JBL is a well-known brand in the audio product industry, known for its high-quality products. The Charge series by JBL is famous for its durability and sound quality. The two most recent additions to this series, the Charge 4 and Charge 5, are highly sought after and have notable differences.
Design:
There is a visible difference in the design of the Charge 4 and Charge 5. The Charge 5 is larger than the Charge 4, measuring 8.66 x 3.74 x 3.94 inches. The Charge 4 measures 8.6 x 3.7 x 3.6 inches. The exterior of both the speakers is covered with fabric, but the Charge 5 has a more rugged design with a more pronounced rubber bumper at the top and bottom. In contrast, the Charge 4 has a sleeker and more modern appearance.
Sound Quality:
Both the Charge 4 and Charge 5 offer excellent sound quality, but the Charge 5 is slightly better. The Charge 5 has a larger driver size of 52mm compared to the Charge 4’s 50mm driver, resulting in slightly louder and fuller sound. The Charge 5 also has better-balanced highs, mids, and lows, making it a better option for music enthusiasts. However, the Charge 4’s sound output is impressive and sufficient for most users.
Battery Life:
Battery life is a crucial aspect of portable speakers, and both the JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5 offer excellent battery life. The Charge 4 has a 7500mAh battery, providing up to 20 hours of playtime. The Charge 5 has a larger 7500mAh battery, which can also offer up to 20 hours of playtime. However, the Charge 5 has a more advanced battery that can charge faster than the Charge 4. With USB-C charging, the Charge 5 can be fully charged in just 2.5 hours, while the Charge 4 takes around 4 hours to charge fully.
Water Resistance:
Both the JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5 are waterproof with an IPX7 rating, meaning they can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. However, the Charge 5 is more water-resistant than the Charge 4. It has an IP67 rating, which means it can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes and is also dust-resistant. In contrast, the Charge 4 is only water-resistant and not dust-resistant.
Connectivity:
Both the JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5 have similar connectivity options. They both support Bluetooth 4.2, allowing for a range of up to 30 feet. However, the Charge 5 has an edge with Bluetooth 5.1, a newer and faster version of Bluetooth. Additionally, the Charge 5 can connect to up to two devices simultaneously, while the Charge 4 can only connect to one device at a time.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5 are excellent portable speakers that offer impressive sound quality and battery life. The Charge 5 has a more refined sound signature, a more rugged design, faster charging, and more advanced connectivity options. If these features are essential, the Charge 5 is worth the upgrade. However, if you’re on a budget or don’t require the additional features, the Charge 4 is still a great option.
