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LG Q7 mid-range lineup introduced with some premium features

Alexandra Arici
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Last year following the launch of the G6 flagship, LG introduced a mid-range line of devices called Q6.

The Q series basically offered essential premium features like a FullVision display, but at affordable price tags. And this year, LG returned with a refreshed lineup.

The company just unveiled the Q7, Q7+ and Q7α models this week. The new smartphones will first go on sale in Europe next, followed by select markets in the Americas and Asia.

All three new models come with a 5.5-inch FullVision display with FHD+ resolution (2160 x 1080 pixels) and an 18:9 aspect ratio. So unlike the G7 ThinQ flagship, the Q7 series does not boast a notch design.

What sets the three models apart?

The main differentiators here are the amount of memory and the cameras. But before we go on to detail each model, we should also note the three phones include either a 1.5GHz octa-core or a 1.8GHz octa-core processor.

The standard Q7 version includes 3GB of RAM and 32GB of expandable storage. Customers who need more should probably consider getting the Q7+ model which includes 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. Last but not least, the Q7α has the same internal configuration as the Q7, meaning you get 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage.

Moving on to cameras, the Q7 takes advantage of a 13-megapixel rear-facing snapper with PDAF, while the Q7+ has a 16-megapixel main camera living on the back. LG will allow users to choose between having an 8-megapixel or a Super Wide Angle 5-megapixel selfie camera on the front.

As for the Q7α, it will be offered with a 13-megapixel camera with PDAF and a Super Wide Angle 5-megapixel selfie camera.

The Q7 trio will come packing durable metal bodies. The devices are also MIL-STD-810G-compliant and IP68 waterproof. All versions come with a 3,000 mAh battery and run Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box.

What’s more, customers who will be opting for the Q7+ version will also get Quad DACs, just like on the G7 ThinQ or V30.

LG said that pricing details for the Q7 family will be announced locally at the time of availability. But expect them to be moderately affordable.

Udoq Charging Dock System Review – The best engineered base for mobile devices

Josh Noriega
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Tech crazed individuals, such as ourselves, greatly benefit from charging stations. They’re a nifty solution to clean up our potential of a rats-nest clutter of charging wires. But as we gander through our options, we notice a common trend: a lack of finesse. No one has really developed a dock that is more than just a box with slots and power ports. That is, until Udoq came by.

This startup imagined more for a charging station, one that will not only look good on a tabletop, but that provides unheard-of flexibility. But naturally, this kind of premium solution comes at a…premium. Let’s investigate if the Udoq is worth the investment.

Udoq Charging Dock
The size of the Udoq 400 should comfortably fit four devices.

Design

The Udoq options and sample configurations.

The Udoq is unlike any other dock you’ve seen. In profile, it looks like a standard stand, but in practice, it goes beyond that. The first thing we need to relay is that the device is highly customizable. You buy it the way that will specifically work for your mobile device inventory. Udoq’s solution for this is by offering the dock in four different widths: Udoq 250, 400, 550, or 700. The model numbering represents the length in millimeters.

Recognizing that you may be unsure of which size to opt for, the company has this nifty “configurator” on its website. They’ve logged dimensions for most mobile devices out there, and you can virtually add the ones you have and see how much space they’ll take up (therein, which is the dock size you need).

Udoq’s configurator helps you figure out which model you need.

That takes us to the price. For just the stand themselves, the starting Udoq 250 model goes for $89, all the way to the $159 Udoq 700. This is pretty steep for a dock (bear in mind these prices don’t include the charging equipment you’ll need to add on next). But Udoq sees this device as a life-lasting investment, rather than those much cheaper, plastic charging stations that may fall apart or cease to work. An advantage of the independent charging accessories is that if they fail, you don’t have to replace the entire dock, just the failed bits.

How the Udoq charging works is that the ports come up from the cylindrical base where the mobile devices sit, and the wires expel the rear.

