Believe it or not, the Sony WH-1000XM4 dropped back in 2020, but it’s still the most suggested and most preferred pick even versus newer models. In this video, I did a quick unboxing, pairing, and real-world breakdown of what still makes the XM4s a standout today—design, comfort, features, ANC, battery, mic, and of course, sound. I paired it with my S23 Ultra (NFC tap-to-pair is a lifesaver), and I also used the Sony Sound Connect app because that’s where the “magic sauce” happens—EQ, profiles, and multi-device pairing. For me, the XM4s still screams premium even if it’s unapologetically plastic: great matte finish, comfy pillowy pads, and the foldable design that Sony removed on the XM5. Noise canceling is still top-tier—I tested it against real chaos (noisy AC, parties, even my dad’s karaoke) and it’s basically a shutdown button. Battery is also crazy good (I got around 10% drain in a 5-hour session), plus you still get a headphone jack for wired use. The main drawback? Mic quality—okay indoors, but it struggles with wind/noise. So yes, if you want balanced sound, strong ANC, comfort, and features at a price that’s often on sale in PH, the XM4 is still worth it.