iQOO Buds 1i specifications and in-depth review

iQOO Buds 1i

Manufacturer: iQOO

The iQOO Buds 1i are a pair of true wireless in-ear earbuds designed for everyday use without the hassle of cables. They carry an IP54 ingress protection rating, making them resistant to sweat and light moisture, which suits active users well. The earbuds include a travel bag in the box and support fast pairing for a quicker connection experience out of the box.

On the technical side, the iQOO Buds 1i use a 10 mm driver unit covering a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, paired with passive noise reduction to help block out ambient sound. Bluetooth 5.4 handles wireless connectivity with a maximum range of 10 meters, and the AAC codec is supported for audio transmission. Battery life reaches 12 hours per charge, with the included case extending total playback to 38 hours; fast charging is supported via USB Type-C, with a full charge taking around 1.5 hours. Audio latency is rated at 88 ms, and a noise-canceling microphone is built in for calls.

Pros
  • The charging case extends total playback to 38 hours, making the earbuds practical for extended use between top-ups
  • Fast charging support reduces downtime when the battery runs low
  • Bluetooth 5.4 with fast pairing allows for a quick and modern wireless connection
  • A find device feature helps locate misplaced earbuds
  • IP54 rating provides reliable sweat resistance for use during physical activity
  • A noise-canceling microphone is built in, helping to maintain clearer call quality in noisy environments
Cons
  • Active noise cancellation is not supported, limiting sound isolation to passive means only
  • No wireless charging is available, requiring a cable for every charge
  • Higher-quality audio codecs such as LDAC, aptX, and Bluetooth LE Audio are all absent, restricting audio transmission options to AAC
  • Ambient sound mode and in-ear detection are both missing, reducing situational awareness and convenience features
  • No NFC pairing support, meaning the connection process relies solely on standard Bluetooth
Who is this for?

These earbuds are a reasonable fit for everyday listeners who prioritize convenience and practicality over audiophile-grade performance. The IP54 sweat resistance makes them well-suited to gym sessions and outdoor activity, while the combined 38-hour battery between the earbuds and case suits users who need reliable, all-day wireless audio without frequent charging stops. The inclusion of a noise-canceling microphone and headset functionality also makes them a practical option for professionals who take regular voice calls on the go.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who place a high value on active noise cancellation will find these earbuds lacking, as they rely solely on passive isolation, which may be insufficient in loud or busy environments like commuter trains or open offices. Listeners who prioritize high-fidelity wireless audio will also be underserved, given the absence of advanced codecs such as LDAC or aptX — only AAC is available, which limits the ceiling for audio transmission quality. Additionally, those who expect features like ambient sound mode or in-ear detection for hands-free convenience will find this product does not accommodate those use cases.

Design:

Fit In-ear
Ingress Protection (IP) rating IP54
water resistance Sweat resistant
has no wires or cables
are neckband earbuds
wingtips included
has RGB lighting
has stereo speakers
has UV light
Has a display

The iQOO Buds 1i adopt a true wireless, in-ear fit with no cables or neckband connecting the two earbuds. They carry an IP54 ingress protection rating, which means they are resistant to sweat but are not fully waterproof. Stereo speakers are present in the design, while features such as RGB lighting, UV light, wingtips, and a display are not included.

Sound quality:

has active noise cancellation (ANC)
has passive noise reduction
driver unit size 10 mm
lowest frequency 20 Hz
highest frequency 20000 Hz
supports spatial audio
has Dolby Atmos
has Dirac Virtuo
has a neodymium magnet

The iQOO Buds 1i use a 10 mm driver unit and cover a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Passive noise reduction is present to help limit ambient sound, though active noise cancellation is not supported. Audio enhancements such as spatial audio, Dolby Atmos, and Dirac Virtuo are absent, and the drivers do not use a neodymium magnet.

Power:

Battery life 12 hours
Battery life of charging case 38 hours
charge time 1.5 hours
has wireless charging
Has a solar power battery
has a battery level indicator
has a rechargeable battery

The iQOO Buds 1i offer 12 hours of battery life per charge, with the accompanying charging case extending the total to 38 hours. A full charge takes 1.5 hours, and the earbuds feature a rechargeable battery along with a battery level indicator. Wireless charging and solar power are not supported.

Connectivity:

has fast pairing
Has USB Type-C
Bluetooth version 5.4
has LDAC
has LDHC
has Bluetooth LE Audio
has aptX Adaptive
has aptX Low Latency
has aptX HD
has aptX
has aptX Lossless
audio latency 88 ms
has aptX Voice
has Auracast
maximum Bluetooth range 10 m
supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC
Can be used wirelessly
has AAC

The iQOO Buds 1i connect wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.4, with a maximum range of 10 meters and an audio latency of 88 ms. Fast pairing is supported, and the AAC codec is available for audio transmission, though higher-end codecs such as LDAC, LDHC, aptX and its variants, and Bluetooth LE Audio are not included. USB Type-C is present for wired charging, while NFC pairing and Auracast are not supported.

Features:

has ambient sound mode
has in/on-ear detection
has find device feature
Supports fast charging
can read notifications
has a mute function
can be used as a headset
control panel placed on a device
Has voice prompts
travel bag is included
Has an in-line control panel
Has a temperature sensor
Has a built-in camera remote control function

The iQOO Buds 1i include a practical set of features, among them fast charging, a mute function, voice prompts, and a find device feature to help locate misplaced earbuds. They can be used as a headset for calls, and playback controls are handled through a control panel placed on a device rather than an in-line panel on a cable. A travel bag is included in the box. Ambient sound mode, in-ear detection, notification reading, a body temperature sensor, and a camera remote shutter are not available on these earbuds.

Microphone:

has a noise-canceling microphone

The iQOO Buds 1i are equipped with a noise-canceling microphone, which helps reduce unwanted background sound during calls and voice interactions.

Final Verdict

The iQOO Buds 1i present a straightforward, no-frills wireless earbud option that covers the essentials reliably. With sweat resistance, a noise-canceling microphone, and a combined 38-hour battery life between the earbuds and case, they are well-positioned for users who want dependable daily use without overcomplicating things. That said, the absence of active noise cancellation and advanced audio codecs means the product is clearly aimed at casual listeners rather than those with demanding audio or commuting needs. For what it offers in terms of practical, everyday wireless audio, the iQOO Buds 1i serve their intended audience adequately — as long as expectations are aligned with the feature set on offer.

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