Philips O Neill The Construct Review | 93 Data compared

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  • 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

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

4.5

Technical Score

20.0%

6.9

User score

Good
4.5

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

5.3

Sound

20.0%

1.9

Features

10.0%

7.9

Design

8.0%

4.4

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

4.5

Calls & Controls

Poor
6.9

User score

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 components:

70.0%

7.5

User reviews

30.0%

5.4

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.8
(60)
amazon
4.0
(53)
amazon
3.4
(50)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
(60)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(53)
Amazon_logo.png
3.4
(50)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

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

  • philips-o-neill-the-construct
  • philips-o-neill-the-construct
  • philips-o-neill-the-construct
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philips-o-neill-the-construct
philips-o-neill-the-construct

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Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

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

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

5.3

Sound

20.0%

1.9

Features

10.0%

7.9

Design

8.0%

4.4

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

4.5

Calls & Controls

4.5
Philips O Neill The Construct has a technical score of 4.54 points, which is lower than that of 70.1% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

7.5

User reviews

30.0%

5.4

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.8
(60)
amazon
4.0
(53)
amazon
3.4
(50)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
(60)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(53)
Amazon_logo.png
3.4
(50)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

6.9
Philips O Neill The Construct has a user score of 6.86 points, which is lower than that of 80.8% of products in this category.
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.
5.4
Philips O Neill The Construct has a popularity of 5.4 points, which is higher than 54.1% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

5.0

Overall score

40.0%

9.7

Price

6.4
Philips O Neill The Construct has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.4 points, which is lower than 65.9% of products in this category.
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

no
Philips O Neill The Construct does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
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

40 mm
Philips O Neill The Construct uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% of headphones.
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

1
Philips O Neill The Construct uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
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

12 Hz
Philips O Neill The Construct reaches a lowest frequency of 12 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 65.1% of headphones and equal to 2% of headphones.
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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

no
Philips O Neill The Construct does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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

yes
Philips O Neill The Construct is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
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

1
Philips O Neill The Construct has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% of headphones.
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

no
Philips O Neill The Construct does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
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
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

wireless
Philips O Neill The Construct supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 52.6% of headphones and equal to 47.4% of headphones.
supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
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

no
Philips O Neill The Construct does not support multipoint. 65.1% of headphones support multipoint.
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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

no
Philips O Neill The Construct does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
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

no
Philips O Neill The Construct does not work with a companion app. 44.4% of headphones support companion apps.
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

no
Philips O Neill The Construct does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
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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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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

160 g
Philips O Neill The Construct weighs 160 g, lighter than 67% of headphones and equal to 0.9% of headphones.
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

  • 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.
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Philips O Neill The Construct has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 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 (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 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.
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Philips O Neill The Construct has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 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.
  • 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 (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    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 8.000).
    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 8.000).6.86 vs 8
  • 5 years older release date
    Philips O Neill The Construct was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    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 (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2012 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

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: Jun 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

H
headfonics.com
26/02/2013

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...Read more

I
imaedia.de
24/10/2013

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...Read more

H
hifitest.de
25/02/2013

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...Read more

L
lesnumeriques.com
21/06/2012

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...Read more

G
gadgetgear.nl
06/07/2012

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...Read more

Video reviews

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