Short answer: the Sony SRS-XB12 for better sound quality, the Xiaomi Sound Pocket for the lower price. The Sony SRS-XB12 ranks #39 of 47 small speakers at $79. The Xiaomi Sound Pocket ranks #45 at $22.99, $56.01 cheaper.
What the Sony SRS-XB12 offers: Aux in. 16 hour battery life. IP67 rated, palm-sized with a detachable strap for hanging on a bag or belt. The catch: Muddy, not much bass, peaky treble.
What the Xiaomi Sound Pocket gets right: 5W output, IP67 waterproof, 10-hour battery life, compact 200g ultra-portable design, Bluetooth 5.4 with TWS stereo pairing, built-in microphone, USB-C charging, 3.6-inch form factor. Set against that: Bass light, vocals harsh above ~80% volume, vibrates/walks on hard surfaces at higher volume when upright, slow 3-hour charge.
Buy the Sony SRS-XB12 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Xiaomi Sound Pocket if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 47 small speakers instead.
If battery life is a priority, the Sony SRS-XB12 is rated for 16 hours versus 10 hours for the Xiaomi Sound Pocket.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SRS-XB12 | Xiaomi Sound Pocket | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79 Discontinued | $22.99 |
| Ranked | #39 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #45 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 97Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | - |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 240ms | - |
| Max Volume | 93dB | - |
| Party Mode | No | - |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 243 g | 0.4 lbs / 200 g |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC | - |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.4 |
| Drivers | 46mm | Full-range driver + passive radiator |
| Charging Time | 4.5 hours | - |
| Output Power | 7W | 5W |
| Dimensions | 2.9" x 3.6"H (74 x 92 mm) (diameter) | 3.6" x 2.9" x 1.7" (90.8 x 74.4 x 42.6 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Capacity | - | 1000mAh |
| Frequency Response | - | 100Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Sony SRS-XB12: $79 Discontinued
Pros: Aux in. 16 hour battery life. IP67 rated, palm-sized with a detachable strap for hanging on a bag or belt.
Cons: Muddy, not much bass, peaky treble. Discontinued.
Full Sony SRS-XB12 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 97Hz |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 240ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 4.5 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 2.9" x 3.6"H (74 x 92 mm) (diameter) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 46mm |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 93dB |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 7W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 243 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Sony SRS-XB12 vs Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini
- Sony SRS-XB12 vs Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2
- Sony SRS-XB12 vs JBL Clip 3
- Sony SRS-XB12 vs Harman Kardon Neo
- Sony SRS-XB12 vs JBL Clip
- Sony SRS-XB12 vs Lenovo 700 Ultraportable Bluetooth Speaker
- Sony SRS-XB12 vs Sony SRS-XB13
- Sony SRS-XB12 vs Sony SRS-XB100
- See all 14 comparisons
Xiaomi Sound Pocket: $22.99 Amazon Aliexpress
Pros: 5W output, IP67 waterproof, 10-hour battery life, compact 200g ultra-portable design, Bluetooth 5.4 with TWS stereo pairing, built-in microphone, USB-C charging, 3.6-inch form factor
Cons: Bass light, vocals harsh above ~80% volume, vibrates/walks on hard surfaces at higher volume when upright, slow 3-hour charge
Full Xiaomi Sound Pocket review and specifications →
| Aux Input | No |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 1000mAh |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.6" x 2.9" x 1.7" (90.8 x 74.4 x 42.6 mm) |
| Drivers | Full-range driver + passive radiator |
| Frequency Response | 100Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 5W |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs / 200 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Xiaomi Sound Pocket vs Harman Kardon Neo
- Xiaomi Sound Pocket vs Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2
- Xiaomi Sound Pocket vs Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini
- Xiaomi Sound Pocket vs JBL Clip 3
- Xiaomi Sound Pocket vs JBL Clip
- Xiaomi Sound Pocket vs Sony SRS-XB13
- Xiaomi Sound Pocket vs Sony SRS-XB100
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