The Bluetooth speaker JBL Charge Essential brings a familiar look, but with features of a “bulky” model. Among them, the possibility of charging various equipment with its internal battery, functioning as a kind of power bank in case of need.
In addition, the compact body provides the portability that many users are looking for when purchasing a speaker. However, not everything is a positive point in this product, as there are particularities in the physical and sound part that may displease the most demanding.
Want to know what JBL’s “flaws” are at Charge Essential? So check it out in detail in the full review!
pros
- Portability
- IPX7 certification
- Drums
- power bank mode
cons
- slight hiss
- microUSB connection for charging
design and build
The Charge Essential can be compared with the JBL Flip Essential, as the thicknesses are very close. As an advantage, this allows for easier transportation of the speaker in bags, for example.
After all, there is nothing more pleasant than having a product with a format that allows you to take it on different trips, without worrying about “damage” to your spine. Just like the JBL Charge 5, it also has a rubberized base for a better grip on furniture.
The body, in general, is covered in synthetic nylon fabric, but the area next to the passive radiators is rubberized. At the top, the call button is in the center, in addition to the play/pause keys, volume control and Bluetooth.
On the back there is an input for connecting an auxiliary cable, as well as the USB-A connection for electronics and microUSB charging. It’s a shame to see such a good product that still uses this outdated port, as there are already models of the same generation with USB-C.
A positive point worth mentioning from the JBL Charge Essential is the presence of the IPX7 certification. With this, it is possible to keep the speaker in water for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter, without this action causing damage to the product.
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Ivo Meneghel Jr/Canaltech
The JBL Charge Essential has the signature look of the brand’s speakers, but carries a microUSB connection. As a result, the public is held hostage to carry an additional cable in their purse to take advantage of the device, as they cannot take advantage of the universality of the USB-C input.
— jucyber
sound quality
The radiators reproduce the sound, together with the speakers, at a power of 5 W RMS, and they manage to deliver the bass tone already expected in a JBL box. In the song Enemy, by Imagine Dragons x JID, you can feel the “pressure” of the lower frequencies, but without exaggeration.
Despite having a balanced sound, I felt the bass more “shy” than other speakers of the brand. In addition, the treble is missing in several songs that could explore the higher keys.
On the other hand, a more linear song, like “Heartbreak Anniversary”, by Giveon, makes good use of the mids and sub-bass in the phrases of the stanzas. So for those looking to have every shade on the speaker, the Flip Essential might not meet your expectations.
Even with the positive points, it should be noted that I felt a slight hiss in the background, to the point of sounding like an AM/FM radio searching for the frequency. Despite not disturbing the experience in general, I believe it is important to point out the small defects that can harm the experience of the most demanding users, as is my case.
battery and connectivity
In Charge Essential, the battery implemented by JBL is 6,000 mAh. This capacity guarantees, according to the company, up to 20 hours of autonomy, but also allows the use of the device as a power bank for other electronic devices.
Using this recharge technology, in practice, I realized that the estimated time to give the necessary energy to my cell phone, for example, was 2 hours and 40 minutes. On the other hand, the smartphone, when plugged in, needs only 1 hour and 20 minutes to be recharged.
This is due to the fact that the USB-A input applied to Charge Essential is low voltage. Therefore, the power applied to supply the energy that the equipment under load needs is smaller, and, consequently, it takes more time to complete the cycle.
Using the box only to listen to music, with the volume at 50%, the battery lasted 22 hours and 16 minutes. This exceeds the estimate presented by JBL, but can also vary according to the volume used on a daily basis. To recharge the Charge Essential battery, you need to keep the box plugged in for 4 hours.
The Bluetooth technology applied in the device is version 4.1. This connectivity generation is almost ten years old, and ends up becoming outdated and limited, compared to the most recent options.
One of the biggest advantages of Charge Essential is already exposed in its name, as it is incredible to be able to listen to my favorite songs while I recharge my cell phone so that it continues playing the songs without interrupting the power outage.
— jucyber
direct competitors
On the market, unfortunately, there are not many options for Bluetooth speakers that allow you to charge other electronic devices. Therefore, the main competitor of Charge Essential is the JBL Charge 5.
Since they are models launched in close periods, it is not surprising that they can “compete” with each other. The Charge 5 arrives with a sound that stands out more than the model analyzed in this text.
This is due to the fact that the manufacturer has implemented pleasant lapidations in the frequencies. In addition to this, this JBL box has the possibility of controlling functions via an application, and this is something that Charge Essential lacks.
However, the price of R$ 1,300 means that the “cuts” of the simpler model do not influence the choice for the more expensive version so much. After all, it is a value difference of more than 50% between the two products.
Is it still worth buying the JBL Charge Essential?
The JBL Charge Essential is the Bluetooth speaker for anyone looking for versatility at a reasonable price. The BRL 600 charged by the manufacturer to deliver the built-in differentials makes sense.
Working in a market that is not explored by many brands, it is not surprising that a speaker that recharges other devices draws attention. However, using it to power your cell phone will require patience, as nothing compares to the fast charger compatible with your smartphone, and Charge Essential ends up being an option only for maximum needs, focusing on providing essential energy, literally.
Bluetooth 4.1 remains a highly criticized point by JBL, as it is important to know that the value of the box is also reflected in the technologies implemented in it. However, balanced sound and extremely long battery life can make this device an attractive option.
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