Earbuds / Compare

Sony LinkBuds S vs soundcore Space A40

A

Product A: Sony

LinkBuds S

88 of 166 known

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B

Product B: soundcore

Space A40

76 of 166 known

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All 166 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

ASony LinkBuds S

Bsoundcore Space A40

General

7 of 8 differ

Series

LinkBuds1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_SRead 5 October 2026

Not available

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

WF-LS900N, YY29501Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_SRead 5 October 20263Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Cover page 1 identifies Model YY2950. Contents page 2 identifies WF-LS900N.

A3936, A39360121Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011.jsRead 8 October 2026Current Black sales SKU is A3936012, despite historical URL handle A3936011. Core hardware model is A3936 from the original and current service documentation. A changed sales-code suffix is not claimed to be either a hardware revision or packaging-only change.

GTIN / EAN

Not available

1946441022721Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011.jsRead 8 October 2026Exact current official Black variant barcode 194644102272. Other colours have separate barcodes and are not represented as SKU rows.

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

18 May 20224Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-electronics-introduces-additional-model-to-linkbuds-series-a-new-frontier-for-headphones--linkbuds-s-301549817.htmlRead 5 October 2026Original Sony Electronics release issued May 18, 2022, syndicated by PR Newswire. May 20 availability is a forecast here and corroborated by actual retrospective review.

Not available

Status

Not available

Available1Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011.jsRead 8 October 2026Native official US public product JSON identifies Black variant 41956103487678 as available true. Stock is a point-in-time observation, not a permanent quantity claim. The legacy page contains both visible and hidden Sold out template text, so native variant availability is used.

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Not available

Not available

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Sony LinkBuds Fit18Reviewm.gsmarena.com/sony_unveils_linkbuds_open_with_open_design_linkbuds_fit_replace_the_linkbuds_s-amp-64762.phpRead 23 October 2026GSMArena says the LinkBuds Fit replaces the LinkBuds S and calls it the sequel to the LinkBuds S.19Reviewtomsguide.com/audio/sony-revives-linkbuds-series-with-a-focus-on-style-and-fit-can-they-beat-boseRead 23 October 2026Tom's Guide says the LinkBuds Fit takes over for the LinkBuds S.

Not available

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$199.994Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-electronics-introduces-additional-model-to-linkbuds-series-a-new-frontier-for-headphones--linkbuds-s-301549817.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact US manufacturer MSRP USD 199.99, excluding tax. SoundGuys later USD 198 and current store prices are not launch MSRP.6Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-electronics-announces-the-new-linkbuds-s-earth-blue-noise-canceling-truly-wireless-headphones-made-from-water-dispenser-bottles-and-new-model-linkbuds-uc-for-microsoft-teams-301658003.htmlRead 5 October 2026Earth Blue US original MSRP also USD 199.99. No later retail amount substituted.

$99.995Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/soundcore-unveils-space-series-with-two-new-anc-wireless-models-with-stronger-anc-and-long-lasting-battery-life-301612025.htmlRead 8 October 2026Manufacturer-issued August 25, 2022 release explicitly says A40 is available in the US for USD 99.99. Space Q45 pricing is separate.

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

Not available

€99.995Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/soundcore-unveils-space-series-with-two-new-anc-wireless-models-with-stronger-anc-and-long-lasting-battery-life-301612025.htmlRead 8 October 2026Same exact A40 section lists EUR 99.99 in Germany and Europe. Current sale price is not launch MSRP.

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

US, JP1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_SRead 5 October 2026Current exact Sony Japan store offers this model for purchase. US availability is established separately by the original launch release.4Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-electronics-introduces-additional-model-to-linkbuds-series-a-new-frontier-for-headphones--linkbuds-s-301549817.htmlRead 5 October 2026

US1Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011.jsRead 8 October 2026

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Black, White, Ecru, Earth Blue1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_SRead 5 October 2026Original Black, White and Ecru plus later Earth Blue. Ear-tip construction is common but identification markings differ by finish. No unproved regional SKU rows.4Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-electronics-introduces-additional-model-to-linkbuds-series-a-new-frontier-for-headphones--linkbuds-s-301549817.htmlRead 5 October 2026Original White and Black at Sony US and Ecru exclusive Best Buy. Later Earth Blue separately sourced.6Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-electronics-announces-the-new-linkbuds-s-earth-blue-noise-canceling-truly-wireless-headphones-made-from-water-dispenser-bottles-and-new-model-linkbuds-uc-for-microsoft-teams-301658003.htmlRead 5 October 2026October 25, 2022 original Sony release adds Earth Blue. Its earlier colours have been available since May. Earth Blue is a later finish of the same LinkBuds S, not the LinkBuds UC for Teams announced in the same article.

Black, White, Navy Blue, Fresh Green, Purple1Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011.jsRead 8 October 2026

Segment

Music1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_SRead 5 October 2026

Music2Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026

Design

0 of 4 differ

Form factoriIn-ear seals the ear canal with a tip. Semi-in-ear rests in the outer ear without a seal. Open-ear leaves the ear canal unobstructed.

In-ear3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 17 instructs sealing with a tip inside the canal. Exact diagrams show compact bodies without extending stems.4Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-electronics-introduces-additional-model-to-linkbuds-series-a-new-frontier-for-headphones--linkbuds-s-301549817.htmlRead 5 October 2026

In-ear2Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026

Bud shapeiStem describes an extending control or microphone stalk. Stemless describes a compact body without a stalk.

Stemless3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Exact parts and wearing diagrams show stemless bodies.

Stemless2Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026Current exact-SKU maker gallery shows compact stemless in-ear buds. No inference about microphone or driver quantity is made from appearance.

Use one bud aloneiWhich earbud can operate alone. This does not mean two earbuds can play from different sources.

Either bud3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 19-20 allow either unit with suitable settings. Service Link requires right. Assistant/control assignments can restrict one-ear operation.10Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_5.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Either bud2Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026Exact current maker FAQ explicitly permits taking either left or right bud alone and returning the unused bud to the case.

RGB lighting

Not available

Not available

Drivers and sound

10 of 17 differ

Drivers per budiAudio transducers in one earbud. Rows distinguish their type, acoustic role and published diameter. Do not count microphones.

ASony LinkBuds S

Not available

Bsoundcore Space A40

Type	Diameter (mm)
Dynamic	10

Source4Owner's manualsalesforce-knowledge-download.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/000009262/en_US/000009262.pdfRead 8 October 2026Original and current guide explicitly identify a 10 mm dynamic driver. Physical transducer quantity per bud is not separately stated, so count remains unknown rather than inferred from one row.11Owner's manualsalesforce-knowledge-download.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/000018508/en_US/000018508.pdfRead 8 October 2026Newer A3936 guide has the same core 10 mm dynamic, 16 ohm, 53 mAh x 2 / 800 mAh, 20 Hz to 20 kHz and 10 m specification table. It prints Bluetooth 5.3 instead of the original/current-shop 5.2. That concrete discrepancy is not used to infer a firmware upgrade, hardware revision or universal measurement equivalence.

