Amazon’s Echo devices need no introduction. The synonymity of the word ‘Alexa’ to a smart speaker speaks to Echo’s popularity. Back in May, we reviewed the new 5th Gen Echo Dot and really liked the incremental updates that came along with it. Amazon has also introduced a new entry-level speaker for the Echo range, called the Echo Pop. We’ve been using it for the last week, putting it through a series of tests and trying out all kinds of routines that the assistant is known for. Here is our in-depth Amazon Echo Pop review.
Read Also: POCO M6 Pro 5G India launch set for August 5
Table of Contents
Amazon Echo Pop review: Design
There is nothing extravagant about the design of the Echo Pop. At first glance, it looks like an Amazon Echo Dot sliced in half. Since it is primarily meant to be used as a bedside speaker, the simplicity of design works in its favour. The convex rear panel is made entirely out of plastic and houses the volume controls and the mute button up top. There is no action button to be found on this device. While it was never really an essential part of Echo devices, it was nice to have it around.
The front panel of the Echo Pop is covered with the all-familiar mesh fabric for the speaker. Instead of the bottom-facing LED light found on the Echo Dot, Amazon has gone for a small LED arc on this device. Again, it makes sense to not have intense lights on a speaker that is meant to be placed on a nightstand. There are three mics on the Echo Pop and they do a good job of registering voice commands even from across the room.
There aren’t a lot of additional accessories inside the box. Apart from the smart speaker, the retail box contains the power adapter and some reading material. The power port is placed at the bottom of the speaker. Amazon recently removed the 3.5mm jack from the Echo Dot, so it is not a surprise that it’s absent from the Pop as well.
Amazon Echo Pop review: Performance
Setting up the Echo Pop is a very simple process. You need to install the Amazon Alexa app from Google Play Store and pair the Bluetooth speaker with your phone. Once you’ve selected the desired languages and shared your home WiFi with the Echo Pop, you can disconnect the Bluetooth. Using the Alexa app, you can also pair your Echo Pop with an existing Echo device in your house.
Amazon Echo Pop may be slightly smaller than the Echo Dot, but its 1.95” front-firing speaker is larger than the one on the Echo Dot. While it doesn’t get as loud as the Echo Dot, this speaker is enough to fill a small room. We used the Echo Pop in outdoor conditions as well, and it performed admirably well. The speaker managed to negate the surrounding noise and delivered the audio performance we were looking for.
Intensity and volume aside, the sound quality on this device has some room for improvement. The Echo Pop is a decent speaker for playing songs in the background while you’re going about your chores and not necessarily paying attention to the music. It presents a good mix of frequencies and packs a decent level of detail. The bass doesn’t dominate the mix, as is the case with most budget Bluetooth speakers. However, if you’re looking for a more serious speaker, there are better options in the Echo lineup.
Amazon has gotten rid of the temperature and motion sensors on the Echo Pop. This one hurts a little bit, as the temperature sensor was one of the features that made the Echo an ‘intelligent’ device. The Echo Dot uses its temperature sensor to automatically trigger the air conditioning when the temperature of the room reached a certain limit.
Without the motion detector, the Echo Pop isn’t able to turn off the lights in the room when you walk out. These were some of our favourite Echo features that sadly won’t make it to its entry-level model. That being said, if you aren’t planning on linking the Echo Pop to any of the smart devices in your room, you won’t miss the sensors at all.
What really makes Echo devices smart is the software experience. Amazon Echo Pop does not disappoint in this regard. You can set up daily routines using the Amazon Alexa app. The app interface is very accessible and easy to navigate. The experience is maximised if you have other smart devices around the house. We used Amazon’s assistant to set up the daily alarm, play a Spotify playlist upon waking up, and read out the major headlines of the day. The Echo Pop carried out these tasks without a hiccup. We also really like that you can gently tap the top of the device to turn off the alarm. It is safe to say that Echo’s superior software experience still puts it ahead of the competition.
Read Also: Oppo Reno 10 Review: A Good Everyday Driver
Verdict
If you’re looking for a smart device for your nightstand, the Amazon Echo Pop fits the bill perfectly. It is priced at Rs 4,499, exactly Rs 1,000 cheaper than the Echo Dot. If you’re a tech enthusiast that likes to explore every facet of a product, then we’d recommend splurging the extra thousand bucks for the Echo Dot. The range of functionalities offered by the temperature and motion sensors is not something you’d want to miss out on. If you’re a casual user looking for a no-nonsense smart speaker for a coffee table or a bedside stand, the Echo Pop has the optimum range of functionalities along with the proper aesthetic. This device will also make a great gift for elderly parents or grandparents!
Amazon Echo Pop: Pros
- Decent sound quality
- Minimal design
- Alexa experience is on point
Amazon Echo Pop: Cons
- Lacks temperature and motion sensors
- Only Rs 1,000 cheaper than the Echo Dot
For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. For newest tech & gadget videos subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can also stay up to date using the Gadget Bridge Android App. You can find the latest car and bike news here.
