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Devialet has decided to enter a completely new segment of TWS headphones. The debut turned out quite well
If we talk about competitors, then the most logical(taking into account the cost) are the Sony WF-1000XM4: they slightly outperform the Devialet Gemini in terms of noise reduction efficiency and autonomy, but lose significantly in sound quality. And Noble Audio FoKus Pro, the sound of which seems to me to be both generally more interesting and the frequency processing more detailed. Plus, they last longer on a single battery charge and are definitely more comfortable if you like a deep fit in your ears. On the side of the Devialet Gemini is the presence of active noise reduction and wider functionality.
Devialet Gemini
Flagship in-ear dynamicTWS headphones. They sound great, are equipped with effective active noise cancellation, support touch control and are protected from moisture according to the IPX4 standard. Bluetooth 5.0 is used for connection, there is support for SBC, AAC and aptX codecs.
Portativ
Rozetka
5 reasons to buy Devialet Gemini:
- excellent sound quality;
- effective system of active noise reduction;
- moisture protection IPX4;
- impressive functionality;
- Nice looking and lightweight design.
2 reasons not to buy Devialet Gemini:
- high price;
- mediocre battery life.
Fast passage:
- What is Devialet known for?
- What is in the box?
- What do Devialet Gemini look like?
- How convenient is it to use Devialet Gemini?
- What about the sound quality, noise reduction and microphone?
- What about autonomy?
- In the dry residue
What is Devialet known for?
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Devialet company began its work in 2007in France. The first device was the D-Premier amplifier, which was released in 2010. A couple of years later, it was updated and the line of amplifiers was replenished with two more models. The company gained its main fame thanks to its very unusual and technologically advanced wireless acoustics. The first model was the Devialet Phantom, which was announced in 2014. At the moment, the company produces amplifiers, soundbars, and a whole line of expensive Devialet Phantom acoustics with impressive sound, which all music lovers probably know about. Added to all this were the first wireless TWS headphones Devialet Gemini, in which the company used a bunch of its proprietary developments. Today we will get to know them better and find out what happened in the end.
</ p>What is in the box?
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Devialet Gemini is packaged in comparativelya small square black box with a picture of headphones from the “facade” and a list of main technical features on the back side. Inside are headphones in a charging case, a USB Type-C cable, three additional pairs of silicone tips of different sizes and a copious amount of documentation.
</ p>What do Devialet Gemini look like?
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Devialet Gemini made of black plasticdifferent texture. The outer parts are glossy, everything else is a nice soft touch. The headphones are very compact and lightweight, in shape and design they resemble the aforementioned Devialet acoustics of the Phantom line.
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On the outer part of each earphone there is a flattouch pad with Devialet logo in gray. Nearby in the recess is the hole for the microphones of the active noise reduction system. On the top there are the designations “left” and “right”.
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On the inside, four magnetic contacts, a sensor for the presence of an earpiece in the ear and small holes are visible. Apparently compensatory.
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Below - one more microphone hole.
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The sound guides in the Devialet Gemini are quite short, butdiameter is standard or close to standard. Third-party attachments hold up quite well, including thanks to the edging for additional fixation. The protective mesh is silver in color with a rather unusual pattern.
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Devialet Gemini are protected from moisture according to the standardIPX4. And this means that you can play sports in them without problems, nothing will happen to them from sweat. Visually, the headphones look good and expensive, but there are some minor quibbles about convenience. We will talk about this a little lower.
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The charging case is large, also made of blacksoft touch plastic. Due to its shape and impressive dimensions, you won’t be able to carry it in your jeans pocket. In winter, stuffing it into the inside pocket of a jacket is possible. There is a button on the front of the case to check the charge or switch the headphones to pairing mode.
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The case is opened by sliding the top cover.There is an excellent clear finishing mechanism that works in both directions. The process of opening and closing causes great aesthetic pleasure. Inside there are only places for headphones with contacts. The magnets are quite strong and the headphones hold securely even when shaking.
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At the back is a Type-C port for charging. Qi wireless standard is also supported.
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How convenient is it to use Devialet Gemini?
Thanks to its compact shape and smallweight, using Devialet Gemini is quite convenient. They do not press anywhere and do not strain during prolonged use, they do not fall out of the ears while running. The only point of contention is a very shallow landing. This is a very individual and taste feature. But I constantly subconsciously tried to shove the headphones deeper. Although with passive soundproofing, everything is in perfect order.
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The headphones use Bluetooth 5.0.There are no problems with signal stability: no stutters or interruptions in almost all situations. Perhaps there will be some difficulties in rooms with a large number of Wi-Fi networks, but I haven’t encountered any during my use. There is no Multipoint function. Only SBC, AAC and aptX codecs are supported. aptX Adaptive, aptX HD and LDAC are not, although this is not critical.
