04 Nov
Blog

Obsbot Tiny Review: Bringing A.I. Smarts to the Webcam

Obsbot Tiny with LED lighting switched on

"The Obsbot Tiny is a unique webcam that could have benefited from a larger sensor."

advantages

  • Subject tracking works fine

  • AI-controlled panning, tilting and zooming

  • Noise-canceling microphones

  • Innovative gimbal design

disadvantage

  • Image quality suffers in low light

  • Maximum resolution of 1080p

Webcams have become an integral part of our lives – especially in the past year and a half – and allow us to collaborate and communicate remotely. While most webcams try to differentiate themselves in terms of video and microphone quality, Obsbot takes a radically different approach.

Based on the proven 1080p video standard, the $ 199 Obsbot Tiny is a personal home webcam that blends artificial intelligence, a two-axis gimbal, and subject tracking capabilities into a truly powerful solution that is normally found in larger and often more expensive devices too is to find conference room products.

It promises to be a smart tool for YouTubers, with more natural pan, tilt, and zoom functions that will make your videos appear dynamic.

draft

Obsbot Tiny with LED lighting switched on

In a room where most webcams haven't changed much over the years, Obsbot's setting is a surprising breath of fresh air. Instead of relying on a humble one-piece case to house the image sensor and microphones and a stand that attaches to most monitors, Obsbot instead gives the traditional design an extreme makeover. With the Obsbot Tiny you get a mix of a traditional webcam and a gimbal, like the Osmo series from DJI.

At first glance, the design of the Obsbot may seem refreshing, but a bit over the top. After all, monitors don't need the stabilization mechanism of a gimbal as they are meant to be a stationary piece of technology and most people don't have important video calls from a noisy train or a turbulent airplane. However, in this case the gimbal is not designed for stabilized video feeds, but for controlling the cam.

The Tiny uses artificial intelligence to drive the motor in the two-axis gimbal so that the camera can pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ). This makes them one of the most compact PTZ desktop webcams on the market today, if not the most compact.

In fact, this design is similar to the Obsbot Tiny DJI's Pocket 4K with a choppy handle. The Tiny comes with a magnetic base that allows it to be attached to most metal surfaces and a magnetic mounting clip so it can be easily attached to laptops and monitors. Creatives looking to use this on a tripod can also rely on the threads on the bottom of the Tiny.

Obsbot Tiny on the MacBook Pro

Like many modern webcams, the Obsbot can record video at FHD 1080p resolution, but the downside is that you're limited to 30 frames per second – other fps formats aren't supported. Digital zoom is supported, and the maximum zoom is 2x, which gives you some flexibility in panning and zooming for closer shots if you're willing to sacrifice some image quality in the process.

The camera has omnidirectional microphones with noise canceling technology, which worked surprisingly well when testing the device at home and in a quieter coffee shop in the afternoon.

Magnetic holder for Obsbot Tiny.

The gimbal allows the camera to pan up to 150 degrees and tilt up or down up to 45 degrees, adding the flexibility to get the perfect shot if you're a video artist looking to stream.

A single USB cable is all you need to connect your desktop or laptop. Obsbot also included a DC connector in case your device isn't supplying enough power to the Tiny. In our tests, we didn't have to use DC power on a variety of Apple, HP, and Lenovo laptops.

Performance and image quality

Obsbot Tiny looks like a webcam attached to a choppy gimbal.

It's easy to get excited about the advanced features of the Obsbot Tiny in an area that has only seen iterative improvements, but you really need to evaluate how you're doing your video calling or streaming sessions before investing in the Tiny. For example, most people sit relatively stationary at their desks during video calls, so the PTZ functions do not work at all.

If you want to turn your living room into a shark tank-like stage with easels, a whiteboard, and posters, then the Tiny makes sense. With that in mind, the Tiny makes your home presentation look more like an Apple product announcement keynote and tracks you and your movements on your “home stage” to deliver a more dynamic video.

For its tiny size, the Obsbot Tiny works really well – the performance of the omnidirectional noise-canceling microphone was solid. The group I videoconference with found that despite the background noise in a coffee shop, my voice was clean and clear and distractions were minimized.

The video quality was competent for the most part. At 1080p FHD, it was definitely sharper and less grainy than the 720p HD camera on my 2016 MacBook Pro. In general, I found the image quality to be roughly on par with Windows laptops with a 1080p webcam. That's not a huge compliment, given that laptop webcams are notorious for their poor quality.

Compared to a 4K webcam, like the UltraSharp webcam from Dell or the highly rated Brio from Logitech, the video quality of the Obsbot Tiny is definitely not that sharp. If you are using the camera for video recording – rather than streaming or video conferencing – this shouldn't be a huge problem, as most call services limit the upload resolution to 1080p or less.

Obsbot Tiny with magnetic holder for monitors and laptops.

The biggest disadvantage of a webcam as advanced as the Obsbot Tiny is that the image sensor is small. This means that the camera won't capture as much light as a larger camera, like a DSLR or mirrorless camera. In this case, it means that the picture quality quickly drops in low light and you will notice more graininess in your videos when you make video calls in darker rooms. In brightly lit environments with adequate ambient lighting, this isn't a problem, so office calls are fine, but gamers and streamers who play in darker rooms may want to look elsewhere for a streaming solution.

Due to the lack of HDR video support, if you sit in front of a bright window, you will notice some blown out lights and darker areas in the picture will lose some detail differ little when the camera is pointed at your face.

AI smart

Obsbot Tiny with USB-C and DC connection for power supply.

Many of the camera's controls and settings can be set manually using software that can be installed on your PC. However, if you don't want to operate the camera yourself, you can rely on artificial intelligence to get the job done.

Like more advanced webcams, the Tiny can automatically track and frame your subject by panning and tilting the camera to create a smooth video feed with no choppy transitions. The feature works really well, although it may take a few seconds for the Obsbot Tiny to capture and locate the subject. If you're not jogging from one end of the room to the other – think of a small, steady pace on stage – then the camera can easily follow. The camera had a bit of a problem with faster moving subjects, like a baby running around the room.

Another AI-controlled element is gesture control. Instead of navigating the software or fiddling with the hardware, you can simply put your hand with your fingers outward next to your face and the camera will capture the target. The LED light strip on the base of the Obsbot Tiny will flash, indicating that it has clicked into place on you.

Once the camera has identified who to track, it uses AI. to pan and pan the camera with the motors in the gimbal anywhere in the room. The engine is not loud at all during operation, which was a nice feature that minimized annoying background noise.

If you need to zoom in, you can put your hand next to your face and use your index finger and thumb to form an “L”. This will cause the camera to zoom in 2 times for a tighter area around your face.

If you're recording a sales pitch or presentation yourself, you can create a more compelling video with a camera that can automatically pan, tilt, and zoom. The best part is you don't even have to have a cameraman to get the job done.

And while this camera doesn't have its own privacy lock, you can put the camera to sleep when you're done. In this mode, the Obsbot Tiny will point the lens down, giving you the peace of mind that it is not shooting when it shouldn't be. The LED indicator strip also shows whether the camera is in recording mode.

Our opinion

The Obsbot Tiny offers many advanced AI-powered features in one compelling hardware package. Obsbot's Tiny Webcam brings premium PTZ capabilities more commonly found in video solutions for larger conference rooms in an affordable package for home use. However, it really is only a good option for someone who needs this functionality as the image quality is not the best.

