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  3. FreeBuds SE 5 MAX vs P42i

Huawei FreeBuds SE 5 MAX vs Soundcore P42i

What FreeBuds SE 5 MAX does better (1) and where P42i wins (4) — every spec side by side.

Huawei FreeBuds SE 5 MAX
Huawei · 2026FreeBuds SE 5 MAX
8.9Score
1 advantage≈ $45
vs
Soundcore P42i
Soundcore · 2026P42i
9.4Score
4 advantages≈ $65
Higher score
4.4Sound8.5
7.2Noise control & calls5.8
7.8Battery9.3
8.9Build & features8.8

Why is FreeBuds SE 5 MAX better than P42i?

  1. Earbud weight (each)4.3 g vs 4.4 g+2%

Why is P42i better than FreeBuds SE 5 MAX?

  1. Battery life10 h vs 12 h+20%
  2. Battery life with ANC7 h vs 8.5 h+21%
  3. Highest frequency20,000 Hz vs 40,000 Hz2×
  4. Driver size10 mm vs 11 mm+10%
Specifications

Side by side

Soundcore P42iSoundcore P42i≈ $659.4
Sound
FitIn-earIn-ear
Ear cup design—Closed-back
Driver typeDynamicDynamic
Driver size10 mm11 mm
Lowest frequency20 Hz20 Hz
Highest frequency20,000 Hz40,000 Hz
Impedance—14 Ω
Hi-Res AudioYesYes
Adjustable equaliserYesYes
Noise control
Active noise cancellingYesYes
Adaptive ANC—Yes
Transparency / ambient modeYesYes
Microphones—6
Noise reduction for calls—Yes
Battery & charging
Battery life10 h12 h
Battery life with ANC7 h8.5 h
Total with charging case—56 h
Charging time—1 h
Quick charge (claimed)—10 min → 3.5 h
Fast charging support—Yes
Wireless charging (case)—Yes
Connectivity
WirelessYesYes
Bluetooth version66.1
Bluetooth codecsLDAC, AAC, SBCLDAC, AAC, SBC
Hi-res codec (LDAC / aptX HD / LHDC)YesYes
aptXNoNo
LDACYesYes
Multipoint (two devices)YesYes
USB-CYesYes
Design & build
Earbud weight (each)4.3 g4.4 g
Protection ratingIP55IP55
Water resistance (IPx)IPx5IPx5
Dust protection (IP)55
Colours—Black, Oat White, Navy Blue, Purple
Features
Touch controlsYesYes
Hands-free callsYesYes
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