I tried out Anker's 'Soundcore C50i,' an ear cuff-style earphone that doesn't block the ear canal.
Soundcore C50i | Open-Ear Headphones Product Information | Anker Japan Official Online Store
https://www.ankerjapan.com/products/d1101?variant=45705595715745
◆Unboxing & Photo Review
This is what the Soundcore C50i package looks like.
The package contents include the Soundcore C50i headphones, a charging case, a USB-C to USB-A charging cable, a quick start guide, and a product warranty card.
The charging case is about this size when placed in the palm of your hand.
There's nothing particularly noteworthy on the surface.
There is only a USB-C port on the back for charging.
When I opened the lid, I found a Soundcore C50i inside.
This is what it looks like when you take it out. The main body (ear clip) has a very distinctive appearance, with components about the size of a small earphone connected by a bridge.
The ear clip for the left ear is shown below. The larger component on the left has a button that you can press to control the media player.
This is what it looks like from above. The bridge section is made of a highly flexible material, designed to fit snugly against the ear, ensuring comfort even when worn all day long.
When I turned them over, I found the speaker on the bottom of the smaller component and the charging terminal on the bottom of the larger component.
Upon checking the charging case, I found that it also has charging terminals.
◆I tried putting it on
When actually wearing them, the smaller component of the ear clip (the one with the speaker) should be on the inside of your ear, and the larger component (the one with the button) should be on the back of your ear. The smaller component is positioned similarly to how you would wear regular earphones, but because it's small, it doesn't fit snugly in your ear; instead, it sits slightly in front of your ear canal.
This is what it looks like behind the ear. It's larger and more noticeable than regular earphones, but I didn't find it heavy or painful when wearing it. However, people with thicker ears might feel some discomfort when wearing it.
◆I tried connecting it to my iPhone.
To use the Soundcore C50i, it's recommended to install the Soundcore app on your smartphone. The Soundcore app is available for free on the App Store and Google Play, but since we're using the Soundcore C50i on an iPhone, we installed the Soundcore app from the App Store.
Soundcore app - App Store
Soundcore - App on Google Play
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.oceanwing.soundcore
After installing the app, tap to launch it.
Tap '+ Add device'.
Tap 'Go to Settings'.
Then the iPhone's Settings app opened. Since the Soundcore C50i communicates with the smartphone via Bluetooth 6.0, I tapped 'Bluetooth'.
Remove the Soundcore C50i from its charging case.
Tap 'Soundcore C50i'.
Once 'Connected' is displayed, the connection with your iPhone is complete.
Open the Soundcore app again and tap 'Soundcore C50i'.
Adjust the mounting position according to the on-screen instructions. Swipe the screen to the left.
Tap 'Confirmed'.
Upon initial startup, you will be prompted to update the firmware, so tap 'Details'.
Tap 'Download'.
The Soundcore C50i firmware update then began. It was noted that the connection should not be disconnected or music played during the firmware update. Furthermore, placing the Soundcore C50i back in its case was also prohibited; the ear clips needed to be kept within 0.5 meters of the connected device. The firmware update was completed in a few minutes.
After the firmware update, the Soundcore C50i will restart, so please wait a few more minutes.
Once completed, the button at the bottom of the screen will change to a checkmark; tap it.
The initial setup is now complete. The Soundcore app allows you to configure three settings: 'Sound Effects,' 'Controls,' and 'Multipoint Connection.'
In 'Sound Effects,' you can freely change six different sound effects. Furthermore, you can create your own custom settings using the Custom EQ.
In 'Controls,' you can customize what actions are performed when you press a button.
'Multipoint connection' allows you to connect the Soundcore C50i to devices other than the one it is currently connected to.
◆I actually tried it out
The Soundcore C50i supports SBC/AAC/LDAC codecs and features a 12mm dynamic driver, delivering a powerful sound with a focus on bass. Playback time is up to 7 hours on a single charge, and up to 28 hours with the charging case. It also boasts an IP55 dust and water resistance rating.
One of the biggest concerns with the Soundcore C50i is, 'How much sound leaks out when actually using it?' So, I played a YouTube video of ' Nandacroki, ' where the alarm doesn't stop until the dog runs around and catches itself, and gradually increased the volume on my iPhone to see how long it took before the sound leakage became clearly audible.
Testing how much sound leaks from Anker's 'Soundcore C50i' ear cuff-style earphones - YouTube
In the video above, when the volume drops to about half, you can hear the 'beep beep beep' sound of the Nandacrokky. When I tested it with other videos and music, I could clearly hear the sound leakage when the iPhone's volume was about half. Even at a distance similar to a face-to-face conversation, it seems that the borderline for when the sound leakage becomes audible is above or below half volume. However, during a conversation, the sound leakage is drowned out by the voice, so unless you are playing music or videos at a very high volume, it seems unlikely that anyone will notice the sound leakage. Also, it leaks sound significantly more than canal-type or in-ear earphones, so it is definitely not suitable for use on crowded trains or similar places.
Since earphones are inserted into the ear canal, there's a clear difference in fit depending on the shape. However, with the Soundcore C50i, you simply clip them onto your ear, so the fact that they don't cause ear pain even when worn for extended periods is a significant advantage. The Soundcore C50i is recommended for people who find earphones that block the ear canal, such as canal-type or inner-ear earphones, uncomfortable, or for those who want to be able to talk or hear outside sounds while wearing earphones.
The 'Soundcore C50i' is also available on Amazon.co.jp for ¥12,990 (tax included).
Amazon.co.jp: Anker Soundcore C50i (Bluetooth 6.0) [Open-ear wireless earphones/ear cuff/IPX55 waterproof rating/up to 28 hours playback/LDAC compatible/multipoint connection] Off-white: Electronics & Camera
You can also get the Soundcore C50i from the following giveaway article.
GIGAZINE's Spring Giveaway Project: 'Answer the survey and take everything!' - GIGAZINE
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