Lypertek Z5 Review – Better

Usability –

Connectivity

Based on Qualcomm’s QC3046 chipset, the Z5 offers a strong set of codec support in addition to the latest BT 5.2 standard. The QC3046 supports DSP and app integration like many consumer models. These can be controlled via the Lypertek PureControl ANC companion app that was first seen supported by the Z7, it’s good to see continuing support on the cheaper model. Codec support includes aptX and aptX Adaptive which dynamically alters the bitrate from regular aptX to near aptX HD levels whilst supporting low latency on top. SBC and AAC are supported for older devices too. While I don’t find aptX Adaptive as resolving as LDAC, it’s much closer in terms of quality than plain SBC and AAC with the lowest latency of the bunch.

This makes the Z5 a great choice for multi-media consumption, not just music. In addition, signal quality left me impressed, able to stretch through 3 rooms with double brick walls without becoming intermittent. The significance of a stronger signal doesn’t just apply to range but also insinuates a more stable connection in high-traffic areas such as public transport. Indeed, I experienced no dropouts or artefacts. Pairing is also simple, they naturally enter pairing mode on first use and auto re-connect thereafter. For new devices, the charging case offers a handy pairing button that means no button combination memorisation is required. Do note the omission of multi-point meaning they can only connect to one device at once.

Controls

The Z5 sports no physical controls besides touch-sensitive faceplates. I found them to be a little more forgiving than the button controls on the TEVI and Z7 which are a little stiff and upset the fit of the earphones when pressed. The touch panels are very sensitive and reliable, and I was able to use tap and hold gestures with zero issues or learning curve. You can tap at any pace and the system keeps up, aiding convenience. The slight concavity and large touch surface make them easy to discern by feel. A great implementation that doesn’t irk at all. Tap controls are addressed with a voice prompt that is unobtrusive, however, it would be nice to be able to deactivate this via the app as is available on some competitors.

PureControl ANC App

I do enjoy a companion app and PureControl ANC is one of the more flexible ones I’ve used. It pairs reliably to the earphones, but it is aggravating that the user is required to download a separate ANC version of the Pure Control app for the Z5 specifically (the Z7 uses a different version of PureControl). Still, when launched the user is greeted with a familiar experience. The app has a handy walkthrough process enabling basic toggles and full options are available once this is complete. This includes LDX, Lypertek’s own eQ alongside a custom 7-band eQ with 7dB of adjustment and 2 custom user presets. There’s ANC and ambient toggles alongside an auto-ambient mode that turns on passthrough when music is paused. A find my earbuds feature is available alongside firmware updates and auto-power off. There are also rudimentary control toggles, unfortunately, you are only able to change between presets meaning you cannot customise separate left and right functions.  On the upside, I did notice ambient listening activates much faster than on previous Lypertek eaprhones making it far more useable. In addition, you can update firmware via the app meaning feature expansion in future is possible.

Call Quality

The stemmed design is very reminiscent of Apple’s Airpod range and from a call quality point of view makes a lot of sense. Indeed, call quality represents a big step up from the TEVI and even the Z7 as the mic is able to be placed closer to the speaker’s mouth, thereby offering better clarity and enhanced ability to differentiate the speaker from ambient noise. I’ve found TWS earphones with this style of design to have a good advantage with regards to call quality and the same rings true here. Where the Z5 leaves room for improvement is ambient noise cancellation. The stemmed design does naturally provide a bit of isolation, but it appears that the secondary mic isn’t helping much. Recipients noted good volume and clarity, but ambient noise and wind were also apparent. The upside is that you are able to use both ambient mode and ANC during phone calls which is a pretty rare feature. I especially enjoy using ambient mode as it makes for a more natural talking experience.

Battery life

The Z5 is rated for 7hrs of runtime or 4hrs with ANC on. That’s a reasonably short runtime in either setting but given the asking price, concessions must be made. I would probably say this is the weakest aspect of their design. On the upside, you do get a total of 35hrs including the charging case, meaning an additional 4 charges from empty. They do support fast charge, able to achieve 2 hrs of playback on 15 minutes of charge.  

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