Hello, friends! Portable speakers became fashionable a few years ago. And now they do not lose relevance. And manufacturers continue to offer new devices. Among the recognized world leaders is Harman with its JBL brand. In fact, these are the most popular speakers in the world. The only problem is that popularity was followed by an unpleasant consequence. This is an entry into the market of counterfeit products.
Today we are reviewing a device called JBL Charge 3. One of the popular speakers that sells well and also enjoys well-deserved popularity. We will try to answer in detail the main question - how to distinguish the original JBL Charge 3 from a fake, and what signs indicate a copy.
To understand this, you need to study the device itself, as well as the packaging, in detail. In some cases, you can already understand from the appearance of the box that the seller specializes in selling counterfeit speakers. This is an imitation of JBL, the real characteristics and capabilities of which do not come close to the real accessory.
Yes, JBL has a more extensive catalog, including speakers for cars. But today there is a bluetooth device in sight called JBL Charge 3. There is also an interesting Pulse series. And you shouldn’t forget about the release of the 4th generation Charge. Although in the case of Charge 4 there are not many fakes on the market. Apparently, scammers are still focusing on the most popular and popular version of Charge 3.
Barcode verification
ATTENTION! The correct barcode does not provide a 100% guarantee of the originality of the product. However, an incorrect barcode is a clear sign of counterfeit.
If you often go out into nature with friends or family to relax, then this vacation is probably not complete without musical accompaniment. However, the radio doesn't always play what you like, and modern phones run out of battery very quickly.
In this case, you can get a portable speaker - it has a built-in battery and excellent sound quality. Everyone will hear what kind of music you like. The most important thing in this matter is not to run into a Chinese analogue. Then all the advantages described above will disappear into the air like smoke from a fire.
One of the excellent acoustic options is the JBL Charge 3 portable speaker from Harman. It has two speakers, a capacious battery, and wireless connection. And thanks to its relatively light weight (about 800 grams), compact size and waterproofness, you can take it with you anywhere. This all applies to the original speakers. We cannot vouch for fakes.
Functional
The Chinese are very fond of cramming new functionality into their “crafts,” for example, playing from a flash drive or radio. Therefore, before purchasing, be sure to look at the functionality of the selected model on the official website and compare it with the functionality of the one you want to purchase.
The original JBL Charge 3 and 4 do not support playback from a flash drive, so if this is possible, this is a fake.
If you know other ways to distinguish a fake JBL from the original, share them in the comments.
How to distinguish a fake JBL Charge 3 by packaging
The packaging of a speaker can tell a lot. The main thing is to act step by step. Let's start from the front side:
- Let's look at the company logo located in the upper left corner of the box. The original logo also has the word “Harman” under the letters JBL. All this is drawn on the box itself. Whereas in a fake, the logo, in addition to being visually different, is simply pasted on the box.
- We look at the photo of the speaker on the front side of the box. The fake one does not have the JBL inscription on the orange square on the speaker. Everything is in the original.
Now let's look at the end sides of the package. There you can also see a lot of interesting things:
- On the side, located under the front of the box, the original contains all the information about the manufacturer, company representatives in our region, barcodes, serial number, quality control marks... This same side of the fake remains absolutely silent.
- The side ends of the boxes are also strikingly different. Not only the inscriptions, but also the quality of execution. The smooth, clear, durable side of the original versus the swollen, crooked side of the fake, on which the inscriptions also managed to go under the other end. The Chinese probably assembled this box manually for speed.
The backs of the boxes also have a significant difference. It lies in the lack of information about the characteristics of the fake speaker, while the original one is described in great detail. In addition, it contains a QR code and lists the equipment of the column.
Listen to Xtreme 2 for 430 and 99 rubles
The situation with Xtreme 2, as we said last time, turned out to be ugly. We ordered a fake Xtreme 2 from an online store, and then it turned out that they brought us a replica of the first Xtreme. We decided to compare both columns anyway.
