Homepod 2nd Generation Smart Speaker MQJ83 (White) Review
For weeks, the HomePod (2nd generation) MQJ83 in pristine white has graced my living room. This review isn’t just based on specs; it’s the culmination of countless hours of listening to everything from classical symphonies to upbeat pop, testing its smart features, and generally living with the device. I aimed to push it to its limits, exposing its strengths and weaknesses in real-world scenarios.
Key Features
The HomePod 2nd generation boasts a compelling array of features, going beyond basic smart speaker functionality. The 4-inch high-excursion woofer delivers surprisingly deep bass for its size, while the array of five horn-loaded tweeters provides crisp, clear highs. The inclusion of an internal low-frequency calibration microphone ensures automatic bass correction, adapting to the room’s acoustics. This adaptive audio technology is truly remarkable and contributes to a consistently excellent sound experience, regardless of placement.
The touch controls are intuitive, allowing for easy play/pause, track skipping, and volume adjustments. Siri integration is seamless, responding promptly to voice commands, though occasional hiccups did occur in noisy environments.
| Colour Name | White |
|---|---|
| Model Number | MQJ83 |
| Model Name | MQJ83 |
Performance and Sound Quality
The sound quality is, without a doubt, a highlight. The bass is rich and impactful, without being overpowering. The mids and highs are beautifully balanced, offering clarity and detail that many competitors struggle to match. I tested it with a wide variety of music genres, and consistently found myself impressed by its ability to deliver a dynamic and immersive soundscape. Even at higher volumes, the audio remained clear and distortion-free. The automatic bass correction worked exceptionally well, adjusting the sound to compensate for the acoustics of my living room. However, placing it in a particularly reverberant corner did slightly impact the sound clarity. This is a minor issue, easily resolved with adjustments in placement.
The spatial audio capabilities, while not as revolutionary as some might claim, did add to the immersive quality of certain tracks. However, the true benefit comes from the overall richness and depth of sound provided by the cleverly designed speaker system.
Siri responsiveness was generally good, although as mentioned earlier, performance suffered slightly in the noisier parts of my home. The smart home integration was flawlessly executed; I experienced no issues in controlling other compatible devices through voice commands.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Exceptional sound quality for its size, rich bass, clear highs, intuitive touch controls, seamless Siri integration, robust smart home capabilities, elegant design.
- Cons: Siri performance can be affected by background noise, relatively high price point compared to some competitors.
Final Verdict
The HomePod (2nd generation) MQJ83 delivers a premium audio experience and a sophisticated smart speaker package. While the price point might be considered high by some, the exceptional sound quality, intelligent features, and elegant design justify the cost for audiophiles and tech enthusiasts who demand the best. Its combination of impressive audio performance and convenient smart features makes it a strong contender in the high-end smart speaker market. I wholeheartedly recommend the HomePod 2nd generation MQJ83 to anyone seeking a top-tier audio experience.
