Creative has launched Creative OUTLIER AIR and Creative OUTLIER GOLD before. The unique shape and excellent sound quality have won unanimous praise at home and abroad. In January 2021, Creative OUTLIER AIR V2 went on the market. This second edition has made improvements in some details. In addition to the updated colors, battery life has also been enhanced a lot, let’s take a look.
The packaging box still continues the simple style of the OUTLIER series. Only the “SXFI” logo is added in the upper right corner. In fact, this technology has been added from OUTLIER GOLD, and it was only updated in China later. But now, with the new earphones, the “SXFI” is fully supported. Naturally, this LOGO is printed in an obvious position.
Both sides of the box are printed with contents and descriptions of the sound effects of “SUPER X-FI” and the sound performance it brings. APP can be downloaded in Apple Store and Google PLAY Store, while Chinese users can check it on App treasure, which is very convenient.
The back of the box lists various function icons of the earphones, such as the well-known graphene unit, bluetooth 5.0, IPX5 waterproof, APT-X, AAC, etc. The battery life has also improved significantly, with a single 12 hours and a total battery life of up to 34 hours, which is the upstream level in the TWS I use.
Unfolding the magnetic box cover, you can notice that there is a guide for the first time printed on the “title page”. You can quickly get started in a few simple steps through the icon.
The charging case and the earphones are displayed separately. After taking out the charging case, you can see the following warm reminder: “CHARGE ME FIRST”.
The contents of the box include: charging case, earphones, instructions for use, warranty card, TYPE-C charging cable and four pairs of eartips.
Although there is a “2” in the product name, OUTLIER AIR V2 is not the second product in the Creative OUTLIER series. Two products, OUTLIER AIR and OUTLIER GOLD, have been previously available. The appearance of OUTLIER AIR V2, both earphone and charging case are consistent with OUTLIER AIR. It is still alloy shell + flat cylinder shape. However, the color has changed from gray gold to blue.
I happen to have the Creative OUTLIER GOLD, let’s compare the two: Although the appearance is the same, the Creative OUTLIER AIR V2 charging case is actually slightly longer than the OUTLIER GOLD and weighs 60g. Although it is a cylindrical structure, the flat design will not bulge in the pocket.
The status indicator lights on the side of the charging case have been reduced from the previous four to three. The charging of the left earphone, right earphone and charging case can be seen at a glance. People can know the remaining power and whether it is charging without opening the charging case.
The “SXFI” sound effect logo is printed on the other side of the charging case. Here is a brief introduction: “SXFI” can be tailored by collecting user head information, and through a series of complex reverse algorithms, remove the claustrophobic and dark sound field effect, make the sound natural and vivid, and add the original vivid colors.
The damping of the charging case is still good when it is pushed and pulled, it is not particularly loose, and it is not tight to stagnant. The card slots of the inner earphones are shallower and have larger spacing, so it is easy to pick and place the earphones without any effort. There will be no shaking sound when shaking.
Although Creative OUTLIER AIR V2 is not much different from other Creative products in appearance, many changes have been made in the details. The most intuitive one is to change the physical buttons to touch sensing. Although it is still in the form of concentric circles of the lamp ring at first glance, you will find that the surface treatment is more rounded and full on closer inspection. Compared with the momentary pressure of the ear canal caused by the criticized pressing before, the touch of OUTLIER AIR V2 is obviously much gentler and more comfortable, and the touch is more sensitive.
In addition, consistent with the previous two models, Creative OUTLIER AIR V2 is also equipped with a bluetooth 5.0 Qualcomm chip, supporting APT-X and AAC, and the waterproof rating and sound unit are still IPX5 and 5.6mm graphene neodymium magnet units.
The bean-shaped design and the short sound tube will naturally fit the auricle without burdening the ear canal. Wear it for a long time without feeling tired.
In fact, the biggest change of Creative OUTLIER AIR V2 is that it finally officially supports SXFI. So far, all new earphones have provided this sound effect. Before use, you need to download the corresponding APP, and then follow the prompts to complete the head model customization (in fact, it is to collect characteristic data from the front and left and right ears through the mobile phone camera. Just like a selfie, one person can complete it). After success, there will be a sample archive of SXFI sound effects in the list (only for you). When we listen to music on our mobile phones, we use this archive directly.
There is also a preset EQ equalizer (customizable) under the UI interface. There is also a built-in player that can directly play the songs stored on the phone. But there is no network streaming media player. Although the function is simple, but there are also some. In addition, through the SXFI support list, it can be found that Creative is not only the new earphones, but also some previously launched earphones models are also supported. I believe there will be more models in the future, and even other earphones brands will join.
In terms of actual experience, let’s talk about wearing it first. Creative OUTLIER AIR V2 is the same as the two Creative true wireless earphones used before. It fits tightly when worn, and will not loosen when shaken. There is no pressure on commuting and exercise, and there will be no loss of earphones when taking the subway. In addition, the airtightness of the earphones is relatively good and the sound insulation effect is also good.
In terms of listening experience, although Creative OUTLIER AIR V2 is a Qualcomm chip, it is not equipped with complete functions, which is a little regrettable (only supports APT-X). With the VIVO S7e mobile phone, the Outlier Air V2’s sound is stretched and transparent, and generally continues the comfortable, three-band balanced style of Creative.
The low frequency has a moderate volume and is not thin. The cohesion and atmosphere can be clearly felt, and the extension and flexibility are also in place. The vocal position of the mid-frequency part is close, close to the ear, but there is no tooth sound. The details are rich and the layers are distinct. The high frequency is bright but not harsh, and the resolution and ductility are also very good. In terms of the sound field, it is not a blind pursuit of broad and grand, but a sense of smallness and beauty, and a stronger sense of presence.
Summary:
Creative Outlier Air V2 does not seem to have changed much, but subtle improvements make it more practical. For example, the change of touch mode makes the user feel almost no pressure in the ear canal during operation. The single battery life is improved. In my personal practical process, I use it for an average of about 1 hour a day, and I can do it for 2 weeks without charging. The unique sound of XSFI sound effects also makes me more immersed in music appreciation.
Creative Outlier Air V2 is not a true wireless earphones that focuses on multi-functions. For example, it does not take off the pause or active noise reduction, but I think its positioning is quite clear: the main direction is control, battery life and sound quality. Combined with the price and the brand reputation created by Creative technology over the years, this price-performance ratio is particularly outstanding.
