Huawei Freebuds 3 is a competitor to Apple Airpods Pro and sports active noise cancellation.

The ongoing trade war between Google servies on its phones. This could be one reason why Huawei focuses more on wearables like wireless earphones, smartwatches and activity trackers. Huawei Freebuds 3 is the Shenzhen-based company's most advanced earpbuds so far.

Design

The design employs an open-fit construction, which allows surrounding sounds to enter. Hence, the design thereby resembles the old AirPods design rather than the closed one used by AirPods Pro. It's a feat to accomplish solid noise cancellation with an open-ear design.

Hardware

The hardware consists of a Kirin A1 processor.

There's four hours of playtime. The charging case allows 16 hours of additional fast charging. In addition, the case itself charges either through USB-C port or by placing the case on a wireless charging mat. Please refer to Huawei's corporate consumer site for a complete list of specs.

Accompanying Android app

There's an app that comes with the earphones called Huawei AI life. Unfortunately, the Google Play Store doesn't list this app, but there's a QR code included in the box. The app adjusts how Freebuds 3 responds to firmware updates, double taps and noise cancellation.

Does Huawei Freebuds 3 require an Huawei phone?

No, this earphone can be used without an Huawei phone. However, an Huawei phone running on the Android 10 operating system yields certain advantages. For example, faster connection, lower latency and reduced battery consumption. Furthermore, the earphone knows whether you remove it from your ear or pause the music.