When Logitech announced the UE Mobile Boombox a while back, I immediately thought of the Logitech Mini Boombox which I reviewed favourably, and wondered if this new Boombox is based on the Logitech copy.
At first look, the UE Mobile Boombox looks totally different from the Logitech Mini Boombox. Rubber-mould surface with metal speaker meshes speaks of ruggedness and durability for the UE, while the previous Logitech’s glossy finish might require more care. The new UE model brings you to places, while the older Logitech model is more suited indoors. The touch-sensitive backlit controls on the Logitech is replaced with large physical buttons on the new UE model.
Logitech Mini Boombox (review here) |
Like the earlier Logitech, the new UE delivers loud and clear music with its mini speakers. The treble is naturally crisp, mid-range is adequate without overpowering, bass is sufficiently enjoyable at close range. The UE Mobile Boombox is equally adequate for personal enjoyment or as a party groove machine in a small room. You will be surprised how big it sounds. Battery life is excellent and retains charge very well for infrequent users. Again, I like the UE as much as I loved the Logitech Mini Boombox.
And like the Logitech, the UE works as handsfree speakerphone to let you answer your phone wirelessly.
But like the Logitech Mini Boombox, the UE Mobile Boombox churns out buzzing sounds when playing acoustic piano tracks. For pop and rock tracks, the UE Mobile Boombox handles pretty fine.
Mini Boombox or Mobile Boombox
It’s a tough call on which one I prefer. The new UE Mobile Boombox is more rugged, the volume buttons are larger and easier to press. It can pair up to 8 Bluetooth devices and can play 2 devices at the same time. It also comes with its own AC charger. The retail packaging also makes the product more attractive.
The older Logitech Mini Boombox looks more elegant, supports track controls and lower price, with the retail packaging in a simple printed box. But care has to be taken for its gloss plastic surface and I am unsure of the touch control panel’s durability. It also does not come with an AC charger, which probably explains the lower price.
But for my final call, I would recommend going for the UE Mobile Boombox, with its better build I believe it will outlast the predecessor.