The Zebronics Sonic Pod 22 is a budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker that delivers surprisingly impressive audio quality and features. This review delves into the speaker's performance, examining its sound capabilities, build quality, battery life, and additional functionalities. We'll explore whether this compact powerhouse truly lives up to the hype of being the best Bluetooth speaker under $30. Expect a detailed analysis of its sound profile, connectivity options, and overall user experience, providing a comprehensive assessment of its value for money.From its sleek design and robust build to its powerful 8-watt speaker and extended battery life, we'll leave no stone unturned. We'll cover the impressive bass response, the customizable RGB lighting, and the convenient inclusion of a carrying strap. Ultimately, this review aims to help you determine if the Zebronics Sonic Pod 22 is the perfect portable audio companion for your needs, offering exceptional sound and features at an incredibly affordable price.
Pros And Cons
- Portable
- 8-watt output
- Customizable RGB LED lights
- Fabric finish protection (resistant to fingerprints and scratches)
- Compact and heavy build quality
- Lightweight (approx. 400g)
- Multiple connectivity modes (Bluetooth 5.3, TF card, USB, AUX)
- Inbuilt FM
- True Wireless Stereo (TWS) support
- Long playback time (up to 7 hours with LED on at 50% volume, up to 15 hours with LED off at 50% volume)
- Deep bass and clear sound (indoor)
- Loud sound (indoor and outdoor)
- No sound distortion at 100% volume
- Good loudness even at lower volumes (50%-60%)
- Battery capacity not specified
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Unboxing and First Impressions
The Zebronics Sonic Pod 22 arrived in a compact box showcasing the brand name, model number, and highlighting key features. The packaging was simple yet effective, promising a quick and easy unboxing experience. Inside, I found the speaker itself, along with a Type-C charging cable, an aux cable, and a user manual. The initial impression was one of portability and stylish design.
The speaker boasts a sleek, modern look. The build quality felt surprisingly robust, defying expectations for a budget-friendly option. The RGB LED light setup is a nice touch, adding a fun element to the overall aesthetics. The inclusion of a carrying strap is also a thoughtful addition, making it ideal for outdoor use.
Design and Features
The Sonic Pod 22 features a customizable RGB LED light show on the front, adding a vibrant visual element. The 8-watt speaker is protected by a fabric finish, enhancing its aesthetics and durability. The top panel houses the volume and track controls, while the rear panel includes the power button, multi-functional mode button, and ports.
The multi-functional button offers various controls such as switching connectivity modes, customizing the RGB lighting, and turning off the RGB lights completely. The rear panel also provides access to a TF card slot, a USB slot, an AUX port, and a Type-C charging port. The bottom features a passive radiator and rubber feet for stability.
Sound Quality and Performance
The 8-watt speaker delivers surprisingly powerful sound, exceeding expectations for its size and price point. The fabric finish helps maintain a clean look and prevents fingerprints and scratches. The bass response is impressive, delivering a rich and full sound. The clarity remains consistent even at higher volumes, with minimal distortion.
Whether used indoors or outdoors, the Sonic Pod 22 maintains a balance between loudness and clarity. The sound quality is comparable to higher-priced competitors, offering a remarkable audio experience for its price range. It's loud enough to fill a medium-sized room or outdoor space without sounding tinny or distorted.
Battery Life and Specifications
While the exact battery capacity isn't specified, the Zebronics Sonic Pod 22 offers impressive battery life. At 50% volume with the LEDs on, expect around 7 hours of playback. With the LEDs off, playback time extends to approximately 15 hours. This makes it ideal for long listening sessions, both indoors and outdoors.
Key specifications include Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless connectivity, a 10-meter wireless range, and multiple connectivity options (Bluetooth, TF card, USB, AUX). The speaker also supports True Wireless Stereo (TWS) pairing and is available in blue and gray color variants. The charging time is approximately three hours via the Type-C port.
Conclusion: Is it Worth Buying?
The Zebronics Sonic Pod 22 is a compelling portable Bluetooth speaker, especially considering its price point. Its surprisingly powerful sound, durable build, and long battery life make it a fantastic value. The extra features, such as the RGB lights and carrying strap, add to its appeal. The speaker's design is compact and stylish.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker that punches above its weight in terms of sound quality and features, the Zebronics Sonic Pod 22 is a strong contender. Its remarkable audio performance, combined with its portability and robust design, makes it a highly recommended option for anyone seeking a versatile and enjoyable listening experience. At under $30 it is an excellent value proposition.