- Upgraded ANC: Claims 55dB of active noise cancellation, a jump from its predecessor's 49dB, promising better isolation from city commutes and office noise.
- High-End Audio Codec: Supports the LHDC 5.0 Bluetooth codec for high-resolution audio streaming, a feature typically found in pricier earbuds.
- Marathon Battery: Offers total battery life up to 54 hours with the charging case, a big deal for anyone who hates plugging in.
OPPO's new Enco Air 5 Pro earbuds are gunning for the mid-range crown. They take features usually reserved for flagship models, like high-res audio support and serious noise cancellation, and stuff them into a package that won't break the bank. It's a direct shot at value-focused listeners and daily commuters who are sick of choosing between good sound and a quiet seat.
OPPO Enco Air 5 Pro Review: Overview
Here's the pitch: the Enco Air 5 Pro is the next version of OPPO's popular Air series, meant to replace last year's Enco Air 4 Pro. It just launched in China. The goal is to deliver a premium audio experience that focuses on two things: drowning out the world and lasting all week on a charge, all while staying out of flagship price territory. If you care about high-resolution audio specs and need earbuds that can survive a long commute without dying, OPPO built these for you.
| Specification | Details (Enco Air 5 Pro) |
|---|---|
| Driver Size | 12.4mm Dynamic Driver (Titanium-plated coil) |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Up to 55dB |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Audio Codecs | LHDC 5.0, AAC, SBC |
| Battery Life (Total with Case) | Up to 54 hours (ANC off) |
| Microphones | 6 total (3 per earbud) with AI Call Noise Reduction |
| Hi-Res Audio Certification | Yes |
Design, Build, and Comfort
We haven't seen the final design yet, but it'll almost certainly follow the stem-style look of the last model. For India, two things really matter: sweat resistance and fit. You'll want at least an IPX4 rating to handle humidity and workouts, and a secure fit that doesn't hurt after a few hours. If OPPO skimps on the IP rating, that's a major miss for anyone who wants to use these at the gym or during a monsoon-season walk.
Core Audio Performance and ANC
This is where OPPO wants to win. The earbuds use 12.4mm drivers with titanium-plated coils, which should mean clearer, more detailed sound. But the real story is LHDC 5.0 support. That's a Bluetooth codec for high-res, low-latency audio. If you've got a compatible Android phone, this is a legit upgrade for wireless music quality.
Noise Cancellation Upgrade
The noise cancellation specs got a serious bump. OPPO claims up to 55dB of ANC, up from 49dB on the old model. They also say it blocks a wider range of frequencies. In practice, that should mean these earbuds are better at muffling the low rumble of a bus engine and the annoying mid-range chatter in a crowded cafe.
Call Quality
With three mics on each earbud and AI noise reduction, these are built for noisy calls. Think about taking a call on a busy street or in a windy auto-rickshaw, this tech is supposed to make sure the person on the other end can actually hear you.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a headline feature. OPPO promises up to 54 hours total with the charging case when ANC is off. That's a solid jump from the last model's 44 hours. For a typical user, that could mean two weeks between charges. Now, turn ANC on or stream with LHDC, and that number will drop, probably by about half. But even then, you're still looking at several days of use for a commuter, which is pretty great.
Features, Software, and Compatibility
You'll likely control these through OPPO's "HeyMelody" app. That's where you'll tweak settings, pick ANC modes, and get firmware updates. A handy feature from past models is "Find My Earbuds," which makes the buds play a sound if you lose them under the couch.
Ecosystem Considerations for India
Here's the catch for Indian buyers. These will work with any phone for basic Bluetooth and ANC. But if you want the best stuff, like that fancy LHDC 5.0 audio, you need an Android phone that supports it. iPhones are stuck with the older AAC codec. And features like seamless pairing or a gaming mode will probably work best if you're already using an OPPO, OnePlus, or Realme phone.
Note: The product has been announced for China. For India, BIS certification is required before sale. All features, including the companion app availability and specific codec support, are subject to confirmation upon the official Indian launch.
