bodyType

customContents

entityId

printArticlePageQuery

filter

article

body

urlAlias

articleSectionsContent

articleSeoArticle

articleSourceHeaderArticle

contentSchemaRenderContent

contentSubHeadlineContent

contentHeadlineContent

mainImagePrintArticleArticle

authorBlockPrintArticleArticle

contentSponsorTagContent

articlePianoPaywallContent

scmpYoutubeContent

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

query printArticlePageQuery(
  $entityId: String!
  $customContents: [CustomContentInput]
  $bodyType: BodyFormatTypeEnum
) {
  article(filter: {entityId: $entityId}) {
    entityId
    body(customContents: $customContents, type: $bodyType) {
      json
    }
    urlAlias
    ...articleSectionsContent
    ...articleSeoArticle_3o8td4
    ...articleSourceHeaderArticle
    ...contentSchemaRenderContent
    ...contentSubHeadlineContent
    ...contentHeadlineContent
    ...mainImagePrintArticleArticle
    ...authorBlockPrintArticleArticle
    ...contentSponsorTagContent
    ...articlePianoPaywallContent
    ...scmpYoutubeContent
    ...hooksTrackPageViewArticle
    id
  }
}

fragment articlePianoPaywallContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...hooksPaywallPromiseContent
}

fragment articleSectionsContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  sections {
    value {
      ...helpersCheckIfNewsSectionInFirstIndexSection
      ...entityLink
      name
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment articleSeoArticle_3o8td4 on Article {
  ...hooksArticleSeoArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
  ...helpersGetArticleTypeArticle
  entityId
  publishedDate
  updatedDate
  summary {
    text
  }
  subHeadline {
    text
  }
  body(customContents: $customContents, type: $bodyType) {
    text
  }
  keywords
  sections {
    value {
      name
      id
    }
  }
  topics {
    name
    entityId
    id
  }
  urlAlias
  authors {
    name
    id
  }
  images {
    style(filter: {style: "768x768"}) {
      url
    }
  }
  readingTime
}

fragment articleSourceHeaderArticle on Article {
  urlAlias
  ...entityLink
}

fragment authorBlockPrintArticleArticle on Article {
  ...defaultArticleDateContent
  ...authorNamesArticle
}

fragment authorNameAuthor on Author {
  ...entityLink
  name
  entityUuid
}

fragment authorNamesArticle on Article {
  authorLocations
  authors {
    entityId
    location
    ...authorNameAuthor
    id
  }
}

fragment blockquoteQuoteContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...contentShareWidgetContent
}

fragment checkersCheckContentContainsStarlingImageContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  topics {
    entityId
    id
  }
}

fragment contentHeadlineContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  headline
  socialHeadline
  ...contentHeadlineTagContent
  ...helpersUseContentSponsorContent
}

fragment contentHeadlineTagContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...hooksContentHeadlineTagContent
}

fragment contentNewsletterWidgetContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  topics {
    relatedNewsletters {
      ...helpersMassageToNewsletterItemNewsletter
      id
    }
    id
  }
  sections {
    value {
      relatedNewsletters {
        ...helpersMassageToNewsletterItemNewsletter
        id
      }
      id
    }
  }
  ... on Article {
    relatedNewsletters {
      ...helpersMassageToNewsletterItemNewsletter
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment contentSchemaRenderContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...blockquoteQuoteContent
  ...imageContent
  ...inlineWidgetContent
  ...photoGalleryWidgetContent
  ...scmpYoutubeContent
}

fragment contentShareWidgetContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  entityId
  urlAlias
  shortUrl
  socialHeadline
  headline
}

fragment contentSponsorTagContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...helpersUseContentSponsorContent
}

fragment contentSubHeadlineContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  subHeadline {
    json
  }
  summary {
    json
  }
  ...contentSchemaRenderContent
}

fragment defaultArticleDateContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...hooksArticleDateUtilsContent
}

fragment entityLink on BaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias {
  __isBaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias: __typename
  __typename
  entityId
  entityUuid
  urlAlias
  urlRedirect {
    toUrl
    id
  }
  application {
    entityId
    id
  }
  ... on Section {
    fullSectionPath {
      entityId
      id
    }
    parentSection
  }
  ...helpersAppBarVariantBase
  ...helpersApplicationBase
  ...helpersCheckIsPlusArticle
  ...helpersStyleSectionContent
}

