There are more and more affordable models on the noise-canceling headphone market, and the OneOdio Focus A5 targets exactly this segment with its affordable price and promising functions.
OneOdio Focus A5 - Introduction
Wireless headphones have revolutionized listening to music over the past decade. While active noise filtering and long battery life used to be the privilege of premium category products, today we can also find models with these features in the affordable price category. Hong Kong-based OneOdio, which originally started its career with the production of professional studio headphones about 10 years ago, is now targeting everyday users with its latest model.
The OneOdio Focus A5 headphones position themselves in a market niche where customers don't want to spend hundreds of dollars, but still want modern features for their money. The brand, which it claims has sold more than 100 million products worldwide, is now trying to gain ground in the affordable luxury category.
When designing the Focus A5 model, practicality and comfort were clearly the primary considerations. According to the manufacturer, the headphones can be an ideal companion for working at home, commuting or even for gaming purposes. In addition to a price tag of around $70, it offers features such as adaptive noise cancellation, support for high-resolution LDAC codecs, or an exceptionally long battery life of up to 75 hours.
Active noise cancellation (ANC) technology, which was once only the property of premium headphones, has now become available to average users as well. In the case of the Focus A5, this was achieved with a solution controlled by artificial intelligence, which, according to the manufacturer, can reduce ambient noise by up to 45 decibels.
OneOdio's undisclosed aim is to offer an alternative to the more expensive models of big names such as Sony or Bose. While the Focus A5 doesn't compete directly with top-of-the-line products, it does offer a number of features previously only available in the more expensive segment.
The appearance of the Focus A5 is well-timed, since with the spread of working from home and the rise of digital entertainment, the demand for affordable, yet high-quality audio devices is increasing. The only question is whether OneOdio's novelty can meet the expectations placed on it during everyday use.
OneOdio Focus A5 - Appearance and handling
Understated elegance dominates the appearance of the OneOdio Focus A5. The headphones are completely black with minimal decoration. The ear cushions feature a lenticular pattern insert and understated branding. The construction is basically made of plastic elements, which is complemented by an internal metal reinforcement for the headband for durability.
The dimensions of the headphones can be said to be average: with its external dimensions of 229 x 201 x 64 millimeters, it does not stand out from its category. Its weight is 265 grams, which can be felt during prolonged use. The headband is adjustable, although according to tests, the mechanics on the right side can be a bit loose, which may require readjustment from time to time. The ear cushions are large enough to fit most ear sizes comfortably.
The manufacturer practically concentrated the controls in one place, on the right ear cup. This is where the power button, noise cancellation control and volume buttons are located. The advantage of the physical button design is that their use gives clear feedback and can be handled well even with gloves, although the proximity of the buttons can sometimes make it difficult to control accurately.
Focus A5 uses modern solutions in connection options. The only physical connection is the USB-C port responsible for charging, which is located on the right earcup. The headphones do not have a traditional 3,5 mm audio connector, but can also be used as a digital audio device in wired mode via the USB-C port.
The practicality of the design is enhanced by the fact that the headphones can be folded and the ear cups can be rotated, so that they can be transported in a space-saving manner. Unfortunately, the packaging does not include a carrying case, which would be a useful accessory for traveling.
The ear cushions are cushioned with memory foam, which is covered with artificial leather. This solution basically ensures comfortable wear, but may cause sweating during prolonged use, especially in hot weather. At the same time, the cushioning effectively supports passive noise insulation.
OneOdio Focus A5 - Specifications and Technology
Among the technical specifications of the OneOdio Focus A5, the speakers are the first to be mentioned. The headphones have 40 millimeter dynamic drivers that can cover a frequency range of 20 Hz to 40 kHz. This wide frequency range makes it theoretically suitable for playing Hi-Res Audio content.
The wireless connection is provided by the Bluetooth 5.4 standard, which is considered the most modern solution at the moment. The range of the connection is 10 meters under ideal conditions. The headphones support AAC and SBC codecs, as well as the LDAC technology developed by Sony, which is theoretically capable of lossless audio transmission at a speed of up to 990 kbps. However, the latter only works with devices with a Qualcomm or MediaTek chip.
The active noise filter system uses hybrid technology, which means that microphones on both the outside and the inside of the earcup monitor ambient noise. According to the manufacturer, the system can reduce noise by up to 45 decibels. In addition to noise filtering, a transparency mode is also available, which allows ambient sounds to enter without interrupting music listening.
The designers also thought of gamers: the headphones have a low-latency gaming mode, which reduces the sound delay to 65 milliseconds. Although this does not compete with professional gaming headphones, it can be suitable for casual gaming.
The battery capacity is 600 mAh, which ensures an exceptionally long operating time. It can operate for up to 75 hours with noise filtering turned off, and 45 hours with noise filtering turned on, on a single charge. Charging is done via a USB-C connector and takes about an hour and a half to fully charge. Thanks to the fast charging function, you can get 5 hours of usage time after 5 minutes of charging.
The headset uses multiple microphones to make calls. The microphone system with circular characteristics performs well in terms of sound quality, although it is forced to compromise in noisy environments. The headset also supports call control and the use of voice assistants.
