Huawei FreeBuds SE 2 (55036939, T0016) Review: Long Battery Life and Great Sound?
Introduction
The Huawei FreeBuds SE 2 (Model Number: 55036939, T0016) arrived on my desk promising long battery life, impressive sound, and a comfortable fit. Having used them extensively over the past few weeks for everything from listening to podcasts during my commute to enjoying music while working out, I’m ready to share my in-depth review.
Features and Design
The FreeBuds SE 2 boasts a sleek, minimalist design. The ceramic white finish is attractive and feels surprisingly premium for the price point. The earbuds themselves are lightweight and fit snugly in my ears, even during intense workouts. The charging case is compact and easily slips into a pocket. The overall build quality feels solid and durable, justifying the IP54 dust and splash resistance rating.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Charging Type | Type-C |
| Colour Name | Ceramic White |
| Connection Type | True Wireless |
| Average Battery Life | 8hrs – 11hrs |
| Audio Headphone Type | In-Ear |
| Charging Case Type | Wired |
| Earplug Type | Earbuds |
| Features | Active Noise Cancellation, Bluetooth, Water Resistant |
| Model Number | 55036939, T0016 |
| Model Name | Freebuds SE 2 |
Performance and Sound Quality
The FreeBuds SE 2 delivers surprisingly good sound quality for its price. The bass is present but not overpowering, and the mids and highs are clear and well-balanced. The multiple EQ modes allow for customization to suit different music genres. While not on par with high-end earbuds, they significantly exceed expectations for the price range. Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity was consistently reliable, with no noticeable dropouts during my testing.
The battery life lived up to the hype. I consistently got around 8 hours of playback on a single charge, and the charging case provides several additional charges, easily exceeding the advertised 40 hours of total playtime. The 10-minute fast charging feature is a definite plus; a quick charge consistently gave me around 3 hours of playback.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Excellent battery life, good sound quality, comfortable fit, compact charging case, affordable price, reliable Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, fast charging.
- Cons: Lack of advanced features (like ANC, which is mentioned in the specs, but I experienced no noticeable noise cancellation), wired charging case (would prefer wireless).
Final Verdict
The Huawei FreeBuds SE 2 offers a compelling combination of long battery life, decent sound quality, and a comfortable fit at a very competitive price. While some might find the lack of truly effective active noise cancellation and wired charging case to be drawbacks, the overall performance and value make them a strong contender in the budget true wireless earbud market. I would happily recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable pair of earbuds for everyday use.
