Oraimo FreePods Pro+ Review: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Two years ago, I got my hands on the Oraimo FreePods Pro for ₦32,000 and was quite impressed with its performance.

Fast forward to today, after 2 years, Oraimo has finally released the next generation: the FreePods Pro+. They are calling it a Hybrid ANC True Wireless Earbuds, under a product code name OEB-E108DC.

At first glance, you might struggle to tell the difference between the two. The design remains virtually identical, with the only noticeable change being the case color—now a lighter grey with a silver-branded name instead of the previous dark grey with gold accents.

What’s in the Box?

When you purchase the FreePods Pro+, you’ll find the following items in the box:

• USB Type-C Cable: For charging the case.
• Extra Ear Tips: Small and large sizes to ensure a perfect fit.
• User Guides and Manuals: Instructions to help you get started.
• Protective Case: To keep your earbuds safe and secure.
• ANC Card: A single card that instructs you on how to switch between noise cancellation and transparency mode.
  

New Features and Enhancements

The most significant update lies beneath the surface. The FreePods Pro+ now supports the Oraimo app, opening up a range of customizable features:

• Oraimo App Support (EQ Adjustments): You’ve got a customizable EQ, noise cancellation, and control settings to tailor the sound to your preference.
• Noise Cancellation: Enhanced up to 45dB, compared to 35dB in the Pro. You can also fine-tune how much ambient noise you want to block out.
• Multi-device Pairing: Easily connect to more than one device simultaneously.
• Awareness Mode (A.K.A Smart Chat): Automatically switch to transparency mode when the earbuds detect your voice, making it perfect for multitasking.
• Wide Area Tap: For more intuitive touch controls and easier interaction.
• Bluetooth 5.4: Slightly upgraded from Bluetooth 5.2 which means better connection and long range.
• Battery Capacity: Slight increase in earbud battery (74mAh vs. 70mAh).
• IPX5 Waterproof Rating: Improved water and sweat resistance.

The FreePods Pro+ still falls short of Apple’s AirPods Pro in terms of Spatial Audio, which provides dynamic head tracking for an immersive sound experience. However, the FreePods Pro+ has the advantage of being updateable, potentially closing this gap in the future.

Detailed Specs and Features

FreePods Pro	FreePods Pro+
BT Version: V5.2 – Good	Bluetooth Version: 5.4 – Better
Range: 10m	Range: 10m
Battery Capacity: 70mAh (earbud), 510mAh (case)	Battery Capacity: 74mAh (earbud), 510mAh (case)
Music Playtime: Up to 13 hours (ANC off), 9 hours (ANC on)	14 hours ANC off | 10 hours ANC on — Not explicitly stated
Case Input: Type-C	Case Input: Type-C
Pro Hybrid Noise Cancellation: Up to 35dB noise reduction.	45dB Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation: Enhanced noise reduction.
No	Smart Chat Mode: Automatic transparency mode when speaking.
HavyBass™ Dual EQ: Switch between bass and normal modes.	Yes
4-Mic Beamforming Technology: Clear calls with AI noise reduction.	4-Mic ENC HD Calling: Clearer calls.
13+30 hrs Playing Time: Extended battery life.	On Average: 14+30 hrs Playing Time.
In-ear Detection: Automatic pause and play.	In-ear Detection: Smarter pause and play.
Google Fast Pairing: Quick pairing with Android devices.	Google Fast Pairing: Easy pairing with Android devices.
Game Mode: Low-latency game mode.	Low-latency Game Mode: Sync audio and video instantly.
No – Not as wide as the Pro+	Wide Area Tap: Intuitive touch controls.
NCVM Coating: Durable, metallic finish.	Yes
No	IPX5 Waterproof: Resistant to water and sweat.
No	Dual Device Connection: Connect two devices simultaneously.
Oraimo Sound App: No	Oraimo Sound App: Yes, customizable EQ and settings.
Protective Case: Yes	Protective Case: Yes

Battery Life

Based on the specifications and slight increase in earbud battery capacity for the FreePods Pro+ (74mAh vs. 70mAh), we can expect a marginal improvement in battery life.

Although the exact playtime with ANC on and off for the FreePods Pro+ isn’t explicitly stated, we can still estimate.

Let’s assume the efficiency remains consistent with the slight battery capacity increase. The FreePods Pro+ should offer approximately:

• Music Playtime with ANC OFF: Around 14 hours (up from 13 hours).
• Music Playtime with ANC ON: Around 10 hours (up from 9 hours).

This estimation takes into account the incremental battery capacity increase, a newer Bluetooth version, and of course, the volume level — all of which might contribute to better power management.

Is It a Considerable Upgrade?

Let’s recap the major changes on the Oraimo FreePods Pro+ Hybrid ANC True Wireless Earbuds once again.

• An improved Noise Cancellation: The Pro+ offers better noise reduction (45dB vs. 35dB).
• App Integration: The new app support adds significant customization and convenience.
• Multi-Device Connectivity: Ideal for users who need to switch between devices seamlessly.
  

Usability

• Smart Chat Mode: Perfect for multitaskers who need to engage in conversations without pausing their audio.
• Wide Area Tap: More intuitive controls enhance user experience.

While the FreePods Pro+ introduces some noteworthy upgrades, the decision to upgrade should be based on your specific needs and whether the new features justify the higher price.

Personally, the most noticeable change in the Pro+ is the Oraimo App, Smart Chat, and IPX5 Waterproof. Remove this, it’s just your regular FreePods Pro rebranded as Pro+.

For first-time buyers, it’s a solid choice. But if you already own the FreePods Pro and it meets your needs, the upgrade might not be essential unless these new features are particularly appealing to you.

The original FreePods Pro is currently priced at ₦63,800 and with a valid coupon code, you can even get a 5% discount, making it a more economical option if the new features aren’t essential for you.

To many, the new features on the FreePods Pro+ may not justify the price jump to ₦69,000 and would rather wait a little while longer for an actual upgrade.

But if you’re drawn to the new app features or need better noise cancellation and rich base sound, it could be worth considering.