fragment helpersAppBarVariantBase on BaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias {
  __isBaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias: __typename
  ...helpersCheckIsLiveArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPlusPage
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesPage
  ...helpersCheckIsPostMagazineArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsStyleArticle
  ...helpersSectionContent
  ...helpersStyleSectionContent
}

fragment helpersApplicationBase on BaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias {
  __isBaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias: __typename
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesPage
  ...helpersCheckIsPlusPage
}

fragment helpersCheckIfNewsSectionInFirstIndexSection on Section {
  name
}

fragment helpersCheckIsAmpEnabledArticle on Article {
  entityId
  types {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
  sections {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
  disableOffPlatformContent
  sponsorType
  published
  ...helpersCheckIsPlusArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
}

fragment helpersCheckIsLiveArticle on Article {
  flattenTypeIds
  liveArticle {
    status
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersCheckIsMainTopicContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  topics {
    entityId
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersCheckIsPlusArticle on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ... on Article {
    paywallTypes {
      entityUuid
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersCheckIsPlusPage on Page {
  urlAlias
}

fragment helpersCheckIsPostMagazineArticle on Article {
  sections {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle on Article {
  sections {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersCheckIsPostiesPage on Page {
  urlAlias
}

fragment helpersCheckIsStyleArticle on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  sections {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersGetArticleTypeArticle on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ... on Article {
    types {
      value {
        entityId
        id
      }
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersMassageToNewsletterItemNewsletter on Newsletter {
  entityId
  name
  alternativeName
  description {
    text
  }
  summary {
    text
  }
  homepageDescription {
    text
  }
}

fragment helpersSanitizeArticleTypeEntityIdsArticle on Article {
  types {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersSanitizeAuthorTypesArticle on Article {
  authors {
    types
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersSanitizedAuthorEntityIdsArticle on Article {
  authors {
    entityId
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersSectionContent on Section {
  fullSectionPath {
    entityId
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersStyleSectionContent on Section {
  fullSectionPath {
    entityId
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersUseContentSponsorContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  topics {
    entityId
    sponsor {
      ...sponsorTagSponsor
      name
      type
      id
    }
    id
  }
  ... on Article {
    sponsorType
  }
  ...helpersCheckIsMainTopicContent
}

fragment hooksArticleDateUtilsContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  createdDate
  publishedDate
  updatedDate
}

fragment hooksArticleSeoArticle on Article {
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPostMagazineArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsStyleArticle
  ...hooksContentHeadlineTagContent
  ...helpersCheckIsAmpEnabledArticle
  entityId
  headline
  socialHeadline
  types {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
  authors {
    entityId
    id
  }
  images {
    generic_og: style(filter: {style: "og_image_scmp_generic"}) {
      url
    }
    styles(filter: {styles: ["og_image_posties_article", "og_postmag", "og_image_style", "og_image_scmp_analysis", "og_image_scmp_explainer", "og_image_scmp_editorial", "og_image_scmp_fact_check", "og_image_scmp_debate", "og_image_scmp_live", "og_image_scmp_obituary", "og_image_scmp_opinion", "og_image_scmp_review", "og_image_scmp_series", "og_image_scmp_generic"]}) {
      url
      style
    }
    type
  }
  urlAlias
}

fragment hooksContentHeadlineTagContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  __typename
  ... on Article {
    types {
      value {
        name
        entityId
        description {
          text
        }
        id
      }
    }
    ...helpersCheckIsStyleArticle
  }
  flag
  sections {
    value {
      name
      id
    }
  }
  ...hooksContentHelperContent
}

fragment hooksContentHelperContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...helpersSanitizeArticleTypeEntityIdsArticle
  ...helpersSanitizeAuthorTypesArticle
  ...helpersSanitizedAuthorEntityIdsArticle
  flag
}

fragment hooksPaywallPromiseContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  entityId
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
}

fragment hooksTrackPageViewArticle on Article {
  entityId
  publishedDate
  headline
  sections {
    value {
      name
      id
    }
  }
  urlAlias
  authors {
    name
    id
  }
  entityUuid
}

fragment imageContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  headline
  ...checkersCheckContentContainsStarlingImageContent
}

fragment inlineWidgetContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...contentNewsletterWidgetContent
}

fragment mainImagePrintArticleArticle on Article {
  images {
    title
    url
    isSlideshow
    size_652x446: style(filter: {style: "652x446"}) {
      url
    }
  }
}

