MWC 2025: Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro first look

Wireless earbuds have been around for years, but Xiaomi is taking things to the next level with the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro. These earbuds are among the first to feature Qualcomm’s S7 Pro chip and introduce something we don’t usually see in wireless audio – lossless Wi-Fi audio streaming. 

But why is that important? Xiaomi is essentially pushing beyond Bluetooth, promising superior sound quality and longer battery life. Given that sound and battery life are two of the main pillars of a good pair of TWS earphones, this definitely feels like a step in the right direction.

Transparent build for the win

The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro have a tasteful transparent lid, which allows you to peek at the earphones within. 

The charging case is lightweight and can be easily stored in any purse or bag. The hinge, while lacking metal reinforcements, feels sturdy and durable.

Wi-Fi Audio: A Game-Changer?

The USP of the Buds 5 Pro is their ability to stream high-resolution 24-bit/96kHz audio over Wi-Fi. According to Xiaomi, this offers double the speed of Bluetooth 5, ensuring higher fidelity sound and lower latency. 

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This could be a huge leap for audiophiles, as Bluetooth’s compression limits sound quality, whereas Wi-Fi allows lossless streaming with much richer detail.

What powers the earbuds

At the heart of these earbuds is Qualcomm’s latest S7 Pro chip, which plays a crucial role in enabling Wi-Fi audio streaming. 

This chip is designed to optimise power efficiency, meaning users can expect longer battery life even with high-resolution audio streaming. It also allows for solid connectivity between supported devices, offering a more stable and high-quality listening experience.

The catch: Limited compatibility

While the Wi-Fi audio feature sounds impressive, there’s a big limitation; it only works with select Xiaomi devices like the Xiaomi 15 series. That means if you’re using an older Xiaomi or a non-Xiaomi phone, you’ll have to rely on standard Bluetooth connectivity instead of experiencing the full potential of these earbuds. 

Wider compatibility support could be coming in the future, but we will have to wait and see. This could be a dealbreaker for users who prefer cross-brand compatibility.

Is Wi-Fi Audio the future?

The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro introduce an exciting innovation, but the limited compatibility raises questions about how practical Wi-Fi audio will be for the mass market. If more manufacturers embrace Wi-Fi-enabled earbuds, this could be the start of a new era in wireless audio, offering better sound quality, lower latency, and improved battery efficiency. But for now, these buds cater mainly to Xiaomi users. 

Regardless, audiophiles in the Xiaomi ecosystem can rejoice as the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro are one of the few TWS earbuds in the market that can come close to delivering CD-like audio quality. Stay tuned to Unboxed by Croma for the full review.