Hello!
Not long ago, I needed to perform in front of a small audience using a video presentation. The sound power of the laptop's built-in speakers was inadequate, and I had to buy a portable speaker. Until that moment, I had never had such an accessory, since I could not think of a scenario for its use.
Now, after some time, I would like to share with you the experience of using a portable speaker.
Before continuing, I would like to say one thing. The purpose of my articles is not to tell you about new products, not to tell you about uncontested solutions in the world of sound. The goal is to find a good solution for the mass consumer in each category for the minimum money. In other words, a smart choice without exaggerated requirements.
Choice
At the moment, there is a huge number of inexpensive external acoustics on the market, ranging from famous brands to 'Uncle Liao's basement offices'. External speakers differ in operating time, design, capabilities, functionality and, of course, sound quality.
First, a few words about why Samsung. Since I did not have an external speaker before, the first thing I was guided by was a familiar brand. The second is the appearance. There was no goal to buy the device with the best sound. In this regard, Samsung Level Box mini hit the mark. The only thing that confused me was the color. But alas, at the time of the visit to the store, there were no other flowers on sale, just as there was no time to look for other points of sale.
Therefore, I got the red column.
The site has already had a review of the senior device of the Level Box series from Sergey Kuzmin. In my case, the review is the youngest representative of the Level box line from Samsung.
Completion and appearance
The device comes in four colors.
The speaker comes in a white cardboard box with an outer casing that lists basic information about the device.
In addition to the speaker itself, the kit contains only a charging cable and a quick guide. Actually, the very minimum.
The column case is made of perforated metal with a plastic top on which the controls are located, and a rubberized base, thanks to which the device does not slip.
From the controls on the top there are buttons for start / stop / start S-Voice, increase / decrease the volume, as well as an on / off button. In addition, there is an nfc area, which allows you to start pairing the speaker to the phone using this protocol, simply by holding the phone to this area. On the back surface there is a charging connector, a connector for connecting a speaker using a standard audio / Jack 3.5 connector, as well as a pairing start button Bluetooth.
That's probably all of the controls.
The appearance of the column seemed to me laconic, strict and versatile, while not having sharp edges and catch. That is why the choice was in favor of the Samsung Level Box Mini.
Functional
The device can act not only as a music source. The column can act as a speakerphone, as well as read out the notifications coming to the connected phone and perform some voice commands. To do this, you must use a companion program that can be downloaded from the app store. I used most of the additional functions of the column for informational purposes only, since I do not see any point in them for myself.
The program displays device data, for example, the current battery charge, which, alas, is not very informative – it is impossible to customize the display of percentages, only a graphical version. The volume of the device is regulated independently of the volume of the bluetooth connection. This can be done both in the program and on the speaker case.
Voice quality in headset mode is average or slightly below average. The interlocutors complain about a dull sound, like from a barrel, and often ask again. For this parameter – minus.
Working hours
The device is equipped with a 1600 mAh battery. At first glance, this is very little. But only at first glance, since the operating time is a parameter that surprised me. The manufacturer claims up to 25 hours of audio playback, up to 30 hours of talk time and up to 1000 hours of standby time. And you know, I believe in these numbers. My scenario for using the speaker is an additional source of sound when watching videos and films. The column is always paired with a laptop and is always on. In this mode, the battery lasts for 8-9 days, subject to 2.5-3 hours of sound per day. I took the column with me on a three-day business trip – I didn't have to charge it. I think this is a definite plus.
Sound
The most important parameter.
The speaker has a juicy, but slightly dull sound. At the same time, the volume and quality are very dependent on the source. When connected to a laptop, the volume is noticeably higher than when connected to a smartphone.
The speaker is capable of providing sound to a small room of about 20-25 square meters, provided that it is relatively quiet there. When using the built-in equalizer, when setting the maximum bass level, the device begins to choke.
It is impractical to talk about the quality of high, middle or low frequencies in such a device. I will only say that a dark sound predominates with a clear bias in low frequencies, which is great for watching movies, which is what I basically do with this speaker. She copes with this task perfectly. For such a compact body, the speaker is unexpectedly loud and vociferous. Another feature is that you can hear it in any part of the apartment, even if you do not set a high volume.
Based on the foregoing, the main scenario for using the speaker is bedside mode as an additional sound source for a laptop or tablet, in the event that the power of the built-in speakers of your device is not enough. I would not dare to take her to nature. Firstly, there is no protection against water, and secondly, in a noisy place the volume may not be enough.
Conclusion and conclusions
The column went on sale for a long time. At the moment, it is not easy to find it on store shelves. The average cost is 4500-5000 rubles. At the same time, some stores periodically arrange sale of the leftovers at reduced prices (about 2500 rubles).
I managed to get it at a sale in the MTS online store for 1990 rubles.
For 4500-5000 I would not buy it, but for 2000-2500 it will be an excellent purchase, which you will definitely not regret. Probably, if you search, you can find a large number of alternatives for comparable or even less money. Not the fact that the functionality will not be poorer, but still. Therefore, if you have options for replacement, please write in the comments which manufacturer and which model of portable acoustics for comparable money would you prefer to the hero of today's review?