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To pair the headphones with the source, you need themjust take it out of the case. There are touch controls, but the touch pad does not take up the entire outer area of the earphone. Which entails periodic failures, especially when used on the go. In the standard version: one short touch of any earphone - play/pause. Double tap - activate the voice assistant and answer the call. Long touch to switch between noise reduction and transparency modes. In the Devialet Gemini proprietary application, you can update the firmware of the headphones, view the battery charge level, switch noise reduction modes, adjust controls, equalizer, channel balance, and enable auto-pause when removing the headphones from your ear. One of the interesting functions is checking the fit of the headphones: a melody is played, and the microphones determine how correctly the headphones are inserted.
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What about the sound quality, noise reduction and microphone?
The company does not specify which ones exactlyemitters and in what configuration they are used, so obviously one dynamic per earphone. But several proprietary technologies are mentioned at once, which serve to improve the sound. EAM (Ear Active Matching) analyzes the shape of the user's ears in real time (10,000 times per second) and adjusts the sound accordingly. IDC (Internal Delay Compensation) is a technology for internal compensation of the delay created by the noise reduction system. They promise higher noise reduction efficiency, especially at high frequencies. And PBA (Pressure Balance Architecture): Using cascading decompression chambers, optimal internal pressure is maintained to reduce fatigue during long listening sessions.
Devialet Gemini sound very pleasant, naturaland quite detailed. The natural sound of live instruments is especially pleasing. There are no significant peaks or dips throughout the entire frequency range. But, it is worth noting that in terms of musical genres, Devialet Gemini is still not suitable for everything. The overall mood of the sound is calm and neat. It is very pleasant to listen to classics, jazz and other “light” styles of music, as well as diverse electronics. But when it comes to heavy music, there is a lack of intensity and daring. And overloaded guitars fall a little into the overall mix. The low frequencies of the Devialet Gemini have sufficient density, elasticity, depth and are slightly accentuated. There is not a lot of sub-bass, but enough to create the necessary “substrate”. On the other hand, bassheads may find it a little too small. The lows are well controlled and sound natural, emphasizing the character of the instruments well. The mids are very well developed, lively and natural. Without going into super detail, but with the necessary emotional coloring, conveying the character and timbre features of the instruments. The imagined stage is quite good, both in width and depth, with decent instrument separation. Especially considering the form factor of the model. The high-frequency part of the range is transparent, with good elaboration, but without going overboard: with any sources or materials the high frequencies do not cut the ears, at the same time they add volume, space and the necessary emotionality. The only thing worth mentioning is the low volume reserve of the headphones. It may not be enough for some.
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Active noise cancellation works very well,especially in combination with passive sound insulation with proper fit and successful selection of attachments. They don't quite reach the top-end Sony WF-1000XM4 in terms of noise reduction, but overall it's very good. The quality of voice transmission, taking into account the form factor, can also be assessed as good: the interlocutor can clearly hear the information even if you are on the street. The voice sounds relatively natural, although the overall frequency range is, of course, reduced.
</ p>What about autonomy?
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Devialet promises that Gemini is able to work up to4 hours in noise canceling mode and up to 6 hours without it. And the case allows you to charge the headphones four times. In reality, the headphones were used at high volume with noise cancellation. Batteries last approximately 3.5 hours, maybe a little less. Far from a record figure, although in most cases this will be enough. Of the useful and convenient features, it is worth noting the support for Qi wireless charging.
</ p>Bottom line: three things to know about Devialet Gemini:
- Devialet Gemini are expensive TWS headphones with correspondingly high sound quality.
- They are equipped with an effective system of active noise reduction.
- They are protected against dust and moisture according to the IPX4 standard.
Devialet Gemini
Emitters
dynamic
Frequency range
5 Hz - 20,000 Hz
Form factor
intracanal
Connection
Bluetooth 5.0, SBC, AAC, aptX
Radius of action
10 m
Wired connection
USB Type-C
Battery
headphones: up to 6 hours, up to 4 hours with ANC, with case: up to 24 hours; fast charging; Qi wireless charging
Additionally
IPX4 protection, active noise cancellation
For those that want to know more:
- Noble Audio FoKus Pro Review: Special Sound Magic
- Sony WF-1000XM4 review: flagship TWS headphones with the best noise canceling
- OPPO Enco W31 review: true wireless waterproof earbuds with touch control
- Samsung Galaxy Buds + review: miniature TWS headphones with wireless charging
- Mixcder T2 sports TWS earbuds review: a day of work is not for all the money in the world
- Huawei FreeBuds 3 Review: Active Noise Canceling TWS Headphones
- MPOW T5 review: TWS cordless headphones with long half-price
- Overview of vivo TWS 1: true wireless headphones with the flagship Qualcomm QCC5126 processor
Thank you
The editors thank the Portativ chain of stores for kindly providing headphones for review