Apple HomePod Mini 2023 Review
A Quick Summary:
The Apple HomePod mini has been on the market for two years, but it continues to receive updates such as temperature and humidity sensors, making it a fantastic smart speaker for your home. This review explains why this device is still a great choice despite being budget-priced at £99 new or between £70 and £85 when refurbished with warranties available up to 24 months.
A Look At the Design And Build Quality
The HomePod mini features Apple’s rounded, mesh-covered design which looks modern in any room. You have a choice of five different colours including black, white, blue, orange and yellow so you can easily pick one that matches your home interior perfectly.
Internal Specs And Audio Experience
The Sound:
Despite being compact, this speaker packs a punch. In listening to everything from country music to metal over the last month I’ve been really happy with the sound quality that packs in a great range of highs, mids and lows.
Cable Connection And Features
The top has a touch-sensitive panel for performing a variety of actions including volume controls, play, pause, skip and Siri. The only downside is that the cable is built-in which means you cannot replace it if damaged by accident; however, this is actually sturdy because it uses braided cabling so we do not see any durability issues.
This cable links to a USB C charging brick (included with the HomePod mini) requiring either 20w or 18w power delivery. Inside that compact speaker you’ll find 4 microphones, a chip for enhancing the audio in all directions plus internal drivers including speakers.
Certifications And Connectivity
The fabric on the outside is acoustically transparent and audio adapts depending on where it’s placed inside your room. It connects to your phone thanks to built-in Bluetooth 5 and Wi-Fi (note: you cannot use this as a standalone bluetooth speaker). Those microphones allow Siri to respond every time for that fantastic experience in such tiny package.
Build Details:
While it is not quite as good sounding as my SONOS One speakers, the HomePod mini really isn’t far off at all!
Software Setup And Configuration
You can update software and tweak settings through Apple’s Home app. Setting up has been perfected by Apple over recent years so you simply hold your phone close-by to follow instructions on screen.
Siri Capabilities Smart Assistant Features
Music Streaming:
If you want music controlling voice with the HomePod mini, available services are limited because only Apple Music works directly alongside Pandora (USA Only), iHeart Radio and TuneIn radio.
Siri Voice Interaction And Limitations
The Software:
Other services such as Spotify play on the HomePod mini but you’ll need to use AirPlay or Handoff from your phone. Apple opened up option for third parties introducing Siri integration, yet some like Spotify haven’t enabled this feature.
Multitasking And Smart Home Use
Siri Voice Interaction:
You can add reminders easily and ask information about maps or questions. Tasks such as reminders requiring personal info are turned on or off via the HomePod settings where thanks to voice recognition items added go to right person’s calendar, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Verdict:
All in all however for managing your enabled smart home devices like timers and calendars Siri on the HomePod pretty much does everything we want. Some tasks such as recipes which assistants like Alexa read out are simply met with a response from Siri to continue task on phone.
Conclusion
The HomePod mini is a great sounding compact smart speaker for your home at £99 new or cheaper refurbished deals available between $65 and £85. However, as matter gets rolled out this will get even better for smart home users looking to play music quietly late at night without disturbing neighbours.