fragment photoGalleryDialogContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  __typename
  ...contentShareWidgetContent
}

fragment photoGalleryWidgetContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...photoGalleryDialogContent
}

fragment scmpYoutubeContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  entityId
  urlAlias
  publishedDate
}

fragment sponsorTagSponsor on Sponsor {
  name
  type
  images {
    url
  }
}


sections

types

disableOffPlatformContent

sponsorType

published

headline

socialHeadline

authors

images

publishedDate

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

keywords

topics

readingTime

authorLocations

entityUuid

Winnie Chung

Only last month, we reviewed the Powerbeats Pro as the new AirPods killer, but even before Apple releases the Pro in this part of the world, the earphones are already facing another serious contender for the crown: the Klipsch T5 True Wireless earbuds.
Klipsch, an all-American brand despite its German-sounding name, has a history that is almost as interesting as Apple’s. While Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak launched the Apple computer in a garage in Silicon Valley, Klipsch was founded by Paul W. Klipsch in a tin shed in Hope, Arkansas, in 1946 because he was trying to bring live music to his own living room.
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Since then the Klipsch brand has been synonymous with respectable audio whether with speakers or headphones. I’ve owned several pairs of the latter and they’ve always given me a great experience. I can list Klipsch as one of my favourite audio brands for both sound and comfort.
Needless to say, I was eager to try out the T5 True Wireless (meaning no wire connections) earbuds when I heard of their release. I loved the Powerbeats Pro headphones (read our review) and was excited to find out if Klipsch could unseat them. So which is the true AirPods-killer? Read on to find out.
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Packaging
The Powerbeats Pro’s charging case was always going to be its Achilles' heel. Huge and unwieldy, it did not offer good portability at all. On a recent flight, the case flew out of my hand and dropped on the floor of the plane, catapulting the two earphones out, one out of sight. I spent an anxious three hours hoping that someone would find it (luckily someone did!).
The Powerbeats Pro’s charging case was always going to be its Achilles' heel. Huge and unwieldy, it did not make for good portability at all
I highly doubt I would have the same problem with the T5. The words that most people have used to describe it are “Zippo lighter” and it’s easy to see why. It is shaped almost like one, from the matt metallic finish to its shape and how it flips open on the side instead of front to back. But the side flip can be a bit fiddly when you’re trying to remove the right earbud.
The thickness, however, is almost that of two Zippo lighters. It’s still small enough to fit comfortably into pockets, although it carries some heft due to the metal case. The size and the matt finish allows for a firmer grip than the Powerbeats Pro.
Winner: Klipsch T5
Connectivity

This is where it falls apart for the T5, especially for iPhone users. Where the Powerbeats Pro headphones could connect seamlessly with the phone the second you take them out of the case – and even show you battery levels on the phone – connecting the T5 earbuds was an extremely frustrating exercise.
Two pages of simplistic diagrams on the manual without explanations are of little help. The first day I took the earphones out, they connected correctly immediately. Two days later, however, I was suddenly only getting sound on one earbud at any one time.
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No help was forthcoming from the manual and very little else could be found online except for a troubleshooting tip on Klipsch’s own website that was so incomplete it was laughable. After spending my whole Sunday afternoon trying to reset and reconnect both earbuds, who were obviously having a lovers’ tiff, I was tempted to take a real Zippo to them.
Feeling like an idiot, I had to admit defeat and contact the distributors who finally provided me with a complete list of written instructions. Even then it took another 10 attempts or so before the connection miraculously worked.
I spent my whole Sunday afternoon trying to reset and reconnect both Klipsch earbuds, who were obviously having a lovers’ tiff … Note to Klipsch: setting up a Bluetooth connection should not be this hard
It turns out that you have to take only one earbud out first to make it the master because even though your Bluetooth detects both earbuds, you can’t connect both or you will only get sound out of one ear. Complicated? Yes. Note to Klipsch: setting up a Bluetooth connection should not be this hard.
Even after making both sides talk to each other, connectivity was not as stable as the Powerbeats Pro. Connection drops intermittently outside Times Square, which I assume happens in areas where large electrical grids are. But even sitting at my desk, with no disturbance, the left earbud stopped connecting a couple of times in the hour I was using them.
The T5s are not as intuitive as Apple’s headphones which can detect when you remove the earphones and stop playing music automatically; you basically have to lose the connection if you want music to stop on its own on the T5s.
Winner: Powerbeats Pro
Form and comfort

