When comparing Audio-Technica ATH-M40x vs Samsung Gear IconX, the Slant community recommends Audio-Technica ATH-M40x for most people. In the question“What are the best headphones?” Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is ranked 17th while Samsung Gear IconX is ranked 38th. The most important reason people chose Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is:
Sound signature is quite accurate, almost flat. Bass is much more controlled instead of boomy, while there is a slight elevation on the highs, resulting in extra energy and detail up top. These offer a nice middle ground between a fun sound and a more reference/analytical sound signature. This sound quality makes the headphones quite versatile as music enjoyment headphones or studio-use cans.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Fairly neutral sound signature
Sound signature is quite accurate, almost flat. Bass is much more controlled instead of boomy, while there is a slight elevation on the highs, resulting in extra energy and detail up top. These offer a nice middle ground between a fun sound and a more reference/analytical sound signature. This sound quality makes the headphones quite versatile as music enjoyment headphones or studio-use cans.
Pro These have a high quality and durable feel
The M40xs feel solid and are known to be quite durable. The plastics used in the build do not easily flex or make creaks, giving the impression that these can last quite a long time.
Pro Can be used in noisy environments
The over-ear, closed back design along with the thick pleather ear pads can block out quite a lot of ambient noise, and will help users to focus in on the music. These make the headphones great for travel or for mixing/monitoring use.
Pro Comes with two detachable cables
The headphones come with a straight cable and a coiled cable, making them useful in the studio or while walking.
Pro Clear sound signature with a good amount of bass
The highs and mids are not amazing, but they most certainly sound good with nice clarity and warmth. The bass is very good. There is a lot of low-end presence with good thump. These will most certainly excel with bass heavy music and are great choices for working out, as the thump will definitely help you stay upbeat.
Pro Internal memory can store files
The Gear IconX has 4GB of internal memory where you can store files like music and play them from just the earbuds.
Pro Fitness tracking
There is a built in heart rate monitor and you can set these earbuds to tell you exercise-related metrics at set intervals. Also, you can sync the IconX to Samsung's S Health app where you can view fitness metrics.
Pro Earpiece touch sensitivity for smartphone controls
Once synced with your smart device, you can set which of the earpieces is the primary device. You can do gesture controls on it to control your playlist as well as answer or end calls.
Pro A variety of ear and wing tips to choose from
These come with ear tips in three different sizes for you to get a nice and comfortable seal, as well as 3 wing tips in various sizes which adjust how snug these earbuds can be.
Pro Splash/sweat resistant
A nano-coating is applied to the ear pieces, preventing sweat and splashes of liquid from causing damage.
Cons
Con Incompatible with cables from other brands
Only Audio Technica cables can be used with these headphones.
Con S Health tracking only works with Samsung devices
Syncing the Gear IconX with S Health on a non-Samsung device can have problems ( heart rate monitor on the IconX cannot be detected ). This is not an issue with S Health on Samsung devices though.
Con Poor battery life
These can only last around 2 hours of playback from a full charge to empty. This is much lower compared to other true wireless headphones in this price point.