Review of MINISO MS156 Open-Ear Wireless Headphones with AI Translation and HiFi Sound

Description

A Comfortable and Innovative Audio Experience

I had the chance to try the MINISO MS156 True Wireless OWS Headphones, and honestly, they brought a mix of surprise and practicality to my day-to-day routine. These open-ear headphones are not your typical in-ear design, which caught my attention immediately. They stay perched on your ears without actually entering the ear canal. While this might sound unusual, it’s a game-changer for anyone who wants to stay aware of their surroundings while enjoying their favorite tunes.

The design felt lightweight, and the silicone material added an extra layer of comfort, even during extended use. Whether I was out for a quick jog or answering a work call, the 14.2mm dynamic drivers delivered crisp and balanced audio. The modern style paired with the touch controls made it feel like a premium product, even though it has a more budget-friendly reputation.

Key Benefits

• AI-powered Translation: This feature blew my mind. With support for 135 languages and integration with the EarJoy Intelligence App, the headset can manage real-time binaural translations. I tested it while watching foreign-language videos, and it was fascinating.
• Open-ear Comfort: The open-ear design ensures breathable wear, which is especially useful for fitness activities or outdoor walks when situational awareness is crucial.
• Seamless Connectivity: The Bluetooth 5.4 technology provided a reliable connection, even when I wandered about 10 meters away from my phone.
• Noise Reduction: While they don’t cancel noise completely, the built-in call noise reduction made my conversations clear, even in busy environments.

Some Areas of Concern

It’s not all sunshine and roses, though. There were a few things I noticed during my tests:

• Initial Setup: The connection process is a bit of a learning curve. It requires pairing with your phone first and then connecting to the EarJoy Intelligence App, which can feel cumbersome.
• Sound Leakage: Due to the open-ear design, sound can leak out, which might not be ideal in very quiet or shared spaces.
• Battery Life: While respectable, the battery life wasn’t as long-lasting as I’d hoped, especially with the AI translation feature running.

Performance and Audio Quality

The dual 14.2mm composite drivers paired with AAC & SBC audio encoding technology delivered a surprisingly rich sound profile. While bass wasn’t as punchy as some closed-ear models, the clarity of vocals and mids made it a pleasure to listen to podcasts or music with intricate instrumentals. I also appreciated the frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, which covered both subtle highs and deep lows effectively.

The touch control interface provided a smooth user experience. Skipping tracks, adjusting volume, and even answering calls became intuitive after a few uses. However, I did notice that the touch sensitivity sometimes misinterpreted commands, especially if I wasn’t precise.

Competing Brands

When compared to other open-ear headphones, this model holds its own in many ways. For instance, brands like AfterShokz offer similar open-ear designs but often focus more on bone-conduction technology. While those models might provide better sound isolation in noisy environments, they often lack the AI translation capabilities that the MS156 boasts. On the flip side, premium competitors such as Sony LinkBuds deliver more advanced sound profiles but at a significantly higher price point.

Where the MS156 shines is its balance between features and affordability. The inclusion of waterproofing, a detachable cable, and compatibility with both iOS and Android devices makes it versatile. It might not match the luxury feel of some rivals, but it proves itself in terms of practicality and everyday use.

Worth Every Penny

Considering the price-to-quality ratio, the MS156 has a lot to offer for its cost. The AI translation feature alone could justify the investment for someone who frequently travels or works in multilingual environments. While there are some quirks, like the setup process and sound leakage, it’s hard to ignore the value proposition it delivers.

For those looking for an innovative yet affordable open-ear headphone, this model might just be the perfect fit. I found it to be a practical blend of technology and comfort, suitable for both fitness enthusiasts and tech-savvy users alike.

Additional information