Are there alternatives?

There are plenty of capable 1080p and 4K webcams out there. Inexpensive webcams start at well under $ 100, but generally, you get what you pay for. At $ 199, the Obsbot Tiny competes with premium webcams like Logitech's Brio.

The Brio costs the same as the Tiny but sacrifices the Obsbot's more advanced AI. Features in favor of more advanced picture quality. That means you get better 4K resolution – compared to 1080p – and HDR support on the Brio.

How long it will take?

The Obsbot Tiny has a standard one-year limited warranty, but webcams are built to last for many years. Unlike smartphones, a webcam is not a peripheral designed for annual or biennial upgrades, and the Obsbot can potentially last for five years or even more. Unless the hardware breaks – due to the gimbal mechanism, the Obsbot Tiny may be more vulnerable than other competing webcams due to the number of moving parts – the device should last for many years.

Should you buy it?

Yes, although it really depends on the features you need from a webcam. If you're only using the Tiny for general video chatting, its advanced features may be over the top and you will be better off getting something with better picture quality. However, if you're recording a sales pitch or presentation, an AI-powered cameraman is a unique tool.

Editor's recommendations



06 Apr
Blog

Sonos Roam Review: Tiny Speaker, Huge Value

Sonos Roam

"This magical little speaker could do for Sonos what the iPod did for Apple."

  • Excellent design

  • Lightweight and portable

  • Completely waterproof and dustproof

  • Very good sound for its size

  • Selection of intelligent speaker assistants

  • Wireless charging

  • No Bluetooth stereo pairing

  • Does not work as a speakerphone

  • Less battery life than some other speakers

The $ 399 Sonos Move is a very powerful wireless speaker. When you're at home, it can be connected to the rest of your Sonos gear. Thanks to the built-in microphone, it can act as a smart speaker powered by Google or Alexa. On the go, the Bluetooth radio and 10-hour battery ensure a powerful, portable sound system. Well, maybe not that portable.

As good as the Move is, it will never be a grab-and-go speaker because it's just too big and too heavy. Go out onto the terrace from the living room? Grab the train. Going to the park from the terrace? That’s a different story.

But now we have the Sonos Roam for $ 169. It has all of the features of the Move (and a few more) but is only a fraction of the size, weight, and price of the Move. Is roam a breeze for Sonos fans? Let's try it out.

What's in the box?

Sonos RoamSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Sonos has long been a leader in sustainably packaged products, but the Roam is its best performance yet. It even includes a handy label to help you determine which parts can be recycled.

In the small, simply printed cardboard box you will find the Roam, a USB-C charging cable, a printed quick start guide and no reference to plastic or foam.

design

Sonos RoamSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The first thing you notice when you unpack the Sonos Roam is how small it is. Not only is it the smallest Sonos speaker by far, with a hair over 6.5 inches tall, it's also slightly smaller and lighter than many of the Bluetooth speakers it'll compete with, like the $ 120 JBL Flip 5 and the $ 150 Marshall Emberton.

The shape of the roam practically begs you to pick it up and take it with you.

Despite its small size, the Roam's minimalist design is a pure Sonos, regardless of how our test device comes in matte black or matte white.

The Toblerone style triangular shape isn't just for looks. it makes the roam extremely tangible. Point one of the three sides towards the palm of your hand, and your fingers will naturally curl around the curved edges along the other two sides. While the Move's integrated handle always feels a bit risky to grasp, the shape of the Roam practically prompts you to pick it up and take it with you.

The only thing missing is a built-in lanyard option for those times when you need your hands free.

You can stand the Roam vertically or lay it horizontally with the four built-in rubber feet to anchor it securely to your chosen surface.

In any case, the simple elegance of the Roam can be invisibly combined with almost any decor.

Sonos Roam with Sonos MoveSonos Roam (front) and Sonos Move Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The physical controls are also very stealthy – a set of four buttons hidden behind a layer of rubber on the top, barely hinted at by their slightly raised icons. From a distance they disappear completely.

The loudspeaker grille with its thousands of tiny perforations fits seamlessly into the body of the Roam. It looks like it could be badly dented, but behind that thin layer is a much tougher hexagonal grille that gives the grille an impressive level of rigidity.

Two tiny LED lights hidden behind the grille indicate the status of the speaker: one light shows whether you are in WiFi or Bluetooth mode, and one that shows the charge level of the battery. A third light next to the microphone button indicates when the microphone is active. According to Sonos, this cable is permanently connected to the microphone circuit. When the lights are off, you can be sure that no one is listening.

Sonos RoamSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

On the back is the USB-C charging port and a small power switch that is also used for Bluetooth pairing. When you're at home, it's a good idea to keep the Roam plugged in so it's always ready to play your music. However, if you're likely to move it around a lot, you should take advantage of wireless charging.

Sonos sells a custom Qi charger for $ 50 that is shaped to fit the bottom of the Roam and stays magnetically locked until you need it. However, I did not receive a charger to test. Not that it matters – any Qi charging mat does the job, and I found it very easy to just let the Roam sit on one when I wasn't carting it around.

Setup and configuration

If you're a Sonos owner, I don't have to tell you how easy it is to set up the company's wireless speakers. A few taps of your finger on the Sonos app, a few keystrokes on the speaker and less than two minutes later you are done. With the Roam, Sonos has made this process even easier.

Every technical product should be this easy to configure.

After you've connected the Roam to a power source using the supplied USB-C cable (or wireless charger) and opened the Sonos S2 app, the app will automatically prompt you to set up the speaker. It's very similar to how Apple's AirPods prompt you when you first open the charging case.

The next step is to tap the back of your phone against the back of the Roam. This should allow the speaker's NFC sensor to detect your phone for the process to complete.

Unfortunately, this didn't work with my iPhone 11, but after two failed attempts, the Sonos app offered another solution: the Roam gave a beep that was picked up by the iPhone microphone and the setup completed automatically, including adding the Roam to my Wi-Fi network. No buttons to press and no passwords to enter. Every technical product should be this easy to configure.

At this point, you can play music through the Sonos app, manage the roam as a single speaker or as part of a group of Sonos products, or stream audio directly to the roam using Apple AirPlay.

However, since the Roam can also act as a smart speaker, you may want to take the extra step of adding it to the Google Home app or the Amazon Alexa app – it only takes a few extra minutes.

Sound quality

Sonos Roam with JBL Flip 5 and Marshall EmbertonJBL Flip 5 (left), Sonos Roam (center) and Marshall Emberton Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

In line with Sonos' reputation for products well above their weight class, the Roam sounds fantastic for such a small speaker.

It delivers a warm yet clear signature with a decent response considering how compact it is.

Indoors, the Roam is an ideal loudspeaker for smaller rooms.

If you have WiFi, you can use the Sonos app to adjust the bass and treble if you want to override the factory EQ – an optimization that's retained even if you switch to Bluetooth.

Indoors, the Roam is an ideal speaker for smaller spaces – such as a bedroom, bathroom or even a kitchen. Outside, it gets loud enough to host a pool party or a backyard gathering. Speaking of volume, the Roam is virtually distortion-free up to its loudest setting, and the speaker housing doesn't hum in an uncomfortable way, which can be the case with lower-quality Bluetooth speakers.

As you turn up the volume settings, the roam keeps the frequencies in balance – until you hit around 75%. Once you exceed this limit, the speaker simply no longer has a low or mid range and uses the high frequencies to reach maximum volume.

