Nu Republic Cyberstud X2 Review: Audio tech that you can wear

2 weeks ago 2

Nu Republic is a relatively new player in the audio tech and smart wearable segment. Primarily operating in the budget/midrange segment, Nu Republic has been moving the needle when it comes to design and form factor ideas. Not afraid to put out experimental products, the tech outfit has managed to create a buzz for itself in a short span of time. Previously, we reviewed the Cyberstud Spin right after they were launched. Now, we turn our attention to the Cyberstud X2, which was launched in September. This TWS can also be worn as a fashion accessory. But how good does it sound? Find out in our Nu Republic Cyberstud X2 review.

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Nu Republic Cyberstud X2 Review: Design

Here’s what you get inside the Nu Republic Cyberstud X2’s retail box:

Charging case with earbuds inside
USB Type-A to Type-C cable
Steel chain
Stickers

If you’re unfamiliar with Cyberstud X2’s design, it is essentially a TWS that you can wear as a chain. The steel chain provided in the box attaches itself to the charging case, turning the metal case into a pendant. The charging case weighs 77g and is comfortable to wear around the neck.

Design

We like the open design of the metal charging case. The lid has two metal bars that converge at the centre, forming an X-like shape. Pulling up the lid, you’ll find the earbuds nestled in their plastic cutouts. There is an LED dial below the earbuds that adds significantly to the Cyberstud X2’s aesthetic appeal. The LED pattern seems inspired by the arc reactor in Iron Man’s suit.

design

The earbuds are made entirely out of plastic. The flat stems house an LED notification bar. The open-end design of the earbuds means that there are no silicone ear tips at the ends. The fit is passable for medium to large size ears, but folks with smaller ears may have some difficulty fitting these earbuds. We would’ve preferred an in-ear design for the buds and a tighter fit.

design

Despite its moderate price tag, the build quality of the Cyberstud X2 is high-end. The metal case has an incredible in-hand feel. It has some heft to it, which makes it feel like a premium product. Nu Republic has not mentioned the IP rating for this TWS, but it claims that the earbuds are sweat-resistant. We used the earbuds while working out and they remained unaffected by sweat. However, they do have a tendency to slide out quite easily when things get sweaty.

Nu Republic Cyberstud X2 Review: Performance

The Nu Republic Cyberstud X2 features Bluetooth 5.3, making it easy to connect to your smartphone, tablet, or PC. The option of Google Fast Pair is missing from the TWS. There are two audio codecs on offer – SBC and AAC. The two earbuds utilise 13mm neodymium drivers and X-Bass technology to deliver the audio output.

performance

During the review period, we used the Nu Republic Cyberstud X2 to listen to a wide range of genres. The soundstage is dominated by the low-end frequencies. The warm envelope of bass brings a noticeable ‘thump’ to the mix but tends to shroud over the mids and the highs. This wasn’t too objectionable while listening to classic rock acts like Led Zeppelin and UFO. However, while playing ambient, jazz, and pop artists, we felt the need for a more balanced soundstage. The overall output feels a little boxy and rough. The boosted bass element tries to gleam over this flaw, but it doesn’t entirely fill up the gaps. The harshness gets more pronounced when the volume is pushed above 80%.

Performance

The Cyberstud X2 has a handy Game Mode that can be triggered after tapping either earbud 4 times. Since there is no companion app for this TWS yet, using the touch-sensitive panel is the only way to enable the Game Mode. In this mode, the latency of the earbuds drops down to 40ms, facilitating a smooth gaming experience. We played Call of Duty Mobile while wearing the earbuds and were satisfied with the audio seamlessly matching the game visuals. The audio produced by the earbuds was detailed and immersive. As a gaming TWS, the Cyberstud X2 does the job.

design

The X2 does a good job of providing a noise-free calling experience in an indoor setting. The earbuds use ENC tech to suppress and reduce the surrounding noise to an acceptable degree. The caller’s voice is extracted and relayed with all the details intact. However, in a loud outdoor environment (like busy streets and public transportation), you’re better off using your phone to take calls.

During the week-long review period, we used the Nu Republic Cyberstud X2 for music streaming, gaming, and calling. Our daily average usage lasted around 4-5 hours. On a full charge, the earbuds can last up to 6 hours. The charging case extends the battery life to 70 hours.

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Verdict

The Nu Republic Cyberstud X2 is designed for users who enjoy flashy, experimental products. As a fashion accessory, this TWS is bold and eye-catching. The LED layout on the charging is quite tasteful and brings a lot of personality to the device. The build quality of the TWS is top-notch as well. The soundstage is bass-heavy but enjoyable. It doesn’t make any pretensions about appealing to audiophiles, choosing to ditch a neutral soundstage for a more interesting sound signature. We wouldn’t be surprised if this TWS gains a lot of traction among younger audiences. At the price of Rs 2,499, the Cyberstud X2 makes a decent fusion TWS.