- 1. Equipment
- 2. Specifications
- 3. Design and assembly
- 4. Sound
- 5. Autonomy
- 6. Where can I buy it?
- 7. Conclusion
- 8. Video review of JBL Flip 3
The first speaker models in the Flip line were quite budget-friendly. They were distinguished by a completely plastic body, limited functionality and mediocre sound. JBL tried to bring the latest copy as close as possible to the standards of the company’s more expensive acoustics.
The JBL Flip 3, which we have reviewed, can still be called an affordable portable audio system: its price varies between 4-5 thousand rubles. At the same time, the speaker is no longer afraid of water, can synchronize with other devices and significantly exceeds its predecessors in sound quality. Read about other innovations below.
Equipment
The packaging of the audio system is made in the classic JBL style. On the top cover there is an image of the speaker and the main advantages of the device; on the back are the main technical characteristics of Flip 3. The internal surfaces of the box are padded with foam rubber, so that the contents are reliably protected from damage during transportation.
- JBL Flip 3;
- MicroUSB cable;
- Documentation.
Specifications
- Number of channels: 2.0;
- Power: 16 W;
- Frequency range: 85Hz – 20000Hz;
- Signal to noise ratio: 80 dB;
- Battery: lithium-ion, 3000 mAh;
- Dimensions: 169 x 64 x 64 mm;
- Weight: 450 g.
Design and build
Compared to the previous two copies of the model line, Flip 3 has made significant progress towards proper design. The device is shaped like a cylinder with slightly rounded edges on the top and bottom base. Unlike its predecessors, most of the device's outer surface is covered with a grippy textile surface.
The only place not covered by fabric chain mail is made of soft-touch plastic. There is also a button for activating the speaker, a button for pairing it with other portable audio systems (for example, you can combine several Flip3s together), an indication of the charge of the built-in battery and a plastic plug. A microUSB connector and a 3.5 mm AUX input are hidden under the flap. The function of charging external devices in power bank mode is not provided.
The icons of the remaining buttons are printed in the form of convex relief symbols on textiles. Among them are two volume keys, a button to search for an available smartphone via Bluetooth, and a key to answer a mobile call. The functional elements are easy to find, but their response time is not very good, since the speaker responds to some presses with a slight delay.
There is also no traditional play or pause button. Its functions are performed by the same key for activating the speakerphone. A single click stops the current track, two clicks in a row switch to a new track.
Flip 3 does not have any stands; the speaker can be mounted vertically on one of the passive radiators or placed horizontally. In the second case, it will not roll on a flat surface due to the strap being attached to the top. Traditionally, JBL offers a wide range of audio system colors. There are eight Flip 3 body colors to choose from.
There are no complaints about the assembly and dimensions of the device. The textile surface in the form of chain mail, which covers the speakers, feels pleasant in the hand, and the plastic inserts do not collect fingerprints. By the way, Flip 3 is protected only from splashes of water; it is not recommended to immerse it under water for a long time. Before use, be sure to ensure that the plastic plug on the wired interfaces is tightly closed.
Sound
During the first activation, the device immediately goes into synchronization mode with other speakers. To start pairing with your smartphone, just click on the Bluetooth audio system icon. Turning the Flip 3 on and off is accompanied by a fairly loud beep.
Two 40 mm speakers with a total power of 16 W are responsible for the acoustic performance of the device. In theory, the Flip 3's speakers operate in stereo mode. In practice, this effect is very difficult to distinguish if there is only one column. Stereo sound is heard much more clearly during synchronous operation with another JBL audio system.
You can connect up to three third-party devices to Flip 3. This could be a laptop, tablet or smartphone. This function is very convenient at a party, where everyone can play their favorite track directly from their phone.
Despite its rather small dimensions, the speaker is capable of producing fairly deep bass without compromising the high frequencies. The composition sounds smooth throughout the entire frequency range; no distortion was noticed even at maximum volume. The Flip 3 handles almost any genre of music very well. The device does not claim to be at the Hi-Fi level, but it is capable of satisfying 90% of users.
Another advantage is the minimal difference in sound quality when playing from a computer and via Bluetooth. The Flip3 has a wireless range of approximately 10 meters.
Autonomy
Inside the Flip 3 there is a non-removable 3000 mAh battery. The manufacturer promises about 10 hours of stable operation of the device at medium volume. In reality, we managed to squeeze out a couple more tens of minutes from the speaker before the final shutdown.
Battery discharge is indicated by a red LED on the plastic insert of the case. There is no sound notification, so annoying signals will not distract you from listening to music. Approximate charging time is 3.5 hours.
Where can I buy
Conclusion
- Compactness;
- Large selection of coloring pages;
- Excellent build;
- Protection against splashing water;
- Availability of speakerphone;
- Powerful bass.
