Oppo Enco Air3i headphones review: a transparent approach

 

Oppo headphones in all price segments often surprise with their performance and sound quality.

 

For example, the model Enco Air3 Pro received an interesting color headphones and cases and support for all the most popular codecs.

 

This time we’ll look at an even more affordable model of this generation.

 

Design

 

 

Oppo Enco Air3i, like most of the company’s headphones, received a minimalist design for the headphones themselves and the charging case. The headphones themselves look like “you know whose” ones, and the case has the shape of a flattened oval egg.

 

 

The device has a glossy white finish. The black areas on the headphones are the actual speakers. There are two microphone holes – at the top and bottom and chrome contacts at the bottom of the headphone legs.

 

 

There are also touch zones for control. They are located on the outside of the headphones, at the level of the speakers. Tactilely, they are distinguished by a barely noticeable indentation and a matte finish. But they are so small that you just need to remember the location and get used to it. Here are some default commands:

 

• Single click:

• Play/Pause

• Double tap:

• Play music: Next track
• Call: Answer/End call
• Camera control: Take photo

• Press three times:

• Previous track

• Hold:

• Left earphone for 1 sec: Volume down
• Right earphone for 1 sec: Volume up
• Both earbuds for 4 seconds while wearing earbuds: Enter steam mode

 

 

The case is visually distinguished by an operation LED, technical inscriptions on the back and a translucent cover through which the headphones are visible. At the bottom there is a USB Type-C charging port. The case does not feel like a bar of soap, like some other models, and does not try to slip out of your hands. Due to the different textures of the glossy body and matte lid, it is convenient to open it with one hand.

 

 

It’s interesting that this time we didn’t find a charging cable in the kit; apparently it went under the knife for the sake of price.

 

 

Equipment

 

The headphones have fairly large speakers compared to the pro version, because it is in-ear, while the Air3i is in-ear. The frequency ranges here are standard, the sensitivity is slightly higher, so audio details are distinguished well.

 

The number of supported codecs is smaller, there are only two of them – AAC and SBC. But the connection still uses one of the latest Bluetooth 5.3 protocols. We did not notice any audio delays, desynchronization or artifacts during use. In general, in terms of sound quality relative to the price, these are surprisingly good headphones.

 

The only question is about the ergonomics of the earbud format itself. In our editorial office we found no one who had this format in their ears. Hats, scarves and running to a stop are the main enemies of dropped earbuds, and unnoticed, because they weigh very little. In-ear models sit much more confidently and the sound in them is perceived better due to improved isolation from others.

 

 

The microphones of this model are designed to compensate for the lack of isolation from the sound environment. Built-in microphones combined with proprietary noise reduction technologies more or less cope with street noise.

 

The Enco Air3i model received a less sealed case than the Pro version; certification here is only IPX4, not IP55. But for sports (if they don’t fall out) and walking in wet weather, this is enough.

 

The battery of the headphones and case lasts a very long time. In fact, the stated 35 hours is four days of continuous listening for 8 hours a day. If we take a more realistic average of 4-5 hours a day, it turns out that autonomy is provided for at least a week, which is enough. We still couldn’t wait for the headphones to empty the case completely, using them for 3-4 hours every day for a week. The batteries of the headphones themselves were enough for 4 hours a day.

 

Impressions

 

Oppo Enco Air3i could be the company’s next hit in in-ear TWS headphones. Those who like this format will appreciate the good value for money and sound quality. Minimalist design is accompanied by good ergonomics. There is protection against moisture, which is useful during active use. In general, this is a balanced and worthy decision in its segment.

Headset characteristics Oppo Enco Air3i (ETE91)

Speaker size:	13.4 mm
Headphone frequency range:	20 Hz – 20 KHz
Headphone sensitivity:	128 dB at 1 kHz
Microphone sensitivity:	-38 DB
Number of microphones:	2
Codecs:	AAC, SBC
Connection:	Bluetooth 5.3
Protection:	IPX4
Battery for headphone, case:	32, 480 mAh
Cable length:	—
Case dimensions:	62.71×53.92×23.89 mm
Earphone dimensions:	35.9×18.47×17.02 mm
Earphone weight:	3.7 g
Case weight:	36.5 g
Device provided by:	OPPO AED Ukraine Company
Price:	$55

Rating:

+ case ergonomics

+ cost

+ moisture protection

+ autonomy

-no cable included

 

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Headphone review Oppo Enco Air3 Pro: fresh

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