OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
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Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
Headphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Nokia Essence Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£70Form factor:in-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:8 hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):yes

Nokia Essence Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Nokia Essence
7.0/10

Overall score

Score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Score components

80%

7.0

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–²Better than 75% of headphones
7.9

Value for money

Value for money
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Score components

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–²Better than 75%
7.0

Technical score

Technical score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 76% of models
Score components

52%

8.0

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.1

Design

8%

7.6

Connectivity

6%

5.4

Battery

4%

9.0

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 76%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • nokia-essence
nokia-essence
Where to buy
    N/A~ £70
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Nokia Essence

Technical score
Technical score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 76% of models
Score components:

52%

8.0

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.1

Design

8%

7.6

Connectivity

6%

5.4

Battery

4%

9.0

Calls & Controls

7.0
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Nokia Essence has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 73.4% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Score components:

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.9
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
10.3 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 10.3 mm, smaller driver size than 87.6% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
6 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 6 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 84.5% of headphones and equal to 1.8% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
This pair of headphones supports a noise-canceling microphone. 61.1% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
2
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 2 microphones, more microphones than 77.9% of headphones and equal to 8.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wireless
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
2.1
This pair of headphones uses Bluetooth version 2.1, newer Bluetooth version than 54.9% of headphones and equal to 0.6% of headphones.
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 m
Market range: <10 m – >15 m
This pair of headphones offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.7% of headphones and equal to 80.6% of headphones.
Audio latency
40 ms
Market range: <40 ms – >222 ms
This pair of headphones has audio latency of 40 ms, lower audio latency than 77.2% of headphones and equal to 14.6% of headphones.
Multipoint support
yes
This pair of headphones supports multipoint. 69.4% of headphones support multipoint.
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Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
yes
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
8 hours
Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life of 8 hours, lower battery life than 93.7% of headphones and equal to 4% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
8 hours
Market range: <15 hours – >55 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life with ANC of 8 hours, lower battery life with ANC than 97.1% of headphones and equal to 1.7% of headphones.
Charging time
2 hours
Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
This pair of headphones needs 2 hours to charge, lower charging time than 47.8% of headphones and equal to 39% of headphones.
Quick charge
yes
This pair of headphones supports quick charge. 67% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
?
Show more
Brand name
Nokia
Form factor
in-ear
Weight
32 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 32 g, lighter than 82.3% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
N/A
Show more

Nokia Essence vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Active noise cancellation
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 85.3% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (32 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    32 g vs 218 g
  • 12 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (6 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    6 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Multipoint support
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • 110 ms lower audio latency
    This pair of headphones has a lower audio latency than the average pair of headphones (40 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    40 ms vs 150 ms
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • AptX Adaptive support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX Adaptive, the average pair of headphones does not. 6.7% of headphones support aptX Adaptive.
  • 85.3% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (32 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    32 g vs 218 g
  • Water resistance
    This pair of headphones is water resistant, the average pair of headphones is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • Active noise cancellation
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 12 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (6 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    6 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Quick charge support
    This pair of headphones supports quick charge, the average pair of headphones does not. 33% of headphones support quick charge.
  • USB-C charging
    This pair of headphones uses USB-C charging, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.5% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Play while charging
    This pair of headphones can play while charging, the average pair of headphones cannot. 29.1% of headphones support play while charging.
  • Rechargeable battery
    This pair of headphones has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Multipoint support
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • 110 ms lower audio latency
    This pair of headphones has a lower audio latency than the average pair of headphones (40 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    40 ms vs 150 ms
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • AptX Adaptive support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX Adaptive, the average pair of headphones does not. 6.7% of headphones support aptX Adaptive.
  • AAC codec support
    This pair of headphones supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
  • NFC pairing
    This pair of headphones supports NFC pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.7% of headphones support NFC pairing.
  • AptX support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX, the average pair of headphones does not. 18.4% of headphones support aptX.
  • Multipoint connections
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint connections, while the average pair of headphones does not. 30.2% of headphones support multipoint connections.
    supports multipoint for up to 2 devices.
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 1 more microphones
    This pair of headphones has more microphones than the average pair of headphones (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    2 vs 1
  • Wind noise reduction
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Sidetone support
    This pair of headphones supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Quick mic mute
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • 29.7 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (10.3 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    10.3 mm vs 40 mm
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 22 hours shorter battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (8 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    8 hours vs 30 hours
  • 22 hours shorter ANC battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life with ANC than the average pair of headphones (8 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    8 hours vs 30 hours
  • 5.87x less popular
    Nokia Essence is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 5 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2011 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    October 2011
    2011 vs 2016
  • 5.87x less popular
    Nokia Essence is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 29.7 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (10.3 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    10.3 mm vs 40 mm
  • 22 hours shorter battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (8 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    8 hours vs 30 hours
  • 22 hours shorter ANC battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life with ANC than the average pair of headphones (8 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    8 hours vs 30 hours
  • 5 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2011 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    October 2011
    2011 vs 2016

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Clinton Jeff
≈ estimated
05/05/2012
Hands-on review · daily commute use and noise isolation
Verdict
Nokia Essence is very satisfying overall, with strong noise isolation but average sound and a heavy, awkward cable.
Hands-on video, no verdict

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Nokia Essence

  • Exceptional active noise cancellation that eliminates a massive percentage of background noise, making it highly effective on public transport
  • Super fast and easy Bluetooth pairing via built-in NFC by simply tapping a compatible phone to the unit
  • Tangle-resistant flat ribbon-style wires
  • Includes physical switches on the clip-on base for manual bass and treble boosting to easily adjust the audio profile
  • High overall satisfaction regarding comfort and the selection of multiple included earbud sizes
  • Convenient physical media controls directly on the unit to play, pause, or skip tracks

What customers don't like about Nokia Essence

  • Wires are somewhat cumbersome to manage and the weight of the main receiver clip can be noticeable
  • The baseline sound stage and audio quality is decent but not as exceptional or immersive as some competing high-end headsets
  • Aesthetics are described as a bit bland or plain compared to Nokia's colorful Lumia device designs
  • Depending on ear shape, there is a slight chance of a misfit with the uniquely designed in-ear buds

Verdict

The Nokia Essence (BH-610) is a premium Bluetooth 2.1+EDR in-ear headset featuring highly effective 99.8% Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) via 10.3mm neodymium drivers and NFC quick-pairing. It supports high-quality audio streaming (apt-X and AAC) alongside dedicated bass/treble boost buttons and provides up to 8 hours of music playback with ANC on. Main pros include its exceptional noise reduction for its size, excellent sound quality with customizable EQ profiles, and a comfortable in-ear seal. Cons include an older Micro-USB charging port, a slightly bulky inline remote, and a high retail price upon release.

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