For a long time, the guys could not connect their smartphone to a copy of JBL. Then it turned out that the column was paired with another, also fake. Wow! That is, from several such devices you can also create entire batteries of speakers connected to each other! Just like the originals. In the end, we figured it out and listened.
Denis
— It’s funny that the Chinese speaker’s emitters look cooler than the original’s: so shiny! I always take the speaker on vacation, and the Xtreme 2 is really heavy. You can't take one like this on vacation. If you're driving to the country in a car, then it's probably suitable for a disco near the grill. Well, the sound - yes, of course, the real one is better.
Timofey
“I’m still waiting for the bass that will resonate right in my chest.” Maybe here? There’s nothing even worth discussing about the copy; I feel sorry for 100 rubles for it. Yes, loud, but no quality. However, the original Xtreme 2 still doesn’t have enough bass for me.
Let's take a look inside the package
The internal contents of the original and counterfeit packaging are strikingly different. The following inconsistencies are worth noting:
- If the column with the components of the original box is covered with a cardboard board with the inscription Charge 3, glued with foam plastic on the bottom to better protect the contents from damage, then the manufacturers of the copy do not particularly take care of their brainchild - a small thin layer of cellophane and that’s it.
- Under the lid, the manufacturer placed a color photograph from a nightclub, although the box will be thrown away later. Manufacturers of counterfeits, guided by this argument, decided not to spend money on color printing.
- The fake speaker is wrapped in a thin cellophane bag without any drawings. But the copy is carefully sealed in a soft bag, which also contains warning notices.
The original speaker is also accompanied by instructions, adapters, covers for different sockets (Euro, American), charging block and cable.
Counterfeits are usually supplied with a black Chinese cable, charging unit, and jack wire.
conclusions
The JBL CHARGE 3 replica from aliexpress does not raise any complaints in terms of build quality and, most importantly, sound quality. A good battery provides long-term normal operation.
Several speakers can be connected into a single audio system.
The only negative that really exists is the insufficient reliability of the rubber plug; after all, the manufacturer positions the gadget as a waterproof speaker that can be used in water.
We can definitely conclude that the device is fully consistent with its price of 800 rubles thousand and above, so you can turn a blind eye to any flaws in the device itself and its operation; the original, of course, will not have all this.
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Speaker connectors
All speaker connectors are collected in one place and covered from external influences with a lid. In a fake, this cover is soft, does not hold its shape and always wants to cover the connectors.
The cover of the original column has two layers, which means it does not close on its own and provides a good seal.
If you manage to get to the place with the connectors in the speaker, then remember: the original speaker only has three holes: USB, micro-USB and a jack cable. The fake has four holes - it is also supposed to play a microSD card.
In addition, again the lack of inscriptions in the connector area indicates a fake. In the original connector, in addition to engraved inscriptions, there is a sticker with the serial number of the column.
Characteristics
| Sound | Stereo2.0 |
| frequency range | 65 Hz – 20000 Hz |
| Signal to noise ratio | 80 dB |
| Gross Power Output (RMS) | 20 W (2×10 W) |
| Speakers | 2 pcs |
| Material | rubber, metal, fabric finish IPX7 |
| Bluetooth support | There is |
| Battery operation | until 15:00 (declared) |
| Battery capacity | 6000 mAh |
| Entrance | 3.5mm audio |
| Ports | USB, micro USB |
| Dimensions | 213 x 87 x 89 mm |
| Weight: | 800 g |
| Compatibility | iOS, Android |
The difference is in the passive dynamics
Finally, let's look at the passive speakers on the sides of the speaker. What is important here is not so much their appearance as their mobility.
The fake speaker is made of shiny metal with ribbed tracks on it. They are quite deep and wide, they immediately catch the eye.
The speaker of the original is matte, and the applied tracks are so small and thin that they are visible only upon close inspection.
The quality of the speaker mounting in the original is soft, the speaker springs freely and smoothly when you press it.
The fake speaker is difficult to press and always slows down somewhere. We are not talking about smoothness and freedom of movement here. The quality of the material leaves much to be desired.
