- By Vikas Yadav
- Fri, 22 Sep 2023 07:15 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Boult, an audio accessory maker, recently launched the Boult W50 TWS in India. The new earbuds are stacked in the affordable under Rs 1,000 segment and are loaded with features to make them a lucrative option for buyers. For starters, they have a classy matte look and good battery life, which makes them appear great value on paper for buyers.
But, in a market simmering with competitive products, how do they perform in real life? I received the W50 earbuds before launch and have been grilling them for a while now. I believe they have a lot of positive aspects to discuss. But are the positives enough to overlook the limitations? Do these TWS deserve a three-digit monetary sum from your pocket? Read the full review to find out.
Also Read: Boult W40 Review: Premium Looking TWS Made For Bass Lovers
Design and Build:
Boult W50 earbuds are well-built and have a nice-looking dual-tone design. It has a matte (and a slight touch of glossy) finish that resists scratches and smudges. The soft silicone ear tips ensure comfortable listening for long hours. But the tables turn when you experience the case.
While the textured finish and the beige strip on the case look pleasing, Boult can improve the top lid. The casing feels flimsy and does not hold itself open unless placed on a plane surface. A slight tilt in position will cause the lid to close. Plus, the lack of clear demarcation makes the case challenging to open initially. But you'll adapt and improve over time.
Sound:
The W50's 13mm BoomX drivers have enough punch to force you to tone down the volume. Coming to the sound, it has overpowering bass that sneaks into treble tones. However, in the case of movie dialogues, the voice is crisp and clear. Stereo separation is not well defined on the buds. But considering the price, this can be overlooked. In summary, I don't think you will be disappointed with the sound if your heart beats for bass.
For calls, the W50 comes with Zen Quad Mic ENC setup. The calling experience is good indoors. The output is clear and ENC manages to cancel out environmental noise to some extent. But the experience can be improved outdoors. In noisy surroundings, the problem escalates even more.
Gaming and Connectivity:
Boult claims a low latency of up to 45ms during gaming. While I did not have issues while watching videos, I noticed slight delay in audio in fast-action games. For instance, there were minor lags while triggering nitro in Asphalt 9. But they are not a deal breaker as they are noticeable when a user is focusing heavily on audio. As for pairing, the IPX5-rated buds have Bluetooth 5.3 which ensures fast pairing and adequate range to tune into the music.
Battery:
According to Boult, the earbuds can last up to eight hours on a single charge and up to 50 hours with the case. During my testing, the W50 survived for around seven hours in one go. I charged them once in a week. In all, you will have no issues with the battery life.
Also Read: Turke Clarity Five TWS Review: Blend of Sophisticated Looks And Unmatched Calling
Scope of Improvement:
Boult can enhance the case quality in its future budget offerings. While I dropped them a few times, I am skeptical about the durability of the top lid in the long run. The company can add weight and improve the hinge mechanism to address the issue with the top cover. As for the sound, Boult can work on toning down the bass in the audio to let instruments and treble tones sprinkle their magic in the listener's ears.
Boult W50 Earbuds: Should You Buy?
If you are in search of a True Wireless Stereo (TWS) with good design, reliable battery life, decent latency and can live with the problems in the case that I talked about, then the W50 can be an option worth checking out in under Rs 1,000.
Priced at Rs 999, the W50 is available in four colour options: Silver Sand, Raven Black, Blue Lustre and Ruby Bronze. However, if you prefer a neutral sound signature and want robust build quality inside-out, keep your TWS quest on.