I spent the last few weeks with the new Jabra Elite Sport, which the brand claim are the “…most technically advanced true wireless sports earbuds”. (TLDR: Yes, they are.)
Jabra are known for their product’s amazing audio quality. Their speakers and headsets are divine. Honestly, if they made seashells, I would listen to them for hours. Throw in a few elements for the fitness fanatics such as an in-ear heart rate monitor, real-time coaching and an automatic rep-counter – and you got yourself a very, very useful device.
#AllEarsMatter
The box contains three silicone gel earbuds, three foam earbuds and just to make sure they fit into every single human ear on the planet, they included three secure-fit ear wings as well.
While the audio quality is remarkable, with deep wholesome bass and crisp, clear mid and high tones, the earbuds also feature four microphones. These help you when you’re on a call and during a workout as well as the mics pick up ambient sound so you won’t get hit by a truck while jogging outdoors.
Despite amazing audio quality, an impressive battery life (3 hours continuous + two full charges from the case) the best feature is the Jabra Sport Life app that works in tandem with the earbuds. Here’s something that would make personal trainers start sweating a little more than their clients. For Dh999 you will have access to your own trainer – whispering into your ear.
There are pre-set workouts such as BellyBurn and ShoulderDay however, you can set your own as well. Don’t know how to do one? Worry not – there are images, and videos to guide you through the workout. Think you can cheat the tech? Nope, trust me I tried – the earbuds feature a rep counter thanks to an in-built tri-axis accelerometer that counts activity (crunches, push-ups etc.) based on movement.
It’s not perfect, but it’s the closest we have to perfect right now. Despite being priced on the higher side, i.e. Dh999, it is OK, considering how monthly membership at venues that, for example, put fitness first average at Dh300 – not to mention the cost of a personal trainer.
Another gripe I have with these earbuds is that the buttons to control them are rather firm, so toggling through music or its volume hurts your ear. If Jabra incorporated something similar the Samsung Gear IconX’s mini touch pad this would get its 5 stars.
Verdict:
The audio quality is as good, if not a bit better when compared to HTC’s Hi-Res audio earphones. I found the battery life, fitness tracking and app to be a better and more user-friendly when compared to Samsung’s IconX earbuds and the S Health app. The price would raise a few eyebrows, but I highly doubt you would suffer from buyer’s remorse if you do decide to splurge on these beauties.