This makes for a very clean look from the front, and the devices are in an organized, lined-up arrangement when placed. Note that the dock takes up a narrow area on a tabletop, but its length can get overbearing with the longer models. This can be seen as a downside of this side-by-side design, as opposed to the stacked design of some other charging stations. In turn, a benefit is that you can still interact with any of the devices without picking them up. It’s also important to know that you cannot adjust the angle of the back plate; the dock is rigidly constructed. Udoq believes that its 77-degree tilt is the perfect and only angle you’ll need. It’s fine for us, but we’d still like the choice.

Udoq offers an option to adhere a box compartment on the back to further clean things up. With our model, it has included a 4-USB RAVPower charging brick, which all fits in the compartment (cables and all), and the result is simply a single wire that you plug into the wall. Very nice.

Function

Udoq Charging Dock
A pair of rubber linings on the back plate keeps the metal from scratching your devices.

The function of a normal charging dock is simply assessed – just place the mobile devices and see if it works. Things aren’t that simple with the Udoq. The company sought to make the charging dock more efficient and comprehensively flexible for different situations.

There are solutions out there that get around the different charging standards (i.e. if it’s Apple or Android, or micro-USB or USB-C) by just simply lining their dock with USB-A ports. You use whatever charging cable standard you want, and voila.

This method wasn’t good enough for Udoq, because you’ll still see a series of wires. The company’s solution was to design the dock with complete connector flexibility. At the foot of the dock is a barrel section that houses the connectors. Each connector can slide to any position, allowing the system to accommodate different mobile device sizes (from smartphones to tablets).

A cool thing is that you can pop off either of the ends and completely remove the connectors and their cables. This exemplifies Udoq’s goal of flexibility. The feature lets you choose the specific set of connectors that works for your setup. Additionally, you can tack on more connectors if you add another device in the future (assuming the dock isn’t already filled up), or replace a connector standard if you upgrade to a new mobile device with a different one.

Udoq Charging Dock
The USB-C connector module removed.

It also allows you to control how your device(s) faces when plugged in. This doesn’t matter for the newer reversible standards like USB-C, but if you’re still on micro-USB, simply pull the connector out and reverse it if needed.

A drawback to achieving this design is that the connectors have to be proprietary. They must be housed in a cylindrical module in order to work. So you must buy the cables from Udoq, which aren’t the most cost-effective. Granted, they’re quality cables, but you’re going to be paying a pretty penny when things are all said and done.

That’s not all. Udoq thought of a couple more considerate features. The connector housing lets the user change the seating height of the jack. So you can correct the mobile device’s seating on the dock if it’s too high. Udoq also addressed the fact that not all devices have a centered charging port. The device could still be placed in the dock, but it would flop on one side. Hence, pre-installed is a little resting plate that is adjustable by height and can slide to any position, just like the connectors.

Udoq Charging Dock
The Xperia Z3 is one such device that has a unique charging port placement. This is how the Udoq handles such a case.

Final Thoughts

We appreciate how Udoq went all out with their vision of the best dock possible. It’s the most premium, cleanest, and flexible dock out there. The company has also thoughtfully addressed things that could’ve been a flaw in the design.

Udoq Charging Dock

The elephant in the room is the price, though, which we imagine will be too much to ask for by many people. For instance, if you opt for the dock and connectors we have – Udoq 400 with each of the four connectors available: micro-USB, USB-C, Apple 30-pin, and Lightning – you’ll be at a total of $176. And this isn’t counting the cable/charger box on the rear or 4-USB charger that we have shown, which aren’t standard. Our review unit is probably $200 or more; this is a lot for a charging dock. Sure, it’s a very nice dock, but it’s ultimately still a dock.

It’ll be up to you if that’s worth it. Fortunately, the stand should last forever, that is, assuming that your future collect of devices doesn’t overlap the size you’ve chosen.

Affordable flagships battle it out: Honor 10 vs OnePlus 6

Alexandra Arici
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Launched one day apart, the Honor 10 and OnePlus 6 are the latest entries in the affordable flagship category.

Gone are the days when you had to spend a fortune to get a good smartphone. Today devices like the Honor 10 and OnePlus 6 come boasting all the features you could possibly want in the attractive-yet-affordable package.

But how do the two new handsets compare against each other? In this article, we pit the Honor 10 versus the OnePlus 6 in order to highlight the differences and the similarities.

