Introducing Philips Fidelio L4 ANC

Philips Fidelio

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The headphone space is getting more exciting day by day. Wondering how? Well, with the launch of the Philips Fidelio L4, Sony’s topmost position in the list of the best wireless headphones with the WH-1000XM5 is looking a bit weak.

Yes, Philips has done a great job with the Fidelo L4 ANC! Following the footsteps of the L3, which got great reviews, the L4 still holds onto the proprietary 40mm driver. 

However, Philips decided to amp things up a little. For the L4, the audio specialist has added a graphene coating, which increases a higher level of stiffness. What will the additional stiffness result to? 

Philips Fidelio L3
Fidelio L3; Source: Philips

It promises lower levels of distortion and a much clearer soundstage in the higher and midrange frequencies. So, you can expect to get class-leading sound with the Philips Fidelio L4.

The L4 also integrates Bluetooth 5.3, which is the latest version the industry has to offer. With that, Philips brought some amazing features that audiophiles can definitely appreciate. 

That includes Bluetooth multipoint, enabling the Fidelio L4 to stay connected with multiple devices at once with seamless transitions.

Philips Fidelio L3
Fidelio L3; Source: Philips

There is Auracast broadcasting too and it enables shared listening over wireless. Most importantly, the Philips Fidelio L4 has Bluetooth LE audio.

That enables the headphone to get a considerably high power efficiency. In the audio codec department, the Philips Fidelio L4 has support for Sony’s LDAC and LC3 codecs. 

You can take full advantage of both of these advanced codecs to enjoy higher-quality wireless playback. Don’t want to put a strain on the internal battery when you don’t need to? 

Philips Fidelio L3
Fidelio L3; Source: Philips

The Philips Fidelio L4 also works in wired mode! For that, you have the option to choose the USB-C or the 3.5 mm headphone jack. 

And just like in the wireless mode, the L4 offers proper hi-res sound in the wired mode too. The Philips Fidelio L4 also integrates high-quality Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) tech. 

Philips has relocated the venting port for the microphones, allowing them to measure external noise with higher precision. And thanks to this relocation, the mics are now less sensitive to wind noise.

Philips Fidelio L3
Fidelio L3; Source: Philips

But even if there is too much wind around, the mics of the Philips Fidelio L4 will automatically reduce the sensitivity for less interference.

The L4 also comes with an extra voice pick-up mic dedicated to removing background sounds when you are on a call. So, calling experience with the L4 will be jaw-dropping.

Finally, the battery life has seen a massive boost. With the ANC on, you can get up to 40 hours of run time. In comparison, the Sony WH-1000XM5 can offer only 30 hours of playtime with the ANC mode on. So, if you are still considering getting XM5, it is time to reconsider!

Slava is a man of mystery and no-one seems to know exactly where he is at any point in time. When he isn't enjoying writing about all things audio and technical he can be found researching his next project of interest. The man never rests.


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