There is simply no way a speaker this size can deliver the deep bass or powerful sound of larger devices. However, when you place the roam in a corner – a tried and true way to improve bass response – it's surprising how deep the sound can get.

The roam outshines that JBL Flip 5 However, for clarity and sound quality, it delivers an almost identical signature to the Marshall Emberton.

The Emberton proved to be a little more flexible for outdoor gatherings thanks to its 360-degree speaker pattern, while the Roam is more directional.

In theory, the roam's automatic Trueplay feature will continually adjust the roam's sound depending on where you place it. It works whether you're using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and you won't find it on any other non-Sonos-branded wireless speaker.

In practice, I found it difficult to determine if Auto Trueplay actually made a significant difference. I moved the roam to different indoor and outdoor locations and turned Auto Trueplay on and off to see if I could see it. For the most part, the changes were barely noticeable even when I placed the speaker in places that should have caused a lot of adjustment (like the corner placement mentioned above).

user friendliness

Sonos Roam Top controls

If you've never used the Sonos app and Roam is your first Sonos product, it's time to pamper yourself. It's the best audio streaming software in the world other than none. Not only is it compatible with almost every streaming music source imaginable – over 100 so far – but all of this music is incredibly easy to navigate and find thanks to the universal search function.

The Sonos software is so good that it's reason enough to buy the Roam over any other portable speaker in its price range.

You can create your playlists and favorites that will work independently from the ones you may have already created in your music apps. If you have more than one Sonos speaker, you can control each speaker independently or as a group.

Most other Wi-Fi speakers rely on Apple HomeKit, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa for their multi-room capabilities. However, these cannot affect the extensive range of functions of the Sonos app.

The Sonos software is so good that it's reason enough to buy the Roam over any other portable speaker in its price range.

As with any other Sonos speaker, the controls are as intuitive as possible. The two volume buttons work exactly as expected, while the play / pause button can skip a track forward with a double press or backward with a triple press.

Switching from Wi-Fi to Bluetooth is also very easy. A long press on the small button on the back will put the speaker in bluetooth mode and the Roam will automatically re-pair with the last paired device.

Pairing a second or third device is a little more complicated. You must turn off the bluetooth radio on the currently paired device so that the roam can re-initiate bluetooth pairing. Once the second (or third, etc.) device is paired, you can control which device the Roam is talking to without repeating the pairing process.

Unfortunately, Sonos does not support stereo pairing of its speakers via Bluetooth. To do this, you need to be on your home Wi-Fi network and have a matching set of Sonos speakers. The roam can only be paired with a second roam in stereo, and even a paired set of roams cannot be used as surround speakers for Sonos Arc, Beam, Playbase or Playbar.

And despite the presence of a microphone, you can't use the Roam as a speakerphone – which is a bit confusing given the number of business people likely to pack the Roam in their pockets when traveling.

Smart speaker skills

Sonos RoamSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Sonos Roam is by far the cheapest portable speaker that can also act as a smart speaker – and one of the few where you can choose between Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

It's amazing how easily the roam can hear and respond to your commands

I set it up with the Google Assistant. This process takes about two minutes and requires that you have the Google Assistant app installed on your phone.

Once you're ready, it's amazing how easily the roam can hear and respond to your commands. For fun, I placed the roam at one end of our yard and called "Hey Google" at the other end – about 40 feet away. The Roam heard and answered immediately.

Smart speakers are pretty darn handy and allow you to do everything from managing music playback to organizing your shopping lists to controlling smart home devices like lights and cameras. But smart speakers usually need to stay plugged in, which is why people often buy a Nest Mini or Echo Dot for every room in their home. Since the Roam is completely wireless, it can be used anywhere and will continue to function as a smart speaker as long as it has WiFi.

The Ultimate ears blast and JBL Link Portable can do this too, but they cost $ 10 more than the Roam and they only work with one assistant (Amazon Alexa for the Blast, Google Assistant for the Link Portable).

If freedom of choice is important to you, the Sonos Roam is clearly the best option.

Extras

Sonos RoamSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

What makes the Sonos Roam such a remarkable speaker is its additional features. Some, like wireless charging, Auto Trueplay, AirPlay, and its ability to act as an assistant-free smart speaker are tangible benefits for anyone who buys it.

However, if you have or want to buy other Sonos products, there are other cool features available, such as: B. Sound Swap, which allows you to transfer a Wi-Fi streaming session to and from the Roam by pressing and holding the Play / Pause button. It only works with newer Sonos products like Sonos One, One SL, Beam, Move, and Arc, but it works just fine.

You can also use the Roam's Bluetooth connection as a source for your other Sonos speakers. For example, if you're away from home and using the roam as a bluetooth speaker, when you return home you can open the Sonos app and group your other speakers with the roam, which will then share the roam's BT session with the group.

It's also a great solution for giving guests access to your Sonos system without giving them your WiFi password or forcing them to download and install the Sonos app.

It's also a great solution for streaming songs stored locally on your phone – a feature Sonos offered in its app.

Battery life

With a claimed battery life of 10 hours, the Roam doesn't set any endurance records, especially when you consider that the JBL Flip 5 packs 12 hours and the Marshall Emberton packs 20 hours. On the other hand, the Emberton weighs 40% more than the Roam.

Still, 10 hours is probably more than enough for a day trip. If you need to add more playtime to the Roam, you can always bring a portable battery pack as the Roam (unlike the Move) can be charged from virtually any USB power source.

robustness

Sonos RoamSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

With an IP67 rating, the Roam can handle just about anything you throw at it, from full immersion in water to a sandy day at the beach. That makes it a great companion for pool parties, as long as you're ready to dive in afterwards when it gets kerplunk: The Roam doesn't swim.

However, I am not convinced that the Roam can withstand drops on hard surfaces such as the JBL Flip 5 or Marshall Emberton.

Despite its thin rubber end caps, the body of the Roam is made of unprotected hard plastic that may crack or flake upon direct impact. Care should be taken to prevent this from happening.

Our opinion

Sonos packed so many features into the roam that it is easily the best value for a portable speaker.

Is there a better alternative?

You can find portable speakers with better sound quality, longer battery life, or louder volume, but you won't find one that offers all of the features of the Sonos Roam at all costs – including its more expensive big brother, the Sonos Move.

But if you're willing to forego WiFi, Apple AirPlay, voice commands, and the Sonos ecosystem, you get $ 150 Marshall Emberton sounds just as good and has a 20 hour battery.

If you're willing to forego a selection of voice assistants, Apple AirPlay, and Sonos Ecosystem, get $ 180 UE explosion has longer battery life and 360-degree sound.

How long it will take?

Sonos products are very well built. If you consider protecting IP67 from dust and water, it should last for many years as long as you protect it from severe shock. All Sonos products come with a one-year warranty.

Should you buy it?

Yes, I can only recommend Sonos Roam if you intend to start a new Sonos system, add it to an existing system, or use it all on your own.

Editor's recommendations




18 Nov
Blog

Apple iPhone 12 Mini Review: Tiny Yet Mighty Phone

iPhone 12 Mini

"The iPhone 12 Mini is exactly what small phone fans have been waiting for: a full-featured iPhone in a tiny size."

