JBL Flip 4 review: powerful speaker system in your pocket

JBL Flip 4: Sound OK

In the Sound Quality test category, the JBL Flip 4 earned a score of 76.6 points. Moreover, this credit discipline makes up 50% of the total grade. Specially trained testers determine the sound quality of Bluetooth speakers using songs from various genres.

The editor can only judge how well the songs are played if he knows all the tracks from the playlist well. If all frequencies are reproduced cleanly and accurately, then we can say that the Bluetooth speakers have good sound. Many of these devices are not particularly convincing with their bass, as they often sound distorted. High volume levels enhance this effect.

In addition, the high frequencies must sound clear and sparkling for the speaker to receive a good rating for sound quality. They shouldn't be harsh. The balance between bass, mids and highs is also important. The width of the frequency range should also not be too narrow.

JBL Flip 4 review: powerful speaker system in your pocket

Equipment and design: music even under water

The device is packaged in a branded bright box that closes with magnets.
So when purchasing, you don’t have to worry about the safety of the gadget during transportation. Inside, everything is located conveniently and ergonomically - each element is in its own cell. In addition to the speaker itself, the box contains instructions and other documentation, a proprietary micro-USB charging cable without an adapter (apparently, it is assumed that charging will be carried out from other devices) and a strap to match the boombox. The latter turns out to be extremely convenient to use - you can use it to hang the speaker in any convenient place or even on your wrist.

Creative music lovers will have plenty to choose from when choosing a speaker - the standard set of colors includes five shades, and there are also limited-edition patterned ones. Otherwise, the appearance is similar to the previous model in the line: the same compact cylinder with a rubberized finish.

All elements are thought out and arranged in such a way as to facilitate use. The control buttons (volume, track on and off) are large and convenient; on the back, the manufacturer has placed LED indicators with which you can find out the battery charge level. Nearby are slots for cable connections, covered with a protective membrane.

The device supports the ability to synchronize with other speakers and there is also a separate button for this.

Testing JBL Flip 4 in sand and water

In accordance with the IPX 7 standard, the entire body is protected from dust and water, so the portable boombox can be used both outdoors and on the beach - the accessory can easily withstand heavy rain or submersion under water for half an hour.

Two speakers with high-quality sound

There are two stereo speakers installed inside the device. The 40mm drivers produce quite powerful bass. This is not surprising, because even when compared with the previous Flip 3 model, you can see that the Flip 4 has a slightly larger range of supported frequencies (minimum 70 Hz in the “four” versus 80 Hz in the “three”).

There is a slight lack of mid and high frequencies. Tracks that feature multiple complex musical instruments play somewhat chaotically.

Since the dimensions suggest using the speaker on trips and in open areas, there are no problems with playback volume. If you increase the volume to its maximum value, the side speakers will not hiss or wheeze - they will perfectly convey the complexity and beauty of musical compositions. The sound of mid and high frequencies also does not cause any significant complaints.

Merge up to 100 columns

The Connect+ function can improve the situation, allowing you to combine up to 100 audio systems into one. Moreover, it is in JBL Flip 4 that some changes have occurred: JBL Connect+ only works with new speaker models, and it is now impossible to combine with Flip 3 or Charge 2.

Connect+ working example

The accessory supports Bluetooth 4.2, thanks to which the speaker can be synchronized with a smartphone.

The microphone allows you to use the speaker as a loudspeaker - the voice will be quite clear and understandable.

The average range is 6-10 meters: even through several walls, the boombox can easily play a song. This will help you play a track from your phone or even take an incoming call - the device has a microphone.

Battery: up to 12 hours of continuous sound

Inside the design there is a non-removable 3000 mAh lithium-ion battery. Compared to the previous model, its volume was slightly increased, which had a positive effect on battery life.

Now you can listen to music at maximum volume for 12 hours without having to worry about recharging.

If the volume is reduced a little, the operating time will increase. For example, at minimum volume you can expect not 12, but 16 hours.

The kit includes a charging cable, but if necessary, you can charge the gadget using POWERBANK. So you can safely take the speaker on a hike or on a long trip into nature.

Bottom line: one of the best models in its price category

JBL Flip 4 does not represent anything innovative - all the available features have long proven their reliability and usefulness. So the hero of this review will simply become an indispensable assistant on trips and adventures. Nevertheless, the model has a significant advantage: a fairly low price. The starting price of the speaker was only 6,000 rubles, which is really profitable with such a set of options.

JBL Flip 4 Specifications and Test Results

JBL Flip 4. Portable speaker review

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The first thing that really deserves attention in this device is its amazing reliability, which the manufacturer managed to combine with a very affordable price.

However, there was a “fly in the ointment” that could cool the ardor of many music lovers. It is expressed in some shortcomings regarding the reproduction of the mid-frequency range. But let's not rush things and get ahead of ourselves and consider everything in order, so:

Key benefits:

• amazing structural strength;
• very affordable price tag;
• a huge amount of low frequencies.

Key disadvantages:

• some dips in the midrange;
• limited choice of colors.

For most modern people, going on vacation outside the city turns into something like a technical mission, which without a lot of different gadgets is very, very difficult, if not impossible.

