Soundcore Life A3i vs Space A40 Side by Side at a Glance
Soundcore Life A3i vs Space A40 Noteworthy Specs and Features Comparison
| Spec | Life A3i | Space A40 |
|---|---|---|
| release date | Jan 2022 | Aug 2022 |
| price-tier ⓘbudget: around $30 or less value: around $30-$60 performance: around $60-$100 premium: around $100-$200 elite: more than $200 |
value | performance |
| earbuds battery life | 9h | 10h |
| total + case battery life | 36h | 50h |
| weatherproofing | IPX5 | IPX4 |
| onboard controls | button based | touch based |
| warranty | 18 months | 18 months |
| active noise cancellation | yes | yes |
| transparency mode | yes | yes |
| Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| EQ app compatibility | yes | yes |
| Multipoint 2+ device support | no | yes |
Does the Soundcore Life A3i or Space A40 Have Better External Noise Blocking?
Both the Life A3i and Space A40 have decent natural isolation and good ANC, but the Life A3i seems to block out external noise a little more evenly and better in general, and I’d say this is likely due to them simply being larger and having a deeper and firmer fit. The external noise blocking for the Space A40 is still very good overall considering how light and small it is.
Winner: Life A3i
Does the Soundcore Life A3i or Space A40 Have Better Onboard Controls?
Both the Life A3i and Space A40 have the same control schematic – there are six function slots and they can be customized to whichever command you want: volume change, tracking, etc. The only difference between the two is that the Life A3i has little buttons on the side while the Space A40 is touch based on the back. I will say that the side buttons on the Life A3i are a unique and great idea, and I think a lot of people who prefer buttons will really like them, but the touch based controls of the Space A40 are also perfectly decent and reliable. I’d say this one is just going to be a matter of personal preference.
Winner: draw
Does the Soundcore Life A3i or Space A40 Have a Better Case?
Both the Life A3i and Space A40 case have a nicely compact and pocket friendly shape, but are also a little flimsy. The A3i case though, despite the earbuds being bigger, is slightly smaller and more sturdy feeling, mainly because of the orientation of the lid on the shorter side rather than the top. The Space A40 case lid feels a little more flimsy than the Life A3i lid. One other problem with the Space A40 case is that the Bluetooth reset button is prone to getting jammed, and I had to pop it back out with a paperclip a few times during my review of it.
Winner: Life A3i
Does the Soundcore Life A3i or Space A40 Have Better Fit and Comfort?
I was able to achieve a secure fit with a seal that didn’t break with both the Life A3i and the Space A40. The Life A3i fit feels a little deeper and firmer while the Space A40 fit feels lighter and shallower. The Life A3i is definitely bigger and bulkier, and the back piece of the housing kind of digs into the antihelix of the ear – it does seem to help brace the earbuds into place, but it’s also little uncomfortable and might cause a hot spot for some people. The Space A40 on the other hand is very small and light, and that is one of its selling points – that it barely feels like it’s there. The Space A40 also comes with two more sets of different sized replacement tips than the Life A3i does, which makes it more likely that anyone will be able to find the right tip and fit for them.
Winner: Space A40
A note before the next section: this page describes how I evaluate the sound quality of headphones and earbuds.Does the Soundcore Life A3i or Space A40 Sound Better?
I think the Space A40, overall, sounds somewhat better than the Life A3i. I tweaked the EQ with both of them quite a lot in the Soundcore app, and I think both were able to have their default tuning significantly improved, but the Space A40’s accuracy is just a little bit better than the Life A3i’s – the Life A3i sounds a little loose, thin, and sibilant in comparison to the Space A40, while the Space A40 seems a little more full and natural sounding than the Life A3i does.
Winner: Space A40
Which Should You Choose Between the Soundcore Life A3i or Space A40?
Both the Life A3i and Space A40 are very solid products that have different appeals. The Life A3i has the nice button based controls on the side, a firm and secure feeling fit, and great external noise attenuation for the price. The Space A40 is somewhat more expensive, but it does have better sound quality, and it has the extremely light and casual feeling fit that’s still comfortable and secure. The Space A40 also has excellent external noise attenuation for how small and light it is.
I’m a fidelity and music guy first and foremost, as I often say, and I think the increase in sound quality that you get with the Space A40 is worth the marginal price increase, so I’d choose that one. But, if the notable factors of the Life A3i seem more appealing to you, it’s also a great choice for the price.
Get the Life A3i wireless earbuds on Amazon (affiliate link)
Get the Space A40 wireless earbuds on Amazon (affiliate link)
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• Full Space A40 wireless earbuds review
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