On the outside

Both the Honor 10 and OnePlus 6 took their inspiration from the iPhone X. Which means they have a screen cutout living on the upper front of the display.

The Honor 10 also bears a striking similarity to the Huawei P20. It comes with a colorful glass back that’s extremely pleasing to the eye, especially in the blue and green hues. The glass outer shell makes for really beautiful reflections.

On the back, there’s a horizontally-arranged dual camera setup in the top left corner, but nothing else. The under-glass ultrasonic fingerprint reader lives on the front below the display, rather than on the back. According to Honor, it should work perfectly even when wet or greasy.

Ok, so the Honor 10 is gorgeous. But what about the OnePlus 6?

For the first time since 2015, OnePlus opted for an all-glass design for the OnePlus 6. Gorilla Glass 5 covers both the front and rear of the phone and a metal frame has been sandwiched in between.

Visually the OnePlus 6 is as compelling at the Honor 10. The flagship comes in three different colors. The Mirror Black variant is coated with mirror sheen, which gives it the look-and-feel of ceramic. However, if you prefer something a bit more classic, the Midnight Black offers a clean matte look. The third variant called Silk White uses a dash of crushed pearl for a shimmering effect.

Moving on to the display, the Honor 10 boasts a 5.84-inch LCD display with 2280 x 1080 resolution and 432ppi. In contrast, the OnePlus 6 includes a 6.28-inch AMOLED display with 2280 x 1080 resolution and 401ppi.

The difference in ppi is due to the fact that the OnePlus 6 has a larger display. And because its AMOLED, OnePlus users will be able to enjoy richer and more vibrant colors and blacks.

On the inside

The Honor 10 is powered by the same top-of-the-line Kirin 970 processor which keeps the Huawei P20 flagships alive. This is an octa-core affair clocked at 2.4GHz that includes a special module dedicated to AI calculations: the NPU or neuronal processing unit.

The Honor 10 will be offered in two variants. The base one will include 4GB of RAM + 64GB of storage, while the more advanced one will ship with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage (in select markets).

Comparatively, the OnePlus 6 relies on a Snapdragon 845 that’s backed up by 6GB/8GB of RAM and 64GB/128GB or 256GB of storage. Neither model includes a microSD card slot.

In terms of battery, the Honor 10 includes a 3,400 mAh battery, while the OnePlus 6 relies on a 3,300 mAh power source.

Given that the Honor 10 has a smaller display and a larger battery, the phone should at least in theory, provide better battery life than the OnePlus 6. But we’ll have to wait and see how the two devices perform in real life.

Both phones retain the 3.5mm headphone jack, but only the OnePlus 6 is water-resistant.

Cameras

Cameras are a very important aspect when deciding which smartphone to purchase. Well, both the Honor 10 and OnePlus 6 offer interesting dual-camera arrangements on the back.

The Honor 10 features a 24-megapixel monochrome sensor (f/1.8) coupled with a 16-megapixel RGB color sensor (f/1.8). The camera module is branded as “AI Camera”, and it has intelligent image stabilization via software.

What’s more, the Honor 10 is capable of real-time object and scene recognition thanks to a semantic imagine segmentation mode. The phone can also detect multiple scenes in a photo and apply different filters.

As for the OnePlus 6, its dual-camera setup is made of 20-megapixel and 16-megapixel sensors with f/1.7, just like on the OnePlus 5T. Yet, OnePlus has made the main sensor on the new flagship 19% larger, which means it will be able to shoot better pictures in low-light. Optical image stabilization has also been added.

What about selfies you may wonder? The Honor 10 includes an impressive 24-megapixel selfie snapper. It also includes a portrait mode and a studio lighting system which enables to enable users to take professional-looking self-portraits.

The OnePlus 6, on the other hand, has a 16-megapixel living on the front. Which now enjoys a portrait mode, too.

Software

OnePlus is known for its clean and smooth software experience. It’s no different on the OnePlus 6 which runs OxygenOS based on Android 8.1 Oreo.

A few extras have been thrown in there for good measure. Like the ability to replace the on-screen nav buttons with gestures, in the vein of the iPhone X.

