Bose SoundLink Mini vs Sony SRS-XB12: Which is the Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker

August 15, 2022

When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, Bose and Sony are two major players in the market. But, which one is the best? Let's compare the Bose SoundLink Mini and the Sony SRS-XB12, two popular options, side by side and see which one comes out on top.

Design and Build

The Bose SoundLink Mini is a compact, sleek-looking speaker that weighs 1.5 pounds and has a built-in rechargeable battery that can last up to 12 hours. The speaker comes with an aluminum casing that provides durability, and its rubberized base keeps it steady on any surface.

On the other hand, the Sony SRS-XB12 is a smaller, more lightweight speaker that weighs just 0.6 pounds and has a battery life of up to 16 hours. The speaker is also waterproof and dust-proof, so it's perfect for outdoor activities. Its soft rubber finish provides a nice grip, and it's available in various colors.

Audio and Performance

The Bose SoundLink Mini offers a powerful and robust sound with deep bass and clear treble. Its sound quality is crystal clear at maximum volume, and it's perfect for indoor and outdoor use. It also has a 3.5mm AUX port for non-Bluetooth devices.

The Sony SRS-XB12, on the other hand, offers a slightly less powerful sound compared to the Bose, but with more bass-heavy sound. However, at maximum volume, the sound quality may suffer, and the bass can get distorted. The speaker has a wide frequency response range and has a 3.5mm AUX port for non-Bluetooth devices.

Connectivity and Features

Both speakers support Bluetooth 4.2 and have a range of up to 30 feet. The Bose SoundLink Mini also supports NFC pairing, making the pairing process with other NFC-enabled devices effortless. It also has a built-in microphone for hands-free calls and voice activation to access Siri or Google Voice Assistant.

On the other hand, the Sony SRS-XB12 has a dedicated button to activate the EXTRA BASS feature, which enhances the bass performance. It also has a built-in microphone for hands-free calls, and its detachable strap makes it easy to carry around.

Price

The Bose SoundLink Mini is priced at around $149, while the Sony SRS-XB12 is priced at around $59, making it more affordable for budget-conscious buyers.

Conclusion

Both the Bose SoundLink Mini and the Sony SRS-XB12 are great portable Bluetooth speakers that offer different features at different price points. The Bose SoundLink Mini offers a powerful and robust sound with sleek looks and NFC pairing. On the other hand, the Sony SRS-XB12 offers a more bass-heavy sound with waterproof and dust-proof features and is more affordable.

So, which one should you buy? It ultimately depends on your priorities and budget. If you are looking for a speaker with great audio quality and sleek looks, the Bose SoundLink Mini is a great option. However, if you want something more affordable and waterproof, the Sony SRS-XB12 is the way to go.

References

  1. Bose SoundLink Mini II
  2. Sony SRS-XB12

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