Author's Note: The full review can be found here. My review blog for my other reviews: jwtechreviews.com



Thanks to Tronsmart for providing the Onyx Neo for review.

Where to buy link: here


Specifications & features
• Chip: Qualcomm QCC3020, supports aptX, AAC, SBC
• Qualcomm DSP & cVc 8.0
• USB Type-C Charging
• One-Tap Control Voice Assistant
• Bluetooth 5.0
• IPX5 Water-Resistant
• Bluetooth Compatibility: HFP/HSP/AVRCP/A2DP
• Impedance: 16Ω
• Speaker: Φ6mm
• Frequency: 20-20K Hz
• Battery Capacity: Earbuds: 35 mAh; Charging case: 350 mAh
• Charging Time: Earbud: 50 mins; Charging case: 2 hours
• Play Time: Earbud: up to 7 hours (50% volume); Charging case: up to 24 hours (50% volume)
• Standby Time: With charging case: 90 days
• Driver Unit: Φ6mm


The box




Open box



Contents

• Onyx Neo with charging case
• 3 pairs of ear tips (S, M, L)
• USB Type C charging cable
• User manual
• Warranty card


Onyx Neo with charging case








Ear tips



USB Type C charging cable



User manual




In 6 languages – English, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, French & Japanese


Warranty card



Charging



Testing




Final thoughts
This Onyx Neo is the twin brother of Spunky Beat with identical specs.

Onyx Neo is missing the USB-A cable for 2nd method of charging and the built-in strap which Spunky Beat has.



Noticed on Onyx Neo there are some slight improvements; low frequencies are more detailed and brighter. The bass is more textured and good dynamics. Mid and high frequencies remain the same like on Spunky Beat.

The price of Onyx Neo is lower than Spunky Beat with the same specs but with some slight improvements. Making it the most affordable TWS using a Qualcomm chip.

This post has been edited by blurjoey: Jan 8 2020, 12:11 AM

Onyx Neo has a nice oval shape to it which makes it look sleeker and sexier than the last two versions.

Audio quality is also pretty neat compared to the other two iteration.

Great review btw bro.

Thanks champu

May I know if the lights blinks every few seconds when listening to music? I heard the Spunky Beat does and that was a deal breaker for me.

It doesn't. Single earbud flashes Blue & Red to indicate it's in pairing mode.. Once connected, both buds flash blue once, voice prompt goes "connected", you hear a 2 tone sound and that's it. It doesn't flash after a successful connection.

Thank you voncrane for the clarifications

Great, may I know if the Spunky Beat flashes blue every few seconds when playing music? Because some say they do and other say they don't. Also hows the controllers for the Onyx? Do they perform the correct functions when you tap it or do you have to try a few times?
I'm still thinking whether go with Spunky Beat or Onyx. I'm leaning more towards Spunky Beat but if it does blink when you're using it then it's going to be annoying especially in the dark since I'll be using them mostly in public. Onyx on the other hand, I've heard a few people say the casing quality is not as good as Spunky Beat and already having problems charging after a few uses.

This post has been edited by masterelr: May 11 2020, 09:01 PM

My wife is using the Spunky Beat (now Onyx Ace) while I'm using the Onyx Neo.

The Beat or Neo or Ace's LED won't blink when in use. Will blink when charging and to pair with the device.

The touch is functioning well on all models. Only sometimes the accidental touches.

I don't have issues charging on my Neo using the USB C port since the review until today. Beat's case is roughly the same with the extra strap and USB A charging cable.

What blurjoey says...They don't flash unnecessarily while in use. Those were some Bluetooth hands-free devices of old. Nowadays, I'm fairly certain that majority won't want to walk around with lights intermittently flashing off their ears.. haha. My unit has basically been a daily driver and thus far, I've had no charging issues. However your concern is a valid one. So i would advise that your purchase from a seller/platform with Tronsmart Malaysia warranty. You should get 1-1 replacement for manufacturing defects within the warranty period.

This post has been edited by voncrane: May 12 2020, 10:27 AM

Thanks a lot, guys! I'll get either the Spunky Beat or Onyx Ace then (would have gone straight for the Onyx Ace if the Spunky Beats blinks when in use) depending on which has the best deal I can find.

The Onyx Ace now got black color in Tronsmart Malaysia store

My wife says the Onyx Ace is more comfortable for long sessions than the Spunky Beat.

Oh looks like the Onyx Ace is the type which has the stems sticking out like air pods which I'm not looking for since I already have the TaoTronics SoundLiberty BH053 which is a similar type.

Yeah... I prefer the discreet Neo but the comfort of wearing the Ace is getting to me