The Honor 10 runs EMUI 8.1 also based on Android 8.1, which offers a few additional features of its own. Like Easy Talk, which replaces background noise in a windy environment.

Conclusion

The Honor 10 is a bit more affordable than the OnePlus 6. It starts at €399.99 / $473, while the OnePlus 6’s base model will take you back with $529.

And at this price the Honor 10 is indeed a device worthy to be taken into consideration. It has higher resolution cameras full of AI tricks, a larger battery and a stunning design.

That’s not to say the OnePlus 6 doesn’t look gorgeous too, it does. However, it depends on your personal preference which one you find the most appealing.

But keep in mind that OnePlus 6’s latest flagship also comes with storage and RAM, a larger AMOLED display and optical image stabilization for the main camera.

LG G7 ThinQ pre-orders surpass G6 in South Korea

AndroidGuys
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LG’s smartphone sales haven’t been the best for many a moon now, but there may be a silver lining on the horizon after all. According to news straight out of South Korea, LG G7 ThinQ pre-orders have surpassed those of the LG G6 from 2017.

According to Korean publication ETNews, the LG G7 ThinQ pre-orders have reached 70,000 as compared to 40,000 for the LG G6 last year. This means that LG has nearly doubled last year’s pre-orders with this year’s device, a nice feat for the Korean Android OEM.

Why LG G7 ThinQ pre-orders surpass LG G6 pre-orders

The LG G7 ThinQ has some hardware and software improvements that the G6 didn’t have at the time of its pre-order period.

Thinner Design

For one, LG says that the LG G7 ThinQ has a 50% slimmer bottom bezel than the G6. The LG G7 ThinQ brings new colors, such as New Platinum Gray, New Moroccan Blue, Raspberry, and New Aurora Black.

LG G7 ThinQ’s Wider Display and Greater Panel Tech

A wider 6.1-inch display with a 3120 x 1440p screen resolution replaces the 2880 x 1440p screen resolution of the G6, so there’s a slight screen resolution bump which should make the viewing experience brighter than the G7’s predecessor. The 1000 nits of brightness and new LCD panel tech for the G7 will also help.

Latest and Greatest Processor

One thing that may make the difference in G7 pre-orders concerns the processor. As opposed to the G6’s slightly updated Snapdragon 821 SoC (the Snapdragon 835 SoC was owned by Samsung), the G7 arrives to market with the latest-generation Snapdragon 845.

LG’s decision to release the G6 with an outdated processor moved customers elsewhere. Its release of the G7 with the latest and greatest processor places it on par with other high-end smartphones. We wish LG would have increased the battery size to 3500mAh or 3600mAh rather than reduce it to 3000mAh, though.

Audio, AI hardware and software improvements

Alongside the G7’s brand new processor are other features such as its DTS:X virtual surround sound and AI camera features with 19 shooting modes (hence the “ThinQ” moniker rebranding). The LG G7 ThinQ’s Google Assistant hardware button takes a page out of Samsung’s Bixby Button playbook, letting users summon the Assistant at a moment’s notice.

Congratulations to LG on its initial success with the LG G7 ThinQ. While G7 pre-order sales may not break any records, perhaps it’s a sign things are on the up and up for LG. Perhaps the G6 rebranding strategy will improve sales for last year’s flagship, too.

What do you think?

T-Mobile is giving away ten LG G7 ThinQ phones this Tuesday

Alexandra Arici
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Eagerly anticipating the arrival of the new LG G7 ThinQ in the US? Well, the phone is expected to land on retail shelves on June 1st.

But while we wait on that, T-Mobile is giving fans the opportunity to win one of the 10 LG G7 ThinQ smartphones it is giving away during its weekly T-Mobile Tuesday.

The sweepstakes is open for all, regardless of whether you’re a T-Mobile subscriber or not. To get a chance to win simply follow this link and follow the directions. After you’ve filled out all your info, you’ll be told immediately whether you’ve won or not.

In case you are a T-Mobile subscriber you can go ahead and enter the sweepstakes through the T-Mobile Tuesday app. Alongside the phone, winners will also receive a $320 check that can be used for paying for mobile service.

