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What is aptX Adaptive? It is an audio Bluetooth codec designed to deliver the same quality of audio that you have come to expect from wired headsets. As the name suggests, it is a next generation dynamically adjustable audio codec designed from ground up to deliver robust, low-latency, low-bit rate, high quality wireless audio. We are talking about CD quality audio here, but with a twist.
The aptX Adaptive codec is available for smartphones, Bluetooth earbuds, ear phones, and wireless speakers. When paired together, compatible devices and accessories deliver top quality audio. You can have a compatible set of earbuds, but your msartphone may not be supported. The best sound experience is delivered where both the smartphone and the Bluetooth audio accessory are compatible.
- What is aptX HD?
- What is aptX Adaptive?
- aptX Adaptive vs aptX HD
- Does Android support aptX Adaptive?
- List of aptX Adaptive Phones
- Does Apple use any aptX audio codecs in iPhones?
- Do Samsung phones support any aptX audio codecs?
- List of aptX Adaptive Bluetooth Headsets
- Related Bluetooth Audio Codecs
What is aptX HD?
aptX HD is an audio codec that supports 24-bit audio file transmission via Bluetooth and reduces signal-to-noise ratio, resulting in lower distortion. In summary, it delivers higher audio quality over Bluetooth.
What is aptX Adaptive?
It is an adjustable codec that is much more efficient than aptX HD, but using a smaller amount of date to produce the CD quality sound quality over Bluetooth. It was designed with video and gaming in mind.
aptX Adaptive vs aptX HD
Note that aptX Adaptive is different from aptX HD and basic aptX. The new Adaptive codec is the latest evolution of aptX and aptX HD. The goal of the different versions of aptX have been to deliver better audio via Bluetooth. aptX HD delivers high definition, CD quality Bluetooth audio. It is aptX Adaptive that takes it to the next level – the big difference is that it automatically adjusts to provide optimum audio quality or latency depending on what content is being played on the supported smartphone. As such, it supports high quality audio at even very low bitrates. In summary, it automatically switches between aptX and aptX HD.
The beauty is that aptX Adaptive is backwards compatible with aptX HD and aptX. That means, for example, that wireless earbuds supporting Adaptive will connect to a phone supporting only aptX or HD and use those older codecs instead.
Does Android support aptX Adaptive?
Yes; Android OS supports the new Adaptive codec, and there are many compatible Android phones in the market already. Note that it isn’t built into Android, so each manufacturer has to decide whether to include it into each of their devices. Some phone brands with aptX Adaptive phones include: Nokia, Google Pixel, Motorola, Sony, Smartisan, Sharp, ZTE, OnePlus, ASUS, and Xiaomi.
Note that it supports other platforms, like Windows 10 and macOS as well.
List of aptX Adaptive Phones
Here is along but not exhaustive list of phones that have been announced and launched in recent times with Adaptive support. Note that new phones are being announced monthly, and so this list cannot capture all the available models that support it.
- Moto G Stylus
- Moto G100
- Moto Edge S
- Moto G50
- Nokia X20
- Nokia X10
- Nokia 5.4 . See our Nokia 5.4 review .
- Nokia 3.4 . See our Nokia 3.4 review .
- Sony Xperia 5 II
- Nokia 8 v 5G UW
- Smartisan R2
- OnePlus 8T
- OnePlus 8T + 5G
- Nokia 8.3 5G
- ZTE Axon 20 5G
- ASUS ROG Phone 3
- ASUS ZenFone 7 Pro
- ASUS ZenFone 7
- Asus Zenfone 8
- Xiaomi Mi Note 10
- Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Pro . See our Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Pro review , and long-term review .
- Sony Xperia 10 II
- Sony Xperia 1 II
- Nubia Z20
There are other smartphones not listed here that support the new aptX codec, so this is not an exhaustive list. You should also have a look at my more detailed list of 42 phones that support aptX Adaptive .
Does Apple use any aptX audio codecs in iPhones?
No; Apple does not use aptX in iPhones. Instead, it uses AAC.
Do Samsung phones support any aptX audio codecs?
Samsung Galaxy S22 range, including the S22 Ultra , support aptX classic, but not the newer, more advanced aptX HD or Adaptive. The Galaxy S23 models lack these advanced codecs as well.
List of aptX Adaptive Bluetooth Headsets
The following Bluetooth headsets all support Adaptive:
- Edifier TWS1 Pro
- Bowers & Wilkins PX7
- Bowers & Wilkins Pi3
- Bowers & Wilkins Pi4
- Bowers & Wilkins PX5
aptX Adaptive phones and devices are great for listening to high quality audio, as well as watching movies and YouTube videos. I have played around with and reviewed some of the above devices and cannot recommend aptX Adaptive enough.
Related Bluetooth Audio Codecs
Read up some more about aptX HD .
Author:Mister Mobility
Digital Skills and Communication Coach | Mobile Phone Connoisseur since 2001 | Tech Blogging since 2004
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The Edifier TWS1 Pro and TWS NB2 Pro are offspring of the same parent company. I have had the privilege of playing with both to compare what the experience with each are. Like smartphones, Bluetooth earphones often differ in many ways – materials of construction, quality of the membrane, IP rating, audio codecs, Bluetooth versions, etc.
