The Zebronics Sonic POD 22 Bluetooth speaker promises big sound on a budget, and our review delves into whether it delivers. This compact speaker boasts a surprising array of features for its price point, including multiple connectivity options, a built-in FM radio, and even an LED light show. We put it through its paces, testing its sound quality, battery life, and ease of use to determine if it truly earns the title of "best Bluetooth speaker under ₹1000."This in-depth review examines the Sonic POD 22’s unboxing experience, its design and controls, the quality of its audio output across various volume levels, and its overall performance in relation to its advertised specifications. We explore the practicality of its included accessories and discuss the real-world battery life achieved during our testing. Ultimately, we assess whether the Zebronics Sonic POD 22 offers exceptional value and is a worthwhile purchase for budget-conscious consumers seeking a versatile portable speaker.
Pros And Cons
- Good build quality for the price
- 8-watt RMS output
- 5.3cm driver
- Bluetooth 5.3 version for good connectivity
- Includes aux cable and Type-A to Type-C charging cable
- Supports up to 32GB micro SD card and pen drive
- FM radio functionality (Type-C port acts as antenna)
- LED light modes
- Call function
- Good sound quality up to 90% volume
- Balanced bass and treble
- Good value for the price considering included features
- Slight distortion at volumes above 90%
- Battery life is 6-7 hours at 50% volume
Read more: Top 5 Best Bluetooth Speakers 2025: Ultimate Guide & Reviews
Unboxing and Package Contents
The Zebronics Sonic POD 22 arrived in simple yet appealing packaging. Inside, I found all the essentials: an aux cable for wired connections, a Type-A to Type-C charging cable, and a QR code leading to the user manual. The inclusion of these accessories makes setup straightforward.
The packaging is compact and suggests portability, which is a key feature of this speaker. The accessories included are practical and useful, catering to various connection methods. The QR code for the manual is a modern touch, promoting ease of access to instructions.
Ports and Controls
Located on the back of the speaker are the essential ports and controls. There's a Type-C port for charging, an aux input for wired connections, and slots for both a microSD card (up to 32GB) and a USB flash drive, offering versatile playback options.
The inclusion of multiple input methods is a definite plus, offering flexibility in how you connect your audio source. The controls are well-placed and easy to access. The rubber grip on the bottom enhances stability and prevents accidental bumps.
Sound Quality and Features
The Zebronics Sonic POD 22 offers impressive sound quality for its price. It delivers balanced audio with decent bass, even at higher volumes. While some minor distortion occurs at maximum volume (90), the overall sound remains enjoyable.
The 8-watt RMS output provides ample volume for smaller spaces. The speaker also boasts an FM radio function (requires the Type-C cable as an antenna), Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, and a built-in LED light with multiple modes for added visual appeal. A call function allows for hands-free calling.
Battery Life and Other Considerations
The manufacturer advertises 15 hours of battery life. In real-world use, at around 50% volume, I experienced approximately 6-7 hours of playback. While slightly less than advertised, this is still respectable for a portable Bluetooth speaker in this price range.
Features like TWS (True Wireless Stereo) for pairing two speakers for enhanced sound and automatic device detection for USB and microSD cards add to the overall value proposition.
Conclusion
The Zebronics Sonic POD 22 offers exceptional value for its price. It packs a surprising array of features, including decent sound quality, impressive volume, multiple connectivity options, FM radio, and a long-lasting battery (under moderate volume).
While the advertised battery life isn't fully met at higher volumes, the overall performance, ease of use, and inclusion of extra features make it a worthwhile purchase for those seeking an affordable, versatile portable Bluetooth speaker. The minor sound distortion at maximum volume is a negligible drawback considering the price.