Sony's hype is through the roof of course, it's Sony. Everyone expects great things from Sony, especially after the delay of this product to work on the product more. The Previous model had issues with the tips and unfortunately, these same tips exist again with this model. I get that they need these tips to push their ANC because the majority of the ANC is done with the tips, but I was hoping that they made this different this time. This is the biggest difference most people will see in their reviews. If sound isn't amazing and ANC isn't amazing, I guarantee it's because the seal is there for the user due to the foam tip size issues it creates in some ears. They also returned with the same battery life on paper, but I believe they managed to get 1 additional hour, which is good, but again, others on the market are better at 11 hours these days, and I expected Sony to come out leading the way or at least equaling the best on the market today in battery life.
Now, unto what Sony does best. Their features are always top-notch. I love this year that Google's activation with voice and reading my text message automatically on even an Android phone is here. This is one of the features as a android owner that I missed so much from owning a apple phone and products. So thank you, Sony, for making this happen with this product. The Vent is another thing I'm grateful for. Venting was a serious issue for me with the last xm5's. The ANC is either 2nd best or tied with the very best in the industry today. Even the hear-through is nice. But the best thing about these Sonys is the Sound. I have everything from Bang & Olufsen, bowers wilkins, Noble, others. This could be the greatest sound accomplishment ever in a bluetooth device. The soundstage, timbre, and richness with dynamic abilities, thanks to that 10-band EQ, are just magical. The time they took in speaking to the Producers and Engineers with this device truly paid off. BUT again, I can't stress enough that all of this hinges on the fit and seal. As long as you got these covered, then you can take advantage of all the features, sound, Anc, and uniqueness that these earphones nailed this time out.
For me, once you check the boxes, there isn't anything left to say. It's the Earphone of the year for 2026 for those whose ears this earphone fits, but it will be the most hated for those who this earphone doesn't fit.
