The Ekotek Ekobuds Lifetones come with extra earcaps in different sizes to help you find your perfect fit. These in-ears come in white, black, pink, and neon green. It has an SRP of only Php299.
Aside from the Click, we have another X-mini audio device in our arsenal. If the Click is an ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker, the new device we have is a fusion of a Bluetooth headphone and a portable speaker in one. This is our quick review of the X-mini Evolve.
Design and Construction
When we first find out that the Evolve is a dual-purpose device, we expected it to look different from the rest of the Bluetooth headphones but that’s not the case. When you open the packaging of the product, it’s presented in its folded state. The two ear cups can be folded when storing although there’s no included pouch or hard case for it. Its two-tone gold and black hues give it a bit of character when worn.
The device is well-cushioned, both for the head and the ears. The leather material for the ear-muffs are soft and should not give much strain when used for hours. The control buttons are located on the right cup including the power/Bluetooth switch plus the volume up and down. Two ports are also situated here, one micro-USB port for charging and a 3.5mm jack for a wired connection, and the microphone pinhole. Also on the right side is the simple switch for headphone and speaker function.
The overall construction of the Evolve is surprisingly great. It flexes without a hint of creak plus the arm gives satisfying clicks when adjusted. The glossy body is attractive to fingerprints and smudges but nothing unusual here.
Features and Setup
The wireless headphone slash speaker connects via Bluetooth with support for version 4.1 and the profiles that come with it. The operation is simple, just long press to turn it on and you’ll hear a prompt and the LED will blink blue, keep on pressing until you hear a second prompt which then lights up a blinking red indicating that it’s open for pairing.
The Evolve supports hands-free calling thanks to the built-in microphone so you don’t have to reach out for your phone when answering or rejecting a call.
As mentioned, the Evolve’s main trick is the ability to become a speaker when you want. While the inner drivers on both ear cups are for private listening, the exterior grille hides the additional drivers for it to be able to produce louder sounds. The process of switching is fast and simple. Just slide the switch to your preferred mode of use and it will instantly function.
Sound Quality
Evolve’s main purpose is to be your Bluetooth headphone, understandably the quality would go to the inner drivers. When connected using Bluetooth to a Moto E (2nd Gen), the sound quality is good with decent mids and highs. Although, the bass tends to muffle and overpower at times, especially when it comes to electronic music. The main player conveniently used is Spotify with streaming settings set on Extreme — not the best benchmarking tool but it’s what’s common.
As for the loudspeaker function, it’s definitely nowhere near the dedicated Bluetooth speakers, even with tiny ones like the brand’s own Click. It’s more of an additional feature for those who likes to wear headphones on their neck and listen to more audible music. It’s amazing though to have dual-purpose headphones.
Battery Life
What’s giving juice to the device is a built-in 1000mAh rechargeable battery cell with a claimed rating of up to 30 hours of listening when used as a headphone or down to 6 hours if as a speaker. While we weren’t able to affirm the exact hours of continuous playback, since its last full recharge about 5 days ago, the headphones still have juice with accumulated use of 3-4 hours per day.
Conclusion
For Php 5,490, the Xmini Evolve is a pretty decent Bluetooth headphone and a wireless speaker as well. Its dual function is a nifty feature to have and does have its perks. You can avail of this through the following stores: Electroworld, Abensons, PowerMac, Egghead Audiohub, Robinson’s Galleria, Astroplus, Takatack, Lazada, Storm Benefits, Reeco.ph, Beeper City, Odyssey, Telcom Davao City.
X-mini Click specifications:
Bluetooth v4.1
Range: Up to 10 meters
Driver (internal): 40mm
Frequency Response (internal): 20Hz – 20KHz
Sensitivity (internal): 112dB/1mW
Speaker (external): Magnetically Shielded 40mm
Output (external): 3W
Frequency Response (external): 20Hz – 20KHz
Battery: 300mAh
284 g (w/o cable)
Aside from the Click, we have another X-mini audio device in our arsenal. If the Click is an ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker, the new device we have is a fusion of a Bluetooth headphone and a portable speaker in one. This is our quick review of the X-mini Evolve.
