84 ANDROID ADVISOR • ISSUE 88BUYING GUIDE
There are some tiny changes, but at this distance you’d be hard
pressed to tell the difference between the new and old version.Let’s dive into the specificsthat
makeSony’sWH-1000XM4sogreat,
andwhytheolderWH-1000XM3– which
arestillavailableandcanbefoundfor
about£90lessif youshoparound–
remainagreat value.The same great
hardware, refined
The Sony WH-1000XM4 maintains the
signature look this line is known for, with
subtle gold accents and minimal buttons.
Most of the controls are still handled by
taps and swipes on the right ear cup. I’ve
grown accustomed to this but it’s never
been my favourite means of navigation.
The easy-to-find Power button sits on the
bottom of the left ear cup, along with a
Custom button that can be programmedto either select Ambient Sound Control
options or activate voice assistants. It’s a
minimal and classy design that still holds
up years later, but the touch controls still
present a learning curve.
The slim headband introduced in the
previous model is very comfortable along
the top of the head. Sony claims the
newer model features slightly upgraded
ear pads, which should help during long
listening sessions, but I could barely
tell a difference. The new set is more
comfortable compared to the old model,
but that could also be attributed to the
wearI’veplacedontheolderpair.I’ve
worntheWH-1000XM3 on plenty of long
flights and encountered some pressure
fatigue after many hours, so any upgrade
in that area is welcome. Overall, it’s a
comfortable design
that sits snug on my
head and melts away
while I’m working.
The swivelling cups
andfoldingdesign
arealso retained,
sothenewmodel
is easyto stuff in a
backpack. I’m happy
they didn’t mess with
a winning formula.
For more
protection in transit,
the included carrying