Choosing quality wireless headphones from the Chinese giant often turns into a complex puzzle due to the huge number of models that differ from each other only by a few characters in the name. This is the situation that many users faced when the Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 and their updated version of Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2S appeared on the market.
But the devil is often in the details that directly affect sound quality, connectivity and usability in everyday life, and visual similarities are often misleading, leading customers to choose products solely for price or availability, ignoring important technical nuances.
In this article, we will conduct an in-depth analysis to see if you should overpay for the S version, or if the base model is still king of the budget segment, and we will look at hardware improvements, software changes, and real-world use cases that will help you make an informed decision.
Visual similarity and design features
Both models are made in a classic form factor for the series with a leg reminiscent of the design of Apple AirPods. the case of the charging case has a glossy surface, which, unfortunately, is a fingerprint magnet, but looks premium. Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2S inherited the ergonomics of its predecessor, which is more of a plus, since the landing in the ear of the original model was appreciated by users very highly.
On the front of the case, there's an LED light that changes color depending on the charging status, and inside, you have contacts to recharge the headphones. The mechanism for opening the lid is the same, with a characteristic click. Each headphone weighs about 4.7 grams, which allows you to wear them for a long time without discomfort.
⚠️ Note: Despite the external identity, the internal layout of the board in the version 2S It has been modified to support new protocols, so you can’t replace parts between models during repairs.
The headphone leg controls are very well-moved, but they need to be used up, and unlike touch-sensitive models, they use mechanical pressing, which eliminates random activation when the earphone is corrected, a mechanical solution that many users find more reliable and predictable in operation.
The package is also the same: in the box you will find the case itself, headphones, USB-C cable and two additional pairs of mounts of different sizes. The lack of wireless charging as standard for both models is the norm for this price segment, although some competitors have already begun to implement this feature.
Sound quality and codec support
The most significant difference lies in the technical part of the audio streaming: the base model of Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 supports standard SBC and AAC codecs, which provides acceptable quality for most listeners. However, for audiophiles or users of high-level Android smartphones, this may not be enough to unlock the potential of lossless tracks.
Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2S has received support for the aptX Adaptive codec, which is a significant step forward.This codec allows you to dynamically change the bitrate depending on the signal reception conditions, providing stable connection and high sound quality even in the noisy radio air of the metropolis.
The difference in sound is noticeable when listening to songs with a large number of instruments: in the 2S version, the sound becomes more detailed, there is depth in low frequencies and clarity in high frequencies. Adaptive bitrate also helps to minimize the latency of sound when watching videos or playing mobile games, which is critical for multimedia use.
It’s worth noting that to work with aptX Adaptive, your smartphone also needs to support this codec. If you have an iPhone or a budget Android, you won’t feel the difference in codecs, and both models will sound almost the same through AAC.
Active noise reduction system (ANC)
Both models feature a hybrid active noise reduction system that uses microphones both outside and inside the headphone case to analyze external noise, with a noise reduction depth of 35 dB, which is an excellent indicator for this class of devices, and the ANC algorithms in both versions are aimed at cutting off low-frequency hums, such as engine noise from an airplane or subway.
Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2S has improved its algorithmic signal processing, and it is more responsive to sudden changes in external noise, such as when you walk out of a quiet room into a noisy street, making the transition between modes less noticeable to the user's ear.
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For maximum noise reduction efficiency, press the earphone tightly against your ear – even a small gap can significantly reduce the efficiency of ANC microphones.
Transparency Mode is also present in both devices, allowing you to skip external sounds so you can talk to someone or hear an ad in transport without taking your headphones off. In version 2S, it works more naturally, with fewer digital artifacts in your voice.
- 🔇 Hybrid ANC effectively combats the hum of transport and air conditioning in the office.
- 👂 Transparency mode allows you to hear the world without removing headphones.
- 🌪️ Improved Algorithms in the Version 2S They adapt to changing noise faster.
Autonomy and working time
The issue of autonomy is always acute for users of fully wireless headphones. Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 offer up to 5 hours of operation with noise cancellation on and up to 20 hours in total with a case. These are standard indicators that allow you to comfortably survive a working day or a long trip.
Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2S, thanks to the more energy-efficient Qualcomm chipset, is performing better. The continuous playback time of music with active ANC reaches 6.5 hours, and with the case, the total run time is increased to 24-28 hours, this energy efficiency is achieved by optimizing data transfer processes and power management.
| Characteristics | AirDots Pro 2 | AirDots Pro 2S |
|---|---|---|
| Working hours (ANC on) | 5:00 | 6.5 hours |
| Case time shared | 20 hours | 28 hours |
| Case charging time | ~2 hours | ~2 hours |
| Fast charging. | 10 min = 1 hour | 10 min = 1.5 hours |
Both models support fast charging: just 10 minutes in a case gives you about an hour and a half of listening, which saves you in situations where you forgot to charge the device before you left. The USB-C port is located on the bottom edge of the case, which is convenient for connecting the cable.
⚠️ Attention: Using headphones at maximum volume significantly reduces battery life, so it is recommended to keep the volume level 60-70% Balance between sound quality and duration of operation.
Annex and programme functions
To fully customize the headphones, you need to install the Xiaomi Earbuds app (or use the built-in functionality in MIUI/HyperOS). Through the application, you can switch noise reduction modes, adjust the equalizer and update the firmware. The application interface is the same for both models, but the functionality of the 2S version can be expanded in future updates.
The app has a Low Latency Mode feature, which is particularly important for gamers: Enabling this mode via the app menu or triple tapping on the touchpad reduces the sound delay to a minimum, synchronizing in-game shots with the visual range.
☑️ Headphone setup
Also in the app, you can find the "Hearburst Search" feature, which will help locate the device if you lost it nearby. The geolocation of the last known location is saved in history, which increases the chances of returning a lost item.
Gesture control is flexible: you can assign double, triple or hold to call an assistant, switch tracks or activate noise cancellation. However, the lack of volume control by touching the leg is a disadvantage for both models, since the volume has to be adjusted on a smartphone.
Playing capabilities and sound delay
For mobile gamers, latency is a critical parameter. A normal Bluetooth connection often gives a delay of 150-200 ms, which is noticeable when shooting in shooters. Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2S with aptX Adaptive codec and game mode are able to reduce latency to 80 ms and below, which makes the game comfortable.
The base model of Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 also has a game mode, but due to the lack of support for advanced codecs, the stability of the connection can suffer in the face of severe interference. If you play primarily at home via Wi-Fi, the difference will be minimal, but on public transport, the 2S version will perform better.
The secret of the game mode
It is important to understand that none of the models is a specialized gaming headset with a microphone on a barbell, but for voice communication in Discord or Telegram, the quality of microphones is quite decent, although in a noisy room the interlocutor can hear background noise.
Final comparison and model selection
To sum up, Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2S is an evolutionary evolution of a successful model, with the main improvements being the internal chipset, aptX Adaptive support, and increased autonomy. If the price difference in your region is small (less than 15-20%), the S version is obvious.
However, if you don’t need high-resolution codec support (like listening to music on Spotify as standard or using an iPhone), the base Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 remains a great choice.
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The main criterion of choice is the support of your smartphone: if it does not support aptX, it makes sense to overpay for the 2S version only for the sake of an increased battery.
Both models are reliable. TWS-headphones with good sound and functionality that cover 90 percent of users, and the choice between them is more a matter of prioritizing performance and current market value.