Boult Audio, a popular audio brand in India, is making waves in the sub-Rs 5,000 true wireless (TWS) segment with the launch of the Boult Z40 Ultra. While positioned as a premium offering within the brand’s lineup, these earbuds come at a budget-friendly price point, making them an attractive option for value-conscious consumers.
Packing features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and a stylish design, the Boult Z40 Ultra promises a lot on paper. But how do they perform in real-world use? This comprehensive review dives deep into the design, sound quality, features, battery life, and overall value proposition of the Boult Z40 Ultra, helping you decide if they’re the right fit for your needs.
Design and Build: Striking a Balance
The Boult Z40 Ultra comes in three distinct color options: Black, Beige, and Metallic. While plastic is the primary material used across all variants, Boult offers subtle design variations to cater to different preferences:
- Beige: This variant features a rubberized finish, offering a unique and grippy feel.
- Black: This version utilizes a combination of rubber and glossy plastic, creating a sleek and contemporary aesthetic.
- Metallic: This option boasts a brushed metallic finish with a fully plastic build, adding a touch of sophistication.
The charging case of the Z40 Ultra adopts a more traditional design compared to its predecessor, the Boult Z40 Pro. It features LED indicators on the front to display charging status and a USB Type-C port for convenient charging. The earbuds themselves follow a stem design with a plastic build. They boast an IPX5 rating for water resistance, making them suitable for workouts or light rain exposure.
While the overall build quality feels decent for the price point, some users might find the extensive use of plastic less premium compared to certain metal-clad competitors. However, the different color options and finishes offer a certain level of individuality and cater to diverse preferences.
Sound Quality: A Bang for Your Buck
The Boult Z40 Ultra utilizes 10mm dynamic drivers to deliver audio. These drivers offer decent sound quality, especially considering the budget price tag. Here’s a breakdown of the sound profile:
- Bass: The bass response is punchy and present, suitable for bass-heavy genres like electronic music or hip-hop. However, some users might find it overpowering in certain tracks, lacking the nuance found in higher-end earbuds.
- Mids: The mids are decent but can sound slightly recessed at times, potentially affecting the clarity of vocals and instruments in complex mixes.
- Highs: The highs are clear and crisp, adding a touch of brightness to the overall sound signature. However, they might lack the detail and finesse offered by more expensive options.
Overall, the Boult Z40 Ultra delivers acceptable sound quality for casual listening and everyday use. While audiophiles might seek more nuanced and balanced sound, these earbuds offer a good value proposition for the price, especially for those who prioritize bass-heavy audio.
Active Noise Cancellation: A Mixed Bag
The Boult Z40 Ultra boasts the presence of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a feature typically found in more premium earbuds. However, it’s important to manage expectations within the budget segment.
The ANC on the Z40 Ultra reduces some ambient noise, particularly low-frequency sounds like constant hum or engine noise. However, it might not be as effective as high-end options in eliminating surrounding noise. Users seeking complete noise isolation might be better off looking at pricier alternatives with more advanced ANC technology.
Other Features and Functionality
The Boult Z40 Ultra comes equipped with some additional features that enhance the overall user experience:
- Touch Controls: The earbuds feature intuitive touch controls for playback control, volume adjustments, and activating the ANC function.
- Multipoint Connectivity: This allows you to connect the earbuds to two devices simultaneously, seamlessly switching between them for calls or music playback.
- Low Latency Gaming Mode: This mode minimizes audio delay for a more synchronized experience while gaming.
- Voice Assistant Support: The earbuds offer access to your preferred voice assistant, such as Google Assistant or Siri, for hands-free commands.
The inclusion of these features, especially considering the price point, adds to the overall value proposition of the Boult Z40 Ultra. They provide a convenient and user-friendly experience for everyday use.
Additional Considerations and Conclusion
Call Quality: During phone calls, the Boult Z40 Ultra delivers acceptable call quality. The microphones manage to pick up your voice clearly, but background noise might not be completely suppressed, especially in noisy environments.
App Support: The Boult Audio app is available for download on Android and iOS devices. However, its functionality is limited and primarily focuses on displaying battery levels and offering basic EQ adjustments.
Price and Value: With a price tag of Rs 1,999, the Boult Z40 Ultra sits comfortably in the budget-friendly segment of the TWS market. Considering the features it offers, including ANC, touch controls, multipoint connectivity, and decent sound quality, it delivers good value for the price.
Who Should Consider the Boult Z40 Ultra?
The Boult Z40 Ultra is a suitable option for users seeking:
- Affordable ANC earbuds: While not the most advanced, the ANC functionality offers some level of noise reduction at a budget price point.
- Decent sound quality: The sound profile, particularly the bass response, caters to casual listeners who enjoy genres like electronic music or hip-hop.
- Feature-packed experience: The inclusion of touch controls, multipoint connectivity, and a low-latency gaming mode adds convenience and functionality.
Who Might Look Elsewhere?
Users seeking:
- Premium sound quality: Audiophiles or those who prioritize balanced and nuanced sound might find the Z40 Ultra lacking in detail and refinement compared to higher-end options.
- Best-in-class ANC: The ANC performance on the Z40 Ultra is decent but not outstanding. Users seeking complete noise isolation should explore premium earbuds with more advanced ANC technology.
- Top-tier call quality: While acceptable for casual calls, the Z40 Ultra might not be ideal for users who frequently make calls in noisy environments.
FAQs
Q: How does the sound quality of the Boult Z40 Ultra compare to other earbuds in this price range?
A: The sound quality of the Z40 Ultra is decent for the price point, offering a bass-heavy sound profile suitable for casual listening. While some competitors might offer a more balanced sound, the Z40 Ultra stands out for its inclusion of ANC in this budget.
Q: Is the ANC on the Boult Z40 Ultra effective?
A: The ANC on the Z40 Ultra reduces some ambient noise, particularly low-frequency sounds. However, it’s not as effective as high-end options and might not eliminate surrounding noise.
Q: Is the battery life of the Boult Z40 Ultra good?
A: The earbuds themselves offer up to 6 hours of playback on a single charge, with the charging case providing an additional 24 hours. This falls within the average range for budget-friendly TWS earbuds.
Q: Are the Boult Z40 Ultra comfortable to wear for long periods?
A: The lightweight design and snug fit of the earbuds make them comfortable for extended wear. However, individual experiences might vary.