Driver typeiPublished transducer technology. High-excursion, composite and neodymium do not by themselves establish a driver type.

Dynamic2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Maker identifies closed dynamic transducer. Neodymium magnet is not treated as diaphragm material.17Maker spec sheet (PDF)boulanger.scene7.com/is/content/Boulanger/4548736144873_f_0Read 5 October 2026

Dynamic4Owner's manualsalesforce-knowledge-download.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/000009262/en_US/000009262.pdfRead 8 October 2026

Driver sizeiLargest explicitly published circular driver diameter in one earbud. A rectangular driver width is not a diameter.

Not available

10mm=CalculatedFrom Drivers per bud

Drivers per budiTotal audio transducers in one earbud, summed from explicit driver quantities. A row with an unknown quantity makes the total unknown.

Not available

Not available

Diaphragm material

Not available

Metal-ceramic, double-layer diaphragm5Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/soundcore-unveils-space-series-with-two-new-anc-wireless-models-with-stronger-anc-and-long-lasting-battery-life-301612025.htmlRead 8 October 2026A40-specific paragraph names innovative 10 mm double-layer-diaphragm drivers with metal-ceramic material. Silk is specified for the separate 40 mm Space Q45 driver and is not transferred.

Frequency responseiPublished acoustic frequency response of the earbuds. Codec transmission bandwidth alone does not qualify. Conditions belong in the source note.

Not available

Min20 HzMax20 kHz4Owner's manualsalesforce-knowledge-download.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/000009262/en_US/000009262.pdfRead 8 October 2026Both guide tables explicitly publish acoustic 20 Hz to 20 kHz response. This is not extended to 40 kHz or 96 kHz from a wireless Hi-Res certification or codec name.11Owner's manualsalesforce-knowledge-download.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/000018508/en_US/000018508.pdfRead 8 October 2026

Impedance

Not available

16Ω4Owner's manualsalesforce-knowledge-download.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/000009262/en_US/000009262.pdfRead 8 October 2026Original rendered English table explicitly shows 16 ohms. The newer guide corroborates it with readable text.11Owner's manualsalesforce-knowledge-download.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/000018508/en_US/000018508.pdfRead 8 October 2026

SensitivityiPublished acoustic sensitivity. The electrical reference and frequency must be stated in sensitivity_reference or the source note.

Not available

Not available

Sensitivity reference

Not available

Not available

Max sample rateiHighest supported audio sample rate under the codec and source-device conditions in the source note. This does not establish lossless playback.

96kHz3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 166 publishes LDAC transmission at 96 kHz and 990 kbps. This is supported codec sample rate, not acoustic frequency response or guaranteed lossless sound.15Reviewwhathifi.com/reviews/sony-linkbuds-sRead 5 October 2026Exact LDAC supported source conditions. Other codecs need their own limits.

Not available

Max bit depthiHighest supported audio bit depth under the codec and source-device conditions in the source note. Bluetooth version alone does not establish this.

24bits15Reviewwhathifi.com/reviews/sony-linkbuds-sRead 5 October 2026Exact review explicitly describes supported LDAC input up to 24-bit/96 kHz at up to 990 kbps from compatible source such as Xperia 1 III. This is codec input capability, not DSEE upscaling or lossless transmission.

Not available

Adaptive EQiAn inner mic tunes the sound to your ear in real time

Not available

Not available

Personalised soundiA profile from a hearing test or ear scan

Yes11Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_6.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact certified 360 Reality Audio maker section optimizes using ear shape and headphone characteristics through companion app. It is not a hearing-test profile.

Yes5Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/soundcore-unveils-space-series-with-two-new-anc-wireless-models-with-stronger-anc-and-long-lasting-battery-life-301612025.htmlRead 8 October 2026A40-specific HearID procedure automatically tunes audio frequencies to personal hearing. This is distinct from manually selecting EQ sliders.13Maker product pageservice.soundcore.com/article-description/Four-Steps-to-Make-Your-soundcore-Space-A40-Earbuds-Sound-BetterRead 8 October 2026

Onboard EQ

Yes9Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_4.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Not available

Custom EQ bandsiNumber of independently adjustable custom equalizer frequency bands. Availability may require current firmware, an app or a compatible device.

513Maker product pageexperience.sony-asia.com/ph/home/exploredetail/546Read 5 October 2026Exact maker article includes LinkBuds S in model list and explicitly five EQ frequencies plus separate Clear Bass. Five independently adjustable equalizer bands stored, bass shelf not counted as sixth.

85Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/soundcore-unveils-space-series-with-two-new-anc-wireless-models-with-stronger-anc-and-long-lasting-battery-life-301612025.htmlRead 8 October 2026A40-specific sound section explicitly publishes eight-band custom EQ. The current maker sound-improvement article separately confirms 22 presets, without publishing a complete name list.13Maker product pageservice.soundcore.com/article-description/Four-Steps-to-Make-Your-soundcore-Space-A40-Earbuds-Sound-BetterRead 8 October 2026Exact support article confirms 22 EQ presets and HearID sound profile. The eight-band count comes directly from the maker launch release. Full preset names are not invented.

EQ presetsiNamed equalizer sound presets. Noise-control modes and spatial-audio modes are separate features.

Relaxed, Bass Boost, Treble Boost9Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_4.htmlRead 5 October 2026Maker explicitly names Relaxed and Bass Boost among eight presets. Treble Boost is independently demonstrated by exact SoundGuys measurements. Unnamed presets are omitted.16Measurementsoundguys.com/sony-linkbuds-s-review-74398Read 5 October 2026Exact tested Treble Boost preset is explicitly named and compared against default.

Not available

Volume limit

Not available

Not available

Spatial audio

2 of 2 differ

Spatial audioiNamed spatial or surround audio processing supported with the source and platform conditions stated in the source note.

360 Reality Audio11Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_6.htmlRead 5 October 2026360 Reality Audio content/service required. Dolby Atmos spatial rendering through optional WLA-NS7 and compatible BRAVIA XR is a separate external-system scenario, not an unqualified native earbud codec.