Of course, in order not to make all these comparisons, it is enough to purchase a speaker in a special store or from an official dealer.
I would also like to note that copies are always much lighter than the originals, they smell of “chemistry”, and they cost four times less.
Of course, if money is tight, you can buy a copy; the sound quality is also good. Especially if you haven’t listened to music from the original speaker before.
And for those who like to enjoy every note and nuance of a melody, our tips will come in handy.
Copies are many times more affordable than originals and there is no guarantee that the original will not crack on the same day. Well, there are minor differences in sound and build. The player itself is of great importance. If the player is crap, then no super acoustics will help. Take this factor into account, gentlemen. This speaker is intended for scuba diving. Why is it even needed underwater? An empty marketing ploy for which they cheat. They clung to the box that this box gives me aesthetic satisfaction, like a company... In general, I repeat, I don’t find any significant differences in sound, and there is no point in overpaying several thousand rubles for a “company”. Just like buying a “branded” rag, the quality is equal to a copy or other tailoring, overpaying large sums for the badge. My rating of the copy: good solid 4. A product of this profile is intended for country listening. To hold parties and discos, a completely different level of technology is required. Who wants to buy it too, here https://top-prodazh.com/charge-muz/?flow_hash=Int59, not an advertisement, but a verified site.
I completely agree with Serge, the original is a waste of money, I tested it on myself, bought the original, it didn’t work for six months, wasted a decent amount of money, the copy works for 2 years (it was given to my dad when he was 23), no complaints.
Beware of fakes
Due to the appearance on the Russian market of a large number of counterfeit products, which are fakes of original products under the JBL brand, we are starting to develop materials that will help customers protect themselves from buying counterfeit and counterfeit goods.
In this news, we will tell you how to distinguish the original JBL Charge 3 speaker from a fake copy, what you should pay attention to when receiving an order from an online store or when purchasing a product at a retail point of sale. Go!
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We are a repair service, we repaired what they brought to us, these speakers are usually not carried with boxes either! We don’t ask our clients where they bought it, and they themselves may not even know!
I’m writing for the smartest people and those who don’t know how to read comments or don’t know where to read:
The Chinese signed a contract with Harman for the entire electronic part of the column. They tore up the hulls themselves as best they could (in principle, they simplified them a little). As a result, their column has a lower cost. And it is profitable for the Chinese to make and sell them in huge quantities and for Harman to receive his share from this. Almost immediately, the prices indicated in the video became equal and everyone began to make a good profit. This is accurate information from my colleagues from the PF representative office.
Detailed comparison of JBL Charge 3 original and fake. Is it even worth buying the original at such prices if there is a quality copy 5 times more affordable? Which by the way sounds even a little better. Review of JBL Charge 3 original and fake. The speakers in the JBL Charge 3 wheeze, by the way, a typical problem in both the original and the copy.
Distinguish a fake from an original by appearance
Original JBL speakers have a number of external differences from fakes - color, shape, packaging.
The original column looks like this:
- The body is cylindrical in shape. Fomoy looks a bit like an elongated Pepsi can. It may be like a modified “barrel”.
- There is a logo on the side of the speaker itself - an orange rectangle with a white inscription “JBL” and a “!” icon. For fakes, this rectangle is smaller in size, the letters and icon are larger.
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How to distinguish an original JBL Charge 3 speaker from a fake. Comparison between the original and the fake.
0:25 - differences between the packaging of the original Charge 3 and the fake 3:20 - differences between the packaging set 4:51 - external differences between the original speaker and the fake 7:55 - Sound test of the original speaker and the fake
You can buy the original JBL Charge 3 speaker in our online store
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Differences between fake JBL speakers by packaging
The weight of counterfeit products is less. On the original box the logo is printed, but on the fake one there is a sticker in the same place, there is an orange rectangle on the column without an inscription.
The color of the column shown on the box is exactly the same as the color inside. But on fake ones it is always black, although there may be turquoise inside.
