# Finally, *A* Replaceable Battery! - Pixel Buds 2a Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5Cu8UbMfJ4 Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/k5Cu8UbMfJ4 Generated: 2025-10-16T21:32:28.525+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview The Google Pixel Buds 2a feature a user-replaceable Li-ion battery in the case, a significant step toward repairability, although the earbuds themselves appear glued shut; the sound profile is bassier than the previous generation but still has a scooped midrange, and the ANC performance is better than the previous model but not class-leading, with the app offering customization for touch controls and EQ. **Key Points:** - The Pixel Buds 2a charging case features a replaceable 1600mAh Lithium-ion battery, secured by two tiny screws. - The earbuds themselves appear to be glued shut, making the actual earbud components non-user-replaceable. - The sound profile is warmer with more bass than the previous generation, but the midrange is still scooped, and the treble is slightly overcooked. - Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) performance is improved over the previous model but still trails competitors like the AirPods Pro 2. - The companion app allows customization of touch controls (single tap, double tap, press and hold) and offers an equalizer with presets like Heavy Bass, Light Bass, Balanced, Vocal Boost, and Clarity. - The earbuds offer 1 hour of listening time from just 5 minutes of charging. - The case carries an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance. ![Screenshot at 00:09: The reviewer holds up the opened Pixel Buds 2a charging case, highlighting the primary repairable component—the replaceable Li-ion battery module inside the case.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/k5Cu8UbMfJ4/00-00-09.png) **Context:** The video provides a teardown and review of the Google Pixel Buds 2a, focusing on their repairability, sound quality, and new features compared to previous models and competitors like the AirPods Pro 2. The reviewer carefully disassembles the charging case to examine the battery situation, which is the central theme suggested by the video's title. ## Detailed Analysis The video explores the repairability and features of the Google Pixel Buds 2a, specifically noting the significant achievement of having a user-replaceable battery within the charging case, which is held in by two tiny screws and connects via a small pad. However, the battery within the earbuds themselves is likely glued in and not intended for user replacement. The case has an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance. In terms of audio performance, the 2a model offers a warmer sound signature with more bass compared to the previous generation, though the midrange remains scooped, and the treble can sound slightly overcooked. The reviewer compares the frequency response (with ANC on) to the Pixel Buds 2a (red line) and the AirPods Pro 2 (blue line), showing the 2a's bass is slightly stronger but still drops off sharply above 1.5kHz, similar to the previous generation. The ANC is noted as better than the previous model but still inferior to the AirPods Pro 2. The companion app provides controls for Active Noise Control (ANC modes: Noise Cancellation, Off, Transparency), Digital Assistant preferences, Find Device, Audio Switch, and a 5-band equalizer with presets like Heavy Bass, Light Bass, Balanced, Vocal Boost, Clarity, and Last Saved, plus a Volume EQ toggle. ### Repairability - Replaceable Li-ion battery in the case secured by two screws - Earbuds appear glued shut, preventing earbud battery replacement - Case has an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance ### Audio Performance & EQ - Sound profile is warmer/bassier than predecessors but still has a scooped midrange and slightly harsh highs - ANC is better than previous model but weaker than AirPods Pro 2 - App offers 5-band EQ with presets (e.g., Heavy Bass, Clarity) and Volume EQ toggle ### Battery Life & Charging - 20 hours total listening time (Buds + Case) with ANC on - Fast charge provides 1 hour of listening from 5 minutes of charging ### Controls & Software - Touch controls (single tap, double tap, press/hold) are customizable in the app - Press-and-hold cycles through ANC modes - Audio Switch feature allows seamless device switching ![Screenshot at 00:01: The reviewer begins the teardown by opening the packaging for the Pixel Buds 2a.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/k5Cu8UbMfJ4/00-00-01.png) ![Screenshot at 00:29: The reviewer examines the included ear tip sizes \(XS/S/M/L\) and the instruction card.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/k5Cu8UbMfJ4/00-00-29.png) ![Screenshot at 00:44: The reviewer holds up the charging case, pointing out the USB-C charging port on the bottom.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/k5Cu8UbMfJ4/00-00-44.png) ![Screenshot at 01:13: The reviewer shows the empty charging case, noting its packaging appears to be made from recycled material.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/k5Cu8UbMfJ4/00-01-13.png) ![Screenshot at 02:12: A close-up shot highlighting the USB-C charging port on the bottom of the case.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/k5Cu8UbMfJ4/00-02-12.png) ![Screenshot at 02:24: Close-up of the case interior, showing the two tiny screws used to secure the battery module.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/k5Cu8UbMfJ4/00-02-24.png) ![Screenshot at 04:19: The reviewer holds up the removed battery module from the case, pointing out the connector pins.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/k5Cu8UbMfJ4/00-04-19.png) ![Screenshot at 09:08: The frequency response graph compares the Pixel Buds 2a \(red line\) against the Average Listener Preference \(shaded area\) and AirPods Pro 2 with ANC \(blue line\).](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/k5Cu8UbMfJ4/00-09-08.png) ![Screenshot at 11:32: The mobile app screen showing the Active Noise Control settings for the left bud, with options for Noise Cancellation, Off, and Transparency.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/k5Cu8UbMfJ4/00-11-32.png) ![Screenshot at 13:20: The mobile app screen displaying the detailed Equalizer settings, showing custom adjustments for Upper treble, Treble, Mid, Bass, and Low bass.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/k5Cu8UbMfJ4/00-13-20.png)