Sony quietly introduces the WI-C100
The earpods have the same design as the WI-C200, even the cable is the same round one. But comparing the black models, the colours look a bit different. Whether this is because of just different lighting or different materials is unknown, but even the while colour is different in appearance between the 2 models. The new WI-C100 will be available in 4 colours, black, white, blue and beige but not all colour options might be available in all regions. While Sony has not revealed a price on their website, I have seen the new model for around 40 Euros on some retailers and Sony Spain's website shows a price of 50 euros.
The most obvious design change is the remote. Sony claims the redesigned buttons are more pronounced which makes them easier to press. The differences can be seen below. I also suspect the redesign is also connected to the new IPX4 water resistance. The weight difference is only 1 gram, so unlikely to be noticeable.
The remote contains the controls, Bluetooth antenna, USB type-C port on the side and the microphone on the other side. The other pod has the rechargeable battery. The WI-C200/C310 both used a 135mAh/0.5Wh battery, so will be interesting to see if the same one is used in the WI-C100. There is a quick charge feature providing up to 60 minutes of playback with 10 minute of charging. A full recharge requires around 3 hours.
The 9mm driver will probably be the same as in the WI-C200/C310 but the WI-C100 adds IPX4 water resistance, DSEE, Sony | Headphones Connect app compatible, Fast Pair, and support for 360 Reality Audio. I suspect these additional features is why the price is around 40-50 Euros.
Battery life is now up to 25 hours in AAC and up to 20 hours with SBC. Using the equalizer and DSEE in the app will lower the operating time, but Sony does not specify by how much. The Bluetooth version is still 5.0, but the Bluetooth SoC will be new, the previous models used the Realtek RTL8763B, while the new model will be using an Airoha chipset. The extra battery life (up to 10 hours) is most likely due to the new Bluetooth SoC. The FCC internal images will be available on April 11th, so hopefully the battery capacity and Bluetooth SoC will be revealed on that date.
Of course the biggest question will be sound quality and if these will sound better than the WI-C200/C310. Out of the box I suspect they might be close, but I would give the WI-C100 the edge since the Bluetooth SoC is newer and will include better technology. Likewise, with the addition of DSEE and equalizer support, the WI-C100 should sound better overall.
The new headset is listed as coming soon, so it should be available shortly.
Sunmary in English: https://www.notebookcheck.net/Sony-WH-1000XM5-leaks-with-a-major-redesign-longer-battery-life-and-new-drivers.614954.0.html
ReplyDeleteYes, I received the photos quite late last day and will post them up soon.
DeleteNo magnets on these new c-100
ReplyDeleteI just received WI-C100 here in Mexico. They replace my WI-C310's and I must say the audio quality has improved noticeably. Using the SONY app is everything. I am very happy because for the price and the features it has, it is a great option. On the other hand, I must say that it is true that on this occasion they do not include the imams like their two brothers, but the truth is that it does not bother me.
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DeleteBy the way... I forgot to mention that it does not include its USB-C cable either, unlike its brothers WI-C200 and 310
I just received WI-C100 here in Mexico. They replace my WI-C310's and I must say the audio quality has improved noticeably. Using the SONY app is everything. I am very happy because for the price and the features it has, it is a great option. On the other hand, I must say that it is true that on this occasion they do not include the magnets like their two brothers It also doesn't come with its own USB-C cable, but the truth is that it does not bother me.
ReplyDeleteNot having the magnets to keep them securely around the neck is a step back I think, I would rather the magnets were made stronger than in the C200 for a safer lock.
ReplyDeleteI also wonder why they must be so large. The Philips TAUN102 has one very thin lump on the cable, much better to use, and the magnets are much stronger and does not need fiddling. An amazing design that I really like much better than the Sonys. Does not score very high on sound quality or stability, unfortunately.
You prefer 7 hours playtime over 25 hours? No thanks.
DeleteTwo battery packs are better for two reasons. Longer battery, obviously, and symmetry. The first earbuds of this type that I had had one node, and they always slipped off my neck. The Sony version is just so good. Very balanced, and incredibly lightweight, so it's not like I'm here wishing for slimmer/fewer battery nodes.
DeleteIt's weird they have gone down a number instead of up, quite unlike Sony.
ReplyDeleteThe one plus bullets wireless Z get ten hours of playback from a ten minute charge which is much better, but mine have broken after 6 months.
The #1 thing I hope to see from these new Sony's is multipoint connectivity with easy switching. It seems unlikely though given I have not heard great things about the multipoint connectivity on the XM4s.
c100 no magnet, c200 is bigger than c100 design.
ReplyDeleteprefer c200, more comfort and best sound quality (bass).
c100 is incredible. got c310 for 2 years and the improvement is really good
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