On the back of the box there is a description of the product parameters and its functions, text about bluetooth and the manufacturer in different languages. On the fake container, this text is only in English, there is no other information.
The top of the box has a matte embossing with the name of the device. The counterfeit has no embossing.
Top of the box
On the lid of the container there is text about the manufacturer, importer, barcode, device serial number, EAN code. All this is not indicated on fakes.
Inside the box, a color image is printed on the lid. There is an additional cover with the model name printed on it. The fake one is soft, there is no image, the black lid of the box is a cheap foam lining.
Is there a way out, or what to do if you bought something other than the original?
Despite the seemingly hopeless situation, all is not lost. If you are persistent and full of desire to take revenge on an unscrupulous seller, then we will tell you how you can achieve compensation for damage.
- You need to try returning the device to the store where you bought it and ask for a refund. To do this, you need confirmation in the form of a sales receipt, SMS or order confirmation email. In addition, some stores guarantee returns within 14 days.
- The second way to solve the problem is to file a claim for the sale of counterfeit products in duplicate. Give one to the seller and keep the other for yourself. Before doing this, you need to ask the seller to write on your copy that he accepted the claim, as well as his position, full name and signature.
- The most radical and final option is to sue the unscrupulous seller. Additionally, you can write a complaint to Rospotrebnadzor, the prosecutor's office and the internal affairs bodies that are responsible for counterfeit products. This option, although not fast, is most likely the only one that can truly punish the dishonest seller.
- It is also worth writing to the manufacturer of the original product by email. The company promises that it will sort out the store and help prevent its operation in the future, but, unfortunately, it is unlikely to be able to return the lost money.
Complete set of original and replica
All the contents of the box are neatly placed in transparent bags and in their places. Fake items are not packaged, everything is mixed up. The original package includes: instructions, adapters for various sockets, cable, charging unit, speaker, warranty card.
All accessories are orange.
The fakes have something similar to instructions - a piece of paper without a logo, the cable is carelessly tied with wire, there is only one adapter for the socket, there is a jack-jack wire. The color of the accessories is usually black rather than orange. Everything is made of low-quality plastic, with defects - sagging.
Listen to Flip 4 for 165 and 49 rubles
Timofey
— You can immediately see where the original is and where it is not. Still, I thought that there would be more bass than in the previous replica, but in reality not much. As for the original, it’s stupid to expect deep bass from such a baby, but again, comparisons with a fake are inappropriate.
Denis
— The Chinese JBL has its own logo, but how loose everything is! It makes sounds like my hoverboard. Maybe it's a hoverboard? The sound is a little better than the previous speaker, but not significantly. The original... Anyone who has never dealt with high-quality speakers will probably be surprised that this baby can produce such sound. Sounds great for its size!
Listen to BoomBox for 660 and 99 rubles
The guys laughed for about five minutes. Simply because they saw the real Boombox and its copy next to each other. Finally they pulled themselves together.
Denis
- Damn, JBL just instantly connects to the phone! You still need to tinker with the replicas. But there is also a minus - this sound of switching on and off. No matter how quietly you make it, next time it will still wake up the neighbors. You have to download an application, the only useful function of which is to turn off these sounds.
So, this fake thing costs 100 rubles, that is, the same as the original Clip 3? Honestly, I would buy a "lock". This Boombox is larger, but it sounds worse, in principle, like the previous Xtreme replica. But I also have questions about the original. Why such a big column? It is portable, rather conditionally, you cannot take it with you, it must be transported by transport. Or leave it at the dacha. So you arrive, and it’s already there, and you don’t have to carry it from the well to the barbecue. But it’s expensive, I wouldn’t pay 600 rubles for a column.
Timofey
— Finally, some more or less deep bass has appeared (we’re talking about the original. — Onliner’s note)! If you don’t have any special audiophile claims to sound, then you can take it to the dacha. Or if it's a party. You know how they used to arrive, open the trunk, and there was a DJ console, everything. Now you can take this thing to a picnic. The lows sound in it! But for one or two it’s really hard.
