JBL's Latest Offering: A Comprehensive Review of the Flip 2 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

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In today's increasingly wireless world, portable audio solutions have become an absolute necessity for music lovers on-the-go. Amongst this sea of compact speakers vying for attention is JBL's latest offering - the Flip 2 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker.

With a price tag starting at just Rs. 5,400 in India (as of writing), one might be forgiven to question whether this budget-friendly option can indeed hold its own against more established brands like Bose and Altec? Let us dive into our comprehensive review to find out!

Design & Build

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At first glance, the Flip 2's sleek design immediately catches your eye. Constructed from durable rubberized plastic that provides excellent resistance against minor bumps and scratches, this compact speaker measures just 8 inches long x 5 inches wide x 3.25 inches tall - making it easily pocketable enough to toss into any bag or backpack without worrying about damage.

The top surface features a simple yet functional design with large playback controls on the right-hand side including volume up/down buttons as well as a power button nestled discreetly beneath them; above these lies an equally generous 3-inch driver that pumps out surprisingly clear and bass-heavy sound considering its size. Around back, you'll find standard connectivity ports such as Micro-USB charging jack (for recharging via wall outlet), microSD card slot for expandable storage up to 32GB.

Connectivity & Performance

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Now onto what really matters - audio performance! The Flip 2's Bluetooth v3.0 + EDR technology ensures seamless pairing with compatible devices within range of around 30 feet (9 meters). Once connected, music streams wirelessly without any noticeable skips or dropouts even during vigorous movement.

The speaker itself packs an impressive array of features for its class including aptX audio codec support for lossless wireless playback at resolutions up to 24-bit/48kHz; Bluetooth profiles such as A2DP v1.3 (for stereo sound) and AVRCP (for track skipping). Unfortunately, there's no built-in Wi-Fi or NFC connectivity options available.

In terms of actual performance, we were pleasantly surprised by the Flip 2's ability to deliver surprisingly robust yet detailed audio considering its compact size - especially when cranked up loud. Bass response was impressively solid given the speaker's diminutive dimensions too; only occasionally did it start sounding slightly mushy or overpowered at maximum volume levels.

Battery Life

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One area where many portable speakers often fall short is battery life, but thankfully JBL has thoughtfully equipped the Flip 2 with a long-lasting Li-ion cell that claims up to an impressive 8 hours of playback on a single charge. In our real-world tests however, we managed to eke out around 6-7 hours of continuous music streaming at moderate volume levels before needing another top-up - still respectable considering its price point.

Verdict

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In conclusion, the JBL Flip 2 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker represents an excellent value proposition for those seeking a compact yet capable portable audio solution without breaking the bank. While it may not quite match up to more premium offerings from brands like Bose or Altec in terms of sheer sound quality or feature set; its rugged build construction, decent battery life and competitively priced asking price make it well worth serious consideration by anyone looking for an affordable alternative on-the-go.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Recommendation:

- Perfect for casual music enthusiasts who prioritize portability over audiophile-grade sound.

- Great option for beach or pool parties where water resistance is a must-have feature (IPX4 rating).

- Not ideal for serious audiophiles seeking absolute sonic fidelity.

Competitor Comparison:

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* Bose SoundLink Mini II: More expensive (£149 vs £99), but offers slightly better sound quality and longer battery life.

* Altec Lansing VSOP-XELM2: Cheaper option at just £69, but compromises on build & features compared to the Flip 2.

Jbl flip 2 speaker