The market for fully wireless acoustics is saturated with offerings, but it is Xiaomi’s entry-level models that set the bar for the mass consumer. When you pick up the Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2, you get a device that tries to combine minimalist design, sufficient autonomy and acceptable sound quality at a price that often seems wrong.
In this review, we will examine in detail whether to spend money on this model in the current realities, or better look at the direction of newer analogues. Particular attention will be paid not only to the subjective sensations of listening, but also to technical nuances: from coding protocols to hidden features that are not written about in the official instructions. Bluetooth 5.0 is stable here, but there are nuances that every owner should know.
You'll learn how to pair properly if the headphones have stopped seeing each other, and what hidden commands can change the way the microphone works. It's not just a retelling of the specs off the box, but a real-world experience that will help you make the most of your gadget. Ready to dive into the world of budget but functional audio?
Design and Ergonomics: What's Inside the Case
The Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 looks very minimalist, typical of Xiaomi’s ecosystem. The glossy white plastic of the case looks stylish, but alas, it’s a magnet for dust and small scratches. The shape of the case is rounded, it fits easily in the palm of your hand, but the lack of wireless charging and USB Type-C port (used by Micro-USB) in 2026 already feels like a serious compromise. You’ll have to carry a separate cable or adapter if you switch to modern smartphones.
The headphones themselves have a classic leg-rod, which ensures a reliable fixation in the ear, thanks to the physical support. Each module weighs only 4.1 grams, which makes them almost weightless when worn for long periods. However, the fit here is universal, and for some users with very small ear canals they may seem large.
⚠️ Attention: the glossy surface of the case quickly loses its presentation. It is recommended immediately after purchase to paste the case with a transparent protective film or use a silicone case, otherwise after a month of operation you will get a network of micro scratches.
The ergonomics of the control are physical buttons on the headphone leg. The presses are clear, they have a pleasant tactile response, but they require some force, which can push the earphone a little deeper into the ear, a trade-off that you have to make for the lack of sensors, which in the budget segment often work incorrectly.
- 🎧 The classic shape of the "legs" provides good fixation in the ear even when running.
- 💾 The case is compact in size, but takes up more space in the pocket due to the shape of the soap box".
- 🔌 Using an outdated Micro-USB connector for charging causes inconvenience.
- 🎨 The glossy coating looks premium only in the first days of use.
Technical characteristics and sound quality
At the heart of Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbudsuds Basic 2, the acoustic system is a 7.2mm dynamic driver with a composite aperture. It states a frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz, which is the standard for human hearing. The sound here is tuned with a clear bias to low frequencies: basses are dense, humming, sometimes even redundant for genres like classics or jazz. Vocal is present, but sometimes lost against a background of powerful bottom, especially at high volume.
Supported codecs are limited to basic SBC and more advanced AAC. For iPhone owners, this is a great option, since iOS works perfectly with AAC, providing decent signal quality. However, audiophiles waiting for aptX or LDAC support will be disappointed - in this price segment, such technologies do not apply. Dynamic range allows you to comfortably listen to music in noisy transport, although passive noise reduction works mediocrely here.
The Hidden Possibilities of Codecs
The microphone part is implemented using noise reduction technology during conversation ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation: In a quiet room, the person can hear you clearly, but in the wind or in the subway, the voice can float and turn metal. TWS-models where software processing of sound does not keep up with sudden changes in the acoustic environment.
| Parameter | Meaning | Comment by the expert |
|---|---|---|
| Driver type | Dynamic 7.2 mm | Gives a powerful bass, but less detailed high |
| Bluetooth version | 5.0 | Stable connection, low power consumption |
| Codecs. | SBC, AAC | Optimal for streaming services |
| Waterproofing | IPX4 | Protection from sweat and splashes, but not from immersion |
| Delay (Latency) | ~100-150 ms | Notable in games, suitable for video |
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The sound in Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 is aimed at the mass listener who loves bass music and podcasts, but is not suitable for critical listening to complex compositions.
Instructions for connecting and resetting settings
The Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 is paired with the device in the standard algorithm, but it is important to follow all the steps sequentially to avoid desynchronization of the left and right channel. First, remove both headphones from the case — they must automatically enter pairing mode, as reported by a fast flashing indicator. If you connect to Android, the system will offer a setting window; for iOS, you will need to go to the Bluetooth menu.
Often, users have a problem when only one headphone is running or they can't see each other. In this case, a full reset is required. To do this, place both headphones in the case, make sure they charge, and tap on the touch areas of both headphones simultaneously, holding them for about 20 seconds. Indicators should blink several times, signaling a return to factory settings.
