AirPods Pro 1st generation (2019) VS 2nd generation (2022): comparison and differences

1 – Audio comparison

AirPods Pro 2 sound better than AirPods Pro 1, a fact demonstrated by tests conducted in real conditions. This is partly because Apple has changed the internal structure of wireless headphones: the 2022 generation includes a high excursion transducer, advertised as “custom designed”. But is this a real differentiating factor?

For us, not really. Admittedly, the AirPods Pro are aimed primarily at the general public: these are not professional headphones. To the uninformed ear, however, the addition of this force component does or nearly changes things. To realize this, you need to have perfect pitch, which most people don’t. The second-generation AirPods Pro like the first-generation AirPods Pro are therefore equal for us in terms of sound: the music is relatively faithful, with somewhat clear bass and overall range respects.

2 – Battery life: AirPods Pro 1 VS AirPods Pro 2

For the battery, on the other hand, there’s a marked difference. The AirPods Pro 2 do hold a longer charge than AirPods Pro 2019. You can last up to an hour longer on a single charge, or even an hour and a half depending on the configuration you choose. And with the case, you’ll last nearly twenty-four hours. The official test was even slightly higher with the second-generation AirPods Pro, but not everyone was listening at the minimal volume…

3 – Components

First and second generation AirPods Pro sensors

AirPods Pro 2 comes with a U1 chip, which makes it easier to geolocate with Apple’s Find My app. As a bonus, the case has a speaker that beeps when you lose it. So many technical characteristics didn’t concern the first AirPods Pro of 2019. For once, these arguments can really make all the difference when buying.

New chip and active noise reduction

With this, know that Apple has changed the processor of its AirPods Pro wireless headphones. The second generation is entitled to a H2 chip against H1 for the former. Active noise reduction is better with this section: no photos. The H2 chip runs a special algorithm for this feature. For those who like to listen to music in the city, there’s a difference in choice with the AirPods Pro 1. Sound is also processed faster than before, which improves latency.

First generation AirPods Pro © Apple

The Bluetooth case on AirPods Pro

Bluetooth goes to version 5.3 with AirPods Pro 2, against Bluetooth 5.0 with the first generation of 2019. It doesn’t increase the range, which is a real shame, but Apple has nothing to do with it: the developers of the standard are to blame. On the other hand, the speed is better and this is especially noticeable during pairing.

4 – Additional orders on AirPods Pro 2022

AirPods Pro 2 has a touchpad on the side, like AirPods Pro 2019. But this trackpad offers the possibility adjust the volume by slipping his finger with the second generation, not so with the first generation. Otherwise, the controls are identical. And of course it’s possible to control everything with voice, with Siri.

5 – Compatibility

Officially, Apple explained that the old AirPods Pro (first generation) are not compatible with its newest mobile devices such as iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. In reality, it’s a little different. In reality, the AirPods Pro 1 pairs well with the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro. Manufacturers only limit certain functionality, but the absence of which is not a problem every day.

Otherwise, know that all AirPods Pro, first generation and second generation, are compatible with the following iPhone models:

• iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max
• iPhone XR
• iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus
• iPhone X
• iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
• iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus
• all three iPhone SEs
• all high-end iPhones from the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro generations

AirPods Pro 2 at the best price Base price: €299

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6 – Design and comfort

Water Resistance: AirPods Pro (1st Gen) VS AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

The case of the AirPods Pro 2 is slightly different from the first AirPods Pro of 2019. On the one hand, because Apple has integrated a small notch into it that allows you to hang hand strap so as not to lose your headphones again, but not only. Because on the other hand, The second-generation AirPods Pro are the only ones with a waterproof case and sweat.

In contrast, the AirPods Pro 2019 and AirPods Pro 2022 earbuds are all water resistant.

Different tips

In terms of everyday comfort, Apple offers four in-ear tip sizes (almost) for the second-generation AirPods Pro: XS, S, M, and L. Compared to the first-generation AirPods Pro, this includes one size more. This is XS size. Until now, it is not uncommon for users to complain that the AirPods Pro 2019 fall from their ears, for example when running. With AirPods Pro 2, even the narrowest ear canals fit properly. So for sure it won’t fit 100% of the population, but AirPods Pro 2 adapts to a lot more people.

AirPods Pro 2 is slightly heavier

On the other hand, with its somewhat unsightly trunk, AirPods Pro 2 is heavier compared to the first generation AirPods Pro. It is deeply regretted. Leaks suggest Cupertino will finally ditch the iconic first-generation design in favor of offering more discreet wireless headphones like Google or Samsung, but that’s not the case with the 2022 AirPods Pro. That Apple investors aren’t afraid to advertise Apple’s company by proudly showing off their accessories to the person who past.

7 – Price comparison

• AirPods Pro (second generation): 299 euroswith free engraving on the optional case and wireless charging
• AirPods Pro (1st generation): 279 euroswith free engraving on the optional case and wireless charging

AirPods Pro are on average 20 euros more expensive than the first generation AirPods Pro. But that doesn’t include the price of used accessories, which could drop to around 230 to 250 euros for AirPods Pro from 2019.

8 – Our opinion: AirPods Pro 2 VS AirPods Pro 2019

With the arrival of the AirPods Pro 2, Apple has an offer to us a duo that seriously improves upon its predecessor, who put the latter in the cupboard. For wireless headphones, it’s quite rare to show it. This is especially felt on the side of active noise reduction, which is much more efficient on the second-generation AirPods Pro than the 2019 AirPods Pro.

AirPods Pro 2nd generation © iPhon.fr

First generation AirPods Pro © Apple

AirPods Pro 2nd generation © iPhon.fr

However, the price is still too high, although the update is worth it. With this, the possibility of finding AirDrops better in case of loss is very important. Finally, we will also go for the AirPods Pro 2 because their wireless charging case is waterproof, unlike the AirPods Pro 1, which may also no longer be supported…

AirPods Pro at the best price Base price: €279

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AirPods Pro 2 at the best price Base price: €299

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