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Form and function

With the Bose case, I often find myself battling the case top, which automatically snaps shut. There is a USB-C port for charging, but you can also top it up wirelessly with a Qi wireless pad.

There are four sets of ear-tips to choose from and the small-sized buds are comfortable to wear, although there is a tendency for them to push out after some time, so they’re probably not that suitable for vigorous exercise.

The oval-shaped earbuds are solid to the touch without being too heavy, with a demure Devialet “D” logo on the touchpad.

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Connectivity and controls

The earbuds connect easily to my iPhone via Bluetooth. Touch controls are simple, with a single tap on either earbud for play and pause. Double taps on the right forwards one track, while the left takes you to the previous track. A long press on either bud scrolls between Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and transparency mode.

I find the size of the buds a disadvantage, especially when they start to push out; there is little room to manoeuvre when I try to push them back in and, more often than not, I end up pausing my audio. The best solution is to make sure the earbuds are fitted snug and tight before you turn on the music.

Consequently, the buds also don’t allow for volume control as there is no space to swipe or to add physical buttons. The only way to access additional controls is through the Gemini app, which allows for volume control, sound equalisation and a scroll through ANC, neutral and transparency. You can also engage Siri or Google Assistant via the app.

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Sound and power

The sound is where the Gemini blows its competition away. The crisp treble makes for awesome vocal audio, and the bass is strong enough without being too booming. Sound balance is great and energetic even without presetting the equaliser.

The EAM algorithm instantaneously captures the specific ear shape of the listener and tailors the signal to the ear to ensure a fully immersive and intimate listening experience.

The PBA relates to the internal structure of the buds and is designed to help regulate the air pressure in your ears, which impacts sound quality and ANC. The latter is also bolstered by IDC, which suppresses high-frequency sounds that often seep through many ANC headphones.

The Gemini boasts a single charge of six hours, with an additional 18 hours in the case, making for 24 hours in total. It’s nothing to really write home about since that has almost become the current standard. The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro offers 28 hours with case, with ANC off, while the Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 offers a whopping 45 hours, albeit also without ANC.

Battery levels are shown on the case with a status LED that glows green when it has more than 50 per cent of juice left, orange when it dips below 50 per cent and red when it is dangerously low. You can get the exact percentage through the app.

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Verdict

Despite its delay to the market, it does really feel like Devialet rushed out the Gemini before it was fully ready. At US$320 (HK$2,490), it has many direct competitors in the market, not the least of which is the Sony WF-1000XM4, if you can get a set, which seems to offer a more well-rounded experience. If you have a need to or like to turn off ANC, these are probably not the ideal choice.

But if, like me, you have no qualms about shutting out the world forever, you might be tempted by the excellent sound quality. Otherwise, it might be worthwhile to wait for Gemini 2.0, which we’re sure is coming to a store near you soon.