Pros and Cons
What We Like
- Powerful ANC Specs: The 55dB claim is serious and should make a noticeable difference in loud places.
- High-Res Audio Support: LHDC 5.0 is a premium feature you don't usually see at this price.
- Exceptional Battery Life: 54 hours total is a massive convenience factor.
- Strong Call Tech: Six mics with AI cleanup means these should be great for calls.
What Could Be Better
- Ecosystem Agnosticism: The full experience is still tied to OPPO's family of phones.
- Codec Dependency: Your phone needs to support LHDC 5.0, or this key feature is wasted.
- Unconfirmed Durability: No IP rating mentioned yet. Without one, they're not for workouts.
How It Compares to Rivals
| Model | OPPO Enco Air 5 Pro | EarFun Air Pro 4 | OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approx. Price | ~CNY 300 (Est. INR 3,500-4,000) | ~INR 5,999 | ~INR 4,999 |
| ANC | Up to 55dB | Adaptive Hybrid ANC | Up to 50dB (Typical) |
| Hi-Res Codec | LHDC 5.0 | LDAC, aptX Lossless | LHDC (likely) |
| Battery (Total) | Up to 54 hours | Up to 52 hours | Up to 40 hours (Est.) |
| Key Strength | High ANC depth, LHDC 5.0, Battery | Wide codec support (LDAC, aptX) | Ecosystem integration with OnePlus |
| Platform Bias | Best with OPPO/Android (for LHDC) | Excellent for multi-brand Android | Best with OnePlus/OPPO |
On paper, the Enco Air 5 Pro goes toe-to-toe with champs like the EarFun Air Pro 4 and OnePlus's own buds. That 55dB ANC gives it a potential edge for blocking noise. But the EarFun supports LDAC and aptX, which are more common high-res codecs on Android phones. OPPO's play only works if the price is right. At around 4,000 rupees, it's a compelling package. If it creeps up near 5,000 rupees, you've got much tougher choices to make.
Price and Availability in India
The Enco Air 5 Pro is announced for China. We're waiting on official Indian dates and prices. Looking at the Chinese price of about 300 yuan, we can expect it to land here between 3,500 and 4,500 rupees.
| Variant | Expected Price (INR) | Colors (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| OPPO Enco Air 5 Pro | 3,500 - 4,500 | White, Black |
When it does launch, you'll find it on Amazon India and Flipkart, and probably in stores like Croma and Reliance Digital. Watch for the usual launch offers: bank discounts from HDFC or ICICI, no-cost EMI, and maybe a bundle deal if you're buying a new OPPO phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the OPPO Enco Air 5 Pro work well with my iPhone?
Yes, but only for basic Bluetooth and ANC. You won't get the high-quality LHDC 5.0 audio, so you're limited to the standard AAC codec.
Do I need an OPPO phone to use all its features?
No, but the best features, like seamless pairing and maybe a gaming mode, will work best or only work on OPPO or OnePlus phones.
Is the 54-hour battery life real?
That's OPPO's claim with ANC off. Real use with ANC on will cut that roughly in half, but it should still last multiple days.
What is the warranty and service center coverage in India?
OPPO usually gives a 1-year warranty on audio gear in India, and they have a wide service network to back it up.
How does it compare to the older Enco Air 4 Pro?
It's better across the board: stronger ANC (55dB vs 49dB), newer LHDC 5.0 audio, and more battery life (54 hours vs 44 hours).
When will it launch in India?
No official date yet. But OPPO usually brings these products to India a few weeks or months after the China announcement.
Final Verdict
On specs alone, the Enco Air 5 Pro looks like a winner. It brings high-end audio tech down to a mid-range price. For an Android user, especially one with an OPPO or OnePlus phone, the combo of strong noise cancellation and epic battery life is genuinely tempting. But here's the thing: if you're an iPhone user or have an Android phone that doesn't support LHDC, you're paying for a flagship feature you can't even use. At 4,000 rupees, it's an easy recommendation. Any higher, and you need to ask if you're really getting your money's worth.
Sources
- gizmochina.com
- versus.com
- gsmarena.com
- loudnwireless.com