The 1MORE S70 open earbuds are a new addition to the market that aim to provide a different kind of listening experience for users who prefer an open-ear design. These earbuds are perfect for those who engage in outdoor activities or simply dislike the feeling of traditional in-ear buds that seal inside the ear canal. The S70 offers several key features, including a unique design, good battery life, and a promising sound experience. Let’s dive into an in-depth review of the 1MORE S70 open earbuds and see if they meet the expectations set by previous models like the S30.
Design and Comfort
One of the most notable aspects of the 1MORE S70 is its design. These earbuds do not use traditional ear tips; instead, they sit on the outer part of your ear, providing a comfortable fit without intruding into the ear canal. This design promotes situational awareness, making them an excellent choice for runners, cyclists, or anyone who needs to stay aware of their surroundings while listening to music.
The earbuds feature flexible ear hooks that keep them securely in place during physical activities. Despite their larger size, they weigh only about 8.7 grams per earbud. Users have reported being able to wear them comfortably for extended periods, ranging from 6 to 7 hours, without experiencing any discomfort or ear fatigue. The IPX5 water resistance rating ensures that the earbuds can withstand sweat and minor splashes, making them suitable for intense workout sessions.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a strong point for the 1MORE S70. On a single charge, the earbuds can last up to 12 hours, and when combined with the charging case, the total playtime extends up to 40 hours. This is a significant improvement over many competitors in the market. The case also supports fast charging, providing up to 2 hours of playback time from just 5 minutes of charging. However, it’s worth noting that the case does not support wireless charging, which might be a drawback for users who prefer a cable-free experience.
Connectivity and Controls
The 1MORE S70 uses Bluetooth 5.3, offering a stable connection with minimal latency. Users have reported a seamless experience when watching videos on platforms like YouTube and Amazon Prime without noticeable delays in audio sync. For gamers, the earbuds feature a low-latency mode accessible via the app, providing a near-instant response suitable for mobile gaming.
Control-wise, the S70 offers touch-based inputs, including double-tap, triple-tap, and long-press functions. However, it lacks single-tap functionality, which limits the number of commands you can use. Thankfully, the touch controls can be customized through the 1MORE app, allowing users to tailor the experience to their preferences.
App Functionality
The 1MORE S70 is compatible with the 1MORE app, which provides several useful features, including access to the user manual, battery status, and preset EQ options. However, the app does not allow for custom EQ settings, which is a disappointment for audiophiles who prefer to fine-tune their sound profiles. The newer app interface feels less polished compared to previous versions, making the user experience slightly less intuitive.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is where the 1MORE S70 aims to stand out. Equipped with 14.2mm diamond-like carbon (DLC) drivers, these earbuds deliver an immersive listening experience with a wide soundstage. The open-ear design means there is no seal, so users should not expect the same deep bass response as in-ear earbuds. However, the sound is respectable for an open-style earbud, offering a balanced and natural audio output.
The earbuds excel in providing a warmer, brighter sound profile, making them suitable for genres like classical and pop. However, bass lovers may find the low-end response lacking, as the open design struggles to deliver the punchy bass found in sealed earbuds. At higher volumes, the sound can become a bit muddled, especially in the separation of different frequencies, but overall, the audio quality is a significant improvement over the previous S30 model.
Call Quality
The 1MORE S70 boasts impressive call quality, thanks to its advanced microphone setup. During tests, the earbuds managed to focus on the user’s voice effectively, even in noisy environments. This makes them a solid choice for taking calls on the go. The noise rejection during calls was notable, providing clear audio transmission without significant interference from background noise.
Comparison with Competitors
At a retail price of $129.99, the 1MORE S70 falls into the mid-range category for open earbuds. It competes directly with models like the Soundcore Aoit 2. While the Aoit 2 may have better sound quality due to its larger drivers, the S70 offers a longer battery life, providing an additional two hours per charge. This makes the S70 a better option for users prioritizing extended listening sessions.
The fit and comfort of the S70 are standout features, making them a preferred choice for users who value stability during workouts. However, the lack of wireless charging and in-ear detection are areas where the S70 lags behind some of its competitors. If these features are crucial for you, the Aoit 2 might be a better fit.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Open-Ear Design: Great for situational awareness, ideal for outdoor activities.
- Comfortable Fit: Flexible ear hooks ensure the earbuds stay in place during exercise.
- Excellent Battery Life: Up to 12 hours on a single charge and 40 hours with the case.
- IPX5 Water Resistance: Can handle sweat and light splashes, suitable for workouts.
- Stable Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 ensures minimal latency and a strong connection.
Cons:
- No Wireless Charging: The charging case does not support Qi wireless charging.
- Limited Customization: The app lacks a custom EQ feature.
- Sound Separation Issues: Frequencies can become muddled at higher volumes.
- No In-Ear Detection: The earbuds do not pause playback when removed.
Final Verdict
The 1MORE S70 open earbuds are a significant upgrade from the previous S30 model. They offer excellent comfort, impressive battery life, and a solid overall performance for users who prefer an open-ear design. The sound quality is good for what these earbuds are intended for, providing a pleasant listening experience with a focus on mid and high frequencies. However, they may not satisfy bass enthusiasts or those looking for a seal that blocks out external noise.
For those seeking a pair of open-style earbuds that excel in comfort, call quality, and battery life, the 1MORE S70 is a worthy contender. While there are minor drawbacks like the absence of wireless charging and in-ear detection, the overall package is quite compelling, especially for active users.
In conclusion, if you’re in the market for a pair of versatile, open-ear earbuds and can overlook the minor issues with the app and lack of custom EQ settings, the 1MORE S70 is a solid choice that showcases 1MORE’s continuous improvements in the true wireless earbuds segment.