  • Incredibly compact size

  • Great camera quality

  • First class performance

  • Any iPhone 12 function

  • Weak battery life

  • The screen can actually feel tight

The iPhone has not been "small" since the iPhone 8. Although Apple has kept its main models compact compared to major Android competition, your only choice for a really small phone from Apple was to buy or keep an iPhone SE with an older model. Either way, you had to choose between the latest features and capabilities and a phone the size you prefer.

That is no longer the case. Now we have it iPhone 12 Mini.

I'm so excited that Apple chose the $ 700 iPhone 12 Mini because there's no reason why people who want a small phone should be treated like second-class citizens. You should be able to get a fully functional modern iPhone in a size that won't challenge your hand. And with a few caveats expected, we have just that.

The basics: hardware, specifications and functions

Apple's consistency between iPhone models isn't exactly exciting, but when you think about it, it's exactly what you want to see. Considering the iPhone 12 Mini is smaller and cheaper than the base iPhone 12, there has been ample opportunity for Apple to sacrifice – just look at the iPhone SE. But that was not the case. Aside from the fact that the battery and screen shrink, which are obvious changes, the iPhone 12 Mini is identical to the iPhone 12.

iPhone 12 Mini

iPhone 12 Mini

It starts with the design, which translates very well when scaled down to that size. The lack of curves and the focus on sharp edges suits a small phone that tries to be as efficient as possible with space, and Apple's hardware finish is exquisite again. The lineup's bright color options also go well with the playful size – though I loved the completely incognito look of my black phone that was spiced up with a red leather case.

Apple had ample opportunity to sacrifice in the 12 Mini, and it didn't.

It's not typical for a phone of this size (and price) to match the rest of the top-end specs of the iPhone 12 Mini. The A14 Bionic chip in the controller is equally powerful when compared to the other iPhone 12 models, so the performance of the 12 Mini is excellent. You get good speakers, the latest in Ceramic Shield screen glass, IP68 water resistance, top-notch feel, face recognition, and more on the list. Apple will also remind you that this is the smallest phone that doesn't yet have a full 5G implementation with Sub-6 and mmWave, as well as global network band support.

I went through all of the specifics of this platform's features in my full iPhone 12 review. I recommend reading them for a complete picture of what the iPhone 12 series offerings are. After that, you can see here what makes the iPhone 12 Mini special.

A lovely little phone

Unlike modern mini cars, the iPhone 12 Mini is actually small. And it's not just "small" because it's smaller than the iPhone 12, which has now grown to a 6.1-inch screen – it's really small. It's shorter, narrower, and lighter than the iPhone 8 (and the latest iPhone SE) and one of the smallest fully featured modern smartphones.

iPhone 12 MiniAndrew Martonik / Digital Trends

You can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia when you get to the iPhone 12 Mini from another phone. Think back to a time when you could have a phone that was compact and yet was considered state of the art. But after a day with the 12 Mini, I didn't think of its size as something new – I just used it and enjoyed hell.

The iPhone 12 Mini doesn't expect anything from you. It's so light and your hand folds lightly around the sides for a secure grip. It actually makes sense to use your thumb to reach across the screen or up. And gosh, it doesn't just fit in a pocket, it doesn't even stretch the fabric. On several occasions, I kept the iPhone 12 Mini in my coat pocket and forgot it was there. Half an hour later, I caused a moment of panic when I feared I had left it somewhere.

The iPhone 12 Mini doesn't expect anything from you. Still, it's an incredibly powerful phone.

It's very liberating to have a small phone that doesn't feel like a burden to carry and use, but is more than capable of doing everything you need in the day.

iPhone 12 Mini

iPhone 12 Mini

With a 5.4-inch display, the 12 Mini has just enough screen space not to feel cramped. And iOS 14 is identical to a bigger screen on this smaller screen – you get the same icon grid and buttons, but things are just a little bit smaller. Every app works perfectly, and I never felt the need to go into settings and increase the font size or the screen zoom. Basically, when you view your inbox, you're just missing an extra email or reading an article in the browser, missing a few extra lines. Everything is just as lightning fast as it was on the iPhone 12 as I was able to run apps and multitask with no issues. To my surprise, I didn't have any thumb collisions with two-handed typing, but because it's so tight I really enjoyed typing with my finger.

Size comparison: iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 12 Mini vs. iPhone 12 Pro max

iPhone 12 modelsAndrew Martonik / Digital Trends

I admit that the 12 Mini doesn't provide an immersive video viewing experience, nor does the screen give you an expansive viewfinder for taking photos. But it's perfectly functional on both accounts. If you plan on using your phone for a lot of media operations, you probably won't even consider the 12 Mini in the first place.

I know the screen is the same as the iPhone 12, but I swear it won't get quite as bright as the larger phone's screen. There have been a few situations with the 12 Mini out in the sun where I've pulled the Control Center down to increase the screen brightness only to see that it was already set at 100%. Other than these cases, the screen is fantastic: great colors, good viewing angles, low reflectivity, and crisp text.

Battery life

When the rubber hits the road, the only place the iPhone 12 Mini falls short is in the fuel area. On a weekend trip to beautiful Mystic, Connecticut, I spent a lot of time outdoors with 100% screen brightness, taking tons of photos, and leaning on Google Maps while keeping up with my usual messaging and social media apps. And the results … weren't great.

Battery life is the only annoying part about using such a small phone.

On Saturday I took the phone off the charger at 8 a.m. and was discharged to 10% battery by 9 p.m. as we enjoyed a nightcap under a patio heat lamp. That's four hours of screen on, which is respectable, but when the battery is very low it's not to be trusted. Sunday brought more of this with it when the phone went off the charger at 8 a.m. After more than three hours of on-time, the battery was charged with a worrying 40% battery by 1:00 p.m. when I plugged in to use CarPlay to drive home.

iPhone 12 MiniAndrew Martonik / Digital Trends

Apple's cited estimates for video playback paint a rosier picture than reality. It is clear that if I use the iPhone 12 Mini the same way as the 12 or 12 Pro, I am going to exceed the limits of the battery life by the end of the day. On lighter days, with time inside and via WiFi, I got through the day by 20% to 30% – but that's still not a good sign for late evenings or days when I need a hot spot or have to spend a lot Navigate time in Google Maps.

If you get stuck to your phone all the time, this is not the phone for you. However, I don't think this will be a problem for so many people as the philosophy of many who want a small phone is also consistent with the expectation that there is no need to have a phone in hand all the time. Know what you are getting into and be ready to charge it up a little in some situations and you will be fine.

If you want to live connected to your phone, this is not the phone for you.

The advantage of a tiny battery is that it charges very quickly. With a 20 W charger, it accelerates from 0% to 50% in 30 minutes. And because the capacity is so small, it even charges a little quickly from a computer, a charger with a smaller wall thickness, or the MagSafe charger. Even my car's low-power USB port easily drained enough power to add a significant charge when running CarPlay.

Cameras

Perhaps the best thing about the iPhone 12 Mini is that Apple didn't skimp on its cameras in this small case. This was something you had to keep in mind when considering an iPhone SE as a small phone option. The 12-megapixel main camera and 12-megapixel ultrawide camera make a great pair – that's what the $ 999 iPhone 12 Pro does, and all the more so at the price.

Few people expect a camera to be this good on a $ 700 cell phone, but it delivers.

