Design & Construction

When you pick up the BeoPlay A1 for the first time, it definitely feel like a durable and beefy speaker no doubt. Crafted to shape like a huge dome, it indeed catches the eyes of its beholder with its unique design. It weighs about 600g and is also splash and dust resistant. Beoplay also said that it is designed to take its some bumps and scrapes while still capable of protecting the delicate drivers and electronics inside. Aluminium wraps around the top where the sound fires out while the bottom has a solid silicon texture. The are buttons all around the speaker, there is (From Right-Left); the Volume +, Vol - buttons, the power button, the LED indicator, USB Type C port, 3.5mm port, Mic, Microphone button, Bluetooth button and Connect button. To pair the speaker to your phone, switch on the speaker and hold the Bluetooth button for a few seconds until the LED flashes blue, then go to your phone's Bluetooth settings to pair it manually. The Connect button as a play/pause button. To answer an incoming call, just press the Microphone button. Taking conference calls is also possible via the USB Type-C cable. Finally, to bring up Google Assistant/Siri, long press the Microphone button. The front of the speaker has the large UE signature Vol +, and Vol - buttons. It also comes with a leather strap on the top which makes it easy to carry or hang anywhere.

Sound Quality

The sound reproduction of the A1 is unbelievably fantastic. One thing for sure, it pumps out tunes really loud without distortion. At 50% volume, it can fill a medium-sized room. The bass response is great too, it hits deep and much more than most competitors of its size. Highs sound bright and are not too sharp to listen to. Mids are very clear and details like instruments do stand out. Users can also double up with another A1 for stereo sound. However, do also note that it does not have a wide soundstage but that is typical of portable Bluetooth speakers. The speaker offers 360° sound powered by its 2 x 30W Class D amplifier for woofer and tweeter, giving up to 2 x 140W of peak power.

 

Connectivity & Portability

Even though Bluetooth Ver 4.2 is offered, BeoPlay did not disclose the codecs supported by the speaker. As you may have expected, an audio-in port is offered for wired usage. Its battery life peaks at a high of 24 hrs and charging it via the supplied USB Type-C takes approximately 3 hours. However from my test though, the battery life never managed to exceed 12 hours. A big difference indeed! It is also vital to note that the speaker does warm up with it is played at high volume which may be a concern for the battery performance over time.

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PROS

• Durable Construction

• Great 360° Sound

• Loud, Boomy Sound With Clarity & Details

• Unique & Modern Design

• A Range Of Colours

• Stereo Pairing

• Water & Dust Resistant

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CONS

• Low Battery LIfe

• Heating Up Of Battery

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The Bottom Line

The BeoPlay A1 is indeed the most iconic yet durable speaker on the market but at a price. With 360° Sound and boasting a tough yet modern design with a loud and bright sound signature. It is that small-sized speaker that puts mid-sized speakers to shame with its volume and sound. A pair will offer even louder stereo sound. A range of colours wil also suit every type and gender of users.