3D Surround Sound8Owner's manualsalesforce-knowledge-download.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/000018508/en_US/000018508.pdfRead 8 October 2026The newer official A3936 guide, PDF created August 27, 2025 and linked by the current service index, explicitly lists 3D Surround Sound among app features. Exact enabling app or firmware version is not published. This is a current documentation claim, without asserting a launch feature or availability on the original reviewed firmware 3.19.

Head trackingiSpatial audio changes with head movement. Static spatial processing alone does not qualify. Compatible device or content requirements belong in the source note.

Yes12Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/software/00278794Read 5 October 2026Exact LinkBuds S firmware 4.3.1 previous-benefits section explicitly adds Head Tracking. Supported phone model and Android OS required. Current feature, not original firmware.

Not available

Noise cancelling

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Active noise cancelling

Yes4Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-electronics-introduces-additional-model-to-linkbuds-series-a-new-frontier-for-headphones--linkbuds-s-301549817.htmlRead 5 October 20267Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_2.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Yes2Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026

ANC typeiFeedforward uses exterior microphones. Feedback uses interior microphones. Hybrid uses both. Adaptive control is separate from microphone placement.

Hybrid7Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_2.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact Dual Noise Sensor Technology paragraph explicitly integrates feedforward and feedback methods. Activity/location profiles do not establish adaptive ANC-strength calibration or continuously blended audio.

Not available

ANC microphones in both earbudsiPhysical microphones used by ANC across the pair. A shared call and ANC microphone counts once. Case microphones and vibration sensors are excluded.

414Review52audio.com/archives/122319.htmlRead 5 October 2026Two MEMS per earbud explicitly used for active cancellation and call-noise pickup. Four across pair, overlapping call microphones.

Not available

Adaptive ANCiANC strength or calibration adjusts automatically to noise, fit or ear acoustics. The source note states the adjustment conditions.

Not available

Yes2Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026

ANC levelsiNumber of selectable ANC strength levels. Excludes ANC off, transparency and activity profiles unless they explicitly set distinct strength levels.

Not available

Not available

ANC attenuation (claimed)iManufacturer maximum claimed noise attenuation. Frequency and measurement conditions belong in the source note. This is not reviewer-measured overall attenuation.

Not available

Not available

Transparency mode

Yes7Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_2.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Yes2Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026

Adjustable transparency

Yes7Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_2.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact maker 20 ambient-level adjustment and Voice Focus. These levels are not ANC strength levels.

Not available

Automatic ANC and transparency blendiAutomatically blends active cancellation with ambient sound. Automatic activity-based switching between separate modes alone does not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Conversation detection

Yes7Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_2.htmlRead 5 October 2026Speak-to-Chat pauses playback and changes to ambient sound on voice detection. User setup and detection sensitivity affect operation.

Not available

Wind noise reductioniA documented physical design or processing feature for reducing wind noise. The source note distinguishes mesh or shape changes from selectable processing.

Yes7Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_2.htmlRead 5 October 2026Maker describes mesh around microphones for reducing wind during ANC and ambient listening. Preliminary French sheet calls automatic wind cancellation, but this physical design is the precise published mechanism.

Yes2Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026Exact maker FAQ identifies a selectable Wind Noise Reduction mode within ANC and Transparency settings. It automatically activates when detected wind crosses its threshold. This is distinct from the separate AI call-noise processing.

Measured

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Frequency response notes (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

The default measured response follows the review target through much of the bass and midrange. Response above about 2 kHz is reduced. The Treble Boost preset brings the high range closer to the target.16Measurementsoundguys.com/sony-linkbuds-s-review-74398Read 5 October 2026Published default and Treble Boost lab curves relative to SoundGuys target. Fixture revision, original firmware and codec unstated. Point 35 dB attenuation around 200 Hz does not establish a band-average isolation figure.

SoundGuys measured the default Soundcore Signature profile close to its Headphone Preference Curve, with lower bass and high-frequency output relative to that target.7Reviewsoundguys.com/anker-soundcore-space-a40-review-81004Read 8 October 2026Original reference sample and same firmware/app as the named SoundGuys review. Specific default profile and target are preserved. No chart amplitude is estimated as an exact bass/treble deviation.

Bass amount (measured)iDeviation from the review source target in the bass range. Positive means more bass. Target, test method and settings belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Treble amount (measured)iDeviation from the review source target in the treble range. Positive means more treble. Values from different targets may not be directly comparable.

Not available

Not available

Deviation from target (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Consistency between fittings (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Harmonic distortion (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Sound leakage (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Noise isolation (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Noise isolation, best (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Passive isolation (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Call quality notes (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Quiet-condition recordings provide usable speech pickup. The published street-noise recording contains processing artifacts and reduced voice clarity.16Measurementsoundguys.com/sony-linkbuds-s-review-74398Read 5 October 2026Published ideal, office and street demos with explicit processing-artifact discussion. No numeric handling score or unlabelled codec inferred.

Not available

Mic low-frequency extension (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Mic high-frequency extension (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Mic speech-to-noise ratio (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Latency (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Bluetooth latency, worst (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

2.4 GHz latency, worst (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Latency in game mode (measured)iThe best case the buds can reach. Measured by a reviewer

Not available

Not available

Battery life (measured)iReviewer-tested operation from one full charge of the earbuds. Excludes case recharges. ANC, codec, connection, volume and tested edition belong in the row or source note.

ASony LinkBuds S

Hours (h)
5.68

Source16Measurementsoundguys.com/sony-linkbuds-s-review-74398Read 5 October 2026Exact review tested 5 hours 41 minutes with continuous real music peaking at 75 dB(SPL). ANC state, codec and original firmware not explicit in that paragraph and omitted. Informal experience of case total is not a measured full-case rundown.

Bsoundcore Space A40

ANC	Hours (h)
Yes	7.92

Source7Reviewsoundguys.com/anker-soundcore-space-a40-review-81004Read 8 October 2026SoundGuys purchased its original retail A3936011 reference sample, tested for one week on firmware 3.19 and app 3.1.1. Constant audio playback peaking at 75 dB SPL with ANC on ran 7 h 55 min, converted to hours. Host and codec are not identified. The current sales code A3936012 is separately named, not described as the tested unit. A hardware change or unchanged-hardware reason for the suffix change is not asserted. The quoted case recharge count and projected well-over-24-hour total are not stored as measured case runtime. Identity was checked against the actual A3936 maker manuals and current selected-SKU specifications: the 10 mm dynamic driver, 16 ohm impedance, 53 mAh x 2 / 800 mAh battery system, 20 Hz to 20 kHz acoustic range, 10 m range and selected 5.2 radio claim match. No declared current physical component difference was found. This remains the named original test, without claiming current stock was directly retested.

