Finally, *A* Replaceable Battery! - Pixel Buds 2a
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Promos
Get 20% off DeleteMe US consumer plans when you go to joindeleteme.com and use promo code ShortCircuit at checkout. DeleteMe International Plans: international.joindeleteme.com Google quietly did something worth celebrating: the Pixel Buds 2a case has a replaceable battery module. James opens it up, checks the sound, tests noise cancelling, and explores the in-settings EQ on Android to see if these cheaper buds are actually worth it. Buy the Google Pixel Buds 2a: geni.us Want us to unbox something? Make a suggestion at lmg.gg ► GET MERCH: lttstore.com ► GET A VPN: piavpn.com ► GET EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ON FLOATPLANE: lmg.gg ► SPONSORS, AFFILIATES, AND PARTNERS: lmg.gg Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group. Affiliate links powered in part by affilimate.com Linus Sebastian is an investor in Framework Computer, Inc CHAPTERS --------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Intro 0:23 Unboxing and first impressions 1:40 Case design 3:07 Teardown 4:03 Battery module 6:06 Fit test and comfort 7:32 Sponsor 8:08 Pairing and first listening impressions 9:41 Sound profile and frequency response 11:06 App settings 14:03 Battery life and final thoughts 15:19 Credits
The video opens with the host marveling at a major milestone in consumer electronics, noting that Google Pixel Buds 2a introduce a replaceable battery in the case, a feature that many will consider a meaningful step toward repairability. He examines what’s included in the retail package, noting the buds, tips in multiple sizes, and the absence of a charging cable, which he finds surprising. The teardown segment is the core of the video, where he pries open the case carefully to reveal two tiny screws and a battery module nestled inside a caddy. He walks through the physical design, the battery housing, and how the battery module connects to the pins inside the case, concluding that the actual replaceable component is likely the battery cartridge rather than the entire assembly. The host tests the buds for fit, comfort, and seal, comparing tips and ear shapes, and then powers the devices to assess pairing behavior, touch controls, and overall user experience. He then dives into the sound performance, presenting measurements and a qualitative assessment of bass, mids, and treble, noting a warm and bass-heavy profile with a noticeable upper-mid trough. The app and settings discussion follows, where he demonstrates Android’s built-in EQ and controls for noise cancellation, transparency, and touch gestures, highlighting the limited customization options and the absence of volume control via swipes. Finally, the reviewer weighs battery life, IP54 durability, and overall value, arguing that while the sound can be tuned to taste, the real appeal lies in the repair-friendly battery design, and he offers a cautious verdict about whether these are worth it for most buyers, especially compared to competitors. The video concludes with a reminder of the possibility of future repair support and a call to vote with your wallet by choosing devices that embrace repairability, along with a brief plug for other recent headset reviews in the channel ecosystem.
Topics · technology · consumer electronics · audio · repairability · wearables · android
Questions answered
- Do Pixel Buds 2a have a replaceable battery in the case, and is the battery itself replaceable by users?
- Yes, the Pixel Buds 2a case has a replaceable battery module. The reviewer notes that you can access and replace the battery cartridge inside the case, though the process may involve handling small screws and careful disassembly.
- How does the sound profile of Pixel Buds 2a compare to other models, and can you adjust it significantly?
- The sound is described as warm with ample bass and a trough in the upper mids, which affects the high frequency clarity. You can adjust the sound somewhat via Android’s built-in EQ, but there is no option to upload custom EQ presets or fully customize all parameters within a saved profile.
- What are the main limitations of the Pixel Buds 2a regarding controls and battery life?
- Controls are largely fixed, with limited adjustability in the app for long-press actions and no on-device volume control via swipes. The battery life totals about 14 to 20 hours with the case on, depending on ANC usage, which is moderate for this category.
- Why might viewers care about repairability in earbuds, according to this video?
- Viewers view repairability as a sustainable design principle that can extend product life and reduce waste. The video frames a replaceable battery in the case as a potential stepping stone toward more repair-friendly consumer tech, encouraging other manufacturers to adopt similar practices.