Is the Gen4-HL-247B the Ultimate AirPods 4 Super Copy? A Brutally Honest Review

The $30 Challenger to Apple's $250 Throne

With the release of the AirPods 4, the race in Huaqiangbei to create the perfect replica began immediately. Today, we are looking at the front-runner of this race: the Gen4-HL-247B. Priced at roughly 15-20% of the original retail cost, the question isn't just "is it cheap?"—it's whether it actually works.

Let's dive deep into this specific unit, powered by the Huilian (HL) solution provider, to see if it's a daily driver or just e-waste.

Design: 1:1 Looks with a "Zinc" Catch

Visually, the manufacturers have done their homework. The Gen4-HL-247B mimics the new AirPods 4 design language almost perfectly. Gone is the physical button on the back. The front LED indicator and the bottom speaker holes (for Find My) are present and accounted for. Naturally, the charging port has been updated to USB-C to match the current standard.

However, this is where we find the first major compromise. While the shell looks correct, the hinge mechanism uses a Zinc Alloy structure rather than the premium electroplated hinge found on the original Apple units. While it feels sturdy initially, this material has a fatal flaw: it is not wear-resistant. Over time, don't be surprised if you see scratches or dulling on the hinge area. It's a clear giveaway that costs were cut here.

The Software: Huilian's Magic Trick

If the hinge is the weak point, the software is the redemption arc. The HL (Huilian) solution provider is legendary in the replica market for its software cracking capabilities, and the 247B chip shines here.

Connecting to an iPhone is seamless—the pop-up animation appears instantly. But unlike cheaper fakes where the menu is just for show, the features here actually work:

• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) & Transparency: Fully toggleable.

• Advanced Features: Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Personalized Volume are all active.

• Motion Sensors: Head Tracking and Spatial Audio function surprisingly well.

Perhaps the most impressive feat is the iCloud Seamless Switching. If you have multiple Apple devices logged into the same ID, these earbuds can hand off audio between them automatically, a feature usually impossible for lower-tier replicas to achieve.

Audio & Performance: Good, Not God-Tier

So, how do they sound? The audio profile is balanced across the three frequencies (bass, mids, highs). It’s a comfortable listening experience that doesn’t feel "cheap" or tinny.

Regarding Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Manage your expectations. It does a decent job filtering out low-frequency rumbles (like a bus engine or fan), but the depth of silence is nowhere near the original Apple engineering. However, for a $30 device, it's more than passable for a daily commute.

The Verdict: The "Impersonator" Analogy

Think of the Gen4-HL-247B like a contestant on a celebrity impersonator TV show. The outfit is perfect, the dance moves are 90% accurate, and they can even lip-sync the hits proficiently. But if you ask them to sing purely a cappella, they lack the range and vocal stamina of the original superstar.

Should you buy it?

If you want to experience the functionality of the new Gen 4 design—including head tracking and seamless switching—without spending $250, this is a fantastic "try-before-you-buy" option or a budget backup. However, be aware of the zinc hinge durability and understand that while the features exist, they aren't quite as polished as the fruit company's flagship.