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Philips O Neill The Construct Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£160
Avg. price in US: ~$150
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wireless
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Philips O Neill The Construct review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.0

Good

4.5

Poor

6.9

Good

5.5
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
9.0
Audio latency
25.0%
1.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
1.6
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
6.6
Weight
16.0%
1.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
3.0
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
1.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
1.0
Companion app
4.1
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
6.6
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Verdict

The Philips O’Neill The Construct (SHO7205) is an ultra-durable over-ear headset designed for active users, featuring 40mm dynamic neodymium drivers that deliver a frequency response of 12Hz–24kHz with 32-ohm impedance and 105dB sensitivity. Its primary characteristics include a reinforced tangle-free cable, an in-line remote/microphone, and a highly flexible TR90 headband engineered to withstand heavy impacts. Key pros are its exceptional ruggedness, lightweight 160g design, and impactful bass response. However, notable cons include the lack of a protective carry case, the absence of active noise cancellation, and a non-folding design that limits portability.

Technical Specifications of Philips O Neill The Construct

Overall score

5.0

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Popularity

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.

Sound

5.3

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

4.5

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

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Connectivity

4.4

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

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Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Features

1.9

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

1.0

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

7.9

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Philips

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

on-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Philips O Neill The Construct vs the average headphone

Why is Philips O Neill The Construct better than the average headphone?

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More flexible connectivity
Philips O Neill The Construct offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.
Importance: HIGH
Philips O Neill The Construct offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Philips O Neill The Construct includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.
Importance: MEDIUM
Philips O Neill The Construct includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
Philips O Neill The Construct includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.
Importance: LOW
Philips O Neill The Construct includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
6 Hz lower bass extension
Philips O Neill The Construct has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Philips O Neill The Construct has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.12 Hz vs 18 Hz
26.6% lower weight
Philips O Neill The Construct is lighter than the average headphone (160 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Philips O Neill The Construct is lighter than the average headphone (160 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.160 g vs 218 g
Foldable design
Philips O Neill The Construct has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.
Importance: LOW
Philips O Neill The Construct has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
4000 Hz higher treble extension
Philips O Neill The Construct has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20000 Hz.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=24000 Hz
Philips O Neill The Construct has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20000 Hz.24000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Philips O Neill The Construct has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Philips O Neill The Construct has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
26.6% lower weight
Philips O Neill The Construct is lighter than the average headphone (160 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Foldable design
Philips O Neill The Construct has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
6 Hz lower bass extension
Philips O Neill The Construct has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
4000 Hz higher treble extension
Philips O Neill The Construct has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20000 Hz.
3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Philips O Neill The Construct has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
More flexible connectivity
Philips O Neill The Construct offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Philips O Neill The Construct includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
Philips O Neill The Construct includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Calls & Controls

Why is Philips O Neill The Construct worse than the average headphone?

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No travel bag
Philips O Neill The Construct does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
No voice assistant support
Philips O Neill The Construct does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
5 years older release date
Philips O Neill The Construct was released earlier than the average headphone (2012 vs 2017). The average headphones were released in 2017.
February 2012
No voice assistant support
Philips O Neill The Construct does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.
Importance: LOW
Philips O Neill The Construct does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No travel bag
Philips O Neill The Construct does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.
Importance: LOW
Philips O Neill The Construct does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
16.6% lower user score
Philips O Neill The Construct has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.86 vs 8).
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.
Philips O Neill The Construct has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.86 vs 8).6.86 vs 8
5 years older release date
Philips O Neill The Construct was released earlier than the average headphone (2012 vs 2017). The average headphones were released in 2017.
February 2012
What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2020
Philips O Neill The Construct was released earlier than the average headphone (2012 vs 2017). The average headphones were released in 2017.2012 vs 2017
77.8% more expensive
Philips O Neill The Construct is more expensive than the average headphone (£160 vs £90).
Philips O Neill The Construct is more expensive than the average headphone (£160 vs £90).£160 vs £90
5.2% worse value for money
Philips O Neill The Construct has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.41 vs 6.736).
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.
Philips O Neill The Construct has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.41 vs 6.736).6.41 vs 6.74

Graphic comparison of Philips O Neill The Construct and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Philips O Neill The Construct?

Extremely durable and rugged construction using flexible TR90 materials
Very comfortable for long listening sessions due to soft ear pads
Effective passive noise isolation that blocks out surrounding environments
Tangle-free, cloth-wrapped cable with reinforced connectors
Secure fit suitable for active movements and physical activity
Good value for money at its price point

What customers dislike about Philips O Neill The Construct?

