The playback was smooth and no glitches or interrupted playback was noticed.
The device supports the Bluetooth 4.1 protocol allowing for around 30 meters of connectivity range.
The app can be used to modify the speaker's name and update the firmware as well as to monitor the charge level.
The software features are limited due to the speaker's functionality. JBL’s Connect app is available to customize your Flip Essentials.
IPX7 also means that you can use the speaker in dusty conditions, without worrying about damaging it. The charging port is covered with a rubber flap, protecting the port from water damage.Īlthough the flap is made from durable rubber and does not degrade quickly, to maintain the waterproofness, we recommend opening the charging port only when necessary as the flap comes a bit loose with time. The Flip Essentials boasts the same IPX7 waterproof rating as the Flip 5, allowing you to use the device up to 30 minutes underwater for up to 1 meter (3ft 3in). It lacks the Connect+/PartyBoost button for connecting multiple devices together, found on the other models.ĭouble tapping the play button will skip the song and volume up and down buttons can either be tapped once for precise volume control or held down for more convenience in maxing out the volume or muting the speaker. Unlike Flip 5, the Flip Essential houses only play/pause, volume up, volume down, Bluetooth and power on/off buttons on the grille as well as the power button on the other side. However, the Flip Essential still houses the AUX input in case you want to use your speaker with your computer or any other device which doesn’t support Bluetooth. The charging port still utilizes the older micro-USB standard instead of the USB Type-C found on Flip 5 and has an hour longer charging time of 3.5 hours instead of 2.5 on Flip 5. It has the same IPX7 water protection found in Flip 5, which we will talk about more in detail below.
The Flip Essential copies the design of Flip 3 and 4, featuring dual 40mm speakers of the Flip 4 and the round shape on the edges and older Bluetooth standard of Flip 3. The majority of the speaker is covered with durable fabric, which does not degrade over the years of usage. Just like with the other Flip models, you can attach a wire loop to your Flip Essential, which allows you to carry the speaker conveniently with one hand. The rubberized corners and back panel are durable, protect the device from fall damage. The gray color looks solid and doesn’t stand out much. The Flip Essential copies the design of one of the previous generations of Flip, the Flip 3, however, because some functionality was cut down, some buttons lack on the Flip Essential. In line with this, the Flip 5 is the most expensive among the three and you can get the Flip 4 and the Essential for around the same price.īecause the cost efficiency was critical, Essential comes only in gray color.īesides the speaker, only a micro-USB cable is included in the box, however, this is also the case with the other Flip models. In terms of size, the Flip 5 is the largest one, while the Flip 4 is slightly smaller and the Essential is the smallest device. While at first glance all these speakers are very similar, there are subtle differences. There are the new Flip 5 and the Essential on the market, however, in many stores even the older model the Flip 4 is available. You can have a hard time if you want to pick a speaker from the JBL’s Flip line-up since you will find pretty similar devices.