After the Soundcore Life P2i came out and was recommended, it became clear what the I in Soundcore’s line of wireless earbuds stands for: real buttons. The Life P3i carries them on top of the stem. Even though they look like touch screens, you press them just like buttons.
Well-hidden and easy to use with sweaty fingers. While the brand doesn’t really advertise it, the Soundcore Life P3i is said to be IPX5 waterproof, meaning it survives a bit of rain and sweat.
As for the build quality, the P3i ticks all the boxes. The case and earbuds both feel sturdy and have a nice finish. The normal-sized case has a thick lid, an LED light on the front that shows how much battery life is left, and a USB-C charging port on the bottom. There is no support for wireless charging.
Specifications
- Bluetooth 5.2 with AAC codec
- IPX5 waterproof rating
- 6 – 9 hours listening on a single charge (ANC on/ off)
- Charging case can charge earpieces fully 4 times
- Comes with 3 sets of ear tips, USB-C cable, English manual
Where to get Soundcore Life P3i?
The stems are a bit thicker than the rest of the brands’ lineup, but they’re also shorter than the regular Soundcore Life P3’s, and look neat thanks to the shining metallic line in the middle of the stem. Still, the black version probably looks better than this creme-white colour scheme, which reminds me of a once-white wallpaper that turned yellow after a lot of smoking in the room. The oval part that goes in your ear is easy to wear for long periods of time.
Strong battery life. With ANC on, the earbuds can be used for up to 6 hours, and with it off, they can be used for up to 9 hours. The case can fully charge them up to four times before it needs new power. Transport seems to be the most effective ANC mode overall, dialling back deep low-frequency rumble like you’d hear on a plane or train quite effectively. But in situations with less deep low frequencies and more mids and highs, like a loud restaurant, it seems to almost boost the highs. Your favourite ANC mode will likely end up a matter of taste.
When it comes to sound quality, songs like “Silent Shout” by The Knife, which has a lot of deep bass, sound great through the earphones. They don’t distort at top, unwise volume levels, and still deliver some serious thump at moderate volumes. The highs, which are also shaped, work well with the lows.