Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 review: A chic and personal Bluetooth speaker

If there’s one thing I love about Harman Kardon, it would have to be its designs. The company has long been merging tech and aesthetics to produce beautifully designed products with premium sound.

The Esquire Mini 2 is no exception. While not radically different from its predecessor, it boasts of useful upgrades and features to help easily integrate itself into almost any lifestyle. Apart from being your usual Bluetooth speaker, the Esquire Mini 2 also functions as a speakerphone and a power bank. With these added features, does the Harmon Kardon Esquire Mini 2 do well as an all-around device?

Design

There’s no denying that the Esquire Mini 2 is quite a looker. It flashes a pretty polished metal grill design upfront and a faux leather finish on the back.  There’s also a nifty kickstand to prop up the speaker which makes it look oh-so-elegant.

We have the device in a classic silver color but there’s also a black version for a more subtle look. If you fancy a bit more color in your life, it also comes in blue, copper, and pink.

All of the device’s buttons can be found on the top and include the power, Bluetooth, and call buttons. Just opposite it is the volume rocker. Buttons are tactile, easy to press and feel just as durable as the rest of this device. There’s also a 3.5mm jack for accessories and on the side are 5 small LED lights that indicate battery level.

The size of the Esquire Mini 2 is one of my favorite things about it. It’s as big as today’s smartphones and about an inch thick. Weighing just a quarter kilogram, it’s extremely portable and easy to stash in just about any bag and maybe even some pockets. Additionally, a plain faux leather case is included for protection.

Performance

Let’s just get this out of the way, the Harmon Kardon Esquire Mini 2 is not going to be your party speaker. It’s going to be the speaker you have set up on your desk or home office, or the speaker you use when you’re binge-watching on your laptop or phone.  In a word, personal.

Thinking of it this way made me appreciate the device even more. And since it also does more than the usual speaker, the Esquire Mini 2 was able to integrate itself nicely into my work environment as well.

But before we get into that, let’s talk about sound quality. For a speaker its size, it’s produces a relatively balanced sound given it’s at a moderate volume. It does lack bass but not so much that it’s unenjoyable. Call quality is clear but unlike music, vocals had heavier lows.

When you max out the volume, sound quality takes a rather noticeable dip. The bass struggles the most and gets drowned out by the mids. The sound blows out the speakers and produces less than desirable output. You can easily remedy this, though, by not maxing out the volume of the speaker and increasing the volume of the connected device instead.

Now back to how I used it on a daily basis. I propped the speaker on my desk, just next to my computer, and would mostly play music while I was working. The sound quality and volume were just right to pleasantly fill up my work area.

What’s great is when I’d receive a call, I could use the Esquire Mini 2’s conferencing system that basically turns it into a speakerphone. At a press of a button, I can go hands-free and continue what I’m doing since I didn’t need to literally pick up the phone. And if I ever wanted to go wired, there’s a 3.5mm jack ready and waiting.

This feature is also really useful during my meetings and video calls since I could hear everything much clearer. The dual microphones also seemed to pick up my voice pretty well provided I wasn’t too far from it. Noise cancellation isn’t too great, though, so it’s still best to be in a pretty quiet room if you don’t want other sounds to be heard.

Overall, I’m pretty pleased with the sound quality of the Esquire Mini 2 as a personal speaker. I imagine it will work even better in a more enclosed environment like a small home office or working space but it’s proven to be a reliable speaker in most situations so far.

Battery

As mentioned earlier, the Esquire Mini 2 is also a power bank. I wouldn’t recommend solely relying on this, though, since capacity is only at 2200mAh. With today’s smartphones, that won’t be enough for a full charge. It’s best to think of this as a primary feature but as a neat add-on to the device.

If you’re not sharing battery power, you can get about 8-10 hours of use on a single charge. It took about 4 hours to charge the device to full. Personally, that’s enough for me since it lasts long enough to match my working hours.

Creature Feature

In our reviews, The Modern Creatures aims to find special features in a device that make it stand out — something that gives it an edge over its competitors. Its Creature Feature. And for the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2, it would have to be its ultra-chic and portable design.

In true Harman Kardon fashion, the Esquire Mini 2 not only prides itself in quality sound output but also a stand-out and elegant design. Combining that with its premium build and materials, you’re getting a multi-function portable speaker that can easily find a home on your desk.

Final Thoughts

The Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 is something I could easily see myself pick out in a store. It’s beautifully designed, produces quality sound for its size, and can function as a speakerphone and as a backup power source.

Priced at US$ 130 (PhP 8,499 in the Philippines), the Harmon Kardon Esquire Mini 2 is a great fit for those who value aesthetics just as much as performance. It’s available for purchase on the company’s official online store, Lazada PH, or Amazon US.

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Suzuki S-Presso AGS Review: The little car with lots to offer

07/22/2023

The Suzuki S-Presso has been around for quite some time now. It is arguably one of the most affordable yet highly reliable cars in the market today.

A lot of people have desired it. However, it had a major drawback that was a deal-breaker for many: not everyone could easily drive it due to the fact that it only came with a manual transmission.

Well, that changes with the latest model.

Same compact body

Looking at the exterior, there are no noticeable changes from the previous model. You still have that familiar facia with halogen headlights and that sort of angry-looking grille. Looking at the side profile, this car still looks as cute as ever. With its petite 14-inch wheels and compact size, this adorable hatchback is sure to catch people’s attention and elicit admiration as it glides through the streets.

Moving over to the rear, you’ll find that not much has changed in terms of design with the inclusion of backup sensors, which enhance parking and maneuvering convenience. Although a reverse camera is still absent, considering the car’s affordable price point, it remains a minor drawback that we can easily overlook.