In daylight, you get bright and colorful photos with just enough pop and added warmth to make them feel a little more alive. The sharpness and level of detail are excellent, even with mixed lighting photos that require additional processing. In low light, photos are just as good as long as you can keep your hand steady. The camera relies on long exposures in night mode, but the results are excellent. And if you keep the lights on, the selfie camera is good too.

I'm so familiar with this camera setup that I often forget how impressively it relates to the competition. Anyone who picks up this phone will be amazed at the photos that come out of it. Same goes for video, where you can get crisp 4K 60fps footage with great colors and stabilization. You may choose not to shoot in Dolby Vision HDR due to limited playback compatibility. You can also skip it to save space. My friend Michael Fisher made maximum use of his 128GB Mini the first afternoon after installing apps, recording videos, and syncing iCloud Photos to the phone. You should spend at least an additional $ 50 on the 128GB model as the 64GB base feels very tight.

You won't be missing out on the camera features of the $ 300 iPhone 12 Pro anymore.

On rare occasions, I'd miss the 12 Pro's 2X zoom camera, but otherwise this is a camera setup that is perfectly on par with this phone. Anyone who buys the 12 Mini won't be missing out on the subtle improvements to this third camera and the promise to take RAW photos with a future software update.

Our opinion

The $ 700 iPhone 12 Mini plays in a category of its own: a really small phone with an otherwise first-class experience. It's small enough to be manageable in everyone's hands and pockets, but it has full iPhone 12 features, from the great hardware, to the processing speed, to the camera quality and software experience.

If the annoying decision of choosing between a phone with high-end features or a handgrip phone put you off, this is it iPhone 12 Mini should be your next purchase. But not everyone has such a strong sense of size, and if so, they should look out for the slower battery life and a screen size that after years of getting used to 6-inch displays may feel restrictive.

I absolutely like the size of the iPhone 12 Mini, but I don't think I can make it my main phone. I need more confidence in battery life and that means moving back to the iPhone 12. And as much as I love the size of the 12 Mini, I can handle the Standard 12 without feeling weighed down by its size – that makes it an easy choice to get the medium sized phone.

Are there any better alternatives?

In this size and price range, you really have no other choice. You can get one for literally half the price Google Pixel 4a It's the same size but not a competitor outside of the camera.

Then there are phones that are larger but still handy and comparable in price and options. You can buy these for a $ 100 premium iPhone 12This is a logical choice if you can handle more screen and want longer battery life. The Google Pixel 5 is still relatively compact and costs the same as the 12 Mini – it also has a great camera and streamlined software experience that iPhone owners will be familiar with.

How long it will take?

Because the 12 Mini was built on the same platform as the iPhone 12, it should have a long lifespan. There will be several iOS updates in the future, and the A14 Bionic chip is very powerful to run them. It also has strong water resistance should it take a splash or a dunk. The iPhone 12 Mini will easily last two years, or up to four years if you are tight on your budget.

Should you buy it?

Yes, if you feel disenfranchised by the ever-growing size of smartphones and are longing for a compact model that doesn’t save on functions.

Editor's recommendations




20 Oct
Blog

Beats Flex Review: Bigger Bass, Bigger Battery, Tiny Price

Beats Flex

Beats Flex Review: More Bass, More Battery, Half the Price

"12 hours of battery life, great sound, and a mind-boggling price make it hard to beat."

  • Good price

  • Cozy

  • Very good sound quality

  • Very good call quality

  • Easy pairing with Apple products

  • Fast charging is slower than BeatsX

  • Using controls can be a little tricky

  • The USB-C charging cable does not fit normal USB ports

  • No official IPX rating

Previously, the cheapest BeatsX headphones for $ 100 were the BeatsX for $ 100. With their balanced sound, easy pairing with iPhones, and great call quality, they were a great choice for Beats fans who wanted something smaller and cheaper than the brand's classic foldable wireless headphones.

But the BeatsX was released in 2017 and the wireless headphone market has changed a ton since then. True wireless earbuds have become very affordable, and the connectivity issues that once plagued these devices have largely been eliminated. As a result, the BeatsX looked unnecessarily expensive due to its bulkier design behind the neck.

Answer from Apple: The $ 50 Beats Flex. They have all the features like the BeatsX that the Flex replaces, but at a dramatically lower price point that keeps them going when people are thinking of a new set of earbuds.

Did Apple have to cut too many corners to bring the Beats Flex to their remarkably low price, or are these the beats to beat?

Let's find out.

What's in the box?

Beats FlexSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The BeatsX was already one of the most responsible headphones I've come across, and the Flex goes even further. The plain black cardboard box isn't much bigger than a deck of cards, there is practically no plastic inside or outside, and everything is easy to recycle. This is how all of our technology should arrive.

Inside the box you'll find the Beats Flex, a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, three sizes of silicone earbuds (in addition to the factory-installed ones) and some paper documentation, including the de rigueur Beats sticker.

design

Beats Flex "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/beats-flex-00006-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Beats Flex "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/beats-flex-00007-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Beats Flex "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/beats-flex-00008-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Beats Flex "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/beats-flex-00005-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Beats Flex is available in four colors: Beats Black, Flame Blue, Smoke Gray and Yuzu Yellow.

They use the same hybrid cable design as the BeatsX, which combines a flat, tangle-free wire and a thicker, rubberized neck section that springs back into its U-shape no matter how hard you twist and turn it. The flex is a bit thinner, but just as robust.

You never have to worry about losing an earbud. There's no such thing as a bulky charging case to stash in your pocket or purse.

At both ends of the U there are elongated plastic housings that house the battery, electronics (including the W1 Bluetooth chip developed by Apple) as well as the USB-C charging port and power / pairing button. Apple has concentrated most of its redesign (cost reduction?) Efforts in these plastic cases. Instead of placing the microphone and controls in an inline pod on the cable of the left earbud, they are now in the left housing.

The earbuds themselves are the same size as the BeatsX, although Apple claims there is a new proprietary layer driver inside.

They can really take a full day before needing to be plugged in.

It may seem a bit strange that the Beats brand is still making behind-the-neck wireless headphones while a new set of true wireless earbuds hit the shelves every day, but there is still a market for this style. You never have to worry about losing an earbud, there is no bulky charging case to tuck in your pocket or purse. When you want to have a conversation, just pull the buds out of your ears and let them dangle. For people who routinely have to switch back and forth between listening to music and listening to the world around them, it's a much more convenient design.

Battery life

With just eight hours of battery life, the BeatsX has been ruined not only by other wired wireless earbuds but also by some of the new true wireless earbuds. For example, JLab's Epic Air ANC can live for eight hours with the ANC on and 12 hours with the ANC off. And that's before you consider the extra juice in their charging case.

The Beats Flex may not have a charging case, but with 12 hours of continuous use, they can really last a full day before needing to be plugged in.

The strange thing about the Flex is that overall battery life is better than its predecessor, but fast charging is worse. You now need 10 minutes to get a 1.5 hour boost, while the BeatsX can give you two hours of extension after a five minute charge.

Maybe this is somehow related to the switch from the Apple Lightning connector on the BeatsX to the USB-C connector on the Flex.

Switching to USB-C makes a lot of sense when chasing the Android community like Apple seems to be doing with the Flex, but choosing how to do it is confusing.

