Sony MDR-EX15AP EX In-Ear Wired Stereo Headphones VS Promate Silken-C USB-C™ Earbuds
What each is - Overview
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Sony MDR-EX15AP: A budget wired in-ear headphone built to deliver basic, reliable audio. It uses a 3.5 mm jack, includes in-line mic/remote, and is tuned for general everyday use.
- Promate Silken-C: A modern wired in-ear earbud with a USB-C connector (no 3.5 mm), aimed at modern smartphones without headphone jacks. It features a 10 mm driver, ergonomic design, and built-in mic + inline controls.

Specs & Features
Here’s a side-by-side of key specs:
Feature |
Sony MDR-EX15AP |
Promate Silken-C |
| Driver size | 9 m m dome / dynamic driver |
10 mm driver |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 16 Ω ±15% |
| Frequency Response | 8 Hz – 22,000 Hz | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz |
| Sensitivity / Output | ~100 dB/mW | ~105 ±3 dB |
| Connector | 3.5 mm gold-plated L-shaped 4-pole plug | USB-C (wired) |
| Cable length | 1.2 m (≈ 3.94 ft) | 1.2 m |
| Mic / remote | Inline mic + remote (play/pause, call) | Inline mic + controls (volume, play, call) |
| Build / casing | Plastic housings, hybrid silicone tips, gold-plated plug | Metal casing for earbuds (some models), ergonomic silicone design |
Design, construction & comfort
Sony MDR-EX15AP
- Uses in-ear silicone tips (small, medium, large) so you can adjust for a good fit.
- Lightweight - the earbuds themselves are only a few grams (≈ 3 g minus cable)
- Gold-plated L-shaped plug helps reduce bending stress at the connector.
- Cable is Y-type (splits symmetrically) with a cord-slider to manage slack and tangle.
- No IP or water resistance rating - be cautious with sweat or rain.
Promate Silken-C
- Designed ergonomically with silicone earbuds that are meant to fit comfortably for long listening sessions.
- Earbud casings are metal (for durability) in many variants.
- Cable length ~1.2 m - sufficient for pocket/phone use.
- Uses USB-C connector - for phones/tablets with USB-C audio capability. Because it’s wired via USB-C, if your device doesn’t support analog output over USB-C, audio may not work. (Check your phone’s DAC / USB-C audio support).
- Also no official water resistance rating; treat it with care around moisture.
Comfort & fit notes:
- Sony’s tight seal design gives better isolation but may feel more intrusive for some ears.
- Promate’s ergonomic design aims for comfort - less “plugged” feeling while trying to preserve a snug fit.
Sound & audio performance
Sony MDR-EX15AP
- At low to moderate volumes, it delivers clean, balanced sound. TechRadar’s review states: “You won’t get phenomenal audio, but you get fairly clean sound, minimal distortion, decent warmth.”
- Bass is present - the 9 mm drivers with Neodymium magnets provide “powerful bass response” for its class.
- Treble and mids are passable; in complex tracks the sound stage may get cluttered, especially at high volumes.
- Isolation is good for passive in-ears, reducing ambient noise in many environments.
- Because it’s analog and simple, audio latency is negligible - ideal for video/gaming with zero lag.
Promate Silken-C
- Drivers: 10 mm - slightly larger than Sony’s 9 mm, giving potential for stronger bass.
- Sensitivity is 105 dB - on paper suggests it can reach louder levels with less power.
- Impedance 16 Ω - easy to drive from modern smartphones.
- In practice, users expect “deep bass response and finely tuned acoustics” per product description.
- Because it’s wired via USB-C, audio quality depends on the phone’s internal DAC/codec. If your device handles digital audio well, performance can be quite good.
Comparative summary:
- For sheer reliability and consistent performance across many devices, Sony MDR-EX15AP has an advantage.
- For modern phones with good USB-C audio support, Promate Silken-C has potential to outperform, especially with its slightly bigger driver and good sensitivity.
Mic, remote & controls
Sony MDR-EX15AP
- Has an inline mic with remote (play/pause, call control).
- The remote is simple - a multifunction button; no separate volume control on that remote. TechRadar notes the lack of volume control is a downside.
- Microphone works decently in quiet settings; not ideal in very noisy surroundings.
Promate Silken-C
- Inline controls include call button and volume + play/pause controls (depending on design) - product pages mention “control your music playback as well as the volume using the in-line controls.”
- Mic is built-in - should be comparable to other wired in-ear mics. Because it’s a digital line (USB-C), if the phone software supports good mic sampling, voice clarity should be acceptable in normal settings.
Advantage: Promate may have a slight edge for control flexibility (volume + remote), whereas Sony is limited to a multifunction button.
Compatibility & connectivity
Sony MDR-EX15AP
- Uses 3.5 mm TRRS plug - universally compatible with phones, laptops, tablets having a headphone jack or via adapter.
- Works with both Android and iOS via analog path.
- No dependency on device software (unless mic features vary).
Promate Silken-C
- Uses USB-C connector - so your device must support analog or digital audio over USB-C (i.e. act as a DAC). Many modern Android phones support USB-C audio natively; some may require settings or drivers.
- Does not work natively with devices that only have 3.5 mm jacks (unless with adapter + audio conversion).
- This is both a strength (no adapter needed for modern phones) and a limitation (less universal compatibility).
Durability & build reliability
- Sony MDR-EX15AP: reasonably durable for its class. Some users report cable issues over time, but many enjoy long use. TechRadar mentions the wire is “fairly flimsy” but overall performance is acceptable.
- Promate Silken-C: metal casings on earbuds help with durability. Cable and connector stress is a factor. Because USB-C ports are more robust than small 3.5 mm jacks, fewer bending issues at the plug might occur.
- Neither model is marketed with waterproof/sweat-proof ratings, so avoid heavy moisture.
Pros & Cons
Sony MDR-EX15AP
Pros:
- Universal 3.5 mm compatibility
- Reliable, simple, low-latency wired performance
- Good passive isolation thanks to seal
- Affordable, proven model with long track record
Cons:
- No volume control on remote
- Cable durability can be a weak point
- No USB-C support (needs adapter)
- Lacks water/sweat resistance rating
Promate Silken-C
Pros:
- USB-C connector (no adapter on modern phones)
- Additional control flexibility (volume + playback)
- Slightly larger driver, good sensitivity
- Metal earbuds for durability
Cons:
- Only works with devices supporting USB-C audio
- No wide compatibility with older devices
- Cable stress and connector durability are concerns
- No moisture protection spec
Verdict: which should you pick?
- If your phone has a USB-C port and supports audio over it, and you want modern convenience (no adapter), plus slightly stronger bass and better control features - go with Promate Silken-C.
- If you want universal compatibility with every device (phones, laptops, tablets) via 3.5 mm, plus a reliable, proven model with minimal fuss - Sony MDR-EX15AP is safer.
For many users, the Sony offers “it just works everywhere” reliability. But for those with a modern phone, Promate offers an appealing upgrade with future-proof connector and extra features.
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