Longest tested use per chargeiHighest earbuds-only duration among stored reviewer tests. Modes and settings may differ between tests and products.

5.68h=CalculatedFrom Battery life (measured)

7.92h=CalculatedFrom Battery life (measured)

Battery life with case (measured)iReviewer-tested total including earbuds and case recharges. Do not calculate this by multiplying one-charge runtime by claimed recharge count.

Not available

Not available

Full charge time (measured)iBuds in the case, 0 to 100 %. Measured by a reviewer

Not available

Not available

Weight per bud (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Microphones and calls

3 of 7 differ

Voice microphones in both earbudsiPhysical call and beamforming microphones across the pair. Excludes case microphones and vibration sensors. Shared ANC microphones can also count here when used for calls.

414Review52audio.com/archives/122319.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact teardown describes two physical MEMS microphones in an earbud, both used for voice and noise cancellation. Four across the pair. Shared roles count once in total.

62Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026Current maker specification states six microphones with AI for calls. Counts the physical microphones across the pair. Logical ANC/call uses are not counted as separate microphones.

All microphones in both earbudsiEvery physical microphone across the pair, including call and ANC microphones. Shared microphones count once. Excludes the charging case and voice vibration sensors.

414Review52audio.com/archives/122319.htmlRead 5 October 2026Two MEMS per earbud, four across pair. Physical voice and ANC roles overlap. Motion and IR sensors not counted.

62Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026Published six microphones across the earbud pair are counted once, without adding separate counts for their ANC functions. No case microphone is inferred.

Bone conduction voice sensoriA dedicated bone or jaw conduction sensor for detecting speech vibrations. A microphone or speech-detecting accelerometer alone does not prove this architecture.

Not available

Not available

Mic noise reduction

AI8Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_3.htmlRead 5 October 2026Precise Voice Pickup algorithm explicitly trained on more than 500 million voice samples, separating wearer voice from environmental noise. Inner microphones also used for calls. This is voice noise reduction, not merely DSEE music upscaling.

AI2Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026

Call audio bandwidthiHighest supported call-audio bandwidth. Compatible phone, operating system, call app or network requirements belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Mic mute controliAn earbud control that mutes the microphone during calls. Includes touch or pressure gestures and physical buttons. Phone/app-only controls do not qualify.

Not available

Not available

SidetoneiHear your own voice in calls

Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 100 explicitly returns own voice through the headset microphone during calls.

Not available

Connectivity

7 of 18 differ

Chip

Sony Integrated Processor V14Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-electronics-introduces-additional-model-to-linkbuds-series-a-new-frontier-for-headphones--linkbuds-s-301549817.htmlRead 5 October 2026Original release explicitly Sony Integrated Processor V1. Open LinkBuds and LinkBuds Fit processors are not borrowed.7Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_2.htmlRead 5 October 20269Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_4.htmlRead 5 October 202617Maker spec sheet (PDF)boulanger.scene7.com/is/content/Boulanger/4548736144873_f_0Read 5 October 2026

Not available

Connections

Bluetooth3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Bluetooth2Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026

Bluetooth

5.22Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/spec.htmlRead 5 October 20263Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026

5.22Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026Exact current US product page and original A3936 manual explicitly state Bluetooth 5.2, selected for this current Black reference. The newer generic A3936 guide prints 5.3. No firmware upgrade, revised radio hardware or colour-specific assignment is proven. The discrepancy remains explicit and is not transferred to another revision.

Bluetooth codecs

SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC32Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026SBC/AAC/LDAC for Classic Audio and LC3 for later LE Audio. LE features are not claimed as original May 2022 firmware.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026

SBC, AAC, LDAC2Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026

Bluetooth profiles

A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP, CSIP, MCP, VCP, CCP2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Original A2DP/AVRCP/HFP/HSP plus current TMAP/CSIP/MCP/VCP/CCP LE profiles. Current specification and manual agree.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Not available

LE Audio

Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 39-41 and 97 explicitly LC3 / LE Audio with supported Android device and re-pairing. This is actual later feature support, not inferred from Bluetooth 5.2.12Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/software/00278794Read 5 October 2026Later update explicitly supported LE Audio with Xperia 1 V/5 V and expanded compatible-device list. No Auracast support inferred.

Not available

Auracast

Not available

Not available

MultipointiConcurrent Bluetooth connections to multiple source devices. Pairing memory and switching through a manufacturer account alone do not qualify.

Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 76-77 two simultaneous Classic Audio source links and one playing stream at a time. Current app page 118 excludes multipoint under LE Audio.6Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-electronics-announces-the-new-linkbuds-s-earth-blue-noise-canceling-truly-wireless-headphones-made-from-water-dispenser-bottles-and-new-model-linkbuds-uc-for-microsoft-teams-301658003.htmlRead 5 October 2026Release states a later software update for simultaneous two-device connections, so this feature is qualified as later firmware.10Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_5.htmlRead 5 October 202612Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/software/00278794Read 5 October 2026

Yes2Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026

Multipoint devicesiMaximum source devices concurrently connected by Bluetooth, not the number remembered in pairing history.

23Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 202610Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_5.htmlRead 5 October 2026

22Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026Exact maker Dual Connection describes two concurrent source devices, separate from remembered pairing records.

Multipoint with LDACiMany buds turn multipoint off on LDAC

Yes10Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_5.htmlRead 5 October 2026Current exact maker explicitly says high-quality LDAC remains available in multipoint. This does not apply to LE Audio multipoint.

No2Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026Exact maker FAQ says multipoint is automatically disabled when LDAC is enabled. Original manual also states that LDAC is unavailable with two-device connection.

Paired devices rememberediMaximum remembered Bluetooth source pairings. This is separate from simultaneous multipoint connections.

810Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_5.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact maker up to eight remembered devices, separate from two simultaneous source connections.

Not available

Automatic switching between own devicesiThrough the maker's account

Not available

Not available

Fast pairing

Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair10Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_5.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact Google Fast Pair and Windows 10/11 quick pairing. Manual page 49 explicitly names Microsoft Swift Pair and Windows 10 version 1803 requirement.

Not available

Audio sharingiShare one stream with a second pair

Not available

Not available

Wireless range (claimed)

10m2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Approximately 10 m line of sight, not a guaranteed indoor range. Manual states obstacle and interference limitations.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 165-166 approximate 10 m line of sight and interference caveat.