The included USB-C to USB-C charging cable is an immediate problem for anyone who doesn't own another USB-C device. There's just no way to plug the cable into anything other than a USB-C charging port, and Apple didn't include a USB-C charger in the box. If you have a current MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, this is not a problem. Both computers have connectors that can be used for this purpose. However, if you're still rocking an older computer, or literally an iPhone, there's a good chance you can't top up (or buy) the Flex without an Amazon order Apple's USB-C charger for $ 20).

Convenience, control and connections

Beats FlexSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The sound of an earphone depends a lot on how it seals against your ear canal. With four sizes of silicone tips to choose from, most people should be able to get a secure and comfortable fit with the Beats Flex. The standard set of tips is the medium size, and these turned out to be very convenient for me.

The behind-the-neck design is also very comfortable. You barely notice its presence and the rubberized texture prevents it from sliding around while you move.

As long as you properly grip the earbuds, their flat cables will stay away from your face. Twist them and the opposite will happen.

The placement of the controls in the plastic housing (compared to the inline controls on the BeatsX) makes it a bit more difficult to use. The volume rocker is easy to operate with precisely defined clicks. The multi-function button used to control play / pause, skip forward / backward, answer / end of calls and access Siri (or Google Assistant) has only a small travel and practically no click.

This can make it difficult to know if you pressed it exactly. Since it's attached to the inside of the case, you have to squeeze it with your index finger – unless you're reaching across your neck with your right hand – something that was harder for me to do accurately than my thumb. You will get used to this arrangement quickly enough and you never risk accidentally pulling out the left earbud when using them.

Beats Flex Audio SharingAs with all Apple wireless headphones that use the company's W1 or H1 wireless chips, pairing the Flex with an iOS device is a breeze. Just turn them on and wait for your iPhone to show you the one-tap pairing animation. If you own more than one Apple device, switching the Flex from one to the other is also a breeze.

It's almost as seamless on Android devices, too, as long as you download the free Beats app first.

The Flex doesn't have a wear sensor that allows you to automatically pause your music when you pull out an earbud. However, it has the next best thing: a sensor that pauses and plays when the earbuds magnetically snap in and out. It doesn't help if you just remove a single bud, but it's more convenient than stopping manually.

The Beats Flex are also compatible with Apple's audio sharing function, which allows two headphones or earphones equipped with W1 or H1 to listen to content from an iOS device at the same time.

It turned out to be a great way to compare the sound quality of Beats Flex and BeatsX (more on that in a minute).

The BeatsX missed out on being a Class 1 Bluetooth device, but the Flex has this feature too, which means a much greater wireless range – up to 300 feet.

Sound quality

Beats FlexSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Given that the Beats Flex costs half the price of the BeatsX, I was prepared for a drop in sound quality, but that's not the case: they sound great.

For the price, these things rock.

Not only are they very closely comparable to the BeatsX, with an even stronger bass-forward sound signature, but also very close to the AirPods Pro, which is five times more expensive.

They don't quite match the AirPods Pro in terms of the width and depth of their soundstage – the flex keeps things a little closer to your head – but for the price, too, these things rock. To get a really noticeable improvement in audio quality, you need to spend between $ 200 and $ 300.

I still wish Apple offered at least some basic EQ adjustments for bass and treble. The flex is so tuned that the vocals are not quite as pronounced as I would like them to be. I think some small EQ tweaks could fix this, but that's just not an option.

Some people may prefer the way the flex has been tuned thanks to an even more pronounced lower register than the BeatsX, which is particularly good for rap, hip-hop, and a variety of club and EDM sub-genres.

Call quality

Beats FlexSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

One of the things I loved about BeatsX was the call quality. Crystal clear and ideal for separating voices from background noise. You were the next best thing to actually holding your phone to your face.

The secret was where the microphone was placed. Positioned on the left earbud wire, it was ideal for voice recording. The Beats Flex are almost as good, but the position of the microphone on the flex neckband results in a slightly poorer quality.

Your voice is still very clear under most circumstances, but background noise is not filtered as well. They don't drown you out like real wireless earbuds do, but they're more noticeable than the BeatsX.

The only thing that would make calling on the Flex better (other than moving the microphone) is a listen-through mode so you can better hear your own voice.

Our opinion

If you prefer the back of the headphone design, the Beats Flex has everything you could want, at an amazing price.

Is there a better alternative?

If you need a longer battery life, Sony makes several models with a battery life of 15 to 20 hours, such as: B. the bulkier model C400 and the WI-C310.

However, if you are an iPhone user, the Flex is still a better choice because of its great integration with the Apple ecosystem.

How long will they last?

The Beats Flex are well built with durable materials and connections. They come with an Apple one-year warranty that can be extended with an optional AppleCare purchase.

And although I don't have an IP rating for dust or water protection, a source at Beats tells me that the Flex are actually quite capable of handling a sweaty workout. The USB-C charging port is waterproof and the controls are all sealed against moisture.

Should you buy it?

Absolutely. For the price, the Beats Flex are a killer value that Apple owners in particular should definitely consider when looking for a great alternative to buying a set of true wireless earbuds.

Editor's recommendations




11 Sep
Blog

Marshall Emberton Review: Tiny, Stylish Stereo Powerhouse

Marshall Emberton

"Iconic design meets superior sound in a highly portable Bluetooth speaker."

  • 20 hour battery

  • Warm and rich stereo sound

  • Iconic design

  • 360 degree sound pattern

  • IPX7 waterproof

  • Expensive

  • No aux line-in

  • No speakerphone

  • Stereo or multi-speaker pair not possible

There are so many Bluetooth speakers out there now that one speaker can hardly be distinguished from another. Digital Trends had to take a step back to review each new model. There is simply not enough time to complete this gigantic task.

However, we always keep our eyes peeled for Bluetooth speakers that manage to stand out from the crowd.

Marshall's new $ 150 Emberton is certainly apt, if perhaps not a good one: It's much more expensive than similarly featured portable speakers.

Can Marshall Justify the Price of the Emberton? Let's take a look.

What's in the box?

Marshall EmbertonSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Marshall Emberton comes in a simple cardboard box. With the exception of a tiny piece of polyethylene film to protect the speaker, the packaging (and the paper documentation included) can be easily recycled.

Inside is the speaker and a four-foot USB-C charging cable – which is longer than most.

design

Marshall Emberton "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/marshall-emberton-00003-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Marshall Emberton "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/marshall-emberton-00004-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Marshall Emberton "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/marshall-emberton-00007-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Marshall designs all Bluetooth speakers to look like miniature versions of the famous British guitar amplifiers that bear the distinctive Marshall logo, and the Emberton is no exception.

Despite the fact that the Emberton Marshalls is the smallest speaker to date, the company managed his proportions perfectly.

Whether on a dormitory bookshelf, a kitchen counter, or a patio table, this speaker offers miles of authentic rock & # 39; n & # 39; roll style.

With its silver diamond grille speaker grille and heavy, black rubberized housing, the Emberton looks like it has a guitar input jack somewhere (unfortunately not).

What it has is a single gold colored control panel, an LED power meter, and a bluetooth pairing button. A USB-C charging port on the right is the only input. It is used exclusively for power supply and not for playback.

The back isn't a cladding at all – it's another speaker grille. This is your first clue that the Emberton doesn't quite match most of the other bluetooth speakers you can find on Amazon.

At 24.6 ounces, it has quite a bit of weight despite its small size. That's probably a result of the battery Marshall used, but it also gives the Emberton a feel of real substance.