- Not the fastest response time to button presses;
- Modest equipment.
The average cost of JBL Flip 3 in Russian online stores is approximately 5,000 rubles. For that kind of money, finding an alternative of suitable quality is quite difficult, since there are practically no shortcomings in this audio system.
The speaker is compact and easily fits into a bicycle cup holder or small bag. At the same time, its sound quality and autonomy deserve truly high praise. We recommend for purchase!
Video review of JBL Flip 3
Today I want to talk about JBL Flip 3, a budget wireless speaker from JBL, which is known for its speaker systems.
It seems that the next model has already come out and you ask why review this model, and I will answer you, because it is still relevant. The column came out a little over a year ago and currently costs, on average, 5000 rubles. Among young people, JBL Flip 3 is in great demand due to its fairly low price for such a high-quality speaker. But first things first.
JBL Flip 3 Features:
- Frequency range 85 - 20,000 Hz
- 2 x 40mm speakers
- total power 16 W (2x8 W)
- two passive bass radiators
- Bluetooth 4.1
- profiles: A2DP 1.3, AVRCP 1.5, HFP 1.6, HSP 1
- battery: 3000 mAh; battery life up to 10 hours
- splash and moisture protection
- connect up to two devices simultaneously
- connectors: Micro USB, 3.5 mm audio output
- dimensions: 169 x 64 x 64 mm
- weight: 450 grams
Equipment:
- Column
- Packaging, waste paper
- USB charging cable
Design and ergonomics
JBL Flip 3 is made in the shape of a cylinder. The company logo is located in the middle of the case, most of which is covered with synthetic fabric.
There is a small plastic strip where the control buttons and the input for mircoUSB and AUX are located; passive bass radiators are located on the sides. The plastic part is very easily soiled, which cannot be said about the fabric part.
The speaker is very pleasant to carry in your hand and on your arm (on a strap); it easily fits into the cup holder on a bicycle, which is undoubtedly a huge plus. The column can stand either vertically or lie on the table.
Thanks to the splash protection, you don’t have to worry if the JBL Flip 3 gets caught in the rain; we can wash the speaker under water if the part with the fabric suddenly gets dirty.
The control elements of the column, in my opinion, are made unusually. Half on the fabric part and half on the plastic part. The fabric part has buttons for volume control, pairing and voice assistant/call answer control.
Buy JBL Flip 3 is available in seven colors: red, blue, yellow, black, light green, purple, orange. But it seems to me that you should take the black version. It is more practical and inconspicuous, although some users, on the contrary, will want to stand out due to the color of the column.
Functionality and ease of use
What really surprised me were the cool sounds of turning on and off, it seems like a small thing, but it’s nice. The connection is purely via Bluetooth, there is no NFC here and this is a minus. With it, connecting to a smartphone would be much easier and faster.
JBL also made an application for a smartphone (there is a version for Android and iOS), where you can very slightly, but still customize the speaker for yourself, namely, change its name and change the purpose of the call button (belly/voice assistant). One great feature is that you can pair two JBL speakers that are supported in the JBL Connect app .
The speaker has a 3000 mAh battery, which is enough for 2-3 days of moderate use at full volume. This is a worthy result among competitors, but a record one.
Sound quality
Of course, our primary concern is the JBL Flip 3's sound quality, not its design. The sound is loud enough for such a small speaker, rich, rich, and spacious.
I look at the sound quality from the perspective of an ordinary user, and take my word for it, the sound here is very smooth and pleasant, without dips or artifacts. In general, what users of portable speakers need, audiophiles will pass by (but they still don’t buy such things). The volume of the speaker is enough in a room of up to 20 square meters, but it will not be enough at a noisy party.
A few words about Flip 4
JBL Flip 4 was released in the spring of 2017 and costs a little more than the previous Flip 3, only 6,500 rubles, the price is more than justified. This model is not much different from the Flip 3. It has a higher protection class of IPX7. It has a larger body, and the design of the buttons is also slightly different.
Thanks to Connect+ technology, you can connect more than 2 speakers to one network at the same time. But unfortunately there is still no support for the aptX codec.
It's up to you to decide which one to choose, whether to pay extra for a couple of new features or not. Personally, I chose the more budget-friendly Flip 3, because the sound quality here is almost completely parity, and I don’t need more advanced protection.
Results
The JBL Flip 3 speaker turned out to be balanced, and here it becomes clear why it is popular. The device is perfect for the mass user. I did not touch upon the topic of the speaker kit, since everything is very simple: a charging cable and pieces of paper.
The only thing in the design of this model that I don’t like is the loop on the speaker itself; for me, it would be better if they provided a separate case with the same loop for the hand. I was pleasantly surprised by the sound quality, everything was clear and smooth. Another small minus is the lack of NFC, but you can connect two speakers to one network.
