Gadget review: The Xiaomi bluetooth speaker is a real steal

The Mi Bluetooth Speaker brings an attractive design and power-packed performance to a budget-friendly, compact device.

At a glance:

What: Xiaomi Bluetooth Speaker

USP: Superior sound performance at a jaw-dropping price

Best buy: ₹1,999 on www.mi.com/in

Rating: 4/5

Xiaomi is a popular brand in the world of smartphones, with their every launch looked forward to. However, in the recent past, the company has decided to expand its portfolio to dabble in accessories as well. The newly launched Mi Bluetooth Speaker is a result of that move.

Pros: This Bluetooth speaker looks stunning. The design (all-metal body) is minimalistic and sleek, while the colours — it is available in gold blue and pink — add a touch of youthful funk. The size of a pencil box and weighing just about 270gm, the device can easily be carried around — be it in a rucksack for a camping trip, or in a purse for a house party. On the right are the buttons for volume, start and power, and Bluetooth connectivity. One hard press, and you are good to go. We paired the speaker with multiple phones, a tablet and a laptop, and there were zero connectivity issues.

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But what blew us away was the sound. While the speaker did exceedingly well in a small-to-medium-sized room, it also held its own on a terrace in a noisy neighbourhood with air conditioners buzzing in the background. Songs, from Bollywood party tracks to EDM numbers, blared loudly and clearly. Bass is a major issue with most Bluetooth speakers, but not so much with this one. The company claims that a user can get eight hours of music on a single charge. We used the device for five and it still had enough juice to go on for an hour or two. The other big plus is the price. At just `1,999, this speaker is a great buy.

Cons: The speaker has launched in some markets with a built-in SD slot. The Indian variant, however, lacks this feature. Also, as is the case with other Xiaomi products, this Bluetooth speaker is in limited stock. While we were able to snag one on the day it became available in the country, it went out of stock soon after.

Verdict: Get your hands on this product as soon as it is available. Its sound, design and price will ensure that you won't regret it.