A more or less decent portable speaker is far from the last position on this list, and the JBL Flip 4 is a very, very successful contender for this role.

With a cost for the international market of one hundred US dollars, the speaker falls into the category of relatively inexpensive solutions, leaving most of its competitors behind.

The accessory is enclosed in a stylish, cylindrical body, made in full compliance with the requirements of the IPX7 standard (splash protection), which allows you to use it to sound a small pool party, a country picnic or a cocktail party.

The solution is quite good, but moisture resistance alone may not be enough to conquer this market segment.

Design

Are you actively looking for a wireless speaker with an original appearance? You will have to continue them further, since the hero of today’s review seems to have stepped out of the pages of a manual on creating Bluetooth speakers with a stereotypical appearance.

Almost all design elements are completely subordinated to functionality, from the shape of the case to the rubberized finish, which allows you to transport and use the accessory in any weather conditions.

However, some lack of originality is more than compensated for by the features of the case, which, thanks to the use of a special fabric-based material in its construction, demonstrates a high level of strength, transmits the sound produced by the speaker without any distortion and reliably protects the internal structural elements from the penetration of dust particles and garbage. This allows you to easily throw the speaker into a backpack or bag and not be too fussy with it, being, for example, on the beach.

Sufficiently large and convenient keys for controlling the playback process and a button responsible for synchronizing with audio sources provide a very comfortable mode of user interaction with the audio accessory, and the very compact dimensions of the case allow you to use the speaker even when your hands are shaking after another swim or covered with a layer of dirt.

On the rear panel there is a group of five LED indicators that allow you to judge the remaining battery level and another hardware key designed to implement the Connect+ function, which allows you to combine up to hundreds of compatible devices into a single audio system of incredible power. The AUX and MicroUSB ports, as well as the charging connector, are hidden with a special waterproof cover. Completing the picture of the total superiority of practicality over aesthetic delights is a portable cord attached to the top of the speaker, which makes it possible to hang the speaker anywhere where a spontaneous party is planned.

Potential buyers have a choice of six different colors: black, which has long become a classic, white, which is not entirely suitable for long trips, as well as grey, green, red and blue.

Needless to say, shades that are much more suitable for parties on the beach than to harmonize with the interior of the living room.

Functionality and sound

If we have some complaints about the design, the sound quality of the Flip 4 evokes extremely positive emotions that you want to experience again and again.

Yes, this is not the highest quality sound on the market, but taking into account the dimensions and cost of the device, it looks, or rather listens, more than worthy! In particular, the low frequencies are quite dense, without any clipping or distortion. Moreover, their quality remains consistently high, regardless of the volume level.

There is a certain lack of “middle”, but it is of a rather subjective nature, the vocals are good, but not as “piercing” as we would like (which, incidentally, is also very, very subjective). Complex compositions with a large number of instruments are reproduced somewhat chaotically, especially in the midrange.

The volume headroom is beyond praise: even if you turn it up to maximum, the coherent work of the bass radiators will be heard as clearly as before. Let us repeat, this is far from the most ideal sound in this segment, but it can easily cope with filling a small room and is perfectly perceived outdoors.

Among other things, you can easily synchronize several mobile devices with the accessory at the same time and play music from them in turn, which will make it possible, for example, to take into account the preferences of several of your party mates at once. You can also use the Bluetooth microphone feature to answer incoming calls.

If we talk about battery life, the device also demonstrates excellent results for its segment in this component and is capable of continuously playing music for twelve hours without additional charging. This is achieved by a 3000 mAh battery.

What's the bottom line?

The clear predominance of functionality and practicality over the aesthetic component makes the Flip 4 simply a good, high-quality wireless speaker that can become a reliable companion on your adventures, without any special claims to the title of the best device in its niche. Just high-quality sound combined with reliability and nothing more.

Taking into account all of the above, the “all-weather” design begins to play almost the leading role in this combination of lack of individuality and mediocre midrange performance, and the overall sound quality is naturally inferior to some slightly more expensive analogues.

However, a fairly attractive price sets this device apart from a fairly large number of competing products and allows it to confidently take its place in the top five best portable speakers for “not much money.” Conclusion: the accessory definitely deserves attention and may well be recommended for purchase.

We thank the iCases store for kindly providing the column for review.

Column appearance

Externally, the fake column is made quite well. It can easily be confused with the original Flip 4 at first glance. But if you look closely, you will notice that:

• The fake speaker has a button "telephone"(there is no such icon on the original column);

  
  Phone icon on fake Flip 4

• in weight ;
• On a fake speaker, the body does not come into contact with the fabric in all places;
• The original speaker has external speakers Exclamation point, the fake has a poorly printed JBL sign.

  
  There is an exclamation mark on the speaker of the original Flip 4 speaker (left)

Comparison table of the FLIP acoustic series

Battery

Compared to previous models, the capacity of the lithium-ion battery has increased to 3000 mAh, which makes it possible to extend continuous sound up to 12 hours at above-average volume.

To fully restore the battery charge, a three-hour recharge using a USB cable is enough.

Another privilege is that you can charge with POWERBANK, which is very convenient, for example, on hiking trips or long trips, on vacation outside the city or in the forest.