Design and Construction
When we first find out that the Evolve is a dual-purpose device, we expected it to look different from the rest of the Bluetooth headphones but that’s not the case. When you open the packaging of the product, it’s presented in its folded state. The two ear cups can be folded when storing although there’s no included pouch or hard case for it. Its two-tone gold and black hues give it a bit of character when worn.
The device is well-cushioned, both for the head and the ears. The leather material for the ear-muffs are soft and should not give much strain when used for hours. The control buttons are located on the right cup including the power/Bluetooth switch plus the volume up and down. Two ports are also situated here, one micro-USB port for charging and a 3.5mm jack for a wired connection, and the microphone pinhole. Also on the right side is the simple switch for headphone and speaker function.
The overall construction of the Evolve is surprisingly great. It flexes without a hint of creak plus the arm gives satisfying clicks when adjusted. The glossy body is attractive to fingerprints and smudges but nothing unusual here.
Features and Setup
The wireless headphone slash speaker connects via Bluetooth with support for version 4.1 and the profiles that come with it. The operation is simple, just long press to turn it on and you’ll hear a prompt and the LED will blink blue, keep on pressing until you hear a second prompt which then lights up a blinking red indicating that it’s open for pairing.
The Evolve supports hands-free calling thanks to the built-in microphone so you don’t have to reach out for your phone when answering or rejecting a call.
As mentioned, the Evolve’s main trick is the ability to become a speaker when you want. While the inner drivers on both ear cups are for private listening, the exterior grille hides the additional drivers for it to be able to produce louder sounds. The process of switching is fast and simple. Just slide the switch to your preferred mode of use and it will instantly function.
Sound Quality
Evolve’s main purpose is to be your Bluetooth headphone, understandably the quality would go to the inner drivers. When connected using Bluetooth to a Moto E (2nd Gen), the sound quality is good with decent mids and highs. Although, the bass tends to muffle and overpower at times, especially when it comes to electronic music. The main player conveniently used is Spotify with streaming settings set on Extreme — not the best benchmarking tool but it’s what’s common.
As for the loudspeaker function, it’s definitely nowhere near the dedicated Bluetooth speakers, even with tiny ones like the brand’s own Click. It’s more of an additional feature for those who likes to wear headphones on their neck and listen to more audible music. It’s amazing though to have dual-purpose headphones.
Battery Life
What’s giving juice to the device is a built-in 1000mAh rechargeable battery cell with a claimed rating of up to 30 hours of listening when used as a headphone or down to 6 hours if as a speaker. While we weren’t able to affirm the exact hours of continuous playback, since its last full recharge about 5 days ago, the headphones still have juice with accumulated use of 3-4 hours per day.
Conclusion
For Php 5,490, the Xmini Evolve is a pretty decent Bluetooth headphone and a wireless speaker as well. Its dual function is a nifty feature to have and does have its perks. You can avail of this through the following stores: Electroworld, Abensons, PowerMac, Egghead Audiohub, Robinson’s Galleria, Astroplus, Takatack, Lazada, Storm Benefits, Reeco.ph, Beeper City, Odyssey, Telcom Davao City.
X-mini Click specifications:
Bluetooth v4.1
Range: Up to 10 meters
Driver (internal): 40mm
Frequency Response (internal): 20Hz – 20KHz
Sensitivity (internal): 112dB/1mW
Speaker (external): Magnetically Shielded 40mm
Output (external): 3W
Frequency Response (external): 20Hz – 20KHz
Battery: 300mAh
284 g (w/o cable)
Jaybird has just unveiled what they claim is their “smallest ever” headphones — the Freedom. This portable in-ears has a tiny form factor but supposedly packs a powerful kick for your active lifestyle.
