Portable speakers from JBL are quite popular at the moment. Flip models are considered one of the most successful in the manufacturer’s product line. They are in the middle price segment and are necessary to provide a person with music at any time of the day. Last year, the fourth generation of this model was introduced.
Currently, three similar columns compete with each other. We are talking about the mini JBL 168, Charge 3 and Flip 4. A comparison of the last two devices will be given later in the article.
Price, dimensions and weight
Let's start with the fact that the Charge 3 speaker can be purchased for 8,000 rubles. on average, but Flip 4 will cost much less. Most often it is sold for less than 6 thousand rubles.
The height of the latter is 19 mm less when compared with the other described column. As for the driver, the Flip 4 has a 40mm driver size. His opponent has 45 mm. A driver is a device that reproduces sound through a speaker. The larger this part, the more powerful the bass will be.
As for the width, everything is clear from the photographs. The Flip 4 is thinner than the Charge 3 at 38mm. Its figure is 175 mm versus 213 mm. The Flip 4 is thinner. Only 70 mm. His opponent has a thickness of 18 mm. When it comes to weight, the Flip 4 wins here. It is 285g lighter than its opponent. Charge 3 weighs 800 g.
How long does the charge last?
Knowing how long a JBL speaker should be charged raises the next question - how long can it work in autonomous mode. This time also depends on a number of factors:
- Battery capacity.
- The volume at which the user listens to music.
- Continuous listening time when the load is maximum.
In the operating instructions, the manufacturer most often states 15 hours of operation with a capacity of about 6000 mAh. In this case, the operating volume and other parameters are not taken into account. In practice, actual autonomy is lower and barely reaches 12 hours if you listen at only a third of the volume. If you turn on the device at 100%, the operating time is reduced to 4 hours. In other words, the JBL speaker lasts from 4 to 12 hours, depending on how you use it.
Interestingly, some JBL speakers with a lower capacity can withstand the same time as more advanced models. But here a lot depends on the technical “stuffing”.
Now you know how long it takes to charge a JBL speaker, and what this parameter depends on. Always look at the manufacturer's recommendations and follow the recommendations in the article. In the comments, tell us how long this process takes on your device, how you control this work, and how much battery capacity lasts.
Control
The described devices have a control panel that is built into the design itself, which is convenient. Thanks to this, it can be easily accessed at any time. Also, thanks to this solution, it is possible to control the volume of the speaker using a wireless device.
A detachable cable is only available in Flip 4. Thanks to this, you can disconnect the cable at any time if it breaks or if necessary, move the speaker. Also, if you pull the cord, it will not be damaged, but will simply fly out of the equipment’s socket.
Sound
Trying to understand which is better - JBL Charge 3 or Flip 4, we should also talk about sound quality. Both models have built-in stereo speakers. Due to this, the sound is quite rich and impressive. Both devices received an active speaker. It is built directly into the design. This amplifier helps you get better sound. Therefore, completely different playback sources can be used with speakers.
Continuing to decide which is better, JBL Charge 3 or Flip 4, we need to talk about frequency characteristics. Which device is the leader in this matter? Low frequencies, that is, bass, will be much richer and stronger in Flip 4. Charge 3 has this indicator at 65 Hz, while Flip 4 has 70 Hz.
additional characteristics
Both devices operate Bluetooth version 4.1. They are also equipped with a passive radiator. It looks like a regular driver. However, it does not have any filling. Thanks to this radiator, you can reproduce deep bass. Its sound output is basically the same as most speakers. Unlike a regular driver, this heatsink is slightly smaller.
It is quite difficult to decide whether to choose the JBL Charge 3 or Flip 4, so we should continue with the comparative characteristics. The devices are also weatherproof. There is a special input that allows you to play content from various sound sources. It is enough to connect to a regular port.
As for the number of drivers, both devices have two of them.
These models can also be used wirelessly. They have a battery that needs to be charged. The devices are equipped with a special indicator. He notifies about discharge. The audio output power depends on the number of speakers and is calculated in watts. The higher this indicator, the louder and clearer the sound. And which is better in this matter: JBL Charge 3 or Flip 4? The first option wins, since its indicator is 20 W.
