Beats Pill Review: After being discontinued in 2022, Beats, the Apple-owned brand, has launched its latest Bluetooth speaker, the Beats Pill. Sporting a compact design, this speaker feels like a capable device and seems primed to carve out a niche for itself in the already competitive Bluetooth speaker market. With a removable cover, the device is easy to carry. Let’s dive into the features and development of this highly anticipated offering from Beats.
Beats Pill Review: Compact design with portability factor
Boasting an oblong pill-shaped design, the Beats Pill is very portable, weighing 680 g. Featuring the smooth signature curves typical of Beats, the device is available in three color options: Gold, Statement Red, and Matte Black. The front features a metallic grille, while the rest of the body is wrapped in silicone fabric with a matte finish. The Beats logo is centrally located, adding a touch of class, and elevating the overall aesthetic. However, the device does not include a 3.5mm port.
The speaker comes with a removable cover, which matches the color of the device, on the right side. The lanyard makes the device suitable for outdoor use. At the bottom, the speaker has four anti-slip feet, which ensure a good grip in various places. At the top sits the control panel, which includes a left-facing power button, accompanied by a status indicator LED, pin microphone, multifunction button, and volume controls. The center button handles playback, offering standard controls such as one press to play or pause, two to skip tracks, and three to go back.
Notably, pressing the power button twice activates the smartphone’s voice assistant. The speaker is also IP67 certified for dust and water resistance.
Beats Pill Review: Some features stand out, some are missed
The Beats tablet has several outstanding features, such as the ability to play audio by connecting to a source via a USB-C cable. It offers quick pairing with iOS devices and comes with a ‘Find My’ feature, which helps locate your speaker if it’s misplaced. The device integrates easily with the Android ecosystem as well, courtesy of Google Fast Pair and Find My Device. It supports Bluetooth 5.3 and is compatible with AAC and SBC codecs.
Additionally, the device gets a dedicated iOS section, which allows users to customize the device, including sound adjustments, firmware updates, and more. Android users, however, need to download the Beats app to take full advantage of the device. A notable disadvantage is the lack of EQ customization, which may disappoint some users.
Beats Pill Review: Sound quality
One thing that sets the Beats Pill apart from other devices is its ability to deliver a good bass punch despite its compact size. It includes two drivers, a racetrack woofer and a single tweeter, positioned at a 20-degree angle. The redesigned tweeter is designed to reduce distortion, while the racetrack woofer captures bass at 90 percent higher air volume. The speaker also uses passive radiators to improve overall output.
When playing bass-heavy tracks, the speaker provides good detail, ensuring decent frequency output, although it can be slightly distorted at high volumes. Mid-range bass reproduction is the highlight of its sound quality. Overall, the sound quality is balanced, delivering decent vocals and cool frequencies.
Beats Pill Review: Battery and Charger
The Beats Pill offers up to 24 hours of battery life. Charging it with a 45W charger takes about two hours and thirty minutes to fully charge. Battery performance varies depending on volume level; at medium volume (40-60%), the device can last a full day. The USB-C charging cable included in the box can be used to charge other Beats devices. Additionally, a quick 10-minute charge provides up to 2 hours of playtime.
Beats Pill Review: The Verdict
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the Beats Pill punches for its weight, the ‘punch’ refers to the bass-heavy core of the output, which goes well with clear mids and decent highs. Its compact design and portability make it an excellent device for outdoor use. It integrates well with both Android and iOS ecosystems. However, the lack of features such as multi-point connection and adjustable EQ are significant drawbacks. Still, the device is a perfect option for audiophiles looking for a stylish, sturdy, and compact speaker.
Beats Pill Review: Benefits and Risks
Beats Pill Pros:
– Good sound quality
– Seamless communication with iOS and Android
– Compact size with portability feature
– IP67 rating for dust and water resistance
Beats Pill Cons:
– No multi-point connection
– The absence of the EQ function is corrected in the application