10m4Owner's manualsalesforce-knowledge-download.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/000009262/en_US/000009262.pdfRead 8 October 2026Direct metric claim 10 m, separate from the rounded 33 ft companion value.11Owner's manualsalesforce-knowledge-download.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/000018508/en_US/000018508.pdfRead 8 October 2026

Wireless receiveri2.4 GHz dongle

Not available

Not available

Receiver connector

Not available

Not available

Simultaneous 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audioiBoth connection types can play audio together. Quick switching between independent modes does not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Latency

None of 3 known

Low latency mode

Not available

Not available

Claimed latency

Not available

Not available

Lowest claimed latency

Not available

Not available

Compatibility

3 of 4 differ

PlatformsiPlatforms with documented audio support. App availability and advanced features can be more limited. Edition-specific support is listed in variants.

Android, iOS, Windows, macOS3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 35-48 Android/iPhone, 49-57 Windows and 58-70 macOS. No console Bluetooth microphone compatibility is inferred.

Not available

Connection per platformiDocumented audio connection for each platform. USB-C phone routes require a compatible port. Platform edition and microphone restrictions belong in source notes or feature requirements.

ASony LinkBuds S

Platform	Connection	Microphone works
Android	Bluetooth	Yes
iOS	Bluetooth	Yes
Windows	Bluetooth	Yes
macOS	Bluetooth	Yes

Source3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Bluetooth music via A2DP and calls via HFP/HSP. Exact manual computer-call chapter covers video conferencing. Required Bluetooth adapter and application support stated. macOS chapter specifies 10.15 or later.

Bsoundcore Space A40

Not available

Features that need a specific deviceiDevice, operating system, firmware, codec, content, account or region requirements for a named feature.

ASony LinkBuds S

Feature	Needs
LC3 and LE Audio	Updated headset firmware, a maker-supported LE Audio Android device, and LE Audio Priority selected in the companion app. Delete Classic Audio pairing and pair again. Multipoint and several app functions are unavailable during LE Audio.
Head tracking	Updated headset firmware, supported Android phone and OS, companion app setup and a spatial-audio-compatible service. Historical Locatone integration ended in April 2025 and is not required for the current Android feature.
360 Reality Audio personalization	Companion app ear-shape analysis, compatible content and streaming service. Subscription and regional availability may apply.
LDAC multipoint	Current firmware and Connect to 2 devices simultaneously enabled in the companion app. It routes one audio stream at a time.
Google audio switch	Android 8.0 or later, Google Play, Google Fast Pair pairing and the same Google account on the Android devices. This is separate from Sony Auto Switch with a compatible speaker.
Single-bud use	Either bud works with suitable control assignments. Service Link requires the right bud. Google Assistant or Alexa assignment can limit which bud works alone.
Consecutive-tap volume controls	Updated headset firmware. Four or more left taps lower music volume and right taps raise it. During calls, adjust volume on the phone or app.

Source3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Exact pages 19-20, 39-41, 76-78, 118 and 120 retain feature restrictions, current versus launch firmware and supported platform conditions.6Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-electronics-announces-the-new-linkbuds-s-earth-blue-noise-canceling-truly-wireless-headphones-made-from-water-dispenser-bottles-and-new-model-linkbuds-uc-for-microsoft-teams-301658003.htmlRead 5 October 20268Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_3.htmlRead 5 October 2026Calls require Bluetooth HFP/HSP support. Current Android head tracking separately supported by firmware and support article. Historical Locatone is not treated as a current prerequisite.10Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_5.htmlRead 5 October 2026Google audio switch needs Android 8+, Google Play, same Google account and Fast Pair. Current Sony Auto Switch with a compatible speaker is a separate function and is not generic automatic switching between source devices.11Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_6.htmlRead 5 October 2026Companion app or Spatial Sound Personalizer ear photos plus supported service/content. No subscription-free or region-universal promise.12Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/software/00278794Read 5 October 2026Later two-device connections, volume taps, LE Audio, head tracking and new Find My Device are listed explicitly. New finding is restricted to dedicated Classic Audio.

Bsoundcore Space A40

Feature	Needs
LDAC audio	Compatible Android 8.0 or later source. Enable Preferred Audio Quality in soundcore. LDAC disables multipoint and increases battery consumption.
Earbud volume controls	Assign volume commands in the soundcore app. They are not enabled by default in the original reviewed setup.
3D Surround Sound	Listed in the newer A3936 app guide. Exact minimum app and firmware version is not published, so availability on firmware 3.19 is not claimed.

Source9Maker product pageservice.soundcore.com/article-description/How-to-Enable-LDAC-on-soundcore-Space-A40-EarbudsRead 8 October 2026Exact manufacturer LDAC guide identifies Android 8.0 or later and app-controlled mode. Volume and current documented 3D Surround conditions come from their separate cited maker/review sources, without inventing a firmware rollout.

Official licence

Not available

Not available

Battery and charging

11 of 13 differ

Battery per budiBattery cell capacity of one earbud. The source note states typical or rated capacity. Charging input current is not capacity.

Not available

53mAh4Owner's manualsalesforce-knowledge-download.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/000009262/en_US/000009262.pdfRead 8 October 2026Guide table explicitly states 53 mAh x 2 earbuds, so 53 mAh per bud. Typical versus rated capacity and nominal cell voltage are not labelled.11Owner's manualsalesforce-knowledge-download.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/000018508/en_US/000018508.pdfRead 8 October 2026

User-replaceable earbud batteryiThe maker documents normal battery replacement by the user with its approved procedure and tools. Service or recycling disassembly does not count.

Not available

Not available

Claimed battery lifeiManufacturer maximum runtime under the stated mode, codec and spatial processing state. Name the spatial or immersive processing mode and other conditions in source notes. Omit unspecified settings. with_case false means one charge of the earbuds. true means earbuds plus case recharges.

ASony LinkBuds S

Mode	Codec	Includes case recharges	Hours (h)
ANC on	LDAC	No	3.5
Transparency	LDAC	No	3.5
ANC off	LDAC	No	4.5
ANC on	AAC	No	6
Transparency	AAC	No	6
ANC off	AAC	No	9
ANC on	SBC	No	6
Transparency	SBC	No	6
ANC off	SBC	No	9
ANC on	LC3	No	5.5
Transparency	LC3	No	5.5
ANC off	LC3	No	9
ANC on	AAC	Yes	20
ANC off	AAC	Yes	30
Call	Not available	No	3.5

Source3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 27-28 separate LDAC/AAC/SBC/LC3 playback with ANC, ambient and both off. EQ, DSEE Extreme, Speak-to-Chat, wake-word assistant and Service Link reduce listed maxima. Volume and original measurement firmware are not stated. Calls are up to 3.5 hours in all three noise-control states, codec unstated. Standby 8.5 hours ANC, 8 ambient and 16 both off cannot be represented by existing runtime modes and are not stored.10Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_5.htmlRead 5 October 2026Maker with-case 20 hours ANC on and 30 hours off. Footnote identifies AAC, DSEE/EQ off and all other settings default. No nominal full-recharge multiplication.