The devices have USB connectors, as well as a special noise-canceling microphone. The highest frequency is 20 thousand Hz for each of the described devices.
The microphone is well tuned and has a noise reduction function. The Flip 4 comes with a special bag. It allows you to transport the device. These devices have the same signal to noise ratio. It is 8 dB. The Charge 3 speaker is protected from water and dust. The warranty period for both devices is one year. There is no microphone jack on the speakers. The latter device does not have a noise cancellation feature.
She looks cool
The fourth generation Flip is difficult to distinguish from its predecessor at first glance. The dimensions, weight and appearance have remained almost unchanged - Flip 4 has become a little heavier, and the side emitters have only changed their appearance slightly. But that doesn't mean the speaker looks bad. The design justifies itself and in this case there is no need to invent a bicycle, so I understand the decision to leave everything as is.
As before, the main frame is made of rubberized plastic that is pleasant to the touch, and the rest of the body is fabric. Unlike the metal mesh in the Pulse series, this option allows you to keep the speaker tidy and not wrinkled. When dropped, the fabric base does not deform, and it is not afraid of dust and dirt getting in, because you can just take a brush and simply clean the speaker under running water.
The Flip line does not have a special stability platform, like the Charge, for example. The speaker just needs to be placed on the table, and it will automatically take the correct position due to the small frame protrusion at the bottom. But in a horizontal position, controlling playback becomes not very convenient due to the location of the buttons on the back - you need to turn the device over every time you want to change the track or turn up the volume. In this case, I simply place Flip vertically on one of the side glasses.
Battery
As for the battery capacity, the Flip 4 has 3 thousand mAh, and the second column has 6 thousand. On average, the Flip 4 charges faster. In just three and a half hours, it goes from 0 to 100%. The second device will be charged to maximum in 4 hours. However, we must not forget that the latter has a larger battery capacity. These indicators are relevant not only for the models described, but also for comparing JBL Flip 3 vs JBL Charge 2 Pluse. The latter is also in the lead.
How to track your charge level
Many questions concern how to properly monitor the capacity level while the JBL speaker is charging. This can be done in several ways:
- Color indicator. Most often, while the JBL Charge 4 or other models are charging, the red light is on. Once the battery reaches full capacity, the LED color changes to green.
- Flashing LED. The second option that allows you to determine how much to charge the JBL speaker is a light indicator. While it is flashing, charging is in progress. As soon as it begins to glow with an even white light, the device can be disconnected from the power supply.
- By phone/tablet. When you connect a wireless device via Bluetooth, you can see an image of the battery and understand how charged it is. It will not be possible to obtain exact information in percentages, but approximate indicators will be available. Please note that the two devices must be paired.
- Using the application. If your phone/tablet has special software, you can control the charge level using its information. An example is JBL Portable software: Formally named JBL Connect. After logging in, you will see that the device is charging and what level it is.
If none of the proposed options is suitable, you need to know how long it takes to charge a JBL Go or another model speaker. If such information is available, take the following steps:
- Turn off the device completely.
- Connect it to the charger.
- Make sure there is power (optional).
- Wait for the period specified by the manufacturer and add 20% to it.
- After the specified period has expired, turn off the device from the power supply.
For example, if, according to the manufacturer, the JBL speaker takes 5 hours to charge, let it stand for 6 hours, and then turn it off. This should be enough to get maximum autonomy.
JBL Flip 4
Trying to understand which device is better, you should conduct a separate review of the JBL Flip 4 wireless speaker. This device has a mirrored surface of the radiators. The keys that are built into the device are edged and slightly recessed into the body. The device can easily withstand immersion in water for up to 30 minutes. If we talk about sound, this model has well-developed frequencies. The lows and highs have become as saturated as possible, and the problems with playing the mids, compared to the previous Flip 3 speaker, have disappeared. On some songs there is a slight deviation from the sound, but it is not critical. The volume level is also quite good.
