For years, the headphone market has been rigidly stratified. You paid a premium for active noise cancellation (ANC), a king's ransom for flagship features, and accepted that budget options meant significant compromises. But a new contender spotted on AliExpress is shattering expectations, packing surprisingly effective ANC and a genuinely unique trick – a removable display – all for a price that feels almost too good to be true.
We got our hands on these intriguing cans (model often listed as "X12 Pro Max" or similar), and the first impression is surprisingly positive. The build is predominantly plastic, as expected at this price point, but it feels solid and well-put-together, not cheap or flimsy. The ear cups are generously padded with memory foam and faux leather, offering decent comfort for extended listening sessions, and the headband has ample adjustment.
The Real Magic: Silence and Sight
Where these headphones truly surprise is in performance. The Active Noise Cancellation isn't going to dethrone Bose or Sony flagships in absolute silencing, especially for unpredictable, high-frequency sounds. However, for consistent low-end rumbles like airplane cabins, train commutes, office air conditioning, or traffic hum, it performs remarkably well. Turning ANC on creates a noticeable, welcome bubble of quiet, significantly enhancing music or podcast clarity without needing to crank the volume. Transparency mode is also present and functional, allowing you to hear announcements or have quick conversations without removing the headphones.
Then there's the star of the show: the removable touch display. This small, square screen magnetically attaches to the right ear cup. It's not just a gimmick; it serves real functions:
Track Control & Playback: Play, pause, skip tracks, adjust volume – all directly from the screen without fumbling for your phone, especially handy if your device is buried in a bag.
Visual Feedback: See track title, artist, volume level, battery status (for both headphones and the display itself), and ANC mode clearly.
Customization: Some versions allow uploading small personal images or GIFs to display when not actively controlling music.
The display pops off easily for charging via USB-C (it has its own small battery) or if you simply prefer a cleaner look without it. When attached, it feels secure. While the screen's resolution is basic, it's perfectly functional for its purpose.
Sound and Practicalities
Sound quality is, predictably, "good for the price." It's a V-shaped signature – boosted bass and treble – which makes music sound lively and engaging, particularly for pop, hip-hop, and electronic genres. Mids are present but take a slight backseat. Don't expect audiophile-grade detail or perfect balance, but for casual listening, commuting, or work, it's more than satisfactory, especially with ANC engaged.
Battery life is a strong point. With ANC on, expect a solid 25-30+ hours on a single charge. Turn ANC off, and that stretches even further. The display module adds a small extra drain but recharges quickly. Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable connection, and multipoint pairing (connecting to two devices simultaneously) is supported on many listings.
Call quality is acceptable in quiet environments but understandably struggles a bit in noisy situations – the mics are budget-oriented. The included carrying case is functional, though not luxurious.
The Verdict: A Disruptive Budget Package
These headphones aren't flawless. The plastic build, while decent, isn't premium. The sound signature won't please purists. Call quality is average. And, as with any AliExpress purchase, shipping times can vary, and checking seller ratings is crucial.
However, the sheer value proposition is undeniable. Combining genuinely effective ANC, a unique and surprisingly useful removable display, solid battery life, and decent sound for well under $50 (prices fluctuate, but often sit around $35-$45 with coupons/sales) is unprecedented. It addresses common pain points – situational awareness, quick control, noise isolation – in an innovative way at an incredibly accessible price point.
Ready to See (and Hear) for Yourself?
If you're intrigued by the idea of feature-packed headphones without the flagship price tag, these are definitely worth a closer look. You can find the latest deals and variations (colors, slight model tweaks) directly on AliExpress:
👉 Check out the Headphones with ANC & Removable Display on AliExpress 👈
They represent a fascinating evolution in the budget audio segment, proving that innovation and premium features are no longer solely the domain of the expensive elite. For the price of a few coffees, you get a taste of the future – and some peace and quiet too.
Post a Comment