The buds, which are 20% smaller than the previous iterations, are also made using metal-injected moldings and features a separate three-button remote where all the technology is kept. The built-in battery has a claimed 4 hours of life but the package comes with a portable charger that gives out another 4 hours of continuous playback.
The company is also introducing MySound which is only compatible with models starting with Freedom. It basically lets you control and customize your music from volume to EQ. The Jaybird Freedom is priced at $199 (Php9.3K).
Targetted towards those who have an active lifestyle and require devices that could keep up with them, the JBL Reflect Response headphones might be the perfect companion on your next run. Here’s our quick review.
Design and Construction
Having a behind-the-neck sports design, the face of the Reflect Response flaunts a glossy plastic material with the company’s logo placed front and center. The remaining material has a rubbery feel to it and carries a matter finish to deviate from the main piece and give it emphasis.
The main switch is squeezed almost at the edge of the device and is accompanied by a single LED light that indicates the status of the unit whether it is on, off, or searching for a device to pair with.
Just underneath the power button is the microUSB port for charging the Reflect Response. It is protected by a rubber flap that repels liquid away from the port.
The stems that support the gadget when wrapped around your neck is somewhat similar to those that are found in sunglasses — not just with the looks but also even the flexible material they have almost felt the same, just more bendable.
Since it is poised to be used when you’re working out or going for a run, users no longer need to press anything to navigate the music. If you look closely, you’ll see the sensors embedded on the outside surface of each earbud.
This makes it possible to just lightly tap on them which will have a corresponding command depending on which side and how long you trigger the sensor.
The bundle includes a set of interchangeable buds that come in different sizes and shapes depending on what the user needs and feels comfortable with. Additionally, there’s a travel pouch included to easily pack and bring it anywhere.
Features
Since the Reflect Response is technically called smart headphones, it should naturally have features that make it “smart”, right? Below is a rundown of the device’s features that should help individuals concentrate more on the task at hand and less on stopping just to skip to the next track.
Touch Control Technology – Control music playback and phone calls by touching the outside of each ear bud.
Ergonomic fit neckband – The device is lightweight with a patented, ergonomic designed neckband to accommodate the needs of a serious athlete.
Ergonomic ear tips – They help keep the buds to stay in place regardless of how intense your workout routine is.
Sweatproof – It has a nano-coating technology that protects the internal components from sweat so you can concentrate solely on your training.
Reflective cables – Jogging at night? Keep safe and stay visible with the reflective cable that it uses.
Bluetooth connectivity – Obviously, it connects via Bluetooth for wireless streaming of audio to the earbuds, leaving you to freely move around without getting bothered by any dangling cable.
10 hours+ audio playback – The company claims that it is equipped with a battery that could last more than 10 hours on a single charge so you could train continuously without having to worry about your headphones dying.
Performance
We got to try out the Reflect Response while jogging and even riding a bicycle on an off-road trail and one thing is for sure — the earbuds latch to your ears even when you make big and sudden movements. I personally did a lot of those especially in cycling where I had to do shoulder checks whenever I was turning or switching lanes.
Sound quality is appreciated in the entire spectrum since it’s got authoritative mids, a good brightness to its highs, and a solid bass performance considering that these are just in-ears with very little physical space for sound reverberation. Additionally, distortion was also kept to a minimum even when the volume was cranked to the loudest.
Its in-ear design also blocks off external noise, acting like passive noise cancellation. This way, you can be disconnected from the outside world while you lift weights, jog, or simply walk around the neighborhood. Be mindful, though, where you use it as being unaware of your surroundings may lead to accidents.
Conclusion
The JBL Reflect Response is a solid performer with specific users in mind. As mentioned in the beginning of this review, it targets those with an active lifestyle by providing the mentioned features and honestly, it delivered well doing them.
One major gripe that we do have is that there’s no way of controlling the volume aside from your smartphone. So, when an instance arises and you have to suddenly talk to someone, it’s either you just pause the music or remove an earbud. The JBL Reflect Response retails for Php7,490.