When I took this speaker for a test, I was afraid to be disappointed again, since the JBL Charge 2/2+ left an unpleasant impression, but the JBL Flip 3 dispelled all my doubts.
I would buy one for myself, but I still prefer solutions from Sony (for example).
And they showed how a technology fan can avoid getting bored in the forest. One of the valuable items was the small but loud speaker JBL Flip 3. Bright, moderately compact, loud, and also inexpensive.
Now it’s warmer, people go to parks, ride bicycles and other fashionable forms of urban transport such as hoverboards and unicycles. JBL speakers are often seen in the hands or backpacks of people walking, and representatives of the Flip family are seen regularly.
Design
The speaker can be placed vertically, or it can be placed on its side; you can also hang it on a nail and a hook if you take it with you to the dacha in the summer. Is it possible to walk with a speaker in your hand? You can get a kind of mini dumbbell.
JBL Flip is easy to identify by its appearance if you are interested in technology. A large logo in the center, an elongated shape, and most importantly, bright colors immediately catch the eye. Now there are speakers in new shades, if you want beauty, look and choose. Here is a fashionable camouflage, here are red and blue crosses.
Of course, 8 standard options remain on sale, it’s just that now the choice of colors has increased and new ones have appeared. Moreover, JBL showed off the Flip 4, but the old speaker is still on sale. We'll see what happens with the prices, but in its own way it's an attractive thing. There is no point in writing about a separate big review, Flip 3 has been on sale for almost 1.5 years, but it’s worth reminding about the existence of such a thing.
Sound
The speaker has two 8-watt speakers, is that a lot or a little? Of course, this is not the JBL Xtreme if you want to throw a wild party on a summer evening, depriving all the neighbors in the areas closest to the dacha from sleeping.
The task of a small speaker is to provide musical accompaniment while walking or in the room, to play songs at summer street gatherings - it does this very well. The speaker communicates via bluetooth with 3 devices simultaneously, so if you want, play music one by one from several phones, everyone will be happy.
The speaker does not wheeze at maximum volume, does not distort the sound, plays clearly and is perfect for electronic music. Should I listen to classical or jazz music on it? In my opinion, no, for such purposes we need more expensive devices that will reveal the essence of the composition. It's still a small speaker, so we'll be fair with our claims, but even the bass is present.
The speaker is not afraid of water, this is important - throwing it into water is not recommended, diving is contraindicated by the manufacturer, although it can be washed under the tap. This is perfect for the summer; you can take it to the beach or put it on a table during a country siesta, but don’t be afraid that a sudden downpour will destroy the device.
The speaker is charged via microUSB, a cable is included in the package, but a charger is not included. It takes 3 hours to charge, and the speaker plays music for 9-10 hours, it all depends on the volume level.
What is the price
JBL Flip 3 is inexpensive, about 4.5-5 thousand rubles. The price is reasonable, I liked the acoustics: they play well, look beautiful, and are pleasant to pick up. Are tactile sensations important for a device that, in theory, just stands there and plays music? In my opinion, they are important, you want the thing to be cute, and JBL has everything in order.
Opinion
JBL has created a successful accessory in all respects. The speaker is beautiful, bright, made of nice materials. It seems like a utilitarian thing, but it turned out to be an accessory that enlivens the interior. This time. The second point is that the speaker works for a long time, is not afraid of water, and the sound quality is very good for such a small device. The third point is the price, this is also okay, the JBL Flip 3 costs the right amount of money, you can and should take it if you like listening to music and don’t want to get bored in silence.
Good sound in a compact case, decent battery life.
Minuses
The electronics used are glitchy, which negates all the advantages.
Review
I received the speaker as a gift, it was brought from another city and the purchase receipt was left 900 kilometers away. And it was needed because the service was requested almost immediately. At any moment during operation, a cyclic uncontrolled constant reboot could occur with loud sounds of turning on and off, connecting and disconnecting. Didn't respond to the buttons. Then, left somewhere where this disgrace could not be heard, after some time it “came to its senses” and was able to work for a long time and well - until next time. Still, she waited for her receipt and warranty repair, and her board was replaced. It worked flawlessly for 3 months and suddenly one day it didn’t turn on. In the midst of the summer season, when you need it! No response to the buttons or to connecting the charger. And the warranty is over! I really didn’t want to take it to the service center for money, because it could cost half the price of a new speaker. It lay there until October, when I decided to connect the charger again. A miracle happened - one charging LED blinked! Then I managed to turn it on! Then it charged completely. And working! What was it? Unclear. There was some sediment left. You can hardly rely on her - she will let you down at any moment. And in general, I began to be wary of JBL products. The beautiful design was ruined by glitchy electronics.