How do this two fare? What are their differences, and what features do they have in common? From what I have seen of both, they might bear the same brand name, but they are two very different devices in terms of approach, design, features, and audio listening experience.
L-R: Edifier TWS1 Pro and TWS NB2 Pro
The NB2 Pro is the slightly older of the two devices, and this is reflective in some features. Let us have a look at our side-by-side comparison table.
- Edifier TWS1 Pro and TWS NB2 Pro: Comparison Table
- Edifier TWS1 Pro and TWS NB2 Pro: The Differences Explained
- Edifier TWS1 Pro and TWS NB2 Pro: Conclusions
Edifier TWS1 Pro and TWS NB2 Pro: Comparison Table
| Edifier TWS1 Pro | Edifier TWS NB2 Pro |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| HFP, HSP, A2DP, AVRCP | HFP, HSP, A2DP, AVRCP, BLE |
| Titanium diaphragm | Composite diaphragm |
| IP65 water/dust protection | IP54 splash/dust protection |
| Qualcomm aptX Adaptive | N/A |
| Qualcomm cVc 8.0 noise cancellation | Dual-mic, hybrid noise cancellation |
| N/A | Quick Ambient Mode |
| N/A | In-ear detection |
| 7.5W “Fast” charging | 5W Standard charging |
| 12-hour playback time, plus 30-hour extra battery time via charging case | 7 to 9-hour playback time, plus 18-23-hour extra battery time via charging case |
| $49.99 on Amazon. ₦14,600 on Jumia. | $79.99 on Amazon. ₦24,600 on Jumia. |
Edifier TWS NB2 Pro
Edifier TWS1 Pro and TWS NB2 Pro: The Differences Explained
In terms of appearances and quality of materials used, the TWS NB2 is the far more impressive earbuds here. You cannot wear them and not get noticed. They look futuristic and feel more premium in the hand. The TWS1 Pro (and its charging case) looks and feels much cheaper.
But it isn’t about looks alone. The TWS NB2 also offer the ability to switch between ambient modes. The Quick Ambient Mode feature lets you cycle between modes where you can hear sound from around you, to Normal Mode where surrounding sound is cancelled out, to Game Mode where you get better latency for your gaming experience.
It also has IP52 protection from splashes and dust. However, the TWS1 Pro has a higher, IP65 rating, which provides better protection from water. The latter will survive being dropped in a bowl of water for about 30 minutes. The TWS NB2 is not likely to.
The TWS NB2 also detects when the buds are taken out of your ears and automatically pauses music playback when that happens. This is not available in the TWS1 Pro.
While the TWS NB2 uses Bluetooth 5.0, its younger sibling uses the newer, more advanced Bluetooth 5.2. In practical terms, Bluetooth 5.2 translates to better quality audio and longer battery life. This reflects in the battery life figures for these two earbuds: the TWS1 Pro lasts longer on a full charge.
When it comes to audio quality between the Edifier TWS1 Pro and TWS NB2 Pro, the combination of Bluetooth 5.2, aptX Adaptive codec, and the solid titanium diaphragm puts the TWS1 Pro ahead of its sibling. The newer earbuds also use Qualcomm’s cVc 8.0 noise cancellation, which does a good job of keeping unwanted sound out.
In terms of charging speeds, the TWS1 Pro supports the slightly faster 7.5W charging, as against the standard 5W charging on the TWS NB2. It isn’t that much faster, but I will take faster any day.
In terms of Bluetooth profiles , both devices are similar, with the exception that the TWS1 Pro lacks Bluetooth LE (Bluetooth Low Energy), which is an older standard for lower power consumption. This omission isn’t a problem because Bluetooth 5.2, which the TWS1 Pro uses, is a more advanced profile with better low energy management.
Edifier TWS1 Pro
Edifier TWS1 Pro and TWS NB2 Pro: Conclusions
I love the futuristic design of the NB2 Pro, along with its adaptive noise cancellation and the different modes you can cycle through, depending on your surrounding. But when it comes to music playback quality, the TWS1 Pro takes the cake. The aptX Adaptive support, as well as high quality membrane, combine to produce much better quality audio. Plus, it has a higher waterproof and dustproof IP rating.
And in an interesting twist, the TWS1 Pro is also the more affordable of the two. On the other hand, my experience has been that the NB2 Pro is more suited for driving, cycling, or walking, as the Ambient Mode lets you stay aware of sounds around you, for your personal safety. It is also definitely better for gaming (thanks to the Game Mode), and is better suited to occasions where you need to look cool and make a statement. Check out our Edifier TWS NB2 Pro review .
In summary, these two earbuds are great products that meet different needs. If you were given the option to pick between the Edifier TWS1 Pro and TWS NB2 Pro wireless earbuds, which will be your choice?
Author:Mister Mobility
Digital Skills and Communication Coach | Mobile Phone Connoisseur since 2001 | Tech Blogging since 2004
