The Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 has introduced a host of exciting innovations, and Realme has made a bold statement with the launch of its Realme Buds Air 7. These new wireless earbuds are positioned as a direct competitor to Apple’s AirPods, offering premium features at a fraction of the price. With advanced audio technology, impressive battery life, and a sleek design, the Buds Air 7 aim to challenge Apple’s dominance in the wireless earbud market.
One of the most notable differences between the Realme Buds Air 7 and Apple’s AirPods is the price. While the latest AirPods can cost upwards of €200, the Buds Air 7 are priced at just €69.99. Despite this significant price gap, Realme’s earbuds deliver features that rival, and in some cases surpass, those of Apple’s offering.
For instance, the Buds Air 7 boast Hi-Res Audio certification and a 12.4 mm dynamic bass driver, which provide a richer and more immersive sound experience compared to the AirPods’ smaller drivers. Additionally, the Buds Air 7 support LHDC 5.0 codecs, ensuring high-quality audio streaming, while Apple’s AirPods rely on AAC codecs, which are less advanced in terms of audio fidelity.
Xiaomi Realme Buds Air 7.
Noise cancellation is another area where the Realme Buds Air 7 shine. Equipped with AI-powered active noise cancellation (ANC), the Buds Air 7 can reduce noise by up to 52 dB, making them ideal for noisy environments. In comparison, Apple’s AirPods Pro offer ANC but are limited to around 40 dB of noise reduction. Realme’s inclusion of six microphones further enhances call quality and noise isolation, giving the Buds Air 7 an edge in this category.
Battery life is a critical factor for wireless earbuds, and the Realme Buds Air 7 outperform the AirPods in this regard. With up to 52 hours of total playback time, the Buds Air 7 far exceed the AirPods’ 30 hours of battery life (with the charging case). This makes Realme’s earbuds a better choice for users who need long-lasting performance without frequent recharging. Additionally, the Buds Air 7 feature an IP55 rating for water and dust resistance, while the AirPods Pro only offer an IPX4 rating, making Realme’s earbuds more durable for active lifestyles.
Connectivity is another area where the Buds Air 7 hold their own. They feature Bluetooth 5.4, Swift Pair technology, and dual-device connection capabilities, allowing users to seamlessly switch between devices.
A better option for outsiders of Apple ecosystem
Apple’s AirPods, while offering seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem, lack dual-device connectivity for non-Apple devices, limiting their versatility. Gamers will also appreciate the Buds Air 7’s ultra-low latency of just 45 ms, which is significantly lower than the AirPods’ latency, making Realme’s earbuds a better choice for gaming.
In terms of design, the Buds Air 7 offer a sleek in-ear fit and come in three colors—gray, white, and purple—compared to the AirPods’ standard white design. Realme’s earbuds also include touch-sensitive controls, similar to the AirPods, for managing calls and music playback.
Ultimately, the Realme Buds Air 7 prove that you don’t need to pay Apple prices to enjoy premium audio quality. With advanced features like Hi-Res Audio, superior ANC, longer battery life, and a more affordable price tag, they are a compelling alternative to Apple’s AirPods. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, gamer, or someone looking for high-quality earbuds on a budget, the Buds Air 7 offer exceptional value and performance.
