Apple has just announced the release of the second generation of its Apple HomePod. Although characterized by first-class elements, some aspects may not convince everyone or may not be suitable for our needs. Seeing “up close” what characterizes each generation of HomePods and what has changed from one to the next could therefore be an important aid in deciding whether to opt for the new version or whether to turn to external channels, such as eBay, to purchase the (now) cheaper first generation.
To help you in this decision we have decided to present the two HomePods in comparison.
The technical characteristics
| Apple HomePod 2nd generation | Apple HomePods | |
| Aesthetics | Improved design with acoustically transparent mesh fabric | Acoustically transparent mesh fabric |
| Touch sense | Increased backlit touch surface, which glows from edge to edge, similar to HomePod Mini | Backlit touch surface |
| Chip | S7 chip from 2021 Apple Watch Series 7 | A8 chip from 2013 iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus |
| woofers | 10cm (4 inch) high-excursion woofer | 10cm (4 inch) woofer |
| High frequencies | Five horn tweeters | Seven horn tweeters |
| Microphones | Four far-field beamforming microphones | Six far-field beamforming microphones |
| Connection Wifi | WiFi 4 (802.11n); Threads; Ultra-wideband U1 | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Home automation and sensors | Temperature and humidity sensors; recognition of alarms and sounds; accelerometer | accelerometer |
| Electrical connection | removable cable | removable cable |
| Dimensions (height) | 168mm | 172mm |
| Dimensions (diameter) | 140mm | 140mm |
| Weight | 2.34kg | 2.5kg |
| Colourings | White; Midnight | White, Space Gray |
Which one to choose?
Let’s start by cutting the bull’s head off: to take or not to take HomePod 2nd generation? Given that this assessment it can only be strictly personal and based on the personal needs of each of us, a in our opinion the most correct answer to this question can only be: depends. If the purchase is to replace a still fully functional first generation HomePod, it’s not worth it in our opinion. Although it is undeniable that there have been some innovations, it is equally undeniable that Apple has taken a few steps back for some elements.
Evident is, for example, the decline in the number of speakersor a downgrade of the standard Wifi; as well as the presence of a fewer microphones. And if for the latter it is not certain that the number is indicative of a higher quality of performance, a smaller number of speakers is generally synonymous (with the same quality) of a less rich sound. So if your first generation Apple HomePod still does its job, we don’t feel like pushing the newcomer to buy it immediately.
This consideration, in our opinion, is even more true in the case of a purchase designed to add a new device to what is already present in the house: the new Apple HomePodbarring second thoughts from the parent company, can not connect with the previous generation. It follows that if you need to create a stereo element you will necessarily have to buy the first version of the device (whereas with the second generation Apple HomePod you will have to buy two): with a decidedly lower cost you can expand your “pool” of speakers Apple giving up only a few ancillary features.
However it is true that some of the innovations introduced could be seen as important (if not fundamental) by some users: a new aesthetic aspect and some sensors designed for home automation. If there is no HomePod in the house yet, we believe that the purchase can be taken seriously: in addition to the aforementioned new features, it is much more likely that the second generation will be supported for longer.
The first generation HomePod however, it has not officially arrived in Italy and is therefore more difficult to find. The second generation of smart speakers will be available from February 3, 2023 on Amazon or on the official website Apple.it a 349.00 euros.
