Sony WF-1000XM3 Earbuds
The last gadget that I bought in Japan is the Sony WF-1000XM3 Earbuds.
I bought it together with my GoPro accessories from Bic Camera at Aqua City Odaiba.
In Japan, there are two versions of the Sony WF-1000XM3.
The domestic version is slightly cheaper but the warranty is only valid in Japan and it retails for JP¥24,973 (S$313), excluding tax.
The international version has international warranty and it retails for JP¥25,880 (S$325), excluding tax.
After the 7% discount from the Klook Bic Camera Tourist Privilege Discount Coupon in Tokyo, I got it for JP¥24,068 (S$302). In Singapore, the official retail price for it is S$349.
In Singapore, the Black variant is usually out of stock. However, in Japan, there are plenty of stocks for both variants for both Black and Silver. I bought the Black.
Initially, I wanted to get the Apple AirPods Pro, but it was out of stock at all Apple stores in Tokyo. Furthermore, both Bic Camera and Yodobashi are not carrying the AirPods Pro yet. So I decided on the Sony WF-1000XM3 instead.
Since I am not an audiophile, I have no complaints about the sound quality. Using the Sony Headphones Connect App, you can control the equalizer or choose from the eight pre-defined profiles.
I like to listen to music with heavy bass (Techo songs), and I love the bass of the WF-1000XM3.
The active noise cancellation (ANC) is good considering the size of the earbuds. Adaptive sound control allows the app to detect your actions and switch your sound profile accordingly. I find it irritating when my ANC level keeps changing, so I switched it off.
It is nice to see Sony included different sizes of both silicone and foam tips with the WF-1000XM3. Four pairs of silicone tips (including the tips on the WF-1000XM3 itself) and three pairs of foam tips.
The only pet peeve I have about the only Sony WF-1000XM3 is the charging case looks like it can stand upright, but it doesn’t. I have to place it flat.
When it comes to charging, it doesn’t support wireless charging via Qi. So you have to charge it via the USB-C port located at the bottom of the charging case. Maybe that is the reason why Sony doesn’t design it to stand upright.
