POVA AI Buds Pro Review: Smart Earbuds Built For More Than Music

Earbuds have mostly been about music and calls, but POVA is trying to push the category in a different direction. The POVA AI Buds Pro has been designed as an audio device with productivity features built into the experience.

The standout feature is the Quick Note button placed on the charging case. With a press, users can start recording without opening their phone. The earbuds can store up to four hours of recordings, which can later be synced with the POVA AI app for transcription, summaries and action points.

The earbuds come in a grey finish and have a fairly premium looking case. At first glance, the case appears to have a metallic construction, although it is actually made from plastic with a soft touch finish. The curved edges make it comfortable to hold, while the vertical opening mechanism gives the case a slightly different look from conventional TWS designs.

The Quick Note button is positioned prominently inside the case. There are also left and right indicators that light up when the case is opened. The earbuds themselves have a comfortable fit, and multiple ear tip sizes are included to help users find a suitable fit.

The case and earbuds also carry an IP55 rating, offering protection against dust and water. One small drawback noticed during use is that pressing down on the closed case can produce an unusual sound, which takes away slightly from the otherwise polished feel.

Audio performance is one of the stronger aspects of the POVA AI Buds Pro. The default tuning is well balanced, while high quality tracks deliver good detail and separation. Support for the LHDC codec and Hi Res Audio gives the earbuds an advantage for listeners who care about sound quality.

Noise cancellation is another area where the earbuds perform well. The 48dB Hybrid ANC does a noticeable job of reducing background noise in busy surroundings. During travel or in noisy environments, the Deep ANC mode can make listening more comfortable, while Transparency mode is useful when users need to hear what is happening around them.

Calls are also handled effectively. The earbuds use an eight microphone array along with a Voice Pickup Unit to improve voice capture. This becomes particularly useful in crowded locations or windy conditions, where maintaining clear conversations can otherwise be difficult.

Another practical feature is dual device connectivity. Users can connect the earbuds to two devices, such as a smartphone and laptop, and switch between them without repeatedly going through the pairing process.

The real attraction, however, is the AI functionality. After connecting the earbuds to the POVA AI app, users can access recording controls, transcripts, meeting summaries, action items, equaliser settings and translation features.

The recording feature is particularly convenient for situations where carrying a phone in hand is not practical. Pressing the Quick Note button starts the recording, and the audio can be synchronised with the phone later. Once the recording is available in the app, the AI can generate a transcript and summary.

The translation feature is another interesting addition. POVA says real time translation is available across 78 languages, including 12 Indian languages. It could be useful while travelling or communicating with someone who speaks a different language.

Setting everything up is relatively straightforward. Users need to install the POVA AI app, pair the earbuds through Bluetooth and add the device inside the application. Once connected, the different AI functions can be accessed through the app.

Battery life is also respectable for an AI focused pair of earbuds. With the charging case, the POVA AI Buds Pro offers around 40 hours of playback according to the provided specifications. Charging is handled through USB Type C, and wireless charging support is also available.

At the listed price of Rs 14,999 on Flipkart in the supplied information, these earbuds are clearly positioned above basic TWS models. The higher price makes more sense for people who are actually going to use the recording, transcription and translation features.

For someone who simply wants earbuds for music and occasional calls, there are likely to be more straightforward options. But for users who attend frequent meetings, take notes, handle calls or want AI based productivity tools in their earbuds, the POVA AI Buds Pro offers a considerably different experience.

Overall, the biggest reason to consider these earbuds is not just their audio performance. The combination of recording, AI summaries, transcription and translation gives them a distinct identity in an increasingly crowded TWS market.