[REVIEW] Edifier W293BT / Oxygen – One Solid AptX Supported Wireless Bluetooth Earphone

Wireless earphones are getting more attention when there are more smartphone abandoning the 3.5mm audio jack. Putting aside sound quality aside, portability and long battery life of a Bluetooth earphone are fairly important.

Today we will be checking out the Edifier W293BT Bluetooth earphone that is AptX certified. So what’s the aptX all about?

“Qualcomm® aptX™ HD audio ensures your Bluetooth® wireless-enabled device can deliver High Definition (HD) audio. It preserves sound data through the audio transmission, resulting in a ‘better-than-CD’ listening experience.

With aptX HD, you can enjoy listening to your music at the highest audible quality when using a wireless device.” – AptX

So does this mean it’s gonna cost a bomb? Not really! It only cost RM 249 and Bluetooth earphone in this price range usually don’t support it.

Let’s begin what’s inside the box

‍• Edifier W293BT Bluetooth Earphone
‍• microUSB Cable
‍• Pocket Pouch
‍• Different sizes of earbuds tips and wingtips
‍• Cable hook
‍• User Manual

Specification

‍• 6mm Driver Unit
‍• 24Ohms Impedance
‍•‍ 20 Hz – 20 KHz Frequency Response
‍• CSR Chio with Bluetooth 4.1 (Low Power)
‍• Supported protocol: HFP / HSP / A2DP / AVRCP
‍• Battery life: 8 hours (300 hours standby mode)
‍• IPX7 Water Resistance

Design & Built

Edifier did very well in this department. It has a very solid built and the earpieces are made out of metal or steel. Unlike the Apple AirPods or the Samsung Gear IconX, it has a cable linked on both sides of the earpiece along with the inline controller.

It has a very unique design, an oxygen tank shape and during the pairing, the phone would recognize the Bluetooth earphone as “Edifier Oxygen” instead Edifier W293BT. On the inline controller, we can see the “OXYGEN” text. This matched the puzzle on why the oxygen tank shape used on this Bluetooth earphone.

There are 3 sets of different earbud sizes and 2 wingtips for different wearing occasions. You would appreciate the wingtip if you use it during the workout session regardless running or gym as it helps to keep the buds in place.

The inline controller has 3 buttons, “+”, “-” and “O” coated with rubber type materials and houses the microUSB charging port.

“+” :  Volume increase / next track
“-” : Volume decrease / previous track
“O” : Multi-function key

The control buttons do feel tactile but it does feel too stiff to press. If you are using an Apple iPhone, you may activate Siri by pressing and hold both “+” and “-“buttons at the same time which I find it pain in the ass due to the stiffness buttons.

The microUSB charging port is covered by a rubber flap to avoid any water went inside.

The Edifier W293BT comes with few sizes of earbud tips and wingtips which can fit almost any size or shape of ears. I do find the wingtips very comfortable and useful for those who use the W293BT to workout. The earphone is on the heavy solid side, thus it would tend to drop out easily on during workout even you got the right size of the earbud tips.

Performance

The AptX is not a gimmick, I did find huge different pairing with an aptX and none aptX supported device. It noticeable especially the separation of vocal and bass.

I’m not good describing the sound quality in a very technical way but I’ll have to say the sound output is pretty good and it’s towards heavy bass. Vocal sounds are clear and sharp but when comes to music instruments I find it suppressed.

Noise-canceling works perfectly especially in noisy workout environment or in public transport.

Battery

Throughout my tests, the W293BT able to last me more than 7 hours as advertised. It offers 5V/1A charging instead of slow common 5V/0.5A charging input.

Verdict

First thing I need to point this out again, there are plenty earphones options out there that support AptX but never in this price range. Ignoring the shortfall stiff buttons, the Edifier W293BT is a great sports Wireless Bluetooth earphone that offers CD-like great quality music without breaking the bank. Not forgetting a great battery life that every Bluetooth Wireless earphone need.

Wish they can include a hard case protection pouch like what included with the Edifier W288BT.

Build – 8.5 / 10
Design – 9 / 10
Features – 8 / 10
Sound Quality – 8.5 / 10
Comfort – 9 / 10
Battery Life – 9 / 10
Value – 9 / 10

Overall – 8.7 / 10

The Edifier W293BT is available in three color options; Black, Grey & Light Grey for RM 249 on Lazada Malaysia.

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