Win a LG G7 ThinQ at T-Mobile on May 22

T-Mobile is also giving away other goodies and discounts this Tuesday, May 22. The carrier will offer qualifying members $2 off Baskin Robbins ice cream. On top of that, there’s Shell savings to be had, as well as 90 days of Pandora Premium for free.

Also tomorrow, T-Mobile subscribers will be able to take advantage of a BOGO deal on Ocean Spray drinks. What’s more, for every night spent in a HotelStorm room, you’ll receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card.

But the best part of this Tuesday’s giveaway is that you have a chance of winning a new LG G7 ThinQ smartphone.

The phone will ship out with a 6.1-inch LCD display with 19:5:9 aspect ratio and QHD+ resolution. It has an AI-powered camera, loud Boombox speaker and a notch that users can hide if they so prefer.

A dedicated Google Assistant button is also included on the left side of the phone and LG worked with Google to implement it. One quick press will bring up the Google Assistant.

The device is due to launch soon in the US. But you have a chance of winning one before it officially lands in the country.

Question of the Week: How much money do you spend on apps?

AndroidGuys
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With millions of apps and games to choose from, it’s actually possible that you’ve been able to skate by without spending any money on mobile titles. For every paid app or mobile game, there’s probably a dozen free alternatives.

Is it feasible to skip out on spending a few dollars over time? Is it practical? We’d like to know about how you use your money on mobile apps.

You Tell Us

How much money do you spend on apps? Are you the type of person who routinely drops a couple of bucks for in-app purchases? Or, are you a gamer who doesn’t mind coughing up ten bucks at a time? Maybe you have some agenda against developers and only look for free solutions.

We’d like to learn a little bit about your paid app and game spending habits. How much do you plunk down on content for your phone? Is there a budget you work with? Are there certain developers or licenses who you don’t mind spending money on? Share with us; there’s no wrong answer here.

Share your opinion and win a $25 Gift Card!

Leave us a comment below with how much you spend on apps and games for your mobile phone. We’ll go through the comments after one week and randomly select a winner. If your name is drawn, you’ll win a $25 Google Play Gift Card. Use it to buy apps, games, movies, eBooks, or music — you decide!

Comments entered before Sunday, May 27 (11:59PM PST) will be counted. As long as you’re on point and stick to the topic, we’ll consider you for the drawing!

Saturday Savings: Tech and Gear on sale this weekend

Andrew Myrick
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When it comes to finding the best deals, things can be a bit of a pain. Whether you are looking for a new smartphone or some sweet accessories, the finding the lowest price is always the toughest.

Well, that just so happens to be one of our specialties here at AndroidGuys. Today, we have compiled a list of the best deals on smartphones and accessories on the web.

Save on new tech

Sony Xperia XZ1 – $599.99 $369.99

Sony released the Xperia XZ1 at the tail-end of the Summer last year. The handset was the first device to launch with Android 8.0 Oreo and is still a great option today.

The handset features the Snapdragon 835 SoC, 4GB of RAM, and a 19MP primary camera. For a limited time, the Xperia XZ1 is on sale for just $369.99, down from its retail price of $599.99.

Buy the Sony Xperia XZ1!

Save on Accessories

Soundcore by Anker Vortex Headphones – $70 $50

At the end of April, Anker announced a new series of over-the-ear headphones with the Soundcore Vortex. These headphones include Bluetooth 4.1, along with 40mm drivers and aptX HD sound.

To help celebrate the launch of the Soundcore Vortex, you can save $20 on the retail price and get these for just $50. After the promotional period has ended, the price will go back up to $70.

Buy the Souncore by Anker Vortex!

Submit your Deal!

Do you have a product, service, app, or game that’s on sale? We’d love to hear about it. Please take a few minutes to fill out this form and we’ll consider it for an upcoming post.

Valve Steam Link app now available on Google Play

AndroidGuys
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Valve announced earlier this month that its Steam Link app would be available on Google Play in beta on May 21st. Well luckily for us, the app got released a few days earlier. Valve Steam Link is now available on Google Play (and iOS App Store).

