Mivi SuperPods Halo Review: Stylish But Soundly Underwhelming

A comprehensive review of Mivi's flagship TWS earbuds, the SuperPods Halo, examining their design, sound quality, features, and overall performance.
Mivi SuperPods Halo Review: Stylish But Soundly Underwhelming

Unboxing the Mivi SuperPods Halo: Are They Worth It?

In the crowded market of TWS earbuds, the Mivi SuperPods Halo attempts to capture attention with its flashy design and promising features. Priced at Rs 1,499, these latest offerings from the Indian audio brand Mivi boast Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), 3D surround sound, and a plethora of customizable options. But do they live up to the hype? Let’s dive deeper into their performance and see what they bring to the table.

Mivi SuperPods Halo Design Striking design but questionable durability

First Impressions: Design and Comfort

Right off the bat, the design of the Mivi SuperPods Halo is appealing. The glossy plastic case, particularly the gold-accented lid, gives off an elegant vibe. However, my excitement dimmed at the thought of its durability. After just a week, the case has already accumulated scratches, raising doubts about its long-term resilience against rough treatment. If you’re someone who values aesthetic, the sleek finish may tempt you, but keep in mind that this can be a double-edged sword.

The earbuds themselves are comfortable, thanks to their IPX4 rating that makes them suitable for sweat and light splashes. I’ve worn them during workouts and long commutes without discomfort, highlighting their ergonomic design. But let’s be honest; in this price bracket, one typically expects a better build quality from the case itself.

Sound Quality: The Big Letdown

The heart of any earbud lies in its sound quality, and here, the SuperPods Halo falter slightly. Equipped with 13mm drivers, they deliver a bass-heavy sound signature that makes lower frequencies overpower the mids and highs. This left me longing for clearer vocals when I tried listening to my favorite tracks. Despite fiddling with the equalizer and its various settings, the muddled sound persisted, causing a bit of frustration.

The Active Noise Cancellation capability is decent, particularly at dousing out background chatter; however, the ANC can’t compete with more premium brands. You might find it handy on public transportation but don’t expect it to shield you completely from busier environments.

App Integration and Features

To enhance user experience, Mivi offers an app that allows for several customizations. Although I appreciated the touch controls—supporting an array of actions like single tap and double tap—I had my share of hiccups with the app. It attempts to impress with features like spatial audio and even a gaming mode to reduce latency. However, the Mivi Audio app was finicky, freezing up more often than I’d like, and at times, failing to update properly.

Mivi Audio App Manage your headphones with the Mivi Audio app

Battery Life: Good, But Not Exceptional

Battery life is another area where the Mivi SuperPods Halo shine. The promise of 60 hours of playtime with the charging case is appealing, but my real-world usage indicates you might not hit those benchmarks if using ANC regularly. Nonetheless, between charges, these earbuds can still easily get through a week of moderate use, which is commendable for daily commuters or casual listeners alike.

Call Quality: Mediocre at Best

When it comes to the all-important aspect of call quality, the SuperPods performed adequately indoors, but as soon as I stepped into a noisy environment, their shortcomings became glaringly obvious. External sounds intruded significantly, leaving the receiver on the other end struggling to catch my voice amidst the chaos of city sounds.

Conclusion: Are They Worth the Investment?

With so many options available in the TWS segment, the Mivi SuperPods Halo end up being a mixed bag. While their design and comfort are commendable, sound quality takes a hit. If you prioritize an engaging audio experience over sleek aesthetics, you might want to explore alternatives like CMF Buds or OnePlus Nord Buds 2r, which often offer better performance in the crucial auditory department.

In summary, the Mivi SuperPods Halo are decent earbuds with some fun features, but their overall execution leaves room for improvement. For those considering a purchase, I’d recommend testing them in store or digging a bit deeper into available alternatives before making your decision.

Final Verdict: 6.7/10

While Mivi is making strides in the audio market, they still have a way to go to compete with industry leaders. A few key areas certainly need addressing, but with some refinement, I look forward to seeing what the brand can offer next.

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