Bsoundcore Space A40

Mode	Codec	Includes case recharges	Hours (h)
ANC off	Not available	No	10
ANC off	Not available	Yes	50
ANC on	Not available	No	8
ANC on	Not available	Yes	40
Transparency	Not available	No	8
Transparency	Not available	Yes	40
ANC off	LDAC	No	6
ANC off	LDAC	Yes	30
ANC on	LDAC	No	5
ANC on	LDAC	Yes	25
Call	Not available	No	6

Source3Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026Exact maker playtime FAQ separates Normal 10 h / 50 h total, ANC 8 h / 40 h, transparency 8 h / 40 h, LDAC off-ANC 6 h / 30 h and LDAC with ANC 5 h / 25 h. Total means initial earbud charge plus case recharges, as explicitly confirmed by the manual. Non-LDAC codec is not named, so AAC or SBC is not guessed. The selected playtime FAQ states default Anker laboratory settings and 50 percent volume. A separate discharging-troubleshooting answer says 60 percent volume for the same 8/10-hour estimates. Neither is silently substituted for the other. Call row is the maker Normal/ANC-off six-hour claim, with no codec assigned. Its separate ANC-on five-hour call claim cannot be distinguished by the call enum and remains in this note.

Longest claimed use per chargeiHighest earbuds-only runtime among all stored modes. This can be ANC off, Hearing Aid, heart-rate or call use. Read the battery table and source conditions.

9h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

10h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Playback per charge with ANC (claimed)iHighest claimed earbuds-only playback with ANC enabled. Codec and spatial-audio conditions belong in the source note.

6h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

8h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Playback per charge without ANC (claimed)iHighest claimed earbuds-only playback with ANC disabled. Codec and volume conditions belong in the source note.

9h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

10h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Total with case (claimed)iHighest claimed runtime including the initial earbud charge and all case recharges. It is not the case recharge runtime alone.

30h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

50h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Total with case and ANC (claimed)iClaimed total playback with ANC, including the initial earbud charge and case recharges.

20h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

40h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Talk time (claimed)

3.5h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

6h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Full charge time, budsiTime to charge discharged earbuds to full in the case. Excludes charging the case itself or a combined buds-and-case result.

120min3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 25 approximately two hours for empty earbuds charging in a previously charged case. Page 24 empty-to-full combined earbuds/case is about three hours. Page 25 recommends ambient 15 to 35 degrees C. Page 165 rated charging-temperature range is 5 to 35 degrees C.

120min2Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026Exact maker charging FAQ explicitly says about two hours to fully charge earbuds, converted to 120 minutes. Adapter, initial percentage and cable are not separately specified. This is an approximate maker estimate, not a reviewer charge measurement.

Charging guidanceiPublished charging guidance or estimates that do not separate earbuds and case. Preserve the maker’s component scope and limits. Do not assign an unspecified or combined estimate to a component-specific numeric field.

Not available

The maker estimates about two hours for a full earbud charge, three hours for the case by USB-C cable, or 3.5 hours for the case wirelessly. Ten minutes in the case is claimed to give up to four hours of earbud playback. Use a certified USB-C charging cable. The manual lists a 5 V / 0.65 A input, without an inferred charging-wattage or USB-PD claim. Fully dry the earbuds and port before charging. ANC, LDAC, calls and volume affect runtime.3Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026Component-specific approximate times come from the exact public maker FAQ. The original and newer guide SPECS row says only two hours, while its charging diagram depicts three hours beside the powered case. That generic table alone is not used to assign case-only timing. The explicit component-specific FAQ supports the stored bud and cable-case estimates. Literal 5 V / 0.65 A input is not converted into accepted watts or a charging protocol.

Quick charge timeiCharge duration corresponding to quick_charge_playback_h. Source note states earbuds-only or case-inclusive charging and playback settings.

5min3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 202610Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_5.htmlRead 5 October 2026

10min2Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026

Earbud playback after quick chargeiEarbuds-only runtime after quick_charge_min of charging. A claimed case-inclusive total does not qualify. ANC, codec and volume conditions belong in the source note.

1h3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 27 approximately one hour after five-minute charge. Exact Japan feature page footnote independently specifies AAC, ANC on, DSEE/EQ off and all other functions default.10Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_5.htmlRead 5 October 2026Five-minute charge provides up to one hour, AAC/ANC on, DSEE/EQ off, other settings default. Earbuds-only playback.

4h2Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026Maker claims up to four hours of earbud listening after ten minutes in the case. Exact mode, codec and volume for the quick-charge claim are not stated. The 50-hour case-inclusive headline is separate.

Charging case

3 of 10 differ

Case batteryiCharging-case battery cell capacity. The source note distinguishes typical, rated and output capacity. USB output capacity alone does not qualify.

450mAh14Review52audio.com/archives/122319.htmlRead 5 October 2026Original June 20, 2022 exact WF-LS900N teardown: case label explicitly rated 450 mAh/1.732 Wh, nominal 3.85 V, SP 731834 pack. Earbud ZeniPower Z52H only 0.21 Wh/3.85 V is not converted to rounded mAh or replaced by 75 mAh aftermarket listings.

800mAh4Owner's manualsalesforce-knowledge-download.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/000009262/en_US/000009262.pdfRead 8 October 2026Guide table separately states 800 mAh case-cell capacity. No USB output capacity or energy conversion is inferred.11Owner's manualsalesforce-knowledge-download.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/000018508/en_US/000018508.pdfRead 8 October 2026

User-replaceable case batteryiThe maker documents normal case battery replacement by the user with its approved procedure and tools. Service or recycling disassembly does not count.

Not available

Not available

Case charging port

USB-C3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026

USB-C2Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026

Case full charge timeiBy cable, 0 to 100 %. A time the maker gives with the earbuds inside the case counts, and the source note says so.

180min3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 165 case charging approximately three hours. Pages 24-25 define empty-to-full USB charging with supplied cable and a USB adapter able to supply at least 500 mA. Preliminary sheet calling earbuds three hours conflates the combined result.

180min2Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026Exact maker charging FAQ explicitly says about three hours for the case by USB-C cable, converted to 180 minutes, and about 3.5 hours wirelessly. The latter is kept in visible charging guidance, not substituted for the cable field.

Wireless charging

No5Reviewtechradar.com/reviews/sony-linkbuds-sRead 5 October 2026Exact review explicitly states no wireless charging compatibility. USB-C case charging only.

Yes2Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026

Wireless standardsiDocumented case charging standards or supported chargers. Magnetic alignment alone does not establish Qi2 certification.

