New Delhi, Dec. 10 -- Skullcandy Icon ANC headphones launched a few months back, and I have been using them for a little over a month now. I went in with the older version in mind, the one with flat ear pads and a plasticky build, and this new pair already feels like a clear step up. The ear pads are now pleather with an actual opening, very similar to the Beats Solo, and the headband gets a soft fabric wrap that sits better on the head.

In the next few paragraphs I want to talk about how these actually felt in daily use. Beyond the box specs, it is the sound, ANC, comfort and small details over the past month that stood out for me. Some parts feel clearly improved while a few rough edges still show up, and I will walk through both. I kn...