Surprisingly spacious interior

Stepping into the tiny hatchback, you are welcomed with fairly comfortable seats furnished in cloth. The cockpit retains its quirky dashboard design and adds a touch of personality and uniqueness to the overall ambiance. It showcases an unconventional layout with the instrument cluster in the center and air vents positioned high — all of which sets it apart from more traditional designs. I just wished it had a pop of color, though.

Additionally, the car boasts several cubbies and storage compartments, allowing for convenient organization and easy access to personal belongings during the journey. Overall, the car’s interior with its cloth seats, quirky dashboard design, and numerous cubbies creates a pleasant and functional environment for both driver and passengers.

What I really appreciate about this vehicle is its clever utilization of space. At first glance, it may appear compact, narrow, and short from the outside. However, it more than compensates for its size in terms of height. Once you step inside, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the generous leg and headroom it offers.

The seats are positioned higher, eliminating the need to stretch out your legs, and they are even tall enough to provide storage space for luggage underneath. Remarkably, even with the seats pushed all the way back, there is still ample legroom for rear passengers. The trunk space in the vehicle provides ample room to accommodate a large suitcase, and it comes equipped with a convenient hard top lid that can also be utilized as an additional storage shelf.

It’s a testament to the thoughtful design and efficient use of space in this vehicle. 

Additional tech and safety features

So, what’s new in the interior, you might ask? Well, apart from the obvious addition of a brand-new 7-inch infotainment system equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the 2023 S-Presso has received a lavish array of new technological advancements and driving assist features.

Notably, the car now boasts power-adjusting side mirrors, stability control (ESP), engine auto start-stop (EASS), hill hold control, steering wheel audio controls, and reverse sensors — all contributing to elevating both convenience and safety. The level of technology packed into this car is impressive, considering its price point.

Addressing a significant concern surrounding the previous model, Suzuki has taken heed and implemented substantial improvements. The 2023 S-presso includes dual airbags, stability control, and seat belt tensioners. Additionally, it features ISOFIX attachments for added security and protection. These safety upgrades give drivers and passengers greater peace of mind on the road and effectively rectify its past lackluster zero-star crash test rating.

By diligently addressing these safety aspects, Suzuki has successfully reinstated the appeal of the S-Presso to a wider range of prospective buyers.

A satisfying driving experience

Upon ignition, the engine runs smoothly and quietly, while the steering feels light and responsive. However, due to its small wheels, the ride quality can be quite bouncy, especially when encountering minor road imperfections. This characteristic gives the S-Presso a sensation of speed, making you feel like you’re going faster than you actually are, especially when driving over uneven roads.

Given its relatively tall stature, body roll is noticeable when navigating corners so it’s advisable to approach them with caution. 

As the AGS system is not a conventional automatic transmission, gear shifts can be distinctly felt, and there is also a slight delay in shifting. Nonetheless, one standout aspect of this car is the impressive air conditioning. Even without rear vents, the system proves strong enough to effectively cool the entire cabin, especially on scorching hot days.

Powering the S-Presso is an enhanced 1.0-liter, three-cylinder engine, delivering 66HP and generating 89Nm of torque. At first glance, it may not sound like a powerhouse, but it’s important to consider that this car is lighter than its larger counterpart, the Celerio. While it may not be a suitable track car, under normal driving conditions, the power feels ample and not lacking, even when tackling inclines. 

The fuel consumption of the S-Presso is remarkably impressive, surpassing expectations. It achieved a highest average of 18.7 kilometers per liter in city driving during my time with it, while on the highway it is claimed that it can reach an impressive 25-28 kilometers per liter. These numbers position the S-Presso in hybrid car territory when it comes to fuel efficiency making it one of the most fuel-efficient cars in the market today. 

Now, onto the most significant update: Suzuki has finally introduced the S-presso with AGS (Auto Gear Shift). This innovative feature functions as an automatic transmission while preserving the essence and mechanics of traditional manual transmission. The AGS system seamlessly shifts gears and engages the clutch for you, eliminating the need for the third pedal and making driving a breeze.

If you still yearn for that manual driving experience, you can always take control and manually shift gears, catering to drivers who prefer that tactile engagement with the transmission.

I must admit that the driving experience of this car is not the smoothest. Apart from its slightly bouncy ride, you can distinctly feel every gear shift, causing a jolt. This is because, despite the auto gear shift feature, it still operates as a conventional manual transmission, engaging and disengaging the clutch during shifts.

Although, I recently learned a valuable tip from a friend at Suzuki: and that is to drive it like a regular manual, by simply releasing your foot off the throttle when you sense the need for a gear change. Surprisingly, this technique resolved the issue, providing a smoother driving experience. Problem solved!

Additionally, I did notice that a slightly more assertive throttle input is required. If you have light feet like mine, the S-Presso may become unsure of your intentions. It needs to determine whether you intend to accelerate, slow down, or come to a complete stop, so it can adjust the clutch accordingly.

Price in the Philippines and final thoughts

The Suzuki S-presso delivers an affordable and reliable driving experience with its unique charm. From its adorable exterior to the comfortable interior, it combines style and functionality. With a price tag of just PhP 660,000, it presents an attractive option for those seeking a budget-friendly and reliable hatchback.

The improved engine performance and introduction of AGS add a touch of excitement to the ride. While there are minor quirks like the bouncy ride and noticeable gear shifts, the S-Presso makes up for it with its affordability, reliability, and above all, fuel efficiency. If you’re looking for a compact and playful hatchback that stands out on the road, the Suzuki S-presso is definitely worth considering. 

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