OneOdio Focus A5 - User experience
Testers of the OneOdio Focus A5 generally agree that the first impression of the headphones is positive: its appearance and build quality exceed the level expected from the price category. However, during longer-term use, compromises are already on the surface.
Regarding the sound, the opinions are quite unanimous. The headphones have a powerful bass range, which is particularly dominant in the sub-bass range. This sound character can be divisive: while some enjoy the booming bass, others find it too powerful. According to the testers, the bass sometimes dominates too much and is not always able to follow fast-paced music.
The mids and highs are clear but not outstanding. Vocals are restrained, and although they remain intelligible, they are not as rich in detail as in more expensive models. In the case of high frequencies, when listening to dance music, the snare and cymbal sounds distort and "cut in" on the sound image.
In theory, LDAC support would be a big plus, but according to tests, it cannot take advantage of high-resolution sound transmission due to the hardware limitations of the headphones. In practice, this means that although it supports advanced codecs, there is no noticeable difference in sound quality compared to simpler AAC or SBC codecs.
The efficiency of the noise filtering falls short of the premium category models. The ANC system works well for filtering constant, low-frequency noises such as the sound of a bus engine or air conditioning, but is less effective for conversations or sudden noises. According to testers, there is no noticeable difference between ANC on and off.
In terms of comfort, the picture is mixed. The ear cushions are basically soft and comfortable, but they can cause sweating during prolonged use, especially in hot weather. According to several testers, the adjustment mechanism of the headband proved to be loose, requiring adjustment from time to time.
According to the tests, the battery life is really outstanding. Although the 75-hour operating time promised by the manufacturer was not achieved in all cases, even the lower real operating time of 60 hours is class-leading. With ANC on, this drops to 32 hours, which is still a decent result.
Gaming mode's 65 milliseconds delay may be fine for casual games, but it's still too high for serious gamers. According to the testers, this function is more effective for watching videos and playing casual games.
Based on the descriptions, the call quality is surprisingly good. The microphones transmit speech clearly, although the deterioration in quality can already be felt in noisy environments. According to tests, call quality rivals that of more expensive models.
OneOdio Focus A5 - Summary
OneOdio Focus A5 is a headphone that tries to offer premium functions in an affordable price category. With a price tag of around $70, it has features such as active noise cancellation, support for high-resolution LDAC codecs, and exceptionally long battery life. However, practical experience shows that these functions do not always reach the quality of products in a higher price category.
The headset's strengths include reliable build quality, handy physical controls, and outstanding battery life. The sound, with its sound character based on powerful bass tones, may appeal primarily to bass lovers. The call quality and comfort level are also suitable for everyday use.
Weaknesses include the lack of an application, which makes it impossible to customize the sound. The efficiency of the noise filtering falls short of that of its premium category competitors, and although it supports the LDAC codec, its advantages are less noticeable in practice due to hardware limitations.
Overall, the OneOdio Focus A5 is a good choice for those who want a headphone with modern features at an affordable price, good battery life, and don't mind the bass-heavy sound. On the other hand, those looking for a more neutral sound image or more effective noise filtering may want to turn to slightly more expensive alternatives.
The headphones can be ordered from a Chinese warehouse, the price is BGONEA5 HUF 23 with a coupon code by clicking on the link below:
OneOdio Focus A5 headset
Frequently asked questions about OneOdio Focus A5 headphones
Q: How long is the OneOdio Focus A5 battery life?
A: Up to 75 hours with noise filtering turned off, and 45 hours with noise filtering turned on. With the fast charging function, we get 5 hours of usage time after 5 minutes of charging.
Q: Is there a mobile app for the OneOdio Focus A5 headphones?
A: No, the headphones do not come with a dedicated mobile app, so the sound and other features cannot be customized.
Q: Can the OneOdio Focus A5 be used wired?
A: Yes, it can also be used as a digital sound card in wired mode via the USB-C port, but it does not have a traditional 3,5 mm jack.
Q: How effective is OneOdio Focus A5's noise cancellation?
A: According to the manufacturer, the hybrid noise filter system is capable of reducing noise by 45 decibels, but according to practical experience, it is mainly effective in filtering constant, low-frequency noise.
Q: Is the OneOdio Focus A5 suitable for gaming?
A: The headset has a gaming mode, which reduces the latency to 65 milliseconds. This may be fine for casual play, but not recommended for professional play.
Q: Does the OneOdio Focus A5 support high-resolution audio?
A: Yes, it supports the LDAC codec, but due to hardware limitations, its advantages are less noticeable in practice.
Q: What are the sound characteristics of the OneOdio Focus A5?
A: The headphones have a powerful bass-heavy sound image, especially dominant in the sub-bass range. The mid and high ranges are clear but more subdued.
Q: Is there a crosstalk mode for the OneOdio Focus A5 headphones?
A: Yes, it has a transparency mode, which allows you to let in ambient sounds without interrupting your listening to music.
Q: What is the range of the OneOdio Focus A5?
A: The Bluetooth 5.4 connection provides a range of 10 meters under ideal conditions.
Q: What accessories are included in the OneOdio Focus A5 package?
A: The package includes the headphones and a USB-C charging cable. Carrying bag or audio cable not included.