☑️ The correct reset algorithm (Hard Reset)
After reset, you have to redo (mating). Importantly, don't plug the headphones into the phone immediately after you've removed it. Give them 3-5 seconds to find each other. Usually the left earpiece acts as the master, and the right earpiece connects to the master, and then the pair connects to the smartphone.
- 📱 Remove old pairing in Bluetooth settings before reconnecting.
- 🔋 Make sure your case and headphones are at least 30% charged before resetting.
- ⏱️ Hold the pause after extracting from the case for channel synchronization.
- 🔄 If you have problems, try resetting the network settings on the smartphone itself.
Autonomy and Charging Features
One of the main trump cards of the Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 model is the declared autonomy. The manufacturer promises up to 4 hours of continuous music playback on a single charge, and the case allows you to extend this time by another 10 hours. In practice, these figures are strongly dependent on volume: at 60-70% of volume, the headphones really hold about 3.5-4 hours, which is a great indicator for its class.
The case charges for a long time — the full cycle takes about 1.5 hours through the Micro-USB port. The lack of fast charging is compensated by the low power consumption of the modules themselves. It is important to note that the indicator on the case shows only the charging process of the case itself, but does not inform about the level of charge of the headphones inside, which creates some discomfort when planning a listening session.
⚠️ Warning: Do not leave your headphones in the case on long-term charging after a full cycle (more than 12 hours), especially if you use a cheap power supply.
To extend the life of the battery, try not to discharge the headphones "to zero." TWS-In headsets, you can tolerate frequent short recharges rather than full discharge cycles. If you don't plan on using your headphones for longer than a week, leave them charged at the level. 50-60%.
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To find out exactly what the charge is, install the Mi Earbuds app (or third-party analogues like Material Pods) – they display the percentage of charge of each headphone separately, which is not done by the standard Android menu.
Comparison with competitors and modifications
Compared to rivals like the Haylou GT1 or QCY T1C, the Basic 2 is benefiting from a more recognizable brand and slightly better body ergonomics. However, compared to the newer Xiaomi Redmi Buds 3 Lite, the Basic 2 loses in terms of connector type (Type-C vs. Micro-USB) and the availability of an equalizer tuning app, often boiling down to the price difference at the time of purchase.
Many confuse the regular version of Basic 2 with the version of 2S. The "S" modification received support for low latency and wireless charging, but retained the same driver. If you are a gamer, overpaying for the version of 2S will be justified, since in a regular Basic 2, the audio delay in games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile can reach a noticeable 150 ms.
While Huawei or Samsung require their applications to fully disclose functionality, Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 is “Plug and Play” based on the principle of “Plug and Play”. All control (track switching, calling the assistant) is tied to mechanical buttons and does not require the installation of additional software, which is a plus for fans of minimalism.
- 🆚 Version. 2S Supports wireless charging and low pingoma.
- 📉 Compared to QCY T1C, Basic 2 has a better microphone, but a worse app.
- 💰 Prices often fluctuate, making them the market leader or outsider.
- 🎮 For games, it is better to pay extra for a model with aptX Low Latency, if there is one.
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
Despite its reliability, the Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 has typical sores. The most common is a quiet sound in one of the headphones. This is often due not to a breakage, but to contamination of the metal mesh with earwax. Careful cleaning with a soft brush and alcohol (without pouring the speaker!) often returns the volume to its previous level.
The second problem is spontaneous shutdown at low volume, and this is a feature of energy saving algorithms: if the signal is too quiet, the controller can decide that the earphone is not in the ear and turn off, and the solution is to keep the volume above minimum or use an equalizer to increase the quiet frequency level.
⚠️ Warning: If the headphones start cracking or wheezing at maximum volume, don't try to "design" them. This is a sign of damage to the driver membrane, and further use at high volume will knock the speaker out.
Users also note periodic connection breaks in crowded areas, due to overloading of the 2.4 GHz band. Try switching your Wi-Fi router at home to a 5 GHz channel to free up the air for Bluetooth connection. Sometimes it helps to turn off the Absolute Volume function in the Android developer menu.
The final verdict: to take or not to take?
Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 is the workhorse of wireless audio. They won’t surprise you with space sound or premium materials, but they will do their job honestly: provide wireless music throughout the day. For students, amateur athletes and office workers, it’s still one of the best deals on the market, if you ignore the outdated charging connector.
If you prioritize connectivity and predictability, these headphones are a great choice, but if you're an audiophile or a gamer who needs minimal latency, you'd better look at the higher end of the spectrum, and in their price range, they set a high bar that competitors are still trying to jump over.
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Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 remains relevant as a reliable first-time wireless experience device or a backup headset, but requires careful handling of the charging port.