Technology

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Sony’s WF-C710N arrive as straightforward, no-fuss true wireless earphones that pack active noise cancellation into a compact, design-forward package at an aggressive price point. Launched in India at Rs. 8,990, the buds carry over the core strengths of Sony’s recent mid-range lineup — comfortable fit, reliable ANC and long battery life — while trimming advanced features such as high-resolution codecs to keep costs down. 

The styling leans toward playful minimalism: a transparent “Glass Blue” variant gives the WF-C710N a Y2K–era electro-pop look, while black, pink and white options keep things muted and practical. The pill-shaped charging case is pocketable but shows fingerprints easily; the IPX4 splash resistance and a snug fit make them suitable for light workouts. Controls are touch-based rather than physical, and while responsive they can be over-sensitive and trigger accidental touches. 

Under the hood, the WF-C710N use 5mm drivers, Bluetooth 5.3 and Sony’s Sound Connect app for basic customization and EQ presets. They support SBC and AAC only — no LDAC or other high-res codecs — but do include Sony’s DSEE upscaling and 360 Reality Audio support for listeners who want spatial immersion. The app’s ‘Find Your Equaliser’ tool is simple and effective for casual tuning, and features like dual-device connectivity and in-ear detection add everyday polish.

Performance is where these earphones earn their keep. The adaptive ANC and solid passive isolation do a credible job of muting background hum and chatter; with music playing most external noise is effectively suppressed and prolonged ANC use does not cause ear fatigue. Sound is engaging and dynamic, with pronounced lows and highs that make popular tracks sound lively, though mids can feel a touch muddy at high volumes, losing some fine detail on acoustic or vocal-heavy recordings. Call quality is clear and generally reliable for typical conversational use. Battery life is strong in this class: the buds can last around eight to 11 hours depending on ANC use, with the case extending total playback to roughly 21–30 hours and quick-charge giving an hour of playback from a five-minute top-up. 

Taken together, the WF-C710N represent a sensible mid-market pick for buyers who prioritise effective ANC, comfortable fit and long runtime over audiophile-grade detail or cutting-edge codecs. At Rs. 8,990 they deliver excellent value for listeners seeking a dependable everyday ANC TWS from a trusted brand, though those chasing the cleanest mids or LDAC support should consider higher-tier Sony options or rival models that trade off battery or brand pedigree for richer audio specs.