Philips TAS1209 review: Pocket-sized speaker that packs a punch

Imagine a Bluetooth speaker so compact that it can easily clip onto your backpack, powerful enough to enhance your outdoor experience, and priced reasonably to fit your budget. The Philips TAS1209 presents itself as a strong contender in the portable speaker market. Over the past month, I’ve tested this budget-friendly speaker, and here’s how it fared in real-life situations. The TAS1209 features a fully plastic design with rounded edges and includes basic media control buttons on the top, such as volume up, volume down, power, and Bluetooth connectivity. However, it's worth noting that there is no dedicated button for skipping tracks, and the volume controls do not offer this functionality either. A small LED indicator next to the volume controls lights up white when the speaker is powered on and changes to dark blue when paired. The front of the speaker showcases a black grille adorned with small red perforations, giving it a sporty appearance. However, the absence of lighting around the grille seems like a missed design opportunity. One of the standout features is the built-in carrying hook, making it easy to attach to your backpack for walks, yoga sessions, or hikes. Weighing in at just around 200 grams, this speaker is light enough to toss in your bag and take anywhere. With a 5W output, the TAS1209 provides sound that suits individual listening but may lack the volume needed to fill larger spaces. The audio quality is commendable, delivering punchy bass that enhances the enjoyment of Bollywood and Punjabi tracks, though indie music lovers might find the vocals somewhat muted. In terms of battery life, Philips claims up to 12 hours on a single charge. However, my experience suggested a maximum of 7-8 hours, which is still respectable for a speaker of this size. Fully recharging the speaker takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Additionally, the built-in microphone allows for hands-free calls, though the call quality may not meet high expectations. In conclusion, pricing for the TAS1209 fluctuates based on the retailer. At the time of this review, it was available for approximately ₹1,600 on the Philips website and around ₹900 on Amazon. Considering its sporty design, integrated hook, IPX4 rating, and satisfactory sound quality, the Philips TAS1209 presents great value for many users. However, those who prefer higher volume levels may find it lacking.