4.0Reviews

OneOdio Focus A5 Review: Affordable Design Meets Missed Potential

Nick Papanikolopoulos

November 19, 2024

The Breakdown

4.0

8

The OneOdio Focus A5 is a decent contender in the budget Hi-Fi audio market. Its long battery life and attractive design are commendable, along with its sound quality and ANC functionality making it impossible to not recommend.

Sound Quality

8

Fidelity

8

Value for money

8

Battery life

8

Build Quality

8

Finding budget headphones that balance cost with quality can feel like searching for a unicorn. OneOdio’s Focus A5 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) Headphones promise high-end features like LDAC audio, hybrid ANC, and a marathon 75-hour battery life—all for a budget-friendly $69. On paper, they appear to be a stellar option for those who want premium features without breaking the bank. However, does their performance match the hype? Let’s dive into the details to see if the Focus A5 headphones deliver where it truly matters.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: OneOdio
• Model: OneOdio A05 Pro
• Product Name: Focus A5
• Battery Type: Li-ion Polymer Battery
• Battery Specifications: 3.7 V, 600 mAh, 2.22 Wh
• Charging/Discharging Temperature: 0-45 ℃ (charging),-20-60 ℃ (discharging)
• Driver: 40 mm
• Bluetooth Version: 5.4
• Transmission Range: >10 m
• Charging Port: USB-C
• Bluetooth Profile: HFP/AVRCP/A2DP/BLE/SPP
• Audio Technology: AAC/SBC/LDAC
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz-40 kHz
• Wireless Frequency Band: 2400 MHz-2483.5 MHz
• Input Power: 5 V ⎓ 600 mA
• Charging Time: ≈ 1.5 h
• Playing Time: ≈ 75 h (ANC OFF)/≈ 45 h (ANC ON)
• Maximum Transmit Power: 4.64 dBm

Design & Build: A Solid Yet Slightly Flawed Aesthetic

The OneOdio Focus A5 headphones present themselves as a sleek, stylish pair of over-ear headphones. The soft ear cushions feature a unique lenticular design and a subtle logo, giving them a premium appearance. However, the headband feels somewhat brittle and heavy, which may cause discomfort during extended wear.

Portability & Buttons

The headphones lack a carry case, which is a downside for users who need on-the-go protection. On the right earcup, you’ll find well-placed buttons for power, ANC, and volume control, alongside a USB-C charging port. While the button layout is intuitive, customization options are absent due to the lack of a companion app—an omission that limits functionality for power users.

Charging is fast and efficient, with the headphones reaching full power in under 1.5 hours. The design is sturdy, but the headband’s rigidity detracts from an otherwise well-crafted build.

Features & Connectivity

The Focus A5 headphones boast an impressive feature list, including Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), LDAC support, and a low-latency gaming mode. The whole result is quite good I might say, even though the execution of these features leaves some room for improvement.

LDAC Support: High-Res in Theory

LDAC compatibility—a major selling point—should theoretically deliver exceptional high-resolution audio. And indeed the Focus A5 aims to capitalize on this technology. The 40mm drivers manage to produce the nuanced sound LDAC is capable of transmitting. Offering an immersive experience, users may find themselves overwhelmed sometimes by the bass depth and the clear treble.

Hybrid ANC: Underwhelming Noise Reduction

The Hybrid ANC promises up to -45dB of noise cancellation, but in practice, the difference between ANC on and off is small. In an office environment, conversations remain silent, but the headphones struggle to isolate sound completely on public transport or busy streets. However for their price – I am quite pleased.

Transparency Mode & Gaming

The Transparency Mode is passable, allowing environmental sounds to filter through for added safety during outdoor use. Indeed, the low-latency gaming mode, will manage to satisfy most gamers – although there may be an occasional lag in audio synchronization.

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Connectivity

With Bluetooth 5.4, the Focus A5 provides a quite stable connection with a range exceeding 10 meters. Pairing is seamless, and the built-in omnidirectional mic performs admirably in quiet settings. Outdoor calls were quite productive, with just minimal sounds coming to my ears.

Audio Quality:

Audio quality is where the Focus A5 does it’s magic. Promising features like LDAC and a wide frequency range of 20Hz to 40kHz, the headphones manage to deliver a balanced and satisfying sound profile.

Bass Performance

The bass is quite good, especially on bass-heavy tracks. For example, in Charli XCX’s “Von Dutch,” the arresting basslines appear quite strong with the necessary ‘punch’ that makes the song so captivating. While budget headphones aren’t expected to rival audiophile-grade models, this headset will surely please beginners.

Treble & Midrange

On more stripped-down compositions like Roxy Music’s “In Every Dream Home a Heartache,” the headphones fare better, capturing the eerie mood of the song.

Overall Sound

The Focus A5 headphones are best suited for casual listeners who aren’t overly concerned with extreme sound fidelity. Retro music enthusiasts may appreciate their performance on older, less dynamic recordings. However, for those who prioritize high-resolution audio, there are other much more expensive products available in the market.

 

Battery Life: A Clear Strength

If the Focus A5 has one standout feature, it’s battery life. With up to 75 hours of playback time (45 hours with ANC enabled), these headphones can last for days without needing a recharge. Even better, a 5-minute charge provides 5 hours of playback—a feature that adds incredible convenience for users on the go.

Indeed, the Focus A5’s endurance makes them an appealing choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Comfort & Usability

The Focus A5 headphones are lightweight at 190g, but the rigid headband detracts from their comfort during long listening sessions. The ear cushions, are soft and compensate for the headband’s lack of flexibility. However, for extended use, listeners may experience fatigue or discomfort after several hours.

Unfortunately, the absence of a carry case makes portability less convenient. While not a dealbreaker, this omission feels like a missed opportunity to enhance the overall user experience.

Verdict: Style Over Substance

The OneOdio Focus A5 Hybrid ANC Headphones present a tempting package with their sleek design, long battery life, and affordable price tag. Thankfully, the headphones perform quite well in critical areas like audio quality and ANC performance, which are essential for an enjoyable listening experience.

Who Are These For?

• Casual listeners: If you’re looking for budget-friendly headphones with decent aesthetics and don’t prioritize sound fidelity, the Focus A5 should be a top choice.
• Battery-conscious users: With up to 75 hours of playback time, these headphones are ideal for users who value longevity over quality.

Final Thoughts

The OneOdio Focus A5 is a decent contender in the budget Hi-Fi audio market. Its long battery life and attractive design are commendable, along with its sound quality and ANC functionality making it impossible to not recommend. However, I must note that for just a little more money, there are headphones out there that deliver a superior audio experience.

Where can I buy it?

• Amazon US：https://amzn.to/3Z2n1FU

Discounted price: $53.99 with the promotion code: FOCUSA5PRO (valid until December 31st).

• Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3Z2n1FU

Discounted price: £48.59 with the promotion code: PDLQERWD (valid until December 31st).

• Official website link: bit.ly/3YWccW8

Discounted price: $55.99 with the promotion code: XMKGFG (valid until December 31st).

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