Wireless speakers are all the rage now that the sun is peaking over the horizon. Barbecue season is fast approaching and with the release of a new addition to the JBL wireless speaker pack. So, let’s get to the point. Should you upgrade? Find out in our JBL Flip 4 vs Charge 3 review.
JBL Flip 4 vs Charge 3 Review
JBL Flip 4 vs Charge 3 – Packaging
The Charge 3 and Flip 4 are essentially shipped in the exact same packaging consisting of a box displaying the typical JBL orange and white aesthetic. The Charge 3’s box is obviously larger than that of the Flip 4 in that the Charge 3 is bigger in stature. Maybe for that reason the Charge 3 includes a micro USB charging cable and a wall adapter while the Flip 4 only provides the micro USB cable.
JBL Flip 4 vs Charge 3 – Build & Design
As I previously stated, the Charge 3 is larger in stature measuring up at 8.38 x 3.42 x 3.48 in (213 x 87 x 88.5 mm) and weighing in at 1.76 lbs (800 g) while the Flip 4, which is actually slightly taller than the Flip 3, stands at 6.89 x 2.68 x 2.76 in (175 x 68 x 70 mm and weighs) 1.13 lbs (515 g).
The Charge 3 is built with a rubber base for the speaker to rest securely on its side. The Flip 4, modified from the Flip 3, also features a rubber strip, not as pronounced as the Charge 3, but a base that is wide enough so that it sits still while the radiators bang out your tunes. The controls are identical on both portable speakers, with power, Bluetooth, Connect, Pause/Play, and volume buttons. Under the protective rubber flap on the Flip 4 there is an 3.5 mm jack port and micro USB port for charging with the included micro USB cable while the Charge 3 features both of those ports with an additional USB port that can “charge” another smart device while in use.
The Charge 3 and Flip 4 both feature dual front-facing passive radiators to increases the low frequency response meaning a whole lot of bass in both speakers. The radiators on the Flip 4 now feature a shiny new face that matches the color of the speaker and now has a dashed design across the entire plate. One side showcases the JBL logo while the other has an exclamation point. The Charge 3 features a solid black logo (regardless of the speaker color) on both ends with JBL embossed into it. This is the same design on the Flip 3 and Xtreme.
JBL Flip 4 vs Charge 3 – Features
Both speakers are waterproof with an IPX7 meaning they can be submerged under water for up to 30 minutes. If you’d like a better understanding of water resistance ratings, check out an article on water resistance grades here. The same cannot be said for the previous Flip model (Flip 3) which was only splash proof. A little rain here and there is A-OK, but anything more than that and you’ll be s.o.l. Both the Flip 4 and Charge 3 are built with durable fabric material and rubber enclosures to keep the water out. In addition, both speakers possess JBL Connect which allows multiple speakers to link to one another and play simultaneously. However, the Flip 4 features the updated Connect+ (allows up to 100 speakers to sync together) which only syncs other Connect+ devices together. Until the Charge 3 is updated to with firmware, these two speakers are not able to pair to one another. Regardless, this feature sounds ideal for big house and pool parties.
The Flip 4 has a run time of 12 hours (Flip 3 was 10 hours) while taking 3.5 hours to fully recharge. The Charge 3, which is built with a larger battery, is able to provide tunes for up to 20 hours while taking 4.5 hours to charge. The Flip 4 operates using Bluetooth 4.2 and the charge 3 uses Bluetooth 4.1.
JBL Flip 4 vs Charge 3 – Sound
“Baby, this is what you came for…” chimes in my head as I write the line sound knowing in fact this is probably the most important part of this review. So, let’s get to it. The Flip 4 has a really nice present yet relaxed bass line than its predecessor the Flip 3, which came off much boomier in comparison. The Flip 4 does a really good job of allowing the mids and highs to breathe and float over the bass with accuracy and detail. Subsequently, the Flip 4 has a brighter sound signature than the Charge 3, which is more bass heavy. As a result, the Charge 3 isn’t as detailed as the Flip 4 in the mids and highs.
If you’re looking for louder volume with good bass the JBL Charge 3 is available for $149.95 at Audio 46’s JBL Store. If you’d like a smaller speaker with a brighter sound, the JBL Flip 4 may be for you. It’s also available at Audio 46’s JBL Store for $99.95.
Hope our “JBL Flip 4 vs Charge 3 Review” was helpful.