The JBL Flip 5 and the JBL Flip 4 are two of the latest Bluetooth speakers in their line of products that were designed to give customers a slim, portable, and extremely stylish option for music equipment. Their predecessors – the JBL Xtreme, Charge 3, and Pulse 3 – all sold quite well and received great reviews from critics and consumers alike (you can view each product’s Amazon link below).
Trying to decide between these two products can be difficult however as there are key differences between them that could make someone lean towards one speaker instead of another. This article will help you better understand those differences as well as which speaker is likely the best choice for you (and why).
Design differences
The first thing you will notice when comparing the two products is that they look completely different from one another. The Flip 4 features a more sleek design with its cylinder shape and silver exterior, at only five ounces it is extremely light which makes it ideal for traveling (the speaker includes a carrying strap as well). While the Flip 4 has an option to be purchased in five different colors (black, blue, red, green, and white) if you opt for this option be aware that there may be a slight color variation such as the silver lining around the speaker may show up as a grey or beige on certain colors.
The Flip 5 is different however, it has a more rugged design that makes it appear bulkier than its predecessor and weighs in at 12 ounces (the extra weight comes from an upgraded battery). But don’t let its size fool you, it still has a sleek and stylish exterior and even includes a little tripod stand at the bottom to help maintain stability. The Flip 5 also comes in five colors (black, blue, red, green, and white), although once again there might be slight variations depending on which color you choose – so if the silver lining around the speaker is an important feature then you will want to get the Flip 4.
Sound quality
Both speakers come equipped with two passive radiators (one on each end) which add a nice “thump” to the audio playback. The mid-range frequency response will be around 65 Hz while the lower-end output sits at 100 Hz; this is because there are no tweeters or woofers attached to either speaker. Even so, both produce crisp and sharp highs since they use JBL’s exclusive technology: Vocal Bass Radiator (VBR). The low-end bass punch is just as good – however, compared to the Flip 4, the Flip 5 has a bit less power. This means that the Flip 5 sounds a bit thinner and metallic while the Flip 4 has a more natural lower-end.
Battery life differences
Another difference that you will notice is that the battery life on the two devices is different. The larger size of the Flip 5 means that it was able to include a much bigger battery which allows it to playback for twelve consecutive hours before dying (the charge time for this speaker is ten hours), while the Flip 4 has a significantly shorter battery life – you can use it for as long as eight hours before having to be recharged. However, if you purchase the Flip 5 and find yourself in need of quick recharging look no further than their charging brick which has a built-in battery on it. This allows the speaker to charge for an hour and provide two hours of playback time – enough time to charge your Flip 5 completely twice.
Waterproof feature differences
Another difference that you will find between the two is that the Flip 5 has an IPX7 certification which means that it is fully waterproof and can be submerged in three feet of water for up to thirty minutes without damage. While JBL did not mention if there was an “IPX5” certification level on the Flip 4, the company claims that it was built to withstand rain and other wet conditions – because it does not have a completely sealed outer shell however, customers should be careful while using either device near or in large bodies of water (pools, oceans, etc.).
Price differences
Finally, the biggest difference between these two speakers is that they have different price tags. The Flip 4 is much less expensive, so if you are looking for a speaker that will give you great sound quality at an extremely affordable price then this is the one to go with (although keep in mind there might be some slight color variation). On the other hand, if you can afford it then the Flip 5 is worth spending the extra money on.
When it comes down to it, both speakers offer amazing sound quality and they both look good (although there might be slight variations depending on which one you choose). After comparing their features you would say that the majority of customers will enjoy using the Flip 5 more than the Flip 4. However, before you settle on one of these devices, take into account what you are looking for in a Bluetooth speaker so that you can make the best possible decision.
The JBL Flip 5 and the JBL Flip 4 are two of the latest Bluetooth speakers in their line of products that were designed to give customers a slim, portable, and extremely stylish option for music equipment. Their predecessors – the JBL Xtreme, Charge 3, and Pulse 3 – all sold quite well and received great reviews from critics and consumers alike (you can view each product’s Amazon link below).
Trying to decide between these two products can be difficult however as there are key differences between them that could make someone lean towards one speaker instead of another. This article will help you better understand those differences as well as which speaker is likely the best choice for you (and why).
Design differences
The first thing you will notice when comparing the two products is that they look completely different from one another. The Flip 4 features a more sleek design with its cylinder shape and silver exterior, at only five ounces it is extremely light which makes it ideal for traveling (the speaker includes a carrying strap as well). While the Flip 4 has an option to be purchased in five different colors (black, blue, red, green, and white) if you opt for this option be aware that there may be a slight color variation such as the silver lining around the speaker may show up as a grey or beige on certain colors.
The Flip 5 is different however, it has a more rugged design that makes it appear bulkier than its predecessor and weighs in at 12 ounces (the extra weight comes from an upgraded battery). But don’t let its size fool you, it still has a sleek and stylish exterior and even includes a little tripod stand at the bottom to help maintain stability. The Flip 5 also comes in five colors (black, blue, red, green, and white), although once again there might be slight variations depending on which color you choose – so if the silver lining around the speaker is an important feature then you will want to get the Flip 4.
Sound quality
Both speakers come equipped with two passive radiators (one on each end) which add a nice “thump” to the audio playback. The mid-range frequency response will be around 65 Hz while the lower-end output sits at 100 Hz; this is because there are no tweeters or woofers attached to either speaker. Even so, both produce crisp and sharp highs since they use JBL’s exclusive technology: Vocal Bass Radiator (VBR). The low-end bass punch is just as good – however, compared to the Flip 4, the Flip 5 has a bit less power. This means that the Flip 5 sounds a bit thinner and metallic while the Flip 4 has a more natural lower-end.
Battery life differences
Another difference that you will notice is that the battery life on the two devices is different. The larger size of the Flip 5 means that it was able to include a much bigger battery which allows it to playback for twelve consecutive hours before dying (the charge time for this speaker is ten hours), while the Flip 4 has a significantly shorter battery life – you can use it for as long as eight hours before having to be recharged. However, if you purchase the Flip 5 and find yourself in need of quick recharging look no further than their charging brick which has a built-in battery on it. This allows the speaker to charge for an hour and provide two hours of playback time – enough time to charge your Flip 5 completely twice.
Waterproof feature differences
Another difference that you will find between the two is that the Flip 5 has an IPX7 certification which means that it is fully waterproof and can be submerged in three feet of water for up to thirty minutes without damage. While JBL did not mention if there was an “IPX5” certification level on the Flip 4, the company claims that it was built to withstand rain and other wet conditions – because it does not have a completely sealed outer shell however, customers should be careful while using either device near or in large bodies of water (pools, oceans, etc.).
Price differences
Finally, the biggest difference between these two speakers is that they have different price tags. The Flip 4 is much less expensive, so if you are looking for a speaker that will give you great sound quality at an extremely affordable price then this is the one to go with (although keep in mind there might be some slight color variation). On the other hand, if you can afford it then the Flip 5 is worth spending the extra money on.
When it comes down to it, both speakers offer amazing sound quality and they both look good (although there might be slight variations depending on which one you choose). After comparing their features you would say that the majority of customers will enjoy using the Flip 5 more than the Flip 4. However, before you settle on one of these devices, take into account what you are looking for in a Bluetooth speaker so that you can make the best possible decision.
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