Sanag S3 Pro Review: Unique Design, but Do They Deliver on Sound?

The market is overflowing with options for earbuds, but finding a pair that stands out is difficult. That’s where the Sanag S3 Pro steps in, making an effort to shake things up with its unique design and quirky features. Sanag, a lesser-known brand primarily focused on audio devices, has aimed to capture attention by combining aesthetics, functionality, and innovative design in this model.

The Sanag S3 Pro isn’t your run-of-the-mill pair of earbuds. These aren’t traditional in-ear models or even the now-common semi-in-ear designs. Instead, they use an open-air concept that looks more like a fashion accessory than a gadget. They also come with a charging case that includes a digital display—yes, a display! This feature claims to add utility by showing things like time, weather, and playback information.

On paper, the S3 Pro seems to have everything to make it an appealing choice. But as we know, the gap between what’s promised and what’s delivered can sometimes be wide. In this review, we’ll break down every aspect of the Sanag S3 Pro to figure out where it shines and where it falters. From sound quality, and battery life to app functionality, we’re leaving no stone unturned.

Design and Build

The Sanag S3 Pro earbuds stand out primarily because of their unconventional design. Unlike the snug fit of traditional in-ear models, these earbuds adopt an open-air concept. They hang on your ears like a stylish accessory, almost resembling earrings or piercings. This design is a double-edged sword—it’s unique and attractive, but it may not appeal to those used to the secure fit of in-ear options.

The earbuds themselves are lightweight and crafted with a focus on minimalism. The outer casing has a matte finish with touch-sensitive areas for controls, but they don’t feel as premium as higher-end models. The placement of the drivers is interesting; they’re designed to hover near the ear canal instead of sitting inside, which allows ambient noise to seep in—a potential pro for outdoor activities but a con for immersive listening.

The charging case is where things get even more intriguing. Made from a glossy black piano-like finish, it’s undoubtedly sleek, but it’s also a magnet for fingerprints. The case is larger than average, possibly due to the integrated digital display on the front. This screen can show a variety of information, such as the time, battery status, and even playful animations. While it adds a cool factor, the display’s usability feels a bit gimmicky and may drain the case’s battery unnecessarily.

There’s a single USB-C port for charging on the back and a pairing button for initial setup. The hinge mechanism feels sturdy enough, and the earbuds snap securely into their designated slots. Interestingly, the earbuds can only fit in one specific orientation, which helps prevent incorrect placement—a thoughtful touch by Sanag.

For day-to-day use, the touch controls on the earbuds allow you to manage playback, adjust volume, and even switch between modes. However, these controls aren’t always reliable. Accidental touches are a common issue, especially when adjusting or removing the earbuds. While the touch surface is responsive, the lack of precision can lead to unintended actions, such as skipping tracks or pausing playback mid-session.

App Functionality

The Sanag S3 Pro earbuds have a companion app that promises to elevate the user experience, but its effectiveness is questionable. Available for download via a QR code in the manual (it’s not on standard app stores yet), the app serves as the control center for customizing various features like EQ settings, game mode activation, and touch control assignments.

Once downloaded, the app greets you with a partially translated interface. While the primary functions are understandable, some sections remain untranslated or awkwardly phrased, which might confuse some of us. For instance, the equalizer presets have elaborate names like “Carnival Rock” and “Express Emotion,” but their actual impact on audio performance feels negligible. Customizing the touch controls is straightforward, allowing you to assign specific actions to gestures like double taps or triple taps.

One more advertised feature is the ability to activate a low-latency gaming mode through the app. While this does reduce audio lag slightly, it’s not a game-changer, especially for fast-paced gaming sessions where real-time audio feedback is crucial. The app also enables updates for the earbuds’ firmware, a handy feature for future improvements, though the update process isn’t the most seamless experience.

A glaring issue is the lack of integration between the app and the digital display on the case. While you can control the display themes and basic functions through the app, the syncing process is inconsistent. Sometimes, settings won’t save, requiring multiple attempts to make simple changes like switching from one display theme to another. In summary, the Sanag app feels like a work in progress.

Audio Quality

The audio quality of the Sanag S3 Pro earbuds is as unique as their design, but not always in a good way. These earbuds use an open-air concept, meaning the drivers don’t sit inside your ear canal but hover near it. Let’s start with the highs and mids. Vocals and instruments come through clearly, especially at moderate volume levels. However, the lack of an enclosed ear canal means these frequencies lack the depth and resonance you’d expect from traditional in-ear earbuds. Highs can sound a bit tinny, and mids, though present, don’t stand out as much as they should.

When it comes to bass, the Sanag S3 Pro struggles. The open-air design limits the earbuds’ ability to create the air movement needed for punchy lows. Bass-heavy tracks feel flat and lack the energy that audiophiles or even casual listeners might want. You might find the bass performance underwhelming if you’re into genres like EDM or hip-hop.

Volume is another area of concern. Even at maximum settings, the output feels subdued, which might leave you craving more when in noisy environments. This is a common limitation of open-air designs, as they prioritize external awareness over immersive sound.

On the bright side, the soundstage is wider than what you’d typically get from in-ear models. This means you can perceive instruments and effects as if they’re spaced out, adding a layer of spatial awareness to your listening experience. But for most, this benefit might not outweigh the lack of bass and volume.

Performance

The Sanag S3 Pro earbuds are a mixed bag in terms of performance. Starting with Bluetooth connectivity, the earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3, promising stable connections and low power consumption. Pairing is straightforward, and the connection remains stable over short distances. However, occasional dropouts can occur, particularly in crowded environments with high interference.

The S3 Pro features a low-latency mode designed to reduce audio delay for gaming. While this mode does improve synchronization during gaming sessions, it’s not enough for competitive gaming. The latency reduction is noticeable but not groundbreaking, and the mode slightly degrades audio quality, especially in the lower frequencies.

Call quality, on the other hand, is surprisingly good. The built-in microphones do a decent job of picking up your voice, even in moderately noisy environments. While they won’t replace a high-end headset for professional calls, they’re suitable for casual conversations.

Battery Life

The Sanag S3 Pro earbuds offer decent battery life but fall short of being exceptional. On a single charge, the earbuds deliver approximately 4 to 5 hours of playback, which is standard for this category. The charging case, with its 400mAh capacity, provides an additional 3-4 charges, extending the total usage time to around 20 hours.

However, the standout feature of the case—the digital display—comes at a cost. Frequent interactions with the display can drain the case’s battery faster than expected. While it’s a fun and innovative addition, its impact on overall battery efficiency may not justify its practicality.

Charging is done via a USB-C port, and the earbuds take about an hour to reach full capacity. Quick charging is absent, which would have been a helpful feature.

Pros and Cons

Final Thoughts

The Sanag S3 Pro earbuds are an intriguing option for those looking for something different. Their open-air design, fashion-forward aesthetics, and interactive charging case certainly make them stand out in a crowded market. They’re a good fit for casual listeners who value comfort, style, and ambient awareness, especially during outdoor activities or workouts.

However, these earbuds fall short in critical areas like sound quality, app functionality, and intuitive usability. At $40, they compete against products that offer stronger bass, better noise isolation, and more reliable user experiences.

The Sanag S3 Pro is a stylish and unique product, but it’s more of a niche gadget than a mainstream contender. At $40, it’s worth considering if the design appeals to you, but for sheer performance and functionality, better options are available in this price range.