Soundcore P31i NC Review: Is This a Real Upgrade Over the P30i NC?
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Soundcore continues to push premium-level features into its budget audio lineup, and the latest example is the Soundcore P31i NC. The previous P30i NC already stood out for its strong value, so the big question is whether this new model is a meaningful upgrade or just a slightly improved version with a higher price tag.
The Soundcore P31i NC is also marketed in some regions as the R60i NC. Depending on discounts and availability, it sells for around $35 on Amazon and about $39 on AliExpress.
This review takes a detailed look at its design, comfort, sound performance, ANC, call quality, gaming performance, battery life, and the new AI-powered features to determine whether it’s actually worth buying.
Unboxing and Box Contents
Inside the box, the package is fairly standard for this category. You get the earbuds, the charging case, a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, multiple silicone ear tips, and the user manuals.
The extra ear tips play an important role here because achieving the right fit directly affects comfort, bass response, microphone clarity, and noise cancellation performance. One set comes pre-installed, while additional small and large sizes are included to help users find the best seal.
Charging Case Design and Build Quality
The charging case uses a familiar plastic design with rounded edges and a pebble-like shape. It doesn’t feel cheap, but it also doesn’t deliver a truly premium impression, especially considering the slight price increase over the previous generation.
One of the most noticeable changes is the size. The case is larger than before, and while this likely accommodates a bigger battery, there’s still a lot of unused internal space, which makes it feel bulkier than necessary.
Another disappointing change is the removal of the built-in phone stand that was present on the previous model. That feature was practical and unique, and its absence feels like a step backward in everyday convenience.
A lanyard attachment point is included, but no strap is provided in the box.
Earbuds Design and Comfort
The earbuds themselves feel more refined than the case. They feature a glossier finish and a slightly more premium curvature that blends budget-friendly design with a more polished look.
In terms of fit, they lock securely once twisted into place and remain stable even during movement. This improved stability is noticeable compared to the previous generation.
However, the earbuds are still slightly bulky. Users with smaller ears may need to experiment with the included ear tips to get a comfortable fit. Once properly fitted, comfort and stability are generally solid for long listening sessions.
Soundcore App and Setup Experience
Pairing is straightforward. Once the charging case is opened, the earbuds are quickly detected in the Soundcore app. After connecting, the app displays battery levels for both earbuds and the charging case.
The app serves as the control hub for almost all advanced features, including ANC modes, EQ settings, gaming mode, spatial audio, and AI tools.
Soundcore integrates a wide range of customization options here, making the earbuds significantly more flexible than most competitors in the same price range.
ANC, Transparency, and Adaptive Noise Cancellation
One of the strongest aspects of the P31i NC is its adaptive ANC system. It adjusts automatically based on your environment, but manual modes are also available for more control.
The ANC modes include:
Indoor Mode, which reduces constant background noise such as fans, air conditioners, and general room ambience.
Outdoor Mode, which focuses on reducing traffic noise and wind interference while still allowing important environmental sounds like horns.
Transport Mode, which targets low-frequency engine noise, making it useful during travel.
Performance is impressive for the price range. Enabling full ANC noticeably reduces environmental distractions and lowers the intensity of surrounding voices.
Transparency Mode is equally impressive. It sounds natural and clear, allowing conversations and environmental awareness without needing to remove the earbuds. A vocal-focused option is also available, which enhances speech while reducing unnecessary background noise.
There is also a real-time adaptive ANC feature that actively adjusts noise isolation when gaps are detected in the seal. It improves immersion but slightly increases battery consumption.
Spatial Audio, EQ, and Personalization Features
Spatial Audio is one of the standout features here. It offers three distinct listening modes:
Music Mode widens the soundstage while keeping vocals centered and instruments more immersive.
Movie Mode brings vocals and instruments closer together for a more cinematic experience.
Game Mode pushes directional audio forward for better positional awareness.
The EQ system is highly customizable, with preset options such as Bass Booster, Pop, Jazz, and R&B, along with a full custom EQ. There is also a hearing-based personalization feature that builds a custom sound profile based on listening preferences.
The default Soundcore Signature EQ remains the most balanced option for general use.
Extra Features in the App
Several additional features make the experience more versatile:
A safe volume limiter that tracks real-time sound levels and prevents excessive loudness.
Multi-device connectivity for switching between two devices.
A fit test to ensure proper ear tip sealing.
Prompt sound controls for managing system audio feedback.
LDAC support for higher-resolution audio playback, although it is disabled by default to preserve battery life.
A device locator feature that triggers a loud sound from the earbuds, making them easy to find when misplaced.
Sound Quality Performance
Sound quality is clean and well-separated. Instruments and vocals remain distinct, even in busy tracks. This makes it suitable for genres like pop, R&B, hip-hop, and spoken content.
However, the bass tuning is somewhat restrained. While it is controlled and accurate, it lacks the punch expected from earbuds with this design. Users who prefer stronger bass will likely need to enable the Bass Booster EQ to get more impact.
This creates a slightly mixed experience: excellent clarity and balance, but less excitement in low-end performance unless adjusted manually.
Call Quality and Microphone Performance
Call performance is strong for this price segment. Even in noisy environments with traffic and wind, voice clarity remains stable.
Wind reduction works effectively, and background noise is suppressed well enough for reliable calls and online meetings. While it doesn’t compete with flagship earbuds, it performs comfortably above average in its category.
Gaming Performance and Latency
Gaming performance is solid. When Gaming Mode is enabled, latency is significantly reduced, allowing audio cues like footsteps and gunfire to stay in sync with on-screen action.
Combined with Spatial Audio, positional awareness improves noticeably, making it suitable for both casual and competitive mobile gaming.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is one of the strongest improvements in this model.
With ANC on, playback reaches around 8 hours per charge and up to 40 hours total with the case.
With ANC off, it extends to about 10 hours per charge and up to 50 hours total.
Fast charging is also supported, where a short 10-minute charge provides several hours of playback, making it convenient for daily use.
AI Features, Translation, and White Noise
One of the most unique additions is the AI-powered translation system built into the app. It supports:
Face-to-face translationReal-time transcriptionContext-based translationLive translation of audio from videos and conversations
While it is not a replacement for dedicated translation tools, having it integrated at this price point is impressive.
The app also includes a white noise library with sounds like rain, nature, and ambient environments, which can be useful for focus, relaxation, or sleep.
Final Verdict
The Soundcore P31i NC improves on the previous generation in several important areas, including ANC performance, battery life, fit stability, gaming latency, and software features. The AI tools also add a unique edge that is rare in this price category.
However, not everything is an upgrade. The larger case feels less refined, the removal of the phone stand reduces convenience, and the bass tuning may require manual adjustment to satisfy users who prefer a more energetic sound signature.
Still, for its price range, it offers a strong combination of features, clean audio performance, and reliable noise cancellation.
For buyers looking for affordable earbuds with modern features and strong everyday performance, it remains a compelling option, especially when purchased at its discounted pricing.