Oppo introduces the Enco Air5s, a budget-friendly semi-in-ear wireless earbud with active noise cancellation, long-lasting battery, and a lightweight design aimed at comfort and portability, challenging traditional in-ear models.
OPPO’s Enco Air5s is an unusual entry in the budget true wireless market because it combines a semi-in-ear fit with active noise cancellation, a pairing that is still rare at this price. Rather than sealing the ear canal with silicone tips, the earbuds sit more lightly in the outer ear, closer to Apple’s open-style approach. In Malaysia, they are priced at RM299, while the standard Enco Air5 with a more conventional in-ear design sits lower at RM249.
The design is one of the model’s strongest selling points. OPPO offers the Enco Air5s in Midnight Black, Starlight Purple and Lunar White, and the compact, pebble-like charging case gives the product a more polished look than many rivals in the same segment. The company says the earbuds are very light, with each bud weighing 3.9g, and the case is small enough to disappear into a pocket or bag. OPPO also gives the model an IP55 rating, which means it should cope with sweat and light splashes during everyday use.
Fit, however, is the defining variable. Semi-in-ear earbuds depend heavily on ear shape, and the Enco Air5s can feel secure on some users while sitting less firmly on others. In practical terms, that means the sound stage, bass response and long-wear comfort may change depending on how well the buds rest in place. The design is intended to reduce pressure and avoid the closed-in sensation that some people dislike, but it also means buyers should be cautious if they usually prefer a locked-in in-ear fit.
On features, the Enco Air5s is better equipped than its form factor might suggest. OPPO uses 12mm dynamic drivers and its Real-time Adaptive Noise Cancellation system, with the brand positioning the earbuds as capable of reducing steady background noise even without a traditional seal. Other launch details point to dual-device connectivity, Bluetooth 6.0 support and noise modes that adjust for different environments, while the HeyMelody app provides EQ control. OPPO also lists AI Translate for compatible phones, Spotify Tap and a gaming mode aimed at lowering latency.
Battery life is another clear advantage. OPPO claims up to 48 hours of total playback with the charging case, which is strong for such a small product, and the case charges over USB-C. In daily use, that kind of endurance makes the earbuds easier to live with than many similarly priced rivals, particularly for commuters and office users who want something light, quick to charge and low maintenance. Call quality, based on broader feedback, appears more ordinary than the headline specifications, so users who rely heavily on voice calls may want to test them first.
Overall, the Enco Air5s is less about outright isolation and more about balancing comfort, portability and feature count. It is a sensible option for listeners who dislike the pressure of sealed earbuds and want respectable noise reduction without giving up battery life or basic smart functions. For buyers whose ears suit the semi-in-ear format, it looks like a well-judged value proposition. For everyone else, the fit will decide whether the experience feels clever or compromised.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
