Nothing Ear (2024) B171 is now in stock at Mascom International for KSh 16,500, equipped with an 11mm ceramic-diaphragm driver, 45dB adaptive active noise cancellation, 8.5 hours of playback per bud, 40.5 hours total with the charging case, Bluetooth 5.3, LDAC and LHDC 5.0 Hi-Res codec support, IP54 earbuds, and an IP55 case. The pair ships sealed in the recognisable transparent Nothing housing with pinch-stem controls and wireless charging built into the case. Walk into Mascom International at Old Mutual Building, First Floor Room 4, Kimathi Street, Nairobi CBD to handle the Nothing Ear (2024) B171 in person before buying.
Built for Kenyan podcast hosts editing in Adobe Audition, content creators reviewing TikTok audio mixes, daily matatu commuters along Thika Road and Mombasa Road, and Phone (2) and (2a) owners who want native ChatGPT voice access through the Nothing X app. The 45dB adaptive ANC tames Ronald Ngala matatu engine drone, KICC lift lobbies, and shared Westlands open-plan offices. Personal Sound Profile, generated through a quick in-app hearing test, tunes the 11mm ceramic driver to your individual hearing curve, fixing the bright-treble problem that plagues stock earbud tunings on Kenyan mid-range Android phones.
At Mascom International, we're seeing strong pull for the Nothing Ear (2024) B171 from buyers comparing it against the AirPods 4 with ANC and the Samsung Galaxy Buds3. Unlike other electronics retailers in Kenya who stock only the AirPods or Galaxy Buds line, our store carries the Nothing Ear (2024) B171 alongside both, letting buyers A/B test ANC depth and Hi-Res streaming on their own phone. Customers across Nairobi report that the Nothing Ear (2024) B171 holds Bluetooth multipoint between a Safaricom-line Android phone and a work laptop without dropouts during back-to-back meetings.
Common Questions About the Nothing Ear (2024) B171
How long does the Nothing Ear (2024) B171 battery actually last in daily Kenyan use?
The Nothing Ear (2024) B171 runs 8.5 hours per single earbud charge with ANC off, dropping to roughly 5 hours with ANC on at moderate volume. The charging case extends total playback to 40.5 hours, enough for a full work week of one-hour commutes between Karen and the CBD. Fast charge through USB-C returns 10 hours of listening from just 10 minutes plugged in. The case also supports 2.5W Qi wireless charging on compatible mats and reverse wireless charging from Nothing Phone (2).
What makes the Nothing Ear (2024) B171 different from AirPods 4 with ANC at the same Kenya price?
Nothing Ear (2024) B171 supports LDAC and LHDC 5.0 Hi-Res codecs at up to 24-bit/192kHz over Bluetooth, while AirPods 4 stay locked to AAC across Android phones. The 11mm ceramic driver outsizes the AirPods 4 driver, producing deeper sub-bass on Sauti Sol, Burna Boy, and Bensoul tracks. Pinch-stem controls reduce accidental touch triggers compared to AirPods tap-and-swipe. Both deliver around 30dB of real-world ANC attenuation, but Nothing wins on codec flexibility for Tidal Hi-Fi and Apple Music lossless on Android.
Does the Nothing Ear (2024) B171 support Bluetooth multipoint and dual-device pairing?
The Nothing Ear (2024) B171 holds simultaneous Bluetooth 5.3 connections to two devices, switching audio sources without manual re-pairing. A Kenyan banking professional can leave the earbuds connected to a work laptop running Microsoft Teams and a personal phone running WhatsApp Voice, taking calls from either without removing the buds. The Nothing X companion app handles device management, codec selection, and the Find My Earbuds feature for tracking misplaced units around a Lavington home office or Strathmore campus.
What's included in the Nothing Ear (2024) B171 retail box from Mascom International?
The retail box contains the Nothing Ear (2024) B171 earbuds, the transparent charging case, a USB-C charging cable, three sets of silicone ear tips in small, medium, and large, and printed documentation. Nothing does not include a wall charger, matching the brand's environmental positioning across the Ear, Ear (a), and Phone lines. Mascom International stocks compatible 20W and 30W USB-C wall chargers separately, plus Qi-compatible wireless charging pads, for buyers wanting faster top-ups at home or office.
How does the 45dB adaptive ANC on the Nothing Ear (2024) B171 perform against Nairobi traffic noise?
