JBL portable speakers are incredibly popular with many people around the world. The Flip model is a bright representative of wireless acoustics in the middle price segment. Designed primarily for active people who without music anywhere.
Although this year the company introduced the fourth generation of “flips”, on sale you can still find the “three” at a slightly lower price. In this regard, the question arises: "What to choose - JBL Flip 3 or Flip 4?". Let's figure it out.
Introduction
The JBL Flip 3 speaker has been very popular with many users for a very long time. The reason for this was the emergence of moisture protection - what "Flip 2" was deprived of.
The “troika”, in turn, was replaced by a new version - Flip 4. It retained some moments from the third generation, but judging by the statements of the company, the technical characteristics and sound quality improved markedly.
Our main task is to find out how true this statement is and whether it makes sense to change or buy a fourth-generation representative.
Well, at the end of the article we will describe all the main differences between the two columns and summarize: what is better to choose - JBL Flip 3 or Flip 4.
JBL Flip 3
So, before moving on to the point and putting an end to the question of choosing between JBL Flip 3 or Flip 4, we’ll look at both models a bit in order to refresh the memory and at the same time to look for differences along the way. The first model will be a representative of the third generation - JBL Flip 3.
Appearance
The materials used here are a soft-touch rubberized fabric and soft-touch plastic. Such materials can be observed in the more expensive Charge column, which is good news. At the ends of the speakers, like the Charge, there are passive metal radiators with a company logo.
The controls are located closer to the top of the column and are divided into 2 groups. The first is the buttons that protrude on top of the fabric: bluetooth pairing, volume keys and answer the call.
The second group is located nearby, but already on the plastic insert: the power button and JBL Connect. In addition to them, there is an LED indicator of the charge level, a hole for the lace and a plug, behind which there are 2 connectors - 3.5 mm and microUSB.
Specifications
In JBL Flip 3 there are 2 speakers of 8 watts each, which allow the speaker to produce decent sound. The frequency range here starts from 85 Hz and ends with 20 kHz. The battery has a capacity of 3000 mAh, which allows you to enjoy music for about 10 hours from a full charge.
As for moisture protection, it is not so simple. You can take a shower column, it’s not even afraid of rain, but dipping it into a pool or the sea is not recommended.
Sound quality
The sound quality of the JBL Flip 3 is very good and has improved markedly compared to Flip 2. There are no problems with low frequencies. For better audibility of high, you may need to increase the volume, but in general the same order. But in the middle there are small “dips”. The volume margin also pleasantly surprised. JBL Flip 3 is perfect for any party.
JBL Flip 4
Now it is worth taking a look at the new generation - JBL Flip 4. The model appeared this summer and immediately began to be actively sold. According to the company, a lot of work has been done on the Quartet. Let's check what has changed.
Appearance
There are practically no external differences from JBL Flip 3. The materials here are exactly the same as in the previous version. The only thing that immediately catches the eye is the mirror surface of the end radiators - it looks cool.
As for the controls, they remained in their places, with minor changes. So, the Start / Pause button has replaced the call answer button. The power keys and JBL Connect got a small edging and became slightly recessed into the case. The charge level indicator remained, as well as the plug, with two connectors - 3.5 mm and microUSB.
Model Features
Surprisingly, the specifications remained virtually untouched. Only the frequency range has undergone changes. It has become a little wider - 70-20 kHz. The 3000 mAh battery remained, but the battery life was a little longer. Now the column can work up to 12 hours from a full charge.
The main difference between Flip 4 and 3 is improved moisture protection. Now with a column you can safely swim in the pool or the sea. She also can withstand immersion up to 30 minutes without any problems.
If we compare the JBL Flip 4 and Charge 3 (older model), we can see some similarities, especially in terms of moisture protection and sound quality.
Sound
In terms of sound quality, the difference between JBL Flip 4 and Flip 3 is quite noticeable. The new model has more detailed details on all frequencies. The bottoms and tops have become more saturated, and the problem with the middle has practically disappeared.
Some songs have a small blockage, but this is not critical at all. In terms of volume, the novelty also wins.
JBL Flip 3 VS JBL Flip 4
Finally, it's time to talk about the main differences between the two models. Only those moments that really differ will be considered: if the materials and appearance are the same, then this will not be discussed. So, let's get down to comparing JBL Flip 3 and 4.
The main differences
The first difference between the models is the dimensions. “Flip 4” is 4 mm higher, but smaller in diameter 6 mm. Due to some technical changes, the “troika” wins in weight - it is 65 grams lighter.
The fourth-generation model is better in the frequency range: it outperforms the triple 15 Hz. That's all the technical differences. To this, we can add that in Flip 4 the button for answering a call is replaced by the button "Start / Pause". The acoustics sound much better and are equipped with an improved version of moisture protection technology.
Total
The most important part of the article is a debriefing. The most logical choice for JBL Flip 3 or Flip 4 looks to buy a fourth-generation model. She plays well, she has better characteristics and moisture protection technology. In terms of these parameters, it is comparable to JBL Charge 3. On the side, “Flip 3” has only a more affordable price. Although the difference of 500-600 rubles does not look too significant.