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Usage and Comfort
Everyday Use
If the Gemini 1 were a far cry from Apple’s AirPods in terms of usability, the new version gives a much more polished experience.
Sure, the Gemini app remains the best option to quick start them the right way, but thanks to various software improvements, the new model now comes with iOS/Android fast pairing, for a quick and seamless connection.
Once up and running, the rest come easy and you’ll be able to use them like any classic TWS. The sensor will know that you’re wearing them and will resume your last play – something that you can change in the app if you don’t like it.
The controls need some time to master though, the Gemini II controls remaining the same sensitive surface found on the previous model (but a tad more sensitive now).
It works like this:
- 1x press = play/pause
- 2x press (left ear) = previous track // 2x press (right ear) = next track
- long press = Noise Cancelling/Transparency mode, OR volume up/down ; depending on how you configured your buttons
- incoming call = two press to answer, long press to decline
Like before, Bluetooth connection was quite good with my iPhone, the SBC codec offering an excellent balance between quality and range. Same cannot be said with the aptX – still a lot better than your usual LDAC though – but that was to be expected and if you were to leave your phone for less than 5m, you’d still be okay.
Cherry on top, the Gemini II support multipoint connection, meaning that you could connect your computer and your phone at the same time, take a phone call and switch back to your music/gaming session completely seamlessly.
Comfort
Tinier than before, I had high hopes for the Gemini II in terms of comfort.
Good news, they are, indeed, comfier than the first Gemini thanks to their improved design. You still need to slightly twist them backward – like a CIEM – but once done they fitted quite nicely into my ear canal, and never fell over. I still had to trade the M sized tips for the S one to get the perfect fit, but that’s about it. Head to head with the previous model, the difference is impressive and on the long run, the downsize was a MASSIVE upgrade and I’d choose the gen 2 over the gen 1 ANYTIME.
Still, compared to the AirPods Pro 2, the Devialet remained a tad underwhelming, Apple keeping the upper hand on that regard – I could wear the AirPods for DAYS without any issues (just did so for two 10h flight this week) whereas I couldn’t wear the Gemini II for more than 4 hours straight (which is already a feat on its own)
Again, try them beforehand if you’re not sure!
Battery life
Devialet claims that the Gemini should get you up to 5 hours of continuous listening on a single charge (1h less than before) and 22 hours with the case (2 hours less than before). Full charge takes one and a half hour, which is typical for this kind of ears and a 10 minute charge gave me 30% of charge, enough for two hours of listening.
And, once again, I could easily match the first number, with a full flight of listening at moderate volume (around 40-50) with noise-canceling and transparency. Bonus point, wireless charge is still available, and you can swiftly charge them whenever you come across a Qi charger, which can be found everywhere in my office or at home
A good surprise overall.
Isolation
Ok, now we are getting to the good part.
Devialet noise-canceling performances were already impressive on the first model but, on paper, this new model should offer even better performances, thanks to a powerful DSP and many software improvements.
In real life condition, subway/train/plane/street/open space, the Gemini will create a real comfort zone, that will cut you off the other people. Even for a simple walk, I ended up activating the noise-canceling to get to my own comfort zone. It’s definitely not as good as Boses latest Quietcomfort models, nor Apple AirPods Pro 2 impeccable noise-cancellation, but most users will be more than satisfied by this level of protection.
Compared to my usual CIEM, it’s a very different experience. The Unique Melody gives more consistent isolation, be it lows and highs, whereas the Gemini II work better on low frequencies. The highs continue to pierce the noise-block shield as the CPU can’t match those speeds, but on a plane, the result is perfectly on point.
And, if noise-cancellation isn’t your thing, sound-transparency is still on the party. A good option if you dislike the close sensation of in-ears, or simply want to be aware of your surroundings. The AirPods Pro 2 remain a league above, but if you’re not interested by this feature, the Gemini II should be more than enough on a daily basis.
The article continues on Page three, after the click here
Page 1: About the brand, design and build quality
Page 2: Comfort, usage
Page 3: Specifications, Bundle
Page 4: Sound performances
H1a8
They are too expensive for most people. The battery will degrade over time and they will become useless. For on the go listening you better off going with option 1:
A great $200-$250 iems (Chopin, Quintet, Aful performer5, etc) with the fiio utws5. You can eq them with the fiio app if you want (the Quintet will sound better than $400 iems (such as my Hype 4) if you increase 60Hz band by 3-4dB with Q= 0.7 to 0.9, lower the 8kHz band by 4dB with Q= 0.9 to 1.2, and increase the 16kHz band by 3-4dB with Q= 0.7 to 0.9)
Option 2
Either
the status between 3anc (use status between pro mode with anc on)
or
the Technics Az80 (use dynamic mode) as they are 92% and 95% (respectively) to the sound quality of the Gemini 2 while being significantly cheaper. 99.999% will be MORE satisfied than they originally assumed before the purchase.
patbea
Would you test the Fairbuds from Fairphone ? 10/10 for sustainability on Ifixit…
Lieven
Probably not, but never say never