Unveiling the JBL Tune Beam 2: A Smart Upgrade in the TWS Arena
JBL has launched its latest truly wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds, the Tune Beam 2, following up on its predecessor with a slew of enhancements. Released in April 2023, these earbuds represent JBL’s strategic pivot towards feature-rich and customizable audio devices. Priced competitively at Rs. 5,499, the Tune Beam 2 not only contends with established audio brands but also goes toe-to-toe with smartphone manufacturers that are stepping into the audio space.
Design: Comfort Meets Practicality
The Tune Beam 2 model embodies a basic yet functional design. Each earbud measures 33.4 x 22.6 x 25 mm and weighs a mere 5.2g, making them incredibly lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions. The included case, however, is slightly bulkier, storing the earbuds in matte plastic that feels premium but can be a bit creaky at times. Available in Black, Blue, and White, the Blue variant offers a refreshing pastel touch.
The earbuds come with IP54 water and dust resistance, making them suitable for workouts or light rain. While the silicone ear tips provide a snug fit, some users may find them slightly slippery. Gesture-based touch controls allow straightforward playback and call management, although the sensitivity could use some improvement.
Performance: Audio That Packs a Punch
Sound quality is where the Tune Beam 2 shines. Equipped with 10mm dynamic drivers and JBL’s Spatial Sound technology, the earbuds deliver a punchy, bass-heavy audio experience. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) works impressively well to block out ambient noise, and the option to customize ANC levels through the companion app adds further utility.
Battery life is commendable, offering around 10 hours of playtime without ANC and approximately 8 hours with it. With the charging case, users can anticipate a total of about 30-40 hours of battery life, a feature that makes these earbuds an ideal choice for on-the-go listening.
Customization and App Integration: A Double-Edged Sword
The JBL Headphones app allows users to tailor their audio profiles, including the innovative Personi-Fi 3.0 feature, which adjusts sound settings based on individual preferences. However, the app has faced connectivity issues, causing some frustration during use.
While the app offers a range of customization options, there are limitations; for instance, you can choose gesture controls but can only select from broader categories rather than customizing all options simultaneously.
Room for Improvement
Though the Tune Beam 2 scores high on audio quality and battery life, its key weaknesses include:
- Microphone Quality: The performance during calls is subpar; ambient noise often overshadows the speaker’s voice, which can be quite distracting.
- Lack of In-Ear Detection: This absence feels outdated in a market where many competitors already offer this feature.
- App Navigation: Users may find the app experience sluggish, deterring them from taking full advantage of customization options.
Conclusion: A Strong Contender, but Not Without Flaws
Overall, the JBL Tune Beam 2 is a solid choice for those seeking an engaging audio experience with significant bass. Priced at Rs. 5,499, it competes well against rivals like the Realme Buds Air 7 Pro and OnePlus Buds 3. While it offers remarkable sound performance and a battery that lasts, the microphone quality and app usability could use some fine-tuning. For casual listeners and bass enthusiasts, the Tune Beam 2 might just be a perfect match. However, if clear call quality or seamless app connectivity is a top priority, you might want to explore other options in the TWS landscape.
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Bio: Priya specializes in making complex financial and tech topics easy to digest, with experience in fintech and consumer reviews.