Overall, this device is quite good, especially the ability to work wirelessly, so the device can become a reliable travel companion. However, it will not claim to be the best in this segment. Unfortunately, the device is available only in some color shades, so not all consumers like this lack of individuality. It should also be noted that the sound is not bad for its segment, but when compared with some more expensive analogues, the described device is noticeably inferior. But still, many are pleased with the attractive price, which makes this speaker stand out from the crowd of others. In principle, it should be said that the device undoubtedly deserves attention from the buyer, so it can be recommended for purchase. To understand which is better JBL Flip 4 vs JBL Charge 3, you should consider the second column.
Rules for charging a portable jbl speaker
The jbl portable speaker operates for 16 hours of continuous sound without a battery - one of the main advantages of the device. Naturally, if you use a music source at maximum volume, the battery life will drop to 5 hours. After using the speaker for a long time, it needs to be charged, but this must be done correctly.
For music speakers, lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries are used, which are commonly used in equipment, for example, in a player or tablet, but the charges of the devices are different. Therefore, the process must be carried out with equal power, for example, from a computer, laptop or outlet.
Connection to power occurs via a USB adapter cable. Most often, jbl charge uses microUSB ports, so you will need the appropriate cable that comes with your smartphone or tablet. It is important not to turn on the speaker so that it charges faster. It is also important to follow the following rules:
- Do not use the music device at the highest volume during the process, even if charging is carried out through a stationary PC. If you need to turn on the speaker during the process, you should reduce the volume to a minimum.
- Do not use the speaker at the highest volume all day long if the source for charging the device is far away. Otherwise, the battery will be discharged and will take five hours to charge.
- Switching the power source from the PC-loaded current to the battery device using a cable, turn off the speaker and wait 5 minutes before turning it on. Otherwise, his work will be spoiled.
- Using the speaker for the first time, wait until it is completely discharged and turned off, and then charge it for 60 minutes before turning on the power.
- Do not charge jbl in places close to water. Possible fire.
- To maintain the performance of the speaker, you should charge it once every six months, even if you do not plan to work with it.
Note! If the temperature is too low or too high, the battery charge level will stop for safety reasons. Also, when charging for an excessively long time, it stops, showing orange flashing. To make the speaker stop blinking, you need to unplug the cable and cool the jbl a little. Then you can turn it on again at temperatures up to 35 degrees.
JBL Charge 3
This device has a fairly large battery, all other characteristics are also good. In addition, a special security protocol is built in. It allows you to take the speaker into the sea or into the pool. The device is sold in a small cardboard box with a matte finish. The package contains instructions, a cable for the power adapter and the speaker itself with other documentation (warranty card, certificate, etc.). If we compare it with the previous model, it should be noted that there is no special protective case. It was abandoned because the column became insensitive to moisture.
The design is quite interesting, as the device is sold in a large number of colors. Anyone can choose the one that suits their taste specifically. As for the sound, it should be said here about the highest level of the frequency range. The bass is excellent, the mids don't let you down, the highs are reproduced perfectly. This model can easily be called one of the best in the price segment. Also, the volume reserve here is quite large. In general, this speaker is enough to listen to music in a room of up to 40 square meters. When the sound level increases, its quality is not distorted: there are no defects or rattling.
Equipment
The device is packaged in a branded cardboard box and is secured with magnets.
The inside is covered with foam rubber to protect against external damage during transportation.
Such thoughtfulness on the part of the manufacturer allows the user not to worry about delivery, for example from an online store.
Column colors
Your purchase will be safe and sound. The box itself shows some characteristics, by which you can immediately determine what functions this device has.
Branded packaging
JBL Flip 4 speaker system comes with instructions for use in different languages, a safety data sheet, a coupon with a 1-year warranty from the manufacturer, as well as a proprietary Micro-USB cable with the company logo for charging the battery.
Each element is packaged in separate boxes, and the acoustics themselves are in a protective cell.
Branded charging cable
The kit includes a matching strap, which is attached to a special loop on the equipment itself. This addition serves as a small insurance when using the speaker without a stable platform; it allows you to wear it on your hand like a bracelet, you can hang it on a hook, attach it in a car, or think of another location for it.
Full set
