Expert review HomePod Mini
Apple HomePod Mini
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The HomePod Mini is small and offers the same power as a large multi-room speaker at the same time.
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Siri offers support as a voice assistant, so you can control all the apps and functions comfortably with your voice.
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Thanks to the intercom function, all HomePods in the house are linked to each other, so you can send messages to all or specific rooms.
- The HomePod Mini can only be connected to other Apple HomeKit products.
First impression
Even before I start unpacking, I'm surprised by the size of the squared package. With just 8.4cm, the Apple HomePod Mini is smaller than I expected, and I can easily hold it in one hand. In the neatly packed box, I find:
The HomePod Mini A USB-C cable that's connected to the HomePod A manual A 20W charger
The HomePod Mini is available in gray and white, and can also be ordered in a duo pack.
Modern design with easy touchscreen
The HomePod Mini looks like a ball and catches the eye. The top has touchscreen controls on top to adjust the volume. On the bottom, there's a USB-C port for the power cord. The HomePod Mini seems to be very future-proof in general. The simple design provides a futuristic appearance. The HomePod Mini has an attachment at the bottom to keep it from tipping over. Still, the HomePod Mini easily gets out of balance due to its design, so it should be placed on a surface that doesn't move a lot.
Small ball, a lot behind it
The incredible surround sound was the function that surprised me in a positive way. Apple didn't promise too much about a powerful and crystal-clear sound. Despite its size, the HomePod Mini easily fills my entire living room with a rich sound and it produces a clear bass. This quality is even more impressive since it's only 8.4cm, because I get the impression that I'm listening to a high-quality soundbar. In summary, the sound of the HomePod Mini is high-end. Thanks to this, nothing will be in the way of a private concert.
A luminous play of colors is waiting for you
A changed RGB color pattern appears on the user interface of the touchscreen once the HomePod Mini is turned on. Each action is linked to a specific color pattern, which is both nice to look at and useful. For example, a rotating, colorful image lights up when Siri is listening. An orange indication is one when it's trying to connect to another device, and a bright, pulsating light dances to the rhythm of my favorite song. This function is highly developed and detailed, which makes the HomePod Mini my favorite in terms of status notifications.
The more HomePod models, the more fun
The more, the better. This generally applies to the HomePod Mini. The fun multiplies with the number of HomePod models. In addition to other connection functions, Stereo Pair allows 2 HomePod models to play music simultaneously for example. Thanks to this, you can quickly turn a private concert into a party. If you have even more HomePod models, you can also use the intercom function. This allows you to send messages throughout the entire house or to a specific room. This shows a lot of potential.
Hi Siri, can you hear me?
Many functions means complex voice commands. This raises the question of how well Siri processes commands. When I tested the HomePod, a number of communication errors occurred. The error rate seems to be similar to that of other speech assistants. Siri responds averagely well, but doesn't surprise me in a positive way either. The microphone is still very sensitive, which means that Siri still understands me well with loud music in the background and directly does what I ask.
Are you an Apple fan already?
Just like with other Apple products, the pairing options with other providers are limited. This is the greatest disadvantage of the HomePod Mini in my opinion. For example, you need an iPhone to control the HomePod via a smartphone. Popular apps like Spotify can't be controlled with the HomePod. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to test all the functions of the HomePod, because many of my smart home products aren't part of the Apple HomeKit. That's why I wasn't able to discover its full potential, which was unfortunate.
Conclusion
In general, the HomePod Mini impresses me with its crystal-clear, room-filling sound and modern design. However, it soon becomes clear that these advantages come with conditions, because the HomePod Mini can only be used in combination with Apple HomeKit products. I wonder if its full potential can be used in most smart houses. The quality is still very convincing, and the HomePod has versatile usage options that have much to offer as long as it's combined with the right, smart products.