I loved the over-ear hook of the Powerbeats Pro headphones because it made me feel less worried about dropping them while on a flight if I fell asleep, although now I guess I have to worry about dropping the whole case and having them fly to hidden corners of the plane!
But the hook was also great for wearers who are into rigorous sports as they are ultimately quite difficult to dislodge once you have them on. The T5, however, comprises only two small buds stuck into the ear canal.
I got used to the over-ear hook of the Powerbeats Pro quite quickly and barely noticed them at all, but the T5 is so comfortable all round that I failed to notice I was wearing any earphones at all
In the past, this has not been my preferred form because they often end up falling out if I move my head too hard no matter what sized tips I use. But one of the things that have distinguished Klipsch’s in-ear headphones from other brands is that their patented tips are actually oval (instead of round), which actually fits better with our ear canals because, guess what, the latter are also oval-shaped.
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My T5 earbuds fit so well, in fact, that even with really vigorous headshaking, they remain firmly in place. I got used to the over-ear hook of the Powerbeats Pro quite quickly and barely noticed them at all, but the T5 earbuds are so comfortable all round that I failed to notice I was wearing any earphones at all. Confession: I still fear dropping and losing an earbud because of its size though.
Both sets have excellent button controls although with the T5, it’s sometimes annoying that pressing the buttons actually drives the earbud further into your ear canal. Ouch.
Like the Powerbeats Pro headphones, the T5 earbuds also categorised IPX4 which means they are sweat and water resistant (not waterproof).
Winner: Draw
Sound quality

The Powerbeats Pro headphones already offer a good audio upgrade to the original AirPods and I was quite happy with mine – until I put on the T5 earbuds. The wider range is immediate and mid-range sounds are where they truly shine. Both vocals and acoustics are lush and offer richer, warmer tones.
There’s also a better balance between bass and treble even when you push the volume to eardrum-splitting levels. The Powerbeats Pro headphones immediately sound just a tiny bit more tinny and shrill when it comes to female vocals. It’s nothing off-putting and still a really decent sound, just not as good as the T5 earbuds.
The Powerbeats Pro immediately sounds just a tiny bit more tinny and shrill when it comes to female vocals. It’s nothing off-putting and still a really decent sound, just not as good as the T5
My only complaint with the T5 in the sound department is that the volume on the phone calls are discernibly softer although still clear once you push the volume up.
Neither pair are noise cancelling but the T5’s oval fit does a better job of shutting out outside noise making the music experience more immersive. Klipsch says it will be releasing an app for the earphones that will include an equaliser. It waits to be seen if that will kick the sound up another notch.
Of course, there are other brands with better sound such as the more expensive Sennheiser, but for its price point, the T5 True Wireless is a clear winner for audio experience.
Winner: Klipsch T5
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Battery life and charging
The Powerbeats Pro was mighty impressive with its 24-hour combined battery life on full charge, with nine hours of play out of the case and quick in-case charge options in case of emergencies.
The T5 goes eight hours better with a combined 32 hours: 24 in the case and another eight for the earbuds. It’s not possible to check on quick charge options as the battery levels don’t show on the mobile phone; maybe the coming app might shine some light on this. But with a USB C cable, charging should be pretty fast.
I don’t know if the extra hour of play the Powerbeats Pro offers is enough to eclipse the extra eight hours offered by the T5 as it is highly unlikely many people will be using the headphones that long without rest.
Interesting note: if you can’t get your left and right earbud to connect on the T5 and can bear to use them one at a time, you can even get an extra eight hours of play time!
Winner: Klipsch T5
Conclusion
At US$50 less than the Powerbeats Pro headphones, the US$199 Klipsch T5 True Wireless earbuds offer a lot more pros than cons. With the aesthetics of the packing and battery life, comfortable fit and great sound, the T5 is the clear winner in this competition.
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We review the Klipsch T5 True Wireless earbuds: are they better than Powerbeats Pro or AirPods?

Powerbeats Pro headphones from Beats (left) and a pair of the new Klipsch T5 True Wireless earbuds, but which type has your ear? Photos: Winnie Chung

Klipsch T5

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We loved the Powerbeats Pro headphones, but could the Klipsch T5 earbuds unseat them and become the true AirPods-killer?


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Review | We review the Klipsch T5 True Wireless earbuds: are they better than Powerbeats Pro or AirPods?

We loved the Powerbeats Pro headphones, but could the Klipsch T5 earbuds unseat them and become the true AirPods-killer?