Not available

Qi5Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/soundcore-unveils-space-series-with-two-new-anc-wireless-models-with-stronger-anc-and-long-lasting-battery-life-301612025.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact A40 battery paragraph explicitly says the case can be placed on a Qi wireless charging pad. Qi2, magnetic attachment and wireless wattage are not inferred.

Wireless charging poweriHighest wireless charging input the maker states for the case. The output of a charging pad does not count.

Not available

Not available

Speaker in caseiAn audio speaker physically in the charging case, for locating or status sounds. A microphone in the case is separate.

Not available

Not available

Screen on case

Not available

Not available

Case works as audio transmitteriCase relays external source audio through USB or an analog audio input. A case microphone for recording or calls does not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Controls

3 of 5 differ

ControlsiPressure is a force sensor that does not move, such as a stem you squeeze. Button is a key that moves when pressed.

Touch, Voice commands3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Touch2Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026

Earbud volume controliHow earbud controls adjust volume, including a voice command if supported. Phone or app controls alone do not qualify.

Touch3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 21 left consecutive taps lower and right raise music volume. Page 100 explicitly says call volume cannot be adjusted on the buds and must use phone/app.

Touch2Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026Exact maker volume FAQ permits assigning volume gestures in soundcore Controls. Source phone volume alone is not treated as earbud controls.

Gestures

Single tap, Double tap, Triple tap, Four or more consecutive taps, Touch and hold3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 21 single, double, triple, four-or-more taps and hold. Consecutive-tap volume support is later firmware. No original LinkBuds wide-area skin taps copied.

Double tap left: play/pause, Double tap right: next track, Double tap either bud: answer/end call, Hold either bud 2 seconds: noise-control mode or reject call4Owner's manualsalesforce-knowledge-download.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/000009262/en_US/000009262.pdfRead 8 October 2026Original complete stereo/mono controls table. Volume can be assigned in soundcore, without asserting it is enabled by default.

Remappable controls

Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Yes2Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026

Voice assistant

Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Siri3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 202610Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_5.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Not available

Sensors and health

3 of 9 differ

In-ear detection

Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 202610Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_5.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Not available

Sensors

Infrared wearing sensors, Motion sensor3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 13 identifies IR wearing sensors. Motion sensing is separately maker-published. A speech-detecting motion sensor is not claimed as dedicated bone-conduction pickup.8Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_3.htmlRead 5 October 2026Maker explicitly identifies internal motion sensor for historical spatial application head tracking. Locatone integration ended April 21, 2025 and is not presented as a current service.14Review52audio.com/archives/122319.htmlRead 5 October 2026Teardown identifies optical wearing sensor and 5L1DR accelerometer. This does not establish bone/jaw speech-conduction pickup.

Not available

Heart rate sensor

Not available

Not available

Skin temperature sensingiA documented skin temperature sensor. This is separate from the operating temperature range or a heart-rate sensor.

Not available

Not available

Hearing aid featureiAmplification for mild to moderate hearing loss

Not available

Not available

Medical clearances

Not available

Not available

Hearing testiA documented hearing assessment feature, including consumer sound-personalization tests. Medical diagnostic clearance must be stated separately.

Not available

Yes5Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/soundcore-unveils-space-series-with-two-new-anc-wireless-models-with-stronger-anc-and-long-lasting-battery-life-301612025.htmlRead 8 October 2026The maker describes the HearID personal-hearing procedure that tunes frequencies to individual hearing. This is a consumer sound-personalization assessment, not a medical hearing diagnosis.

Hearing protectioniLimits sudden loud sounds

Not available

Not available

Health features

Not available

Not available

Fit and durability

2 of 7 differ

Ear tips includediTip sizes supplied with the product, including the pair fitted to the earbuds. Do not list separately sold sizes as included.

SS, S, M, LL3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026SS/S/M/LL, two of each, M preinstalled. Page 10 explicitly says L is not supplied and sold separately. Preliminary French sheet three S/M/L sizes is overruled by the original manual.

XS, S, M, L, XL4Owner's manualsalesforce-knowledge-download.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/000009262/en_US/000009262.pdfRead 8 October 2026Complete original and current WEARING diagrams list XS, S, M, L and XL. Maker launch release and independent box overview corroborate five sizes/pairs. Brief marketing says four tip options without clarifying whether fitted tips are excluded, so that phrase does not override the complete five-size list.11Owner's manualsalesforce-knowledge-download.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/000018508/en_US/000018508.pdfRead 8 October 2026

Ear tip materials

Silicone3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Hybrid silicone rubber is Sony naming for silicone construction, not proof of silicone/foam hybrid tips.

Silicone5Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/soundcore-unveils-space-series-with-two-new-anc-wireless-models-with-stronger-anc-and-long-lasting-battery-life-301612025.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact A40 design paragraph explicitly names five different-sized silicone tips.

StabilisersiPhysical stabilizing fittings or structures. Stability bands are separate from fins, wings and ear hooks.

Not available

None7Reviewsoundguys.com/anker-soundcore-space-a40-review-81004Read 8 October 2026Reviewer explicitly says no stabilizing wings or similar fittings. This is direct negative evidence, not an omission from a box list.

Ear tip fit test

Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 17-18 app determines which supplied tips seal best. This is an acoustic fit test, not a hearing assessment.

Yes4Owner's manualsalesforce-knowledge-download.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/000009262/en_US/000009262.pdfRead 8 October 202613Maker product pageservice.soundcore.com/article-description/Four-Steps-to-Make-Your-soundcore-Space-A40-Earbuds-Sound-BetterRead 8 October 2026

Dust and water rating, buds

IPX43Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 133 exact IPX4 equivalent for earbuds only. Sound conduits, air holes and microphone parts are not completely watertight. Case explicitly not water resistant. No case IP class inferred.

IPX42Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026

Dust and water rating, case

Not available

Not available

Water resistance depth

Not available

Not available

Software

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Companion app

Sony | Sound Connect9Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_4.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact maker names Sound Connect, formerly Headphones Connect. Original manual old branding is retained only as historical source wording.12Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/software/00278794Read 5 October 2026Firmware page explicitly current Sony Sound Connect app. Latest update requires Android 10+ or iOS 16+ and app 12.3+.

soundcore4Owner's manualsalesforce-knowledge-download.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/000009262/en_US/000009262.pdfRead 8 October 2026

App platforms

Android, iOS3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 34 and 120 explicitly Android/iPhone app setup. Current firmware update names Sony Sound Connect.

