The Creative Zen Air SXFI earbuds are affordable in-ear wireless headphones with useful features like IPX5 water resistance and a long-lasting battery. While these earbuds offer solid sound quality, some advanced features, such as Super X-Fi and Ambient Mode, may not fully deliver on their promises.
Quick Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Decent audio quality for the price
- IPX5 water resistance
- Impressive 39-hour battery life with charging case
Cons:
- Ineffective ANC (Active Noise Cancellation)
- Ambient Mode can worsen outside sounds
- Super X-Fi spatial audio isn’t very impactful
Creative Zen Air SXFI Earbuds: In-Depth Review
If you’re looking for affordable true wireless earbuds with extra features, the Creative Zen Air SXFI might catch your eye. These $79.99 / £69.99 earbuds pack in a lot of technology, from ANC to Creative’s Super X-Fi spatial audio. But do these earbuds live up to expectations?
1. Quick Overview
Price: $79.99 / £69.99 / AU$139.95
Release Date: June 2024
Battery Life: Up to 39 hours (12 hours per charge)
Waterproofing: IPX5 rating
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3
2. Design and Build Quality
Stylish and Lightweight
The Creative Zen Air SXFI earbuds feature a sleek, matte-gray finish with a small metallic Creative logo. The design resembles AirPods Pro, offering a comfortable fit with a slightly elongated body and lightweight construction.
Convenient Charging Case
The USB-C charging case is compact, has a four-point LED battery indicator, and includes a button for pairing. The case design has curved edges, so it’s easy to hold, but it may be slightly unsteady when standing upright.
IPX5 Water Resistance
These earbuds are rated IPX5, meaning they can resist water sprays, making them suitable for light workouts and rainy conditions.
3. Features and Functionality
Super X-Fi Audio and SXFI App
Creative’s Super X-Fi technology aims to create a “holographic” listening experience that emulates multi-speaker systems. The SXFI app personalizes sound based on your ear shape and is available for both desktop and mobile. While the technology is interesting, its effectiveness is limited in earbuds, especially in comparison to Creative’s over-ear models like the Zen Hybrid SXFI.
Active Noise Cancellation and Ambient Mode
The ANC on the Zen Air SXFI provides a minor reduction in ambient noise, mainly softening lower-level sounds. However, Ambient Mode was problematic during testing, often amplifying outside noise in a way that detracted from the listening experience.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| ANC | Basic, softens noise |
| Ambient Mode | Often distorts sound |
| Touch Controls | Tap to toggle modes |
Bluetooth 5.3 and Device Compatibility
With Bluetooth 5.3, the earbuds offer stable connectivity, efficient energy use, and the ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously. The earbuds experienced some initial pairing issues, but once connected, they stayed stable.
Feature Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)
4. Sound Quality
Warm, Clear Audio
The Zen Air SXFI earbuds deliver warm audio with decent clarity. The 10mm drivers are well-suited for pop and vocal-focused tracks, though they don’t offer the rich bass or expansive soundstage of higher-end models.
Super X-Fi Mode for Spatial Audio
Super X-Fi was more effective with podcasts than with music. When active, SXFI subtly adjusted the sound, making voices feel more immersive. However, for music, the impact of this spatial feature was minimal and sometimes affected the natural sound of instruments.
Frequency Range
With a frequency range of 20Hz-20kHz, the Zen Air SXFI earbuds cover the standard audio spectrum, performing best in mid-range frequencies. Bass enthusiasts may find the audio a bit lacking in low-end punch.
Sound Quality Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)
5. Battery Life and Charging
The Creative Zen Air SXFI earbuds have a competitive battery life, offering up to 39 hours total (12 hours per charge, with an additional 27 hours from the case). Battery life can be shortened with constant use of ANC or SXFI, but overall, it’s a strong point for these earbuds.
| Battery Life | Earbuds Only | With Charging Case |
|---|---|---|
| ANC Off | Up to 12 hours | Up to 39 hours |
| ANC On | Slightly reduced |
6. Pricing and Value
At a price point of $79.99, these earbuds pack in a lot of features. Bluetooth 5.3, IPX5 water resistance, touch controls, and an impressive battery life make them a reasonable buy for budget-conscious users.
Should You Buy the Creative Zen Air SXFI?
| Category | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Long battery life, stable Bluetooth, ANC | SXFI spatial audio and Ambient Mode disappoint |
| Sound Quality | Warm, clear sound for general use | Limited bass, SXFI not impactful for music |
| Value | Affordable with decent feature set | Basic ANC, flawed Ambient Mode |
Buy Them If…
- You prioritize battery life: Up to 39 hours with the case.
- You don’t rely heavily on ANC: The earbuds offer a bit of noise reduction but won’t silence your environment.
- SXFI isn’t essential: The spatial audio feature is there, but not a major selling point for music lovers.
Don’t Buy Them If…
- You need robust ANC: The ANC implementation here is minimal.
- You make frequent calls: Ambient Mode often disrupts call clarity.
Alternatives to Consider
| Model | Price | Noise Cancellation | Battery Life | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WF-C510 | $59.99 | No | Up to 22 hours | Comfortable fit, good sound |
| Nothing Ear (1) | $99 | Yes | Up to 42.5 hours | Premium looks, effective ANC |
The Sony WF-C510 is a cheaper option with great comfort and sound but lacks ANC. The Nothing Ear (1) offers ANC and long battery life at a slightly higher price, with an impressive app and sound quality that competes with the Zen Air SXFI.
Conclusion
The Creative Zen Air SXFI earbuds are budget-friendly and stylish, with respectable sound quality, IPX5 water resistance, and reliable Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. The addition of features like ANC and Super X-Fi might add appeal, but they’re more aspirational than functional, especially for users expecting powerful noise-cancellation or immersive audio.
For under $100, you’ll find better ANC and richer sound elsewhere. However, if you’re seeking a budget-friendly option with good battery life and decent sound for general listening, these could be worth considering.