Sony WF-C510 made its debut in the Indian market in September this year, positioning itself as an entry-level option within Sony’s expansive range of audio wearables. Notably, it lacks support for high-end audio codecs and the increasingly sought-after active noise cancellation (ANC), features that have become standard in numerous true wireless stereo (TWS) earphones nowadays. Equipped with 6mm drivers and promising up to 22 hours of total battery life, the question arises: do they still offer good value for your money? Priced at Rs. 4,990 in the country, let’s delve into whether the WF-C510 should be on your radar for your next pair of everyday headsets.
Sony WF-C510 Design and Features: Simple and Effective
- Weight – 4.6g (earphones); 31g (charging case)
- Water and dust resistance – IPX4 (earphones only)
- Colours – black, blue, yellow, and white
The Sony WF-C510 delivers a comfortable in-ear fit, enhanced by three different ear tip sizes included in the package—small, medium, and large. Among these, the default medium size proved to be the most suitable for me. Its design bears resemblance to Sony’s Linkbuds S, albeit in a slightly smaller and lighter configuration. Instead of touch controls, these earphones feature a tactile physical button on the top, enabling users to manage volume and playback effortlessly.
The TWS earphones come with three ear tip size options in-the-box.
Available in eye-catching matte finishes of black, blue, yellow, and white, the Sony WF-C510’s charging case takes on a pill-shaped aesthetic that is compact enough to nestle comfortably in your palm or fit snugly into the coin pocket of your jeans. Weighing a mere 31g, it is exceedingly portable, and its flat bottom design prevents it from rolling off surfaces. However, when exposed to outdoor environments or while traveling, the case tends to collect dust—a minor inconvenience easily resolved with a quick wipe or a rub against your jeans. This is especially true for lighter pastel shades, which may not fare as well aesthetically.
The front of the Sony WF-C510 charging case boasts an LED indicator that flickers in green, amber, and red to signify battery levels. With Sony’s branding elegantly embossed on the top and the back housing the USB Type-C charging port along with the pairing button, this case is both functional and stylish. Interestingly, there’s no charging cable included, which, instead of being a drawback, can actually be a relief given the abundance of cables most users already possess, as any standard USB Type-C cable can easily power the case.
Sony WF-C510 App and Specifications: Straightforward, No-frills
- Driver – 6mm
- Companion App – Sony Sound Connect
- Gesture controls – Physical button (press)
The companion Sony Sound Connect app simplifies the user experience with its intuitive interface. Users can customize pressing gestures, monitor battery levels, and even adjust equalization settings. A variety of presets—such as Bright, Excited, Mellow, Relaxed, Vocal, Treble Boost, Bass Boost, and Speech—are readily available, and the Find Your Equalizer feature provides personalized EQ settings through real-time audio variations. This functionality allows users to select their preferred sound profile while saving their choice for future listening.
The Sound Connect app allows you to access Sony’s DSEE feature.
Supporting 360 Reality Audio, the Sony WF-C510 enhances the audio experience for listeners seeking a more immersive stereo sound environment, though it requires an additional app for this advanced feature. While the earphones come equipped with 6mm drivers and support multi-point Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, it is noteworthy that they only accommodate basic codecs like SBC and AAC. However, the Sound Connect app provides access to Sony’s DSEE, optimizing compressed audio files for enhanced detail and clarity. Plus, users can easily toggle between prioritizing audio quality or connectivity through the app settings.
With an IPX4 rating for splash resistance, the Sony WF-C510 proves to be an ideal companion for morning or evening jogs as well as gym outings, capable of handling sweat with ease. Although the absence of ANC contributes to longer battery life, users can still achieve a satisfactory level of passive noise isolation with their snug fit.
Sony WF-C510 Performance and Battery Life: Efficient and Reliable
- ANC – No
- Battery Life – Up to 11 hours (only earphones) + Up to 11 hours (charging case)
- Fast Charging – Yes (claimed 5 minutes for up to 1 hour)
- Bluetooth – 5.3 (SBC, AAC)
The secure fit of the Sony WF-C510 provides ample passive noise isolation, effectively minimizing external disturbances. Without music playing, ambient noises remain audible but greatly reduced—while conversation or TV sounds fall to the background, allowing for a more focused listening session. When you want to stay aware of your surroundings, the Ambient Sound transparency mode can be activated via the app or the earphone button, allowing outside sounds to filter in whenever necessary.
The charging connectors are placed towards the inside of the earphones.
Offering a rich and vibrant audio experience, the Sony WF-C510 allows users to fine-tune their listening through a five-band equalizer in addition to preset options. For those who enjoy powerful bass, a dedicated Clear Bass slider helps achieve that perfect punch in tracks. Utilizing the Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) mode further elevates the intricacies of songs, particularly enhancing muddy mids but at the potential cost of battery life. Users can revel in the detailed sonic landscapes of classic tracks, enjoying nuances from both vocal and instrumental performances alike.
Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, the Sony WF-C510 incorporates Google Fast Pair technology; as you open the case near your Android device, a simple prompt for pairing appears on your screen, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free connection process. Supporting multi-point connectivity, you can easily connect to a second device by long-pressing the pairing button and ensuring the correct option is enabled within the Sound Connect app. This feature allows seamless switching between devices without any lag, although it’s important to note that there isn’t an in-ear detection feature. Hence, taking them out won’t pause your audio but only disconnects them when securely placed back inside the case.
As for battery performance, while I find the overall longevity of the Sony WF-C510 satisfactory, I do feel that the charging case, which claims to offer an additional 11 hours of usage, could potentially provide more. When Ambient Sound mode is off, the earphones can deliver around 10.5 hours per charge under AAC playback conditions. Activating the DSEE feature brings this down to slightly over eight hours, while using the Ambient Sound mode reduces playback time to just six hours, yet the earphones offer quick charge capabilities, providing an hour of usage from a mere five minutes of charging. Full recharging of the case takes approximately two hours and forty-seven minutes using a USB Type-C cable.
The magnetic charging case is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
Sony WF-C510: Verdict
The Sony WF-C510 are a commendable pair of TWS earphones available for Rs. 4,990. Initially, the absence of ANC in this lower tier raised some doubts about sound quality. However, the overall tuning of these earphones dispels any concerns and delivers a satisfying audio experience. With the companion app’s equalization and DSEE enhancement options, customization becomes effortless. The lightweight and comfortable design make them a solid choice for everyday use, boasting impressive playback time exceeding ten hours—an advantage in a market dominated by ANC models that tend to drain power more rapidly. A larger charging case could enhance overall battery longevity.
If ANC is a critical feature for you, alternatives are available, such as the CMF Buds Pro 2 at Rs. 4,299. This option offers up to 50dB of ANC, 43 hours of cumulative battery life, and integration with the Nothing X app. Additionally, there’s the OnePlus Buds 3, priced slightly higher at Rs. 5,499, which features up to 49dB of ANC and up to 44 hours of total playback time, along with support for the LHDC audio codec and an IP55 dust and water resistance rating.
**Interview with Audio Expert and Tech Reviewer, Rajesh Sharma, on Sony WF-C510 Earbuds**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Rajesh! Thank you for joining us today to discuss Sony’s latest earbuds, the WF-C510. They recently launched in India at a price point of Rs. 4,990. What are your initial impressions?
**Rajesh Sharma:** Thank you for having me! The Sony WF-C510 is an interesting entry into the market as it targets budget-conscious consumers. The design is simple yet effective, and they’re quite lightweight at just 4.6 grams per earbud. However, their lack of features like active noise cancellation does set them apart from many competitors in the true wireless stereo market today.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of features, how do the performance specs stack up for everyday users?
**Rajesh Sharma:** The WF-C510 is equipped with 6mm drivers, which deliver a decent audio experience. While they don’t support high-end audio codecs, the built-in Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) optimizes audio, and users can customize their listening experience using the Sony Sound Connect app, which is a plus. Battery life is also commendable—up to 11 hours on a single charge, and together with the charging case, you can get around 22 hours of total usage.
**Interviewer:** That’s quite impressive for the battery life. How do these earbuds perform in terms of comfort and usability?
**Rajesh Sharma:** Comfort-wise, they come with three different ear tip sizes to ensure a snug fit, which is essential for passive noise isolation. The physical button control on the earbuds might be preferable for some users compared to touch controls, especially during workouts. However, while they claim to offer IPX4 water and dust resistance, it’s crucial for workout enthusiasts, and I find that they do hold up well during gym sessions.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned earlier that they lack active noise cancellation. Do you think that impacts their overall value proposition?
**Rajesh Sharma:** In this price range, some consumers might be disappointed by the absence of ANC, particularly those who are used to or looking for that feature in their audio devices. However, for casual listeners who prioritize battery life and ease of use, the WF-C510 can still be a viable option, especially given their lightweight design and the flexibility offered by the companion app.
**Interviewer:** considering all these aspects, would you recommend the Sony WF-C510 to potential buyers?
**Rajesh Sharma:** If you’re looking for a reliable, budget-friendly option that performs well for casual use, the Sony WF-C510 is definitely worth considering. Just manage your expectations regarding high-end features. They provide great value for everyday listening, especially for users who might primarily be using them for calls, podcasts, and casual music listening.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Rajesh! It sounds like the WF-C510 has its pros and cons, but certainly deserves attention for those in the entry-level market.
**Rajesh Sharma:** Thank you! Always a pleasure to share thoughts on new tech.