HMD's Amped Buds will provide your phone with that extra battery power when you need it most.
HMD has recently unveiled a pair of wireless earbuds that can recharge your phone, functioning like a small power bank. During MWC 2025 in Barcelona, the Finnish company introduced the HMD Amped Buds, featuring a distinctive hinge on the earpiece along with various audio enhancements.
The charging case has a sleek design, made from an aluminum alloy with a colorful matte finish. Weighing only 80 grams (2.82 ounces), the case is also rated IPX4 for splash resistance and contains a 1,600mAh battery.
HMD asserts that the case provides enough power to deliver an additional 20% battery boost to an iPhone 16 Pro in wireless mode, and up to a 24% increase when connected with a USB-C cable.
James Robinson has shared insights about the HMD Amped Buds, stating, “…earbuds that do more than just sound incredible. Their slim, ultra-thin charging case also doubles as a backup battery—so when your phone is low on power, simply attach it for extra energy. No wires, no hassle—just a quick power boost… pic.twitter.com/GFk34KYXsR — HMD (@HMDdevices) March 2, 2025”
The Qi2-compatible charging case snaps magnetically onto smartphones that support MagSafe, and HMD indicates that it will work seamlessly with protective cases featuring a magnetic ring, as well as almost any smartphone capable of wireless charging.
This is not HMD's first venture into this space. Several lesser-known brands have previously introduced wireless earbuds that essentially act as a power bank through their charging cases. The former Nokia brand integrated wireless earbuds into one of its feature phones, and Huawei incorporated earbuds within a smartwatch.
Returning to the HMD Amped Buds, these IP54-rated wireless earbuds utilize a flexible hinge design for an optimal in-ear fit. The audio experience is powered by 10mm drivers, and they offer EQ customization through a standalone app compatible with Android and iOS.
For noise isolation, the earbuds feature hybrid ANC and ENC utilizing a triple-microphone array on each side. In terms of connectivity, the HMD earbuds support Google Fast Pair and can pair with up to two devices simultaneously.
The Amped Buds are reported to last up to 4 hours with hybrid ANC activated, while in regular listening mode, they can provide up to 8 hours per charge. When fully charged, the case extends total listening time to 95 hours.
HMD’s strategy is quite clever, as it aims to provide an extra power boost to smartphones at the end of the day. The HMD Amped Buds are expected to launch in April at a price of EUR 199, though there’s no information about their availability in the United States.
It's important to point out that the concept of wireless power transfer between a phone and earbuds case is not entirely new. For years, I have charged my wireless earbuds by placing them on top of my Samsung smartphones, which support reverse wireless power sharing. Other brands like Xiaomi and Nothing also provide this convenience, while Apple, despite being an industry pioneer with the necessary technology available on its iPhones and high-end AirPods, is an exception.
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HMD's Amped Buds will provide your phone with that extra battery power when you need it most.
The HMD Amped Buds feature a stylish charging case that attaches magnetically to the back of a phone and has the capability to charge an iPhone's battery by up to 20% at once.
