Nothing Ear (a) B162 Review: True Wireless Earbuds with Powerful Features
The Nothing Ear (a) B162 earbuds arrived promising a significant upgrade over their predecessor, the Ear (2). With features like improved bass, hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC), and even ChatGPT integration (though this aspect requires further clarification from Nothing), expectations were high. After extensive testing across various scenarios, from noisy commutes to quiet home listening sessions, here’s my comprehensive review.
The Ear (a) boasts a compelling list of features. The striking design, inspired by pill packets, is undeniably unique. The 11mm driver promises deeper bass, a claim largely substantiated by my testing. The hybrid ANC, capable of up to 45dB noise reduction, is a standout feature. This, coupled with the Clear Voice Technology, which significantly reduces call interference, makes these earbuds ideal for both listening and communication. The inclusion of a 3.5mm audio jack is a pleasant surprise in today’s wireless world, though its integration wasn’t perfectly clear in my testing.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Charging Type | Type-C |
| Battery Size | 500 mAh |
| Colour Name | Black |
| Department | Adult Unisex |
| Connection Type | True Wireless |
| What’s In The Box | Ear Tip, Type C Cable, User Manual, Earbuds with case |
| Audio Jack | 3.5 mm |
| Audio Headphone Type | In-Ear |
| Charging Case Type | Wired |
| Earplug Type | Earbuds |
| Product Width/Depth | 24.3 mm |
| Features | Active Noise Cancellation, Bluetooth |
| Model Number | B162 |
| Model Name | Nothing Ear (a) |
| Item Quantity | 1 |
The sound quality is impressive. The bass is indeed significantly improved compared to the Ear (2), providing a rich and full sound without overwhelming other frequencies. The ANC performs exceptionally well in most environments, effectively silencing low-frequency hums and chatter. However, higher-pitched sounds like sirens occasionally pierce through. The call quality was consistently clear, even in windy conditions, thanks to the improved microphones and airflow design. Battery life met expectations, lasting approximately 6 hours on a single charge with ANC enabled. The charging case adds several more hours, making it suitable for all-day use.
The fit is comfortable for most ear shapes, although some users might require experimentation with different ear tips to find the perfect seal for optimal noise cancellation. The intuitive touch controls are responsive and customizable through the Nothing X app.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality with powerful bass.
- Effective hybrid ANC.
- Clear call quality.
- Comfortable fit for most users.
- Good battery life.
- Unique and stylish design.
Cons:
- ANC struggles with higher-frequency noises.
- Limited transparency mode options.
- Wired charging case only (lack of wireless charging).
The Nothing Ear (a) B162 offers a compelling package of features and performance. The improved sound quality, effective ANC, and clear call quality make them a strong contender in the competitive true wireless market. While some minor drawbacks exist, such as the limited transparency mode options and lack of wireless charging, these are easily overshadowed by the overall positive experience. I would confidently recommend the Nothing Ear (a) to anyone looking for a high-quality pair of true wireless earbuds with excellent sound and noise cancellation.