Using the app, you can play games from Steam on a desktop on your Android device. Just download the app, pair it to your PC, then you can get to playing your PC games on your phone, tablet, OR Android TV. Not only can you play on your Nvidia Shield, but Valve stated that the app does support 4K at 60FPS. High-res gaming goodness on your phone!

Naturally, gaming is much better using a controller than by touch-screen. Steam Link supports the use of Bluetooth controllers and the official Steam controller. Grab the app from the link below and get to gaming!

Google Play Link

RED Hydrogen One coming to Verizon and AT&T

AndroidGuys
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We are all excited to see the RED Hydrogen One come to fruition. From one of the most prestigious camera companies around, we should see equal precision in their smartphone. At the current retail price though, we weren’t sure how many people would get their hands on the device. That doubt changed though now that both Verizon and AT&T said they would be carrying the phone.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Hydrogen One, I won’t blame you. RED hasn’t released many details about the phone just yet but has stated that the unlocked price is starting at $1200. I’d be surprised if Verizon or AT&T would alter the price much, although you may be able to get it on an installment plan.

The Hydrogen One is supposed to include a 5.7” “holographic” display when it arrives, no details on what exactly that entails. It is also going to features a multi-dimensional sound system as well as a pogo pin system for stackable mods. The mods should be akin to an advanced Motomod design.

Along with not having a set price, the carriers have only stated “later this summer” as a release date. Verizon has a sign-up link, listed below, to get information from the company about the phone. AT&T is giving a first look at the device on June 2-3 at AT&T Shape at Warner Bros. Studios in LA, also linked below.

What do you all think? I’m sure many of you are interested in the phone. Now with carrier backing, which may include easier-to-deal-with pricing, does RED’s Hydrogen One become more appealing? Let us know in the comments.

Verizon Info Link
AT&T First Look Link

Fiio F9 Pro In-Ear Headphones Review – Triple driver on the cheap

Josh Noriega
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All of the audio devices we’ve looked at in the past from Fiio have been players. After all, this the company’s specialized field, and where it’s been killing it as of late. But with growth comes opportunity. We’ve seen the highly regarded, bang-for-the-buck manufacturer gradually expand its accessory portfolio, with wireless solutions and cables for many purposes. Now headphones are included in its products list, and you bet that the company’s top-value ideal persists.

The F9 Pro is Fiio’s current flagship in-ear headphone, with a triple driver setup that aims to give the similarly spec’d (and much more expensive) competition a run for their money. Can it do it? Let’s see.

Fiio F9 Pro Headphones
Unboxing the F9 Pro reveals a hard case and detached metal earpieces.

Design

In-hand, the F9 Pro delivers a premium impression not far from what we’ve seen in higher-end (and much higher-costing) earphones, like the Beyerdynamic Xelento or Shure SE846. The comprehensive use of metal to build the earpieces reminds us of the RHA T20, especially since that is another high-aiming, affordable in-ear headphone. Although, we can already say that Fiio is the winner when it comes to value.

Fiio F9 Pro Headphones

There are a couple surprises in the packaging that you probably won’t find in another earphone in this sub-$150 range. Opening the box reveals a waterproof case, and then within that case is a quality, appropriately-sized soft case (most earphone manufacturers make their carrying cases too big, which is counter-intuitive). Unzipping it presents us with two different cable options. Yes, we challenge you to find another set of earphones in this price range that sports a detachable cable design (in this case, using the common MMCX connector standard).

And this cable isn’t just a spare. It’s a Balanced cable…included in the box. Awesome. It uses the typical 2.5mm TRRS standard found in most portable HiFi DAPs (digital audio players). Fiio isn’t a stranger to making cables, and we love how the company seizes these kinds of opportunities to maximize value for customers.

That said, we found it strange that the standard (3.5mm jack) and Balanced cables are so different. The former has a more basic, solid form while the latter a thinner, twisted cable design.

Also, the standard cable has an in-line 3-button remote, which is absent from the Balanced one. What if a Balanced-user preferred the other design, or vice versa? Another big difference is that the rubbery sheathing of the standard cable gives a lot of tangle-resistance, a quality nonexistent in the other.

Coming back around to the earpieces, we really dig the design. No earphone we’ve seen has this kind of 3D “wave” formation. It’s eye-catching in person, but manages to be more sophisticated than flashy.

