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Xiaomi Square Box 2 Review
The Xiaomi Square Box 2 Bluetooth speaker features impressive advanced specifications that are guaranteed to make an impact. With a greater wattage than its predecessors, reaching a maximum power of 5W, and Bluetooth version 4.2 compatibility, this speaker doesn’t disappoint. What’s more, its compact and lightweight design, measuring just 154.5 x 60 x 25.5 mm and weighing a mere 239 g, makes it the perfect companion for your on-the-go music needs. When it comes to audio quality, this speaker truly excels thanks to its cutting-edge CVC hardware noise reduction chip, delivering nothing short of high-definition sound.
The speaker is equipped with a microphone that seamlessly enables you to conveniently answer incoming phone calls. Not only does it offer Bluetooth wireless connectivity, but it also includes a convenient AUX port. With this built-in feature, you can effortlessly connect the speaker to any phone, PC, Tablet PC, or other portable devices using an AUX stereo cable.
Product Introduction & Review
Main Highlights:
- Portable and lightweight, great for taking outside.
- Suitable for Xiaomi phones and other Android or iOS smartphones.
- Built-in microphone – answer or reject your phone call by pressing the speaker’s
power button. - Adopts CVC hardware noise-reduction and offers high definition sound quality.
- Built-in 1200mAh Li-battery, support for 10 hours playing
- Offers easy connection with AUX port devices.
- Durable structure with ABS surface and aluminum alloy side box
- Music playback time: about 10 hours (variable as volume changes).
- Support Protocols: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP
- Bluetooth version: V4.2+EDR
- Frequency range: 2.4GHZ-2.48hz
- Effective distance: 10M
- Output: 2.5W x 2 (5W)
Notes:
- The Bluetooth speaker can be charged by Micro USB cable with 5V 1A power adapter.
- USB & AUX cables not included in the package.
Xiaomi Square Box 2 Bluetooth Speaker Specification
| Primary Features | Brand: Xiaomi Design: Mini, Portable Compatible with: iPhone,iPod,Laptop,Mobile phone,MP3,MP4,MP5,PC,Tablet PC Supports: Bluetooth, Hands-free Calls, Microphone Connection: Wireless Interface: AUX, Micro USB Audio Source: Bluetooth Enabled Devices, Electronic Products with 3.5 mm Plug Speaker Impedance: 3 ohm Color: White & Silver (Aluminum Frame) |
|---|---|
| Technical Parameters | Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth V4.2 Protocol: A2DP,AVRCP,HFP Transmission Distance: W/O obstacles ≤10m Number of Speakers: 2 Power Output: 5W Freq: 100Hz-18kHz |
| Other Parameters | Charging Voltage: 5V Battery Capacity: 1200 mAh Charging Time: 3 hours Working Time: 10 hours |
| Battery Information | Battery Type: Built-in lithium-polymer battery |
| Dimension and Weight |
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| Package Contents |
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Package
The Xiaomi Square Box 2 Speaker came in a white package with a printed picture of the speaker in the box. The idea behind such packaging is to give the user a different experience when opening it. Or in more simple words, what you see on the outside of the package is actually the product you get inside of it.
Xiaomi Square Box 2 Package
Xiaomi Square Box 2 Speaker Package 1
Package Content (Unboxing)
The package came with the Xiaomi Square Box 2 speaker and one-page user manual in Chinese language containing product specification and basic instructions about the buttons and how to operate the speaker. As for other accessories, a USB cable for charging the speaker is not included in the package, nor a stereo cable if you are planning on using the AUX port to connect with other devices through a headphone jack.
Xiaomi Square Box 2 Speaker Package Opening
Xiaomi Square Box 2 | Unboxing
Xiaomi Square Box 2 Speaker Unboxing 1
Appearance, Design, Build Quality
Superb on all levels. The speaker case is built from an aluminum metal frame, where the front and back parts are made from high-quality plastic. The general feeling from the user perspective was excellent as holding a premium level item, and not a $27 product.
Xiaomi Square Box 2 speaker
Xiaomi Square Box 2 Speaker 1
Measuring Weight
According to specifications, the product weight is 155 g but after scaling with the electronic scale it measures much higher (239 g).
Sound
From my personal impression, the sound quality was crystal clear and impressive with a great bass effect I really enjoyed listening to. That said, jumping to the less positive aspect of this speaker. The loudness of the speaker when playing at the maximum audio level was not that high as I first expected. Due to technical limitations of the speakers, which, according to specifications, produce an output of 5W (2.5Wx2) this speaker may not be the best choice for listening to music outdoors at full volume.
Operation
It’s very easy to set up this speaker. First, you will need to press the power button for about 3 seconds. Next, you will need to go to the “Settings” option (Under Android OS) to enable the Bluetooth function and wait a few seconds until the device is discovered under the name: “XMFHZ02”, and finally select it for pairing.
Bluetooth Settings under Android OS
Operation Modes:
- Charging – When the battery needs charging, the LED turns red until the battery is fully charged and ready to operate.
- Powering the unit – Right after pressing the power button you will get a sound prompt notification and the speaker LED light will turn red and blue while device awaits pairing with a device such as a phone, Tablet PC, PC, Mini PC and so forth.
- Paired – Once connected you will hear a beep sound and the LED light color will turn blue, indicating that the device is ready to operate.
- Low Power – When the battery needs charging the speaker will be an issue a sound prompt following it the LED light will flash in pink and blue colors.
Speaker Buttons (TOP view)
Xiaomi Square Box 2 Status Lights – Red, Blue, Pink
Charging
The speaker has a built-in rechargeable 1200mAh Li-battery. To charge it you will need to use a 5V 1A power adapter, or alternatively, use any device equipped with a standard USB Port.
Battery Time
The speaker can easily work for a period of 4–6 hours after a full charge, which is more than reasonable and also depends on volume levels set when used. Again Xiaomi did smart in adding a high capacity battery that can operate for a long period of time.
Hands-free answer call function
After pairing the speaker with a mobile phone. To accept an incoming call without touching the phone you will need to shortly press the power button that also disconnects the call using the same method. If you are planning on using the AUX port with stereo cable connection, the call answering function will not work, it will only work in Bluetooth mode.
Connectivity Distance Test
- Tested with: ZOPO Speed 7 Plus Smartphone.
- Type of Test: Video Clip streaming with YouTube.
If you are asking what is the maximum distance you can connect with the speaker without having disconnection issues because Bluetooth 4.2 does have its limitations, the answer depends on where you place the unit in relation to the streaming device you are using. For example, if you place the speaker in a closed room you most likely have problems.
In my simple test, I placed the speaker in a straight line at a distance of ~5.9M inside a room and streamed some YouTube videos using my phone while changing distance until I had some audio problem and finally disconnected. From my personal conclusion, if you keep a distance of 7M and more you will still be able to stream music, but likely will have minor hiccup or interruption during playback, therefore it’s highly recommended to place the speaker in an open space environment, and preferably without any walls that can interfere with the radio signal.
Optional Connection with Stereo AUX Cable
Final Verdict
Xiaomi definitely did a great job with this speaker. Having a user guide in English could be a nice thing to have, but overall, there are more pros and reasons to buy this product vs. the cons. You will not find a lot of Bluetooth speakers on this level in terms of quality and design for a price tag of $25.99 including shipping.
