vivo TWS Earphone Neo unveiled with BT5.2, aptX Adaptive and low latency mode

Vivo unveiled the TWS Earphone Neo to go along with the X50 phones. This true wireless headset makes use of a 4th generation Qualcomm chip designed specifically for TWS applications.

vivo TWS Earphone Neo

It’s based on Bluetooth 5.2 technology, which enables aptX Adaptive for “near CD quality” audio (vivo’s words). Low latency is the other advantage of sticking with wires, but vivo has that covered too – the new headset can automatically switch to 88ms low latency mode, a boon for gaming and video calls (longer delays cause the speaker’s lips and their voice to go out of sync).

The vivo TWS Earphone Neo has 14.2mm drivers, fairly large for wireless buds. You can tune their sound to your liking with three DeepX modes – one that optimizes bass, one tuned for voice and one focused on high frequencies.

A two microphone system does noise cancellation during voice calls and the buds have been designed in such a way that some ambient sound makes its way to your ears so that you remain aware of your environment. They are IP54 rated as well, meaning rain and sweat proof.

The buds feature touch controls and can summon a digital assistant. Taking a page out of Apple’s playbook, vivo phones can detect and seamlessly set up the headset the first time you activate it.

Each bud has enough battery life for 5.5 hours if you’re using the standard AAC codec. If you go for the higher quality aptX Adaptive, however, the listening time drops to 4.2 hours. The charging case can extend listening time to up to 27 hours (the case itself is charged through a USB-C port).

The vivo TWS Earphone Neo is available in China, the price in CNY 500 ($70/€63). Check out the official vivo store if you’re interested.