Fiio F9 Pro Headphones

Usability

The general shape of the F9 Pro is like that of many around-the-ear earphones. That is, a pod-form that shoots the cable forward and up so that it wraps and falls behind the ear. There are several advantages to this method. It eliminates the chance of cable microphonics noise, and the fit is substantially more secure (especially better for working out).

Manufacturers make different decisions as to how much stiffness to place on the around-the-ear portion of the cable. I personally prefer none; it’s unnecessary in my experience. To my dismay, Fiio uses a very strongly molded routing.

Fiio F9 Pro Headphones
Fiio’s memory wire shape follows the contour of the ear nicely.

But I ate my words when I found it to work really well. The memory wires make the perfect ear shape and superiorly stays in place. It manages to sit just above contact with the skin, which equates to notable comfort.

Something we found odd is the lack of a chin slider. There’s considerable length from the earpieces to the cable’s Y-split, so the left and right channels can be dangly, especially when working out. It’s something that Fiio overlooked, but far from a deal-breaker.

Tips galore. Fiio’s packaging is generous with three different sets of silicone (including the highly-regarded SpinFits) and foam.

The Balanced cable wasn’t the only noteworthy aspect of the F9 Pro’s packaging. You’re also supplied a barrage of ear tip choices. There are four different sets (three types of silicone and one foam), which all have three different sizes. You should have no problem finding a pair that works. We’re glad about this because we weren’t fans of the Fiio-made silicone tips. None of the sizes were able to give us the perfect seal. But your mileage may vary.

Sound

The sound quality is where the real test is. Fiio sets the bar high with its feature-packed audio talk and premium aim. The F9 Pro is one of the few audiophile earphones that utilize a triple driver setup that consists of one dynamic + two BA (Balanced Armature) drivers.

We must mention that this “Pro” variant succeeds the original F9. The sound of that earphone left a bit to be desired, and this might be why Fiio upgraded the dual BA drivers to a Knowles-made solution in the F9 Pro.

You’ll get the most out of the F9 Pro with a dedicated DAC, but it still sounds great out of high-end smartphone like the Galaxy S9 shown here.

Fiio opts for an engaging bass response. It’s the first thing that caught our attention, and not in a bad way. Some headphone makers elevate the bass to elevate impact, but too much bass can muddy the sound signature. Fiio does it responsibly. It’s strong and encompassing but not bloaty. That said, where we’re satisfied with the punch, we think the definition could use a little more work. There’s a hollow quality (slight lack of body/texture) to the bass. It’s not bad, per-se, but we’ve heard a truer reproduction from other high-end earphones.

We like how the bass manages to have exceptional strength without interfering with the mid-range. Though, it’s not completely 1:1. The mids aren’t as powerful, making the response appear U-shaped. Fortunately, this doesn’t equate to lack of excitement in the region. Instruments and vocals are pronounced and gracefully articulated. A laid-back nature (slight distance and lack of fullness) keeps it from the superior detail that higher costing earphones can dish. The treble has a very similar quality to the mids. There’s an appreciable amount of detail but not exceptional. We’d like a bit more presence and capture of higher-end details in Fiio’s next flagship earphone.

Soundstage (spatial perception) is one of the best aspects of the F9 Pro’s sound. It punches above its small in-ear weight, as sounds are generally space-filling about the head, and dynamics have some dimensional play. It’s not completely taken advantage of by all areas in the spectrum, as we’ve discussed, but the F9 Pro has more to offer here than a lot of lower costing “high res” earphones.

Final Thoughts

Fiio F9 Pro Headphones

There’s a lot to like with the F9 Pro. It’s not the cheapest pair of in-ears you’ll find, generally, but it is very competitively priced when considering audiophile-class headphones. However, we ended up more impressed with the externals than the audio output. Fiio has some more tuning to do if it wants to give the high-end competition a run for their money. This isn’t to say that it’s not worth the money. You’re still getting a lot when you consider the overall package, and while we were critical with the sound quality, it is where it should be at this price range. And some qualities punch above its price, like the considerable bass response and lively soundstage.

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