If you are looking for a remarkable sound in a portable Bluetooth speaker, it is best to go to prestigious brands such as JBL. Today it’s time to check the news of the JBL Flip 5, the continuation of its popular speaker with a fairly affordable price. It maintains everything seen in the previous model as IPX7 certified water resistance and shows some very interesting changes.
Design, few changes but still just as portable
The JBL portable Bluetooth speaker remains almost a copy of the previous model. In the Flip 5 we have the rigid cover with a braided finish of synthetic thread. Aesthetically it looks much more than the usual metal mesh and is much more pleasant to the touch. This JBL Flip 5 has dimensions slightly higher than its predecessor has, 9.2 x 9.1 x 21.6 cm and reaches a weight of 540 g. It is still a speaker designed to be held by hand without the need for a ring or wristband, although it includes one. The available color catalog reaches up to 11, with designs ranging from pastel colors to a camouflage finish.
Another feature that this JBL Flip 5 boasts is its protection. Its inner metal construction keeps it protected from the pressure of the fingers and against possible accidental falls, something to which the rubber stops of the ends must be added. Its textile exterior repels water, achieving an IPX7 certification. This means that it can remain submerged to a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes. Therefore, it will be an ideal speaker to keep near the edge of the pool, take it to the beach or some outdoor getaway.
JBL Flip 5 is a Bluetooth speaker that is not afraid of water with its IPX7 certification …
Technical characteristics of the JBL Flip 5
| DESIGN | |
| Weight | 951 g |
| Dimensions | 9.2 x 9.1 x 21.6 cm |
| Colors | Black, blue, gray, green, orange, etc |
| SOUND | |
| Speakers | 20W RMS |
| Transducer | 50 x 90 mm |
| Frequency range | 60Hz – 20KHz |
| Signal to noise ratio | ≥80dB |
| DRUMS | |
| Capacity | 4800 mAh |
| Reproduction | Autonomy of up to 12 hours |
| CONNECTIVITY | |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 |
| Others | Partyboost |
| COMPATIBILITY | |
| Dispositive | Bluetooth |
| OTHER FEATURES | |
| Box contents | 1 x speaker, 1 x manual, 1 x USB-C cable |
Controls and connectivity
The center zone of the speaker is the zone chosen to place the power button and another for Bluetooth pairing. These buttons are backlit and can provide more information such as the connection status. The rubber multimedia buttons enjoy a better touch compared to the previous model and have a good size that make them easily recognizable even if we are not looking at it. These controls are located on the side and allows a fairly complete control of multimedia playback. For example, by pressing the Play button twice, we can change the music track, being something functional in apps like Spotify.
Something that has caught our attention is the power connector. First, by finally betting on the USB-C connector. Second, by not incorporating a sealed lid to keep it protected from water. JBL ensures that it is not necessary and does not cause any oxidation problems thanks to the use of resistant materials. Of course, we must wait until it is completely dry before putting it to load. In addition, sand or dust can cause some serious discomfort. Next to it is the LED bar that gives us information about the state of charge of the battery.
In a quick review of the speaker, we verify that it does not include a 3.5 mm minijack input for external devices such as portable players. The same goes for a hypothetical USB-A connector to play music from external storage units. Therefore, JBL Flip 5 is especially suitable for use via Bluetooth pairing with devices as varied as smartphones, tablets, etc. But you have to give JBL another ear, since the chosen version of Bluetooth is 4.2 and uses the SBC codec.
Another feature is the PartyBoost function. With it, we extend the sound experience by synchronizing the Bluetooth speaker with other compatible ones that add to the sound. This technology allows to combine up to a total of 100 speakers that will act simultaneously. The music is divided into two channels, left and right, getting a much more spatial and deep stereo experience in space. However, this system is not compatible with JBL Connect +, it will be necessary to see what this section is in case it is resolved with a firmware update.
Sound experience and autonomy
Although there are hardly any changes on the outside, it seems that the interior does hide many novelties with its 20W of power. The first of these is the choice of a single large driver, replacing the pair of its predecessor. This change directly affects the audio experience with tones means powerful and rich. When playing music, the vocal part and the instruments are very well balanced. The bass also enjoy strength but it is difficult to achieve a sense of depth in large rooms. JBL fully complies with this section, as it is the most decisive and has been a key factor for the success of the JBL Flip 4.
Another notable change of the JBL Flip 5 is in its battery. The manufacturer promises us to reach figures of up to 12 hours of music reproduction, although surely the real experience is slightly lower. As always, it will depend especially on the volume level chosen. And to take off the hat is the USB-C connection for charging being faster than in the JBL Flip 4. The full battery recharge reaches approximately 2.5 hours.
Availability and price of JBL Flip 5
In conclusion, JBL Flip 5 is a great speaker at the level of audio experience and with a design that invites you to always carry it in your backpack. There are some interesting changes like the USB-C connector but certain decisions subtract from a final grade that could be much higher.
PROS:
- Rugged design with IPX7 protection
- Good autonomy and fast charging
- Sound quality with outstanding bass
CONS:
- Without microSD card reader, USB and 3.5 mm jack
- It lacks hands-free function and virtual assistants
- Bluetooth 4.2, we expected him to make the leap to version 5.0
