How are the fake AirPods Pro worse than the original? X-rays show this
Apple products have many counterfeits, including the AirPods wireless headphones. Externally they look almost identical, but inside the difference is obvious. To show this difference, blogger Lumafield took X-rays of the original 2nd generation AirPods Pro and two pairs of knockoffs.
Here's What We've Seen
So, the main differences are in the assembly, batteries and motherboards. Each AirPods has a pill-shaped battery, which is seamlessly integrated into a compact body for optimal power efficiency. Fake headphones, on the other hand, contain lithium-ion batteries, which are not only less sophisticated in design, but also potentially dangerous. The rectangular batteries are not properly sized, which can lead to damage over time.
Overall, Apple has cleverly combined rigid and flexible PCBs to tightly pack components and ensure that every millimetre of space is used efficiently. Counterfeit AirPods have simpler electronics and contain fewer microphones and control circuitry, negatively impacting sound quality.
On the left are the original AirPods Pro 2, and in the middle and on the right are the fakes
For example, one of the knockoffs has no wireless charging at all. Another has wireless charging coils, but no magnets to attach the case to the charger. In addition, the non-original earbuds contain weighted earbuds whose only function is to mimic the weight of the branded AirPods.