Poco Buds: First TWS Earbuds Explained

Yes, the first true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds from Poco are called the Poco Pop Buds, launched in early 2021. They were a budget-friendly entry into the TWS market, offering basic features like touch controls and a charging case, but lacked active noise cancellation.

Background: Why Poco Entered the TWS Market

Poco, known primarily for its value-focused smartphones like the Poco X3 and F-series, expanded into audio accessories to complement its ecosystem. The Pop Buds were positioned as an affordable option for users who wanted the convenience of wireless earbuds without spending flagship prices. They competed directly with other budget TWS models from Xiaomi, Redmi, and Realme, leveraging Poco’s brand identity of delivering solid specs at aggressive price points.

Key Specifications of Poco Pop Buds

Here are the main specs that defined the original Poco Pop Buds:

Driver: 8mm dynamic driver
Bluetooth: Version 5.0
Battery life: Up to 5 hours on a single charge, 20 hours total with the case
Charging: USB-C port, quick charge (10 min for about 2 hours of playback)
Water resistance: IPX4 (splash-proof)
Controls: Touch controls on each earbud
Weight: Approx. 4.3g per earbud

Notably, they did not have active noise cancellation (ANC) or wireless charging, which were reserved for higher-priced models at the time.

How the Poco Pop Buds Work

The earbuds connect via Bluetooth 5.0 and support AAC and SBC codecs. Pairing is straightforward: take them out of the case, they enter pairing mode, and select them on your phone. Touch controls let you play/pause (tap twice), skip tracks (tap three times), and invoke a voice assistant (long press). The case itself has a physical button for manual pairing and a LED indicator for battery status.

There is no dedicated companion app for the Pop Buds; all features are accessible via the phone’s Bluetooth settings. This keeps the experience simple but limits customization like EQ adjustments or firmware updates.

How to Choose Your First TWS Earbuds

If you’re considering the Pop Buds or a similar budget TWS, here are the key factors to weigh:

Battery life: Check both earbud and case capacity. 20 hours total is decent, but 30+ is now common.
Comfort and fit: Eartip sizes matter. The Pop Buds come with three sizes, but some ears may not get a secure fit.
Sound quality: Look for driver size and codec support. AAC is good for iPhone, aptX is better for Android.
Latency: For gaming, low latency matters. The Pop Buds have a game mode that reduces delay, though it’s not always consistent.
Water resistance: IPX4 is fine for workouts, but not for swimming.

Common Problems and Fixes with Poco Pop Buds

Users have reported a few issues, and here are typical solutions:

One earbud not working: Reset by placing both buds in the case, press the button on the case for 10 seconds until the LED blinks red and white, then re-pair.
Connection drops: Ensure no obstructions between phone and earbuds, and keep the phone’s Bluetooth stack updated.
Poor microphone quality: The mics are basic; use them in quiet environments for calls.
Touch controls unresponsive: Clean the touch surface and make sure your fingers are dry.

Poco Pop Buds vs. Later Poco TWS Models

Poco later released the Poco Buds (2022) and Poco Buds Pro, which added features like ANC, longer battery life (up to 30 hours), and Bluetooth 5.2. The original Pop Buds are now outdated in specs, but they remain a reference point for Poco’s audio line. If you’re buying used, expect a shorter battery lifespan due to aging lithium cells.

Safety and Care Tips for TWS Earbuds

To extend the life of any TWS earbuds:

Do not expose to extreme heat or direct sunlight for long periods.
Clean earwax from the mesh regularly with a dry cotton swab.
Store in the case when not in use to avoid dust and damage.
Use the provided charging cable; avoid third-party fast chargers that may overheat the case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Poco Pop Buds still available to buy?

They have been discontinued in most markets, but you may find them on second-hand platforms. However, newer models like the Poco Buds offer better features for a similar price, so it’s usually worth paying a little more.

Do Poco Pop Buds have active noise cancellation?

No, they do not. They only provide passive isolation from the silicone tips. If you need ANC, consider the Poco Buds Pro or other budget ANC earbuds.

Can I use one earbud independently?

Yes, you can use either the left or right earbud alone for calls or music. Just take one out of the case and it will connect in mono mode.

How do I reset my Poco Pop Buds?

Place both earbuds in the charging case, keep the lid open, and press and hold the button on the case for about 10 seconds until the LED flashes red and white. Then close the lid and re-pair with your device.

Are Poco Pop Buds good for gaming?

They have a low-latency game mode that reduces audio delay, but it’s not as effective as dedicated gaming earbuds. For casual gaming, they are acceptable; for competitive play, look for earbuds with a dedicated low-latency codec.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

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