Xiaomi Sound Outdoor Speaker
The Xiaomi Sound Outdoor Speaker is the latest portable Bluetooth speaker from Xiaomi, offering a compelling combination of 30W output, dual-driver design, IP67 water and dust protection, and the ability to pair up to 100 speakers simultaneously. Priced competitively at INR 3,999, it aims to provide premium features without breaking the bank. Here’s a detailed review of its design, sound quality, connectivity, and overall performance.
Design and Build Quality
The Xiaomi Sound Outdoor Speaker features a compact tubular design, making it highly portable and travel-friendly. Most of its exterior is wrapped in durable fabric, giving it a rugged look, while a rubber strip runs along the back and forms a loop for carrying or hanging the speaker.
Color Variants:
- Black model with a contrasting orange loop
- Red and Blue models with matching colored loops
Its IP67 rating ensures waterproof and dustproof protection, making it ideal for outdoor adventures like camping, hiking, and poolside parties.
Controls and Ports
The back panel features:
- Three Buttons – Power, Bluetooth pairing, and syncing for multi-speaker setups
- USB-C Port – Covered by a flap for charging
Note:
There’s no 3.5mm AUX input for wired connections, so it only works with Bluetooth.
Audio Performance
The Sound Outdoor Speaker is equipped with:
Two Active Drivers:
- 20W woofer for deep bass
- 10W mid-range driver for balanced vocals and instruments
Two Passive Radiators: Located at either end to enhance low frequencies
Indoor Performance
- Produces punchy bass and clear mids, making it an excellent party speaker.
- High volumes remain distortion-free, delivering consistent sound performance.
Outdoor Performance
- Sound quality becomes flatter outdoors due to the lack of walls to reflect bass frequencies.
- Works best when positioned near a wall or a corner for improved acoustics.
Critical Listening Issues
- Mids and Highs: Highly directional, requiring the speaker to be faced directly for clarity.
- High Frequencies: Lack of a dedicated tweeter results in dull highs.
- Mono Sound Output: No stereo configuration means wide stereo recordings are compressed into a single channel.
Stereo Pairing Option
For a better stereo experience, you can pair two units or even chain up to 100 speakers for a multi-room sound system. However, multi-unit latency performance with videos remains untested.
Connectivity and Features
Bluetooth Performance
- Bluetooth 5.4 with SBC codec support
- No NFC, so pairing must be done manually
Highlight Feature:
- Syncs with up to 99 additional speakers, enabling 100-speaker pairing for an immersive soundstage.
Microphone for Calls
The speaker includes a built-in microphone for hands-free calls, but performance was disappointing during testing. Audio was garbled and barely audible, making it unsuitable for voice calls.
Battery Life and Charging
- Battery Capacity: Lasts 12 hours at 50% volume, which is average for speakers in this range.
- Charging Time: 2.5 hours with a 15W charger via USB-C port.
- No Reverse Charging: Cannot double as a power bank for other devices.
Pros and Cons
Pros
✔️ Affordable Price: At INR 3,999, it’s cheaper than rivals from JBL and Sony.
✔️ IP67 Protection: Fully waterproof and dustproof for outdoor use.
✔️ Loud and Clear Audio: Handles high volumes without distortion.
✔️ Multi-Speaker Syncing: Pair up to 100 speakers for massive setups.
✔️ USB-C Charging: Convenient and modern charging support.
Cons
❌ No NFC Pairing: Manual pairing is required.
❌ No AUX Input: Limited to Bluetooth-only connections.
❌ Mono Sound: Compresses stereo tracks into a single channel.
❌ Weak Highs: Lack of tweeters affects clarity in treble.
❌ Poor Call Quality: Microphone performance is subpar.
Verdict – Should You Buy It?
The Xiaomi Sound Outdoor Speaker is a feature-packed budget speaker that delivers powerful bass, decent battery life, and an IP67-rated durable design. At INR 3,999, it competes with premium brands while offering multi-speaker syncing and USB-C charging.
Buy it if:
- You want a portable party speaker for indoor and outdoor use.
- You need a waterproof and rugged design for adventures.
- You plan to use it for group speaker setups or multi-room audio.
Skip it if:
- You need better highs, stereo output, or wired input options.
- You want a speaker that doubles as a power bank.
- You plan to use it for voice calls.
For its price, the Xiaomi Sound Outdoor Speaker punches above its weight and is perfect for casual users who prioritize volume, durability, and portability over audiophile-grade performance.
FAQs
1. Is the Xiaomi Sound Outdoor Speaker waterproof?
Yes, the speaker has an IP67 rating, making it waterproof and dustproof. It can withstand splashes, rain, and even brief submersion in water, making it ideal for outdoor use.
2. Can I pair multiple Xiaomi Sound Outdoor Speakers together?
Absolutely! You can pair up to 100 speakers of the same model for a synchronized audio experience. It’s great for creating a multi-room setup or enhancing outdoor parties.
3. Does the Xiaomi Sound Outdoor Speaker support wired connections?
No, it does not have an AUX input for wired connections. It only supports Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless connectivity.
4. How long does the battery last, and how long does it take to charge?
The speaker offers 12 hours of battery life at 50% volume. It takes approximately 2.5 hours to fully charge using a 15W or higher charger via the USB-C port.
5. Does the Xiaomi Sound Outdoor Speaker support stereo sound?
By default, it’s a mono speaker. However, you can pair two units to create a stereo setup or sync multiple units for a multi-speaker experience.
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