NEW DELHI, August 20, 2026, 17:43 IST
- CMF Buds Neo are priced at ₹1,999 and are set to hit stores on August 26.
- The company says total playback is 52 hours, dropping to 30 hours when ANC is on.
- iQOO Buds are ₹100 cheaper and aimed at gamers, offering 42ms latency.
CMF put its Buds Neo earphones on sale in India Thursday, pricing them at ₹1,999. The buds are advertised with 35-decibel active noise cancellation and a total playback time of 52 hours. Sales start August 26.
The launch tightens the fight in the budget segment. iQOO rolled out its Buds the same day for ₹1,899. CMF is asking ₹100 more, claiming ANC and two more hours of battery with the case.
Gaming flips the edge. iQOO puts latency at 42 milliseconds. CMF lists 120 milliseconds, so buyers have a trade-off instead of a clear winner.
| India launch comparison | CMF Buds Neo | iQOO Buds |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | ₹1,999 | ₹1,899 |
| Claimed total playback | 52 hours with ANC off | 50 hours |
| Active noise cancellation | Up to 35dB | Not announced |
| Low-latency mode | 120ms | 42ms |
| Bluetooth | 6.0 | 6.1 |
| Dual-device connection | Yes | Yes |
| Earbud protection | IP54 | IP54 |
CMF priced the Black, White, and Dark Blue models. Flipkart and top Indian electronics stores will sell them. The company called this an exclusive launch offer, but didn’t say when it will end.
Audio comes from a 12.4mm dynamic driver. The dome is PET with a titanium coating, paired to a PEEK and PU surround for flex. Codec support tops out at AAC and SBC here. Higher-end wireless formats aren’t included at this price.
| CMF Buds Neo battery measure | Company claim | What changes it |
|---|---|---|
| Earbuds only | 11 hours | ANC off |
| Earbuds only | 8 hours | ANC on |
| Earbuds plus case | 52 hours | ANC off |
| Earbuds plus case | 30 hours | ANC on |
| Fast charge | 5.5 hours playback | 10-minute charge |
| Battery capacity | 45mAh per bud; 460mAh case | Rated hardware capacity |
Battery numbers are clearer than usual for low-cost audio gear. Reviewer Abhinav Kaustubh said “the numbers stack up in use” while using them for commuting, calls and at a desk. He got close to a week per case charge with ANC on most of the time. Times of India hands-on review
The case is a square with rounded corners, and there’s a circular dial that stands out. That dial acts as the hinge. There’s also a lanyard hole to let you carry it. The earbuds have the usual silicone-tipped stems.
| Feature area | CMF Buds Neo detail | Buyer implication |
|---|---|---|
| Noise control | Three ANC levels and adaptive mode | Works best on low rumbles |
| Calls | Four HD mics with Clear Voice | Isolation will vary with background |
| Spatial audio | No head tracking, just static | Soundstage opens but doesn’t move |
| App controls | Custom EQ, touch settings, bass | Must use the Nothing X app |
| Pairing | Google Fast Pair (NASDAQ:GOOGL), Swift Pair (NASDAQ:MSFT) | Setup speeds up if device supports |
| Water protection | Buds at IP54; case at IPX2 | Buds fine for sweat, take care with case |
CMF is calling Neo its “most accessible earbuds entry point yet.” That seems about right for these. The earbuds offer convenience features, but drop pricier codecs and tougher case protection.
The ₹100 comparison makes sense here. CMF offers ANC and claims more battery. iQOO’s lower latency could appeal to mobile gamers who want that edge.
Risks: Playback time and ANC stats come from controlled tests. Changing the fit affects bass and isolation a lot. Intro price can go up at any time with no warning.