Bass-heavy sound signature can feel muddy or lack detail for non-audiophiles
Requires a strong amplifier to reach its full audio potential; can sound 'lifeless' on mobile devices
Some users with larger heads find the headband pressure too tight
Recessed mid-range and lacks top-end articulation
Reported issues with ear pads potentially tearing or detaching over time
Does not fold flat, making them less portable in a bag

Expert reviews

headfonics.com

26/02/2013

Summary of the review

Philips O'Neill - The Construct - Headfonics

The Philips O'Neill The Construct is an outdoor-focused, on-ear headphone with 40mm drivers, praised for its comfortable, soft synthetic pleather ear pads that provide effective passive noise isolation. Despite a 32-ohm rating, the headphones are difficult to drive with standard portable devices, resulting in a flat and distant sound, making a dedicated amplifier necessary to unlock their potential, which brings improved treble, a wider soundstage, and tighter bass. When paired with an amplifier, the headphone's warm, mellow, and laid-back sound signature becomes vibrant, fixing the issues of poor articulation and lacking, soft bass found when unamped. Ultimately, the review concludes these headphones are less than ideal for direct, unamped listening, as they require extra power to overcome their native flatness. For the full, detailed review, visit Headfonics.

imaedia.de

24/10/2013

Summary of the review

Philips O'Neill Construct headphones review: Do you need help finding availability or current replacement parts like ear pads for this specific model?

The Philips O'Neill Construct headphones provide great durability and comfort for active users. A key pro is the extreme flexibility of the headband, which can bend and twist without breaking. The ear cups feature a quick-release system that pops out under high pressure to prevent physical damage. Additionally, the fabric-covered cable is completely tangle-free. Despite being on the heavier side at 234 grams, they stay securely in place during activities like running and remain comfortable for hours. The over-ear padding also offers excellent noise isolation, making them suitable for travel on airplanes. When it comes to audio performance, the sound profile delivers punchy bass balanced with clear mid-tones. This makes them ideal for pop, rock, hip-hop, and electronic music. However, a notable con is that the sound begins to boom and distort once the volume passes 80%. The headphones are also a poor match for classical music due to the heavy bass focus. Lastly, they lack any advanced smart features, but at an attractive price point of 73 to 79 Euros, the reviewer concludes they offer a highly rugged design...

hifitest.de

25/02/2013

Summary of the review

Hi-Fi Headphones Review - Philips SH07205 Construct", "Testing Hi-Fi Headphones - Philips SH07205 Construct

The HiFi Test on-ear headphone group review highlights the shift from discreet in-ear buds back to larger, fashion-forward headband models designed for mobile use. In this comprehensive comparison, the Philips SH07205 Construct (developed in collaboration with O'Neill) stands out alongside competitors like the House of Marley Exodus, AKG K551, and Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro. The review emphasizes that these larger formats utilize their expanded physical space to deliver a significantly richer soundstage and acoustic resonance compared to standard earplugs. YouTube·CCReviewsA major advantage of the Philips Construct is its extreme physical durability, featuring a highly flexible TR90 headband and protective aluminum ear cups designed to pop out under intense pressure instead of snapping. It also includes a durable, tangle-free fabric cable and soft synthetic leather padding that ensures comfort during extended outdoor or active use. However, a notable disadvantage identified across professional testing is its average sound reproduction; the 40mm drivers can sound flat or lacking in snappy treble clarity when driven by a standard smartphone, making them a better choice for rugged durability rather than analytical audio performance.

lesnumeriques.com

21/06/2012

Summary of the review

Philips O'Neill The Construct Review - Les Numériques

Les Numériques awards the wired, on-ear Philips O'Neill The Construct a 4 out of 5 stars rating, framing it as an ultra-rugged option for action and urban sports. The review's primary focus is the headset's near-indestructible design. Key design pros include a super-flexible TR90 headband that can twist or squash without snapping, a protective neoprene wrap, and a tangle-free braided cable. Additionally, it features safe-release ear cans that pop out under heavy impact to prevent structural breaks and a quick-disconnect cable system that detaches under tension to avoid connector damage. Despite this armor-like utility, the memory foam padding keeps it comfortable enough for several hours of consecutive use. On the flip side, the review highlights distinct cons regarding aesthetics and sound profile. Visually, the headset is critiqued for lacking a refined, slim design in favor of its "Rambo-style" bulkiness. Audio-wise, the sound signature is heavily bass-heavy, peaking hard at 100 Hz, which dampens high-mid accuracy and limits soundstage width. However, total harmonic distortion remains exceptionally low (under 0.1%), delivering a significantly cleaner response than competing Beats models. A final critical...

gadgetgear.nl

06/07/2012

Summary of the review

Philips O'Neill The Construct Review", "Review: Philips O'Neill The Construct

The GadgetGear.nl review awards the Philips O'Neill The Construct headphones a 5-star rating for their, "one-size-fits-all" design and exceptionally durable, shock-resistant construction, allowing components to be reattached if separated. Key features include a clever L-shaped plug designed to prevent cable damage and a powerful, deep bass optimized for dance and rock music, making them ideal for active lifestyles. The review highlights that while optimized for heavy bass, the sound profile may be less suited for users seeking acoustic precision. Overall, the device is lauded for its robust, rugged design and functional, smart engineering rather than having notable negative drawbacks.

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