular as its revolutionary predecessors, even though the price reflects the name.