Review of Oppo Enco Air5s headphones: semi-open format and new control options

Oppo introduced a new product – the first semi-in-ear headphones in the Air5s line. Unlike standard models, the new product does not use silicone inserts, which makes them an excellent choice for those who are looking for comfort during long-term wearing. The model is available in three colors: Lunar White, Midnight Black and Starlight Purple.

Despite sharing the same DNA with the Air5 series (including the use of 12mm dynamic drivers), the Air5s model has a number of technical differences. The charging case here has become more compact while maintaining a 530 mAh battery, but the internal batteries of each earbud have decreased to 40.5 mAh (versus 62 mAh for Air5). The total battery life is up to 48 hours versus 52 hours for the older model.

Functional features and controls

A key innovation that many users (including the author of the review) will appreciate is support for slide gestures for volume control. In addition to the familiar touches, this solution significantly improves the usability of the headset on the go.

The main design nuance is the absence of silicone tips. This means that a “vacuum effect” is not created in the ears, so the passive noise isolation here is much weaker than in classic in-ear headphones.

Sound and active noise cancellation

The model supports Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), but Oppo does not disclose efficiency figures in decibels. In reality, the system works noticeably weaker than in the Air5 model, only slightly “smoothing out” the background noise of the environment. Sound quality remains at the same level as the basic Air5: high volume, emphasis on mids and highs, but there is a lack of deep bass due to the open design.

Are these headphones worth buying? If you value comfort over absolute isolation from the outside world and volume control with gestures is critical to you, Oppo Enco Air5s will be an excellent everyday companion.

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