I like this, although you can comfortably carry it in one hand, it doesn't look or feel like a toy either.

The Emberton focuses effortlessly on its mission and is effortless to set up and use.

One small criticism: like many other ultraportable speakers, the Emberton could have benefited from a carry handle or strap. I realize this would have taken some of the amp-inspired look away from it, but sometimes function has to take shape.

Controls, connections and ease of use

Marshall Emberton "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/marshall-emberton-00009-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Marshall Emberton "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn6.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/marshall-emberton-00011-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Emberton, much like its massive big brother, the Tufton, does one thing and only one thing: you can connect a single Bluetooth source like a phone or tablet and play your favorite music.

Your other devices won't charge, it won't work as a speakerphone, you can't talk to Siri or Google Assistant, and you can't connect a non-Bluetooth device like an older iPod through an AUX input.

Yes, these would all be useful things, but once you focus on your mission, the Emberton is effortless to set up and use.

A long press on the large control panel turns on the speaker. If the bluetooth pairing mode doesn't go into immediately (which you can tell by the flashing red light above the bluetooth button), a long press on the bluetooth button will get you there.

Simply select the Emberton from the available Bluetooth devices on the control panel of your phone and off you go.

From there, open the music app of your choice (or a video app) and start playing.

The Emberton control panel takes on all important functions: play / pause, skip tracks forwards / backwards and increase / decrease volume. Like a well-designed game controller, the pad's action is smooth, effortless, and tactile, with a quiet but noticeable click for each command.

I wish it had two functions: multi-speaker pairing for stereo through two speakers … and bluetooth multipoint.

The 10-segment LED power meter gives a quick and yet very precise overview of how much juice is left. This is very important to me over other systems that use voice feedback or force you to consult your phone.

As much as I don't mind that Emberton focuses on just being a great bluetooth speaker, I wish it had two functions: multi-speaker pairing for stereo through two speakers (or just multiple speakers) and bluetooth Multipoint You can pair two Bluetooth sources at the same time.

JBL has been offering its products with multiple speakers for some time. This is a great way to upgrade the capabilities of such a portable speaker at low cost.

robustness

The Marshall Emberton is IPX7 rated, which means you can do pretty much anything you want to do with water exposure, including full immersion, as long as you don't push it too deep below the surface.

But the X in IPX7 means it's not designed for dust and dirt. As much as the Emberton may be an ideal poolside buddy, I don't recommend it for the beach or anywhere else where it could be exposed to a lot of small particles.

Marshall doesn't claim the Emberton's ability to survive a drop, but judging by its thick rubber skin and protected corners, I appreciate that it can handle minor mishaps with ease – and maybe even some major ones.

Battery life

Marshall EmbertonJBL Flip 5 (above) and Marshall Emberton Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Most portable Bluetooth speakers have a battery life of between 10 and 12 hours. To achieve significantly more, you'll need to spend at least $ 150 – which is no coincidence that the Emberton is paid for.

How can I suggest that the tiny, battery-powered Marshall Emberton deliver room-filling sound? Because it is so.

It can run for 20 hours on a full charge, and get another five hours on a 20 minute quick charge.

To put that in perspective, the popular $ 120 JBL Flip 5, which is similar in size, shape and features to the Emberton, can only last 12 hours – also with The $ 100 SRS-XB23 from Sony and the $ 150 Ultimate Ears Boom 3.

Sound quality

Marshall EmbertonSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

We use the term “room-filling sound” fairly liberally when we talk about speakers. When it comes to a product like the Sonos One, the Bose Smart Speaker 500 or the Pantheone I, this term applies in spades. So how can I suggest that the relatively small, battery-operated Marshall Emberton should provide room-filling sound?

Because it is so.

Thanks to its stereo drivers, each driven by a special 10 watt amplifier for a total of 20 watts of power, the Emberton can produce a really surprising amount of sound.

But it's not just loud – it's big. Place the Emberton in the front of your listening room and it creates an admirable balance between lows, mids and highs. This is something that other portable bluetooth speakers struggle with, especially at higher volume levels.

The JBL Flip 5 can get louder than the Emberton, but when it approaches its maximum setting, bass and treble march away from each other, leaving the midrange in a barren desert.

In contrast, the Emberton can maintain sound quality much better without distorting or becoming painfully sharp. At the same time, this little black box gets a real feeling of warmth – another area where portable speakers usually fall short.

The stereo separation isn't perfect – there's about four inches or less between the drivers, after all – but it's pretty decent. Much more notable is the ability to distribute sound evenly in a room.

The best way to appreciate this is to sit the Emberton in the middle of a room, or better yet, in the middle of a patio. With its double grille openings, it delivers almost a 360-degree sound field and practically guarantees that there isn't a bad seat in the room (or in the backyard).

Our opinion

While $ 150 is the most expensive for a highly compact Bluetooth speaker like the Emberton, it delivers the goods when it comes to sound quality and battery life, and it's difficult to evaluate Marshall's iconic guitar amp style.

Is there a better alternative?

I haven't found a $ 150 portable speaker that matches the Emberton's unique combination of style and sound, but for the same price Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is definitely worth a look. It doesn't work in stereo and its battery only lasts 15 hours, but its 360 speaker design sounds great, it's beach-grade with dust resistance, and it can be put into party mode to play with the other Ultimate Ears Bluetooth speakers synchronize.

How long it will take?

Zounds Industries – the company that licenses the Marshall name for consumer audio products – gives the Emberton a one-year warranty, which is standard on this type of device. Given the good construction of the Emberton, you will likely benefit from it for many years, even if the built-in battery gradually loses its full 20 hour life.

Should you buy it?

Yes. Despite some limitations, the Marshall Emberton is a great sounding and good looking portable bluetooth speaker with exceptional battery life.

Editor's recommendations




05 Mar
Blog

Jabra Elite 75t Review: Massive Bass From Tiny Buds

Jabra Elite 75t real wireless headphones

"With its excellent fit, comfort and battery life, the Elite 75t from Jabra are small but deliver a large bass."

  • Should fit most ears

  • Full, rich sound

  • Very light and convenient

  • Very portable

  • Outstanding call quality

  • Bass can be too much for some

  • No hands-free assistant option

  • Average battery life

The Jabra Elite 75t are the company's newest and best wireless earbuds. Originally planned for $ 200, Jabra lowered the price to $ 180 shortly before they hit the stores in November 2019.

This puts the Elite 75t in the middle of a crowded category: They are cheaper than a set of normal Apple AirPods with a wireless charging case, but more expensive than those who use a normal case. They're considerably cheaper than the Apple AirPods Pro, valued at $ 249, and yet are $ 20 to $ 30 more expensive than the Jabra Elite 65t, which the company plans to continue selling.

How does the Elite 75t stack up? Do they have enough features to justify a place in this exploding market and are they really as comfortable as Jabra has claimed? We put her to the test to find out.

Crazy comfort

It's true: the Elite 75t are extremely comfortable for real wireless earbuds. If you hate filling your ear canals with silicone, you won't magically become a fan of this sensation. But they're incredibly small, making them sit well in your outer ear and create less pressure in your ear canal to keep them there. Not only is this overall more comfortable, it may also give you the opportunity to enjoy real wireless earbuds if you're having trouble fitting other models.

