How the AirPods Pro 3 Changes 'How You Hear'—A Deep Dive into Noise Cancellation, Heart Rate Sensors, and Live Translation
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I often hear people say, 'I don't know which one to buy' when choosing earphones. Wireless earphones, in particular, have similar price ranges and spec sheets, which often leaves people feeling exhausted while comparing them. In this article, we will focus on the Apple AirPods Pro 3 and take a deep dive into its features based on publicly available manufacturer information. Without exaggeration, I will clearly outline both its strengths and who it is 'not for,' so please use this as a reference before making your purchase.
Who is this article written for?
It is intended for people like the following:
Those who want to prioritize noise reduction during their commute to work or school
Those who want to track their heart rate during workouts
Those who travel abroad frequently or interact in foreign languages often
Those interested in hearing aid-like features (making surrounding sounds easier to hear)
Those who want to unify their music and calling environment with Apple products (primarily iPhone)
Conversely, if you primarily use Android or do not want to invest that much in earphones, there is a possibility of a mismatch, so I will touch on that in the latter half.
Summarizing the key points of the AirPods Pro 3 first
To conclude, the AirPods Pro 3 is a model that has evolved in three directions: 'improved noise cancellation performance,' 'addition of health management features,' and 'translation capabilities.' According to manufacturer information, the following are cited as the main points.
Active noise cancellation has been enhanced, and it is said that the reduction range of unwanted noise has increased compared to the previous model
New ear tips are available in 5 sizes, designed to improve fit stability
Equipped with a heart rate sensor, it can track heart rate and calories burned during supported workouts
It supports live translation, and it is said that conversation support utilizing Apple Intelligence is possible
It uses a case that supports USB-C charging
When using the hearing support features with Transparency mode, up to 10 hours of continuous playback is said to be possible (up to 8 hours with noise cancellation enabled).
The price range generally hovers in the low 40,000 yen range, but since it fluctuates depending on the time and seller, please be sure to check the current displayed price before purchasing.
!AirPods Pro 3 package image
About Noise Cancellation and Sound Quality
According to manufacturer information, noise cancellation performance is said to be improved compared to previous models. In addition, the acoustic design has been revised, with explanations stating that bass expression and the separation of individual instruments have been enhanced. This is a feature that is likely to be effective in situations where ambient noise is a concern, such as on commuter trains or in the office.
On the other hand, the perceived effect of noise cancellation depends on the fit and the seal of the ear tips, so depending on the shape of your ears, you may not get the expected results. The fact that ear tips are available in five sizes is likely a response to this issue, but 'fit' is still a subjective matter that varies from person to person.
Heart Rate Sensor and Workout Features
It is equipped with a heart rate sensor, which is said to be able to measure heart rate and calories burned during 50 types of supported workouts. When linked with an iPhone, it is designed to allow you to check your activity rings and step count as well.
For those who make running or gym training a habit, the ability to obtain a certain amount of data with just the earphones without having to purchase a separate fitness band can be a benefit. However, when compared to dedicated fitness trackers or smartwatches, there may be differences in measurement accuracy and the types of supported exercises, so if your goal is serious training management, it is worth considering using it in conjunction with dedicated equipment.
Live Translation and Hearing Support Features
The live translation feature, which utilizes Apple Intelligence, is said to support communication in multiple languages. This could be a convenient feature for those who travel abroad or go on business trips frequently, but since there are parts where details are not clear from public information alone regarding the range of supported languages and translation accuracy, it is safer for those planning to use it to check the latest support status before purchasing.
It is also said to be equipped with a feature that automatically reduces harsh ambient sounds (such as sirens or construction noise) and adaptive equalization that adjusts how you hear based on the shape of your ears. These are useful features for those who want to be mindful of their hearing condition, but it must be understood that they do not replace hearing aids as medical devices.
Who is it for, and who is it not for?
It is considered suitable for the following types of people:
People who use an iPhone daily and value the integration between Apple products.
People who frequently use noise cancellation during their commute or while working.
People who want to handle simple heart rate management during workouts using just their earphones.
People who would find translation assistance helpful for interactions with overseas contacts.
On the other hand, it may not be suitable for the following types of people:
People who primarily use Android devices (as some features may be designed with the iPhone in mind, it is necessary to check for compatibility).
Those seeking professional-grade fitness tracking (dedicated fitness trackers may offer superior accuracy and functionality).
Those who do not want to spend this price range on earphones (more affordable models may be sufficient for some).
Those who are concerned about the fit of truly wireless earphones (trying them on or checking user reviews for fit is recommended).
Points to check before purchasing
When you are unsure about your decision, it is helpful to organize your thoughts by checking the following in order.
Whether your current smartphone is an iPhone and if it meets the required OS version.
The main scenarios where you will use noise cancellation (commuting trains, office, outdoors, etc.) and the noise levels in those environments.
How much you prioritize heart rate monitoring during workouts and whether you need to use it in conjunction with dedicated equipment.
How often you will actually use the live translation feature.
The current retail price and past price fluctuations (such as during sales periods).
Whether the USB-C charging case is compatible with your current charging setup.
By checking these one by one, the 'value for you' that is not easily visible from a spec sheet will become clear.
Considering other options
Since the AirPods Pro 3 may not always be the optimal choice, it is a good idea to include the following alternatives in your considerations.
If your primary environment is Android, noise-canceling earphones in the same price range from other manufacturers may be easier to utilize to their full potential.
If your goal is professional-grade fitness management, smartwatches with heart rate sensors or chest-worn sensors may have an advantage in terms of accuracy.
If you want to keep your budget down, it is worth comparing previous models or mid-range earphones from other companies.
If you prioritize interpretation and translation, using dedicated translation devices or apps in combination is also a factor to consider.
Summary
The AirPods Pro 3 is positioned as a model that offers more than just music playback, featuring enhanced noise cancellation, a built-in heart rate sensor, and support for live translation. However, because it assumes a high level of integration with the iPhone, and because evaluations of fitness tracking accuracy and the practicality of translation features may vary depending on your usage environment, it is worth careful consideration.
Please consider your purchase after checking whether these features are truly necessary for your usage based on the points above.
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