MWC 2025: Meet TECNO FreeHear 1 - A comfortable to wear open earbuds with a lightweight C-bridge clip design

One of the devices that TECNO showcased last MWC 2025 in Barcelona, Spain is the FreeHear 1.

This is the TECNO FreeHear 1

The TECNO FreeHear 1 is the company's newest true wireless buds. Its open ear C-bridge design promises a stylish look with superior comfort and high-quality sound.

This is the media giveaway of TECNO for the MWC event and I used it as my primary buds for music and calls during the trip.

Here's what we think about it.

Meet TECNO FreeHear 1 - A comfortable to wear open earbuds with a lightweight C-bridge clip design

The design of TECNO FreeHear 1

The design of the FreeHear 1 is undeniably elegant considering that TECNO is a company not that well known for making wearable audio devices.

Elegant and comfortable to wear

It is made with premium-looking polycarbonate materials reminding us of the probably more expensive HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro-line.

Even the buds itself is undeniably inspired by the HUAWEI FreeClip. The C-bridge design has several similarities, the ball where the drivers are inside is identical, and it also has a so-called C-bridge design formed with memory wires that securely clips the device to the ears.

The difference is that it has no self-adaptive left-right audio channels, and you need to know where the left and right buds are first before putting it on your ear or charging it in the case.

The fit and clip also feels secure enough even when I was running in the airport to make sure I was on time for my flight. Just be careful when removing sling bags from our bodies as it might catch the FreeHear earbuds by accident and accidentally drop it on the floor.

Otherwise, the comfort is superb, there are no sharp edges, and I can wear this for hours without fatigue. It is super lightweight at just 4.6 grams each. The buds are just a little prone to fingerprint smudges.,

To connect and pair the buds, don't remove the earbuds from the case first and press and hold the button below for a few seconds. After that, you can connect it to your PC and phone. This also supports Dual Device Connection so you don't have to disconnect it from a device first before using it on your other device.

Users can also increase the volume on a single tap on each side, double tap for play/pause audio or pick up/hang up calls, and long press for next/previous tracks or reject call. You can also triple tap to access the voice assistant or low latency game mode.

A closer look when the buds are placed to the charging case and to its audio driver

For sound, it is pretty good considering its Bluetooth 5.4 tech only supports SBC and AAC audio codecs. It is fairly rich and warm sounding with decent amount of bass, noticeable sub-bass punch, clear and layered mids, and crisp highs with minimal hissing. Live tracks with emphasis on instruments and vocals will shine here especially when the Power Saving Mode is turned off.

Pretty good audio performance

While there are tracks where the sound might sound a little muffled, this is still far from bad for its expected affordable price category. Plus as expected, the soundstage is lounge bar like wide.

The downside, is you might need to use around 70-90 percent loudness unless you can fit the device nearer to your near canal.

Since it is an open buds design with noise isolation or cancellation, you will be aware of your surroundings. This is a positive feature on commutes especially when crossing the streets. But to enjoy its quality the best, use it on a quiet environment.

I tried using it on a plane ride and it is usable for at around 90 percent loudness. I was still able to use it to watch some of my downloaded episodes on Netflix.

We also think that the DirectSound Tech built inside the acoustic ball to transmit sound directly to the ear canal to eliminate sound leakage is legit.

For calls, it comes AI ENC algorithm and from experience my voice for calls are clear enough.

The Welife app where you can connect the FreeHear 1

To maximize the buds, download the TECNO Welife app where we were able to turn on and off Power Saving Mode, Quick Connection Pop-up, choose a Custom Pop-up Theme, select EQ Sound, select Game Mode, customize, Gesture Controls, and access Audio Connection Management. It even has a Find Earphones function when needed.

Each bud can last up to 5.5 hours on a single charge on default mode at 50 percent loudness. The battery drains faster when you turn off the Power Saving Mode (on by default) and when you increase the volume. 

I was able to use it to watch 4 episodes of Melo Movie K-drama on Netflix at 90 percent loudness before needing to charge the buds again. It needs an hour to be fully charged inside the case. The case could be charged via USB-C.

TECNO FreeHear 1 Specs

Driver: 11mm dynamic driver

Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz

Microphone: 3x microphones

Battery: 40mAh (per earbud), 460mAh (charging case) w/ 2W Qi wireless charging

Sensors: Touch

Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4 (SBC, AAC)

Others: IPX4 water splash resistance, USB-C, Colors: Gold, Grey

Dimensions: 28 x 27.3 x 21.2 mm (per earbud), 65 x 54 x 27.2 mm (charging case)

Weight: 4.6 g (per earbud), 43.5 g (charging case)

Price: TBC

Quick thoughts

The TECNO FreeHear 1 is a stellar looking buds with a surprisingly rich audio output, and respectable battery life.

It is also super lightweight with refined design making it comfortable for long listening time. There are event times where I forget that I'm wearing it.

These buds might be a GREAT alternative to the popular HUAWEI FreeClip if the price is right despite some of the weakpoints we mentioned above.

There is no word if TECNO will release it in the Philippines yet. Stay tuned for more info.