Jabra Elite 75t real wireless headphonesRich Shibley / Digital Trends

Unlike most real wireless in-ear earphones, the Elite 75t doesn't come with ear fins – the tiny silicone tabs that anchor a bud and prevent it from popping out. This is because they are small and light enough not to need them. This ultra-low weight virtually eliminates the feeling of bulk that other earphones can create during intense activities such as running. They really go away as soon as you put them in your ears.

Big, bold bass

Given the small size of the Elite 75t, one thing I wasn't expecting was the huge, deep, and resonant bass. When I started it for the first time, I was surprised and started looking for the EQ settings in the Jabra Sound + app. The equalizer was not messed up – it was set to the flat factory profile. The bottom line is that the Elite 75t has been tuned to prefer low frequencies, sometimes at the expense of clear and detailed highs or clear mids.

They are perfect for watching movies – who needs a subwoofer when you have the Elite 75t?

For some listeners, this is a treat. You won't usually find real wireless earbuds with this kind of bombastic bass response. So if you've been looking for buds that can mimic the boom that is usually associated with large over-the-ear cans like Beats Studios, you're here. I will love the Elite 75t. For some genres like jazz and classical, this distinctive low-end warms the sound and lets you feel the deep vibrations of the bass, which is played in a confined space. They are perfect for watching movies – who needs a subwoofer when you have the Elite 75t?

Music fans with a preference for balanced and precise acoustics should look elsewhere. Even after playing extensively with the EQ settings, it was impossible to find a really neutral setting that would allow my favorite songs to be played without prejudice.

Pocket mates

Aside from the bass, one of the first things you notice about the Elite 75ts is how small they are and how small their charging case is. Both were significantly reduced from the 65t, which makes them perfect travel companions, whether you prefer bags or purses or whether you go to work or to training. You just have to look at the Amazon Echo Buds to see how well the Elite 75t fits in your pocket.

Jabra Elite 75t real wireless headphonesRich Shibley / Digital Trends

The charging case has a lid that snaps into place with a magnetic seal. Even if it should accidentally open, the earbuds are firmly magnetically locked, making it unlikely that the earbuds will get out of control. Fortunately, in this case, you can use the Sound + app to track the location of the Elite 75t and force it to howl high if it gets stuck in the recesses of a sofa or wallet.

I was glad to see the charging case updated to USB-C as this is pretty much the standard for all (non-iOS) phones now, but I would prefer the charging indicator to be in the front rather than the back.

The case isn't as easy to open with one hand as the original AirPods or the super cool Klipsch T5, but we doubt that this will be a deal breaker for everyone.

Push your buttons

Real wireless earphones usually use a variation of touch-sensitive surfaces or good, old-fashioned buttons. The Elite 75t chooses the latter – one on each earphone – and I really like them. They are easy to use, you know exactly whether you pressed them or not thanks to a satisfactory click, and it is much more difficult to accidentally trigger them.

Jabra Elite 75t real wireless headphonesRich Shibley / Digital Trends

You may need to put a few fingers on the side of your head for better click accuracy. However, I do the job of repeatedly tapping an earphone into my skull to stop my music. You get a wide range of activities – four actions per earbud – with single, double, triple and long clicks.

All important tasks are covered: play / pause, skip / track tracks, answer / end calls, turn HearThrough mode on / off, volume and voice assistant. The only downside is that you can't have a say in what each button does. Every earphone and click combination has a specific action, but Jabra tells us that an update to the Jabra Sound + app in 2020 will activate "MyControls", a function to customize the button function.

It is your call

Jabra has a long history of making Bluetooth headsets with excellent call quality, and the Elite 75t doesn't disappoint. The four-microphone array can easily handle a variety of environments, and callers found it easy to hear me (and me, them).

Frequent voice callers will appreciate that you can use both earbuds or just the right earbud to make and receive calls.

When I first tested the Elite 75t, I noticed the inability to hear itself while I was on the phone with two earbuds. It turned out that I had missed the "Sidetone" function, which enables just that. With the Sound + app, you can not only switch Sidetone on or off using the left earbud, but also adjust how much of your voice gets through. After trying it out, I'm happy to let you know that it works very well and makes the Elite 75t a great companion for phone calls.

Asked and answered

In a similar context, it is also very easy to make yourself heard when you speak to your preferred voice assistant. Pressing the right earphone button twice activates either Alexa or Siri (on iOS) or Alexa or Google Assistant (on Android). As practical as it is, my time with the Echo Buds has made me a hands-free Alexa addict, and I want to be able to call any voice assistant by simply asking for it.

There are many cases where it is more convenient and safer to keep your hands where they are. There may even be emergencies where you simply cannot reach your ears or your phone. If you can say, "Hey Google, call 9-1-1," it can save your life. Jabra, if you're listening, please consider this for the Elite 85t.

Good (not great) battery

Jabra claims that the Elite 75t can last 7.5 hours on a full charge. In our tests, in which the earphones were operated continuously at maximum volume, we were only able to use them for almost 7 hours. Many new real wireless earbuds that aren't made by Apple are better, but it's still a solid upgrade over previous generations, and all the more impressive considering their small size.

The charging case is suitable for almost three full charges, so that you have a total time of approx. 28 hours between the plug-ins. With the quick charge function, you can take an hour with just 15 minutes of charge.

Quite passive

A feature that is becoming increasingly common in real wireless earbuds is active noise cancellation. Sony has it. Apple's expensive new AirPods Pro have it. Even the budget-friendly Echo Buds have it. But the Elite 75t doesn't.

On the one hand, you could argue that these in-ear earphones don't really need them due to their almost complete noise isolation. Because the noise isolation is so good, HearThrough mode offers adjustable microphone sensitivity to make noise when you need to know your surroundings better (or to have your name heard by the barista at Starbucks).

Would noise cancellation be a nice addition? Yes. But you don't need it to enjoy the Elite 75t, especially at its price.

Our opinion

The Jabra Elite 75t is small, but very comfortable and is a good choice for small ears or for those who want to wear earphones for a long time – something that enables their battery life of 7.5 hours. Their bass-heavy EQ is impressive given its size – but not for everyone. Overall, it is a highly portable, high-quality set of real radio buds with user-friendly controls and excellent call quality.

Is there a better alternative?

If you don't mind a slightly larger bud and a battery life of just 5 hours, the Amazon Echo Buds offer more features and less bass-intensive sound for a very reasonable $ 130. If battery life is paramount, you should definitely consider the Samsung Galaxy Buds + for $ 150.

However, if you are an iPhone user, you need to check out the excellent AirPods Pro. They cost $ 70 more but offer amazing noise cancellation, great sound, and go perfectly with Siri. However, none of these earphones can keep up with the water and dust protection class IP55 of the Elite 75t and the excellent ergonomics. If you want even more protection from water, the Elite Active 75t will soon be available with protection class IP57 for $ 200.

How long will they last?

The Jabra Elite 75t has a two-year warranty that is above average. The water and dust resistance corresponds to protection class IP55. This suggests that in the long run, they're at least as robust (if not significantly more) than many of the other real wireless earphones out there.

Jabra's build quality is excellent and the battery is solid (for real radio buds anyway), so they should last for years.

Should you buy them

If you're a fan of bone-shaking bass, you've come to the right place – the Elite 75t are the real wireless earbuds for you. They are also a good choice if you are having trouble fitting the earbuds. If you're looking for a more balanced sound, the Elite Active 75t will be available shortly and offer a less bass-heavy EQ in addition to its better water resistance.

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