Samsung is, perhaps, a bit more famous than Jaybird in terms of global recognition.
Maybe it’s due to the fact that this particular brand deals with a bit wider assortment of goods, maybe their marketing is a bit more aggressive, but the fact remains that they’re both incredibly big names in the game.
In this review, we’re going to compare the main specs and features of Samsung’s Gear IconX and Jaybird’s Run Wireless headphones, so without any further ado, let’s dig in deep into details.
Design
Both of these in-ear headphones were designed with great care, and in this round, we don’t have a clear winner. They practically weigh the same (0.03 pounds) and the only differences in terms of design between these models relate to the comfort rating and aesthetic components.
Jaybird Run Wireless
Basically, the ‘Run Wireless’ stands for a closed-back in-ear type of headphone set. They feature a dynamic transducer and an integrated mic, however, they don’t feature any type of noise-canceling features.
Samsung Gear IconX
On paper, Samsung’s Gear IconX features the same type of design as the Run Wireless from Jaybird. They’re closed-back, they’re in-ear, pack an onboard microphone and don’t have any noise-canceling options.
Battery lifespan
In terms of battery, Jaybird’s Run Wireless are superior to the Gear IconX, not only because they have longer-lasting bats, but because of the fast-charge features.
Jaybird Run Wireless
These headphones pack 12 hours of battery lifespan and come outfitted with a fast on-the-go charger, making them a bit more convenient to use for both outdoor situations and travel.
Samsung Gear IconX
The batteries outfitted to Samsung’s Gear IconX are not exactly easy to explain. Depending on how you use the headphones, the battery will drain at a different rate. The battery will drain the fastest if you talk, which you can do for up to 4 hours on a single charge, the limit for Bluetooth streaming is 5 hours per charge, and for the Mp3 listening, the limit is 7 hours.
Comfort rating
This round goes to Samsung. Objectively speaking, customized fit beats custom fit, mainly because the sheer notion of ‘comfort’ is subjective. The opportunity to customize the comfortability of your headphones is more beneficial than the guarantee of a ‘comfortable fit’. However, we can’t deny the fact that Jaybird’s Run Wireless feels pretty great too.
Jaybird Run Wireless
The Run Wireless boasts a secure comfortable fit, which is pretty amazing. Regardless of the shape of the user’s ear, the headphones will remain in place. They’re also sweatproof, meaning that you won’t get uncomfortable due to rashes and itchiness anytime soon, even after hours of jogging or working out.
Samsung Gear IconX
While the Run Wireless features a comfort fit, Samsung’s Gear IconX sports a customized fit. What this means is that basically, you will be able to customize how these headphones feel with numerous interchangeable ear tips. You’ll get a couple of wingtips as well, which further boosts the customization potential.
Aesthetics
Even though aesthetics are of little relevance when it comes to in-ear headphones, we simply couldn’t overlook this element. Although it’s hard to be objective in this particular situation, we’d say that Samsung’s Gear IconX ‘looks’ a bit better, mainly due to the fact that the color options are a bit more vivid.
Jaybird Run Wireless
Now, the Run Wireless in-ear headphones look fantastic. There’s a brilliant looking Jaybird logo on the base plate, although the color variations aren’t exactly rich.
These headphones come in Black, Drift, and Jet options, which are all basically derived from the plain black color. People who don’t really want to even consider headphones in any other color might find these as perfect.
Samsung Gear IconX
The base color option of the Gear IconX is also black. Even though there aren’t any flashy features, you’ll be able to get these headphones in white and pink as well. Each color option is pretty radiant and vibrant, and on top of that, they plainly look very cool.
Volume control
The volume control is one of the most important aspects of in-ear headphones. They’re not really better than standard wired cans if you need to adjust the volume on your phone, now, are they?
That’s the reason Samsung’s IconX is a bit better than Jaybird’s Run Wireless – the former feature onboard volume controls, the latter doesn’t.
Jaybird Run Wireless
Simply put, the lack of integrated volume buttons or sliders is a big drawback when it comes to Bluetooth headphones. Though the audio is great, the fact that you can’t adjust the volume is just plain bad.
Samsung Gear IconX
The Gear IconX boasts an ‘easy-to-use’ approach, meaning that there are in fact onboard volume controls (which, depending on how you use them, can serve other functions as well).
Audio Quality & Bass response
Even though they have nearly palpable differences between them, these headphones both sound absolutely amazing.
In fact, this round is a draw because even though the Gear IconX boasts superior sound stability, the Run Wireless packs a better bass response.
Jaybird Run Wireless
The frequency response of Jaybird’s Run Wireless goes pretty straight in terms of the lower end, spikes up a bit on the middles, then runs rampant on the high end.
The bass response, though, is absolutely phenomenal and with plenty of character and punch.
Samsung Gear IconX
The soundstage of the Gear IconX is relatively balanced, and certainly a bit better in comparison to the Run Wireless. However, the bass is a little bit more passive.
Final Verdict
It’s pretty safe to say that both Jaybird’s Run Wireless and Samsung’s Gear IconX are of tremendous quality.
They excel in numerous fields of performance and are probably among the best models you could get for the buck.
However, when we take all things into consideration, of course from an objective point of view, Samsung’s Gear IconX headphones are just a little bit better in terms of the overall value.