The Nothing Ear (2024) B171 applies 45dB of noise reduction across frequencies up to 5000Hz, with adaptive ANC continuously checking for ear-canal seal leakage and adjusting cancellation strength in real time. On Mombasa Road during peak hour, the ANC suppresses the low rumble of matatu engines and the higher-frequency hiss of overtaking traffic, leaving podcast voices intelligible at 50 percent volume. Adaptive mode automatically switches between three ANC levels based on ambient noise, useful when moving from a quiet Karen home into the Yaya Centre parking lot.
Does the Nothing Ear (2024) B171 work with ChatGPT voice on Phone (2) and Phone (2a)?
The Nothing Ear (2024) B171 integrates directly with ChatGPT through the Nothing X app on Nothing Phone (2), Phone (2a), and Phone (3). A long pinch on the stem opens ChatGPT voice input without unlocking the phone, letting users dictate prompts while walking through Westlands or driving across Nairobi. The feature requires the OpenAI ChatGPT app installed and a Nothing account signed in. Android phones from Samsung, Tecno, Infinix, or Xiaomi pair normally but skip the dedicated ChatGPT shortcut, defaulting to Google Assistant or Bixby voice activation instead.
Is the Nothing Ear (2024) B171 worth KSh 16,500 versus the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 or JBL Tour Pro 2?
The Nothing Ear (2024) B171 sits below the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 (typically KSh 21,000 in Kenya) and the JBL Tour Pro 2 (around KSh 35,000), while matching or beating both on Hi-Res codec support. Galaxy Buds3 win on tight ecosystem integration with Samsung Galaxy phones, while JBL Tour Pro 2 offers a touchscreen-equipped case. The Nothing Ear (2024) B171 holds its ground on driver size, ANC depth, and the Hearing ID personalisation that neither rival matches. At KSh 16,500, it undercuts both while shipping with wireless case charging.
How durable is the Nothing Ear (2024) B171 for Kenyan gym, rain, and travel use?
The Nothing Ear (2024) B171 carries an IP54 rating on the earbuds, meaning dust protection and splash resistance against rain and sweat. The charging case rates higher at IP55, handling sudden Nairobi short rains and dusty Thika Superhighway commutes without damage. The buds survive gym sessions at PointFit, Gymkhana Club, or home workouts without sweat shorting the contacts. Avoid full submersion in pool water or shower spray, since neither rating covers sustained water exposure. The transparent shell resists yellowing from sunscreen and skincare oils better than glossy white rivals.
Technical Specifications
Audio Hardware and Sound Tuning
- 11mm dynamic driver pairs a ceramic diaphragm with a 10% wider airflow chamber for tighter bass and reduced distortion on louder tracks
- Bass Enhance algorithm dynamically lifts low frequencies in real time, keeping kick drums punchy on Burna Boy and Bensoul tracks at moderate volume
- Personal Sound Profile runs an 8-band in-app hearing test, generating an EQ curve matched to your individual high-frequency hearing sensitivity
- Custom Equaliser inside Nothing X allows custom EQ curves saved as profiles and shared between users via QR code
- Frequency response spans 20Hz to 40,000Hz on wired specification charts, with Hi-Res Wireless certification on LHDC 5.0 and LDAC streams
- Sub-bass extension reaches lower than the AirPods 4 driver, useful for genres including Afrobeats, hip-hop, gospel, and electronic dance music
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency
- 45dB adaptive ANC marks Nothing's deepest cancellation to date, covering frequencies up to 5000Hz across road, office, and air-travel noise
- Adaptive cancellation continuously samples ambient sound and switches between three strength levels automatically without manual intervention
- Seal-check routine checks for ear-canal leakage every time the earbuds are inserted and compensates with extra cancellation strength
- Transparency mode pipes outside sound through the microphones, allowing short conversations at Java House or Artcaffe without removing buds
- Three fixed ANC levels (High, Mid, Low) remain available for users preferring manual control over the adaptive automation
- Wind noise reduction algorithm minimises microphone wind interference during outdoor walks along Riverside Drive or Diani beach
Wireless Connectivity and Codec Support
- Bluetooth 5.3 offers stable 10-metre line-of-sight range with quick reconnect under 2 seconds when the case lid opens
- LDAC codec streams Hi-Res audio at up to 990kbps and 24-bit/96kHz on compatible Sony, Samsung, and Android phones
- LHDC 5.0 codec reaches 1Mbps and 24-bit/192kHz on supported Nothing, Oppo, and Xiaomi devices for top-tier quality
- AAC and SBC codecs handle iOS and Windows pairing without quality compromise on standard music streaming services
- Dual Connection holds two simultaneous Bluetooth links, switching audio between a phone and laptop without manual re-pairing
