Design & Construction

The Sony SBH-90C is targeted Xperia XA & XZ line of phone users looking for a compatible behind-the-neck style in-ear headphone. On the left of the neckband, you will find the (From Back-Front): Volume buttons, Mic and play/pause button while in front, you will find the USB Type-C port for charging and wired listening. Single press on the play/pause button to play/pause songs and answer/end calls, double press to skip forward, triple press to skip backwards. On the right side of the neckband, there is (From Back-Front): Power button, NFC tag and mic. The neckband is very light and flexible, hence it will not cause discomfort to those who prefer to wear them all day. Overall, the SBH-90C gives off this matte colour scheme which resist fingerprints smudges.

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Sound Quality

The 9.7mm dynamic drivers manage to live up to their Hi-Res Audio certification. They produce an extremely bright, clean sound signature that creates a very immersive sound experience. Bass comes off as strong and boosted giving a nice thump while the mids and highs have character and are fun to listen to. The highs do not sound too sharp and tinging. However, soundstage is rather narrow and there isn't much instrument separation. When the earbuds are in my ears, I could not hear my surroundings when there was no music on. Call quality was okay, the caller manage to hear me on the other end but the mics on the headphone do pick up my surrounding noise.

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Connectivity & Portability

The headphone operates both passively and wirelessly, Passive operation is compatible across all Sony devices that has a USB Type-C port. Wireless operation via Bluetooth Ver 4.2 and AptX, AAC and SBC codecs support. Pairing via both NFC and bluetooth is simple and quick. The battery life peaks at 7.5 hours battery life but takes about 2 hours to fully charge from a dead battery. The earbuds have magnetic ends to help keep them neat when not in use and hung around your neck. The package also comes with various sizes of earbuds and USB Type-C to USB-A cable for charging and  a soft carrying pouch to prevent any damage to the in-ears when stored.

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PROS​​

• Bluetooth & NFC Enabled

• Easy Controls For Music Play & Calls

• Magnetic Ends On Earbuds

• Light-weight, Flexible Neckband

• Passive Operation

• 2 Colours Available

• Carrying Pouch

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CONS​

• Lack of cover for USB Type-C port

 

The Bottom Line

The Sony SBH-90C definitely meets the requirements for those looking to switch from their wired in-ears to a behind-the-neck style wireless in-ear headphone. The product has various sizes of eartips, Hi-Res Audio 9.7mm drivers and easy to use controls. It is highly recommended for daily commutes. 2 colours, black and beige are available to fit users of different genders.