Android, iOS4Owner's manualsalesforce-knowledge-download.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/000009262/en_US/000009262.pdfRead 8 October 2026

User firmware updates

Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 118 explicitly software updates through companion app.12Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/software/00278794Read 5 October 2026

Yes4Owner's manualsalesforce-knowledge-download.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/000009262/en_US/000009262.pdfRead 8 October 2026

Finding network

Last location in the app10Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_5.htmlRead 5 October 2026Current exact page describes last Android connection location/time using Google app after Fast Pair. Firmware adds new Find My Device support, but offline crowd-network eligibility is not explicit in the reopened exact documentation. Only proved last-location capability stored.

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Precision findingiUWB in the case

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Live translation

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Dimensions and weight

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Weight per budiMass of one earbud. Tip size and approximate values belong in the source note. Do not store pair or case-inclusive mass.

4.8g(0.2 oz)2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Approximate 4.8 g per unit, with M tips confirmed by manual page 165.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 165 approximately 4.8 g each including M tips. Pair mass not stored as single-bud weight.

4.9g(0.2 oz)2Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026Current maker specification and single-earbud gallery caption publish 4.9 g. Tip size is not stated. SoundGuys lists 4.6 g for its older sample without calling that a measured result. No weight is transferred into a measured field.

Bud dimensionsiDimensions of one earbud on the explicitly identified width, height and depth axes. An unlabeled tuple cannot establish those axes.

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Case weightiCharging case mass excluding earbuds. Case-inclusive product mass does not qualify unless the source explicitly gives the empty-case figure.

35g(1.2 oz)3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 165 approximately 35 g charging case, excluding buds. SoundGuys 42 g in-case figure is not substituted.

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Case dimensionsiCharging-case width, height and depth on explicitly identified source axes. Report conflicting axis labels rather than reorder a tuple by appearance.

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Certifications

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Hi-Res AudioiThe Japan Audio Society logos. Hi-Res Audio Wireless is also written Hi-Res Wireless Audio.

Hi-Res Audio Wireless9Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_4.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact model Hi-Res Audio Wireless / LDAC conditions. DSEE Extreme upscales to 96 kHz/24 bit and does not establish accepted input bit depth by itself.17Maker spec sheet (PDF)boulanger.scene7.com/is/content/Boulanger/4548736144873_f_0Read 5 October 2026

Hi-Res Audio Wireless5Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/soundcore-unveils-space-series-with-two-new-anc-wireless-models-with-stronger-anc-and-long-lasting-battery-life-301612025.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact A40 sound section names Hi-Res Wireless certification with LDAC. Separate Q45 wired certification is not transferred.

Communication certifications

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FCC IDs

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Other certifications

360 Reality Audio certified11Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_6.htmlRead 5 October 2026

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In the box

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In the box

LinkBuds S earbuds, Charging case, Hybrid silicone rubber ear tips (SS, S, M, LL pairs), USB-A to USB-C cable3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 9 complete package list: earbuds, charging case, one USB-A/C cable and four pairs of hybrid silicone rubber tips. Manuals and warranty card observed in a regional teardown are not assigned to every international box.

Left and right earbuds, Charging case, Five pairs of silicone ear tips, USB-A to USB-C charging cable, Quick Start Guide, Safety Guide10Reviewconsumerreports.org/electronics-computers/headphones/soundcore-by-anker-space-a40/m408250Read 8 October 2026Independent public indexed Consumer Reports overview explicitly lists five pairs of earpieces, charging cradle/recharge battery/carry case, USB-A to USB-C charging cable, Quick Start Guide and Safety Guide. Those combined cradle/battery/carry-case terms refer to the charging case, not three separate accessories. Later full-page open returns an access restriction. No paid test table or bypass is used. This is the standard model box overview, not a claim of a distinct current SKU bundle revision.

Cables included

ASony LinkBuds S

Type	Length (m)	Count
USB-A to USB-C cable	0.2	1

Source3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 9 approximately 20 cm USB-A to USB-C, one cable.

Bsoundcore Space A40

Type	Count
USB-A to USB-C	1

Source10Reviewconsumerreports.org/electronics-computers/headphones/soundcore-by-anker-space-a40/m408250Read 8 October 2026The same public box overview names one USB-A to USB-C connector cable. Length is not stated and is not borrowed from another Soundcore model.

Links

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Product page

www.sony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_SRead 5 October 2026Exact Sony Japan LinkBuds S generation and current storefront. The smaller original open-ring LinkBuds WF-L900 and later LinkBuds Fit WF-LS910N are excluded.

us.soundcore.com/products/space-a40-a39360111Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011.jsRead 8 October 2026

Spec sheet

www.sony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/spec.html2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact maker specification table, read alongside current original 166-page manual. Proved driver diameter is 5 mm, but the physical per-bud transducer count is not explicitly stated. Optional driver table is omitted because its missing count would derive one.17Maker spec sheet (PDF)boulanger.scene7.com/is/content/Boulanger/4548736144873_f_0Read 5 October 2026Original Sony France preliminary two-page product sheet, reopened from distributor. 5 mm dynamic and V1 agree. Three-tip S/M/L package, 3-hour earbud charge and 3 h 50 min call claims conflict with original manual and are rejected. Printed case axes 42.8 x 60 x 27.6 mm in width/height/depth order conflict with other maker tuple conventions, so case dimensions remain absent. Numeric diameter retained here without unsafe count-derived table.

www.soundcore.com/products/space-a40-a39360112Maker product pagesoundcore.com/products/space-a40-a3936011Read 8 October 2026Current official US full specifications and exact FAQ answers were captured through ordinary public indexed web results. Later full-page requests can redirect by region to Anker Nordics. No access barrier is bypassed. Official direct US native product JSON separately verifies the selected Black sales SKU and availability.

Manual

helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdf3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Exact original YY2950 / WF-LS900N 166-page Help Guide, current revision 5-035-792-11(8), copyright 2022.

salesforce-knowledge-download.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/000009262/en_US/000009262.pdf4Owner's manualsalesforce-knowledge-download.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/000009262/en_US/000009262.pdfRead 8 October 2026Original official A3936 User Manual from the current service index. English APP, WEARING, CHARGING, CONTROLS, LDAC and SPECS sections were read. English SPECS page EN 04, PDF page 6, was rendered to verify 16 ohms where text extraction corrupts the font.

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

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Warranty

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Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

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1.5years6Maker product pageservice.soundcore.com/article-description/How-to-Wear-Space-A40-Earbuds-CorrectlyRead 8 October 2026Exact manufacturer Space A40 support article explicitly states an 18-month warranty, converted to 1.5 years. This is separate from statutory consumer rights or a retailer return period.

Both are also in the API. Back to all earbuds.