- Low Lag mode reduces audio-to-video delay during PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, and Mobile Legends Bang Bang sessions
Battery Life and Charging
- Earbuds run 8.5 hours of playback per single charge with ANC switched off at moderate volume on AAC codec
- ANC active reduces single-charge runtime to approximately 5 hours, still covering a full workday with mid-day case top-ups
- Charging case extends total playback time to 40.5 hours, equivalent to a full Kenyan work week of commuting and music
- USB-C wired charging fully tops up the case in around 60 minutes from a 5W or higher wall adapter
- Qi wireless charging at 2.5W works on standard charging pads, including those at Nairobi co-working spaces and hotel lobbies
- Quick 10-minute USB-C top-up returns 10 hours of playback, useful before stepping out to Nakumatt or Yaya Centre
Build Quality and Durability
- Earbuds carry IP54 rating, handling dust ingress and sweat or rain splash during gym sessions and Nairobi short rains
- Charging case rates IP55, surviving directional water jets and heavier dust exposure during Thika or Mombasa Road commutes
- Transparent polycarbonate shell resists yellowing from sunscreen, skincare oils, and prolonged equatorial sunlight exposure
- Each earbud weighs 4.62 grams, sitting comfortably for 4-5 hour wear sessions without ear-canal fatigue or pressure points
- Pinch-stem control surface registers commands reliably even with slightly wet or sweaty fingers after workouts
- Magnetic case lid clicks shut firmly, preventing accidental opening inside trouser pockets, handbags, or backpacks during travel
Microphone System and Call Quality
- Three-microphone array per earbud captures voice clearly while AI noise reduction filters traffic, wind, and chatter behind you
- Clear Voice Technology training was conducted across millions of voice samples, producing intelligible calls in noisy environments
- Outdoor calls along Kenyatta Avenue, Tom Mboya Street, and Aga Khan Walk stay understandable at moderate traffic levels
- Indoor calls on Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and WhatsApp Video transmit voice without echo or background hum
- Wind reduction algorithm minimises microphone wind interference during outdoor walks, jogs, or boda boda rides at low speeds
- Microphone array also supports voice activation of ChatGPT through Nothing X on Phone (2), Phone (2a), and Phone (3)
Package Contents
The Nothing Ear (2024) B171 retail box from Mascom International contains the pair of true wireless earbuds in the transparent housing, the matching transparent charging case with USB-C and Qi wireless input, a short USB-C charging cable, three sets of silicone ear tips in small, medium, and large sizes for fit personalisation, and the printed quick-start documentation. Nothing does not include a wall charger in the box, in line with the brand's environmental policy. Mascom International stocks compatible 20W and 30W USB-C wall chargers and Qi wireless pads separately.
Warranty
The Nothing Ear (2024) B171 carries a 12-month Mascom International warranty covering manufacturing defects on the earbuds, charging case, and ANC functionality under normal use. Cosmetic damage, water damage beyond the IP54/IP55 limits, and battery wear from extended cycling fall outside coverage. Mascom's Nairobi CBD service desk handles claims directly without courier returns.
Where to Buy the Nothing Ear (2024) B171 in Kenya
Nothing Ear (2024) B171 is in stock now at Mascom International, located at Old Mutual Building, First Floor Room 4, Kimathi Street, Nairobi CBD. Walk into our store Monday through Saturday between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM to handle the transparent earbuds, test the 45dB ANC against Kimathi Street traffic noise, and verify Hi-Res LDAC streaming on your own Android phone before committing. Available colours: Black and White.
Three ways to order:
- Call +254 708 852 521
- Email info@mascomintl.com
- Order through www.mascomintl.com
Mascom International ships the Nothing Ear (2024) B171 across all 47 Kenyan counties with pay-on-arrival delivery you only pay when the earbuds reach you. Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret receive next-business-day delivery. Remote counties including Turkana, Marsabit, Garissa, and Tana River receive delivery within 2-3 business days. You inspect the sealed retail box, verify pairing on your phone, and pay only when the package arrives.
The Nothing Ear (2024) B171 ships with a 12-month Mascom International warranty processed directly from our Nairobi CBD service desk. Buyers across Kenya rely on Mascom International for accurate audio accessory specifications, current Kenyan market pricing, and dependable warranty backing on every pair of earbuds we stock.
 Black Mascom International.webp)
 White Mascom International.webp)
