Tronsmart Element Splash Review: True Wireless Stereo for Just Php999!

With so many Bluetooth speakers retailing for Php1k or less, it can be hard to choose the right one. The Tronsmart Element Splash makes a great case for itself though, combining rugged construction, awesome sound, and a few other features that make this one of the best wireless portable speakers in this price range that I’ve had the opportunity to try. Is it a speaker you might like as well though? Find out in my full review.

Tronsmart Element Splash Specs

  • 7 watts RMS
  • IP67 rated dust and water resistance
  • Bluetooth 4.2
  • Bluetooth compatibility: HSP, HFP, A2DP, AVRCP
  • Range: 15m
  • 1,000mAh battery
  • Charging time: 2hrs
  • Play time: 10hrs
  • Weight: 269g
  • Size: 130 x 106 x 50mm
  • Colors: Black, Blue Camouflage
  • Price: Php999

What’s in the Box?

Considering the Element Splash is an accessory in itself, it doesn’t come with a whole lot else with the box. Not that it needs to though, as this is all you need to keep it working:

  • Portable speaker
  • Micro USB charging cable
  • Carabiner
  • Manual
  • Warranty card

Build Quality and Design

The Tronsmart Element Splash features a solid, ruggedized IP67-rated construction with a rubber exterior protecting the sides and what seems to be rigid metal serving as the speaker grills. The controls can be found next to the rubber loop that you can use to attach the included carabiner.

When placed on a flat surface, you’ll find 2 LED lights that serve as either the battery level indicator or notification lights.

Underneath, you’ll find the micro USB port and micro SD card slot hidden beneath a rubber flap that keeps the Element Splash watertight.

While the Element Splash is solidly constructed, it does have a design flaw that some of you may find annoying. Unless it’s hanging from its carabiner, you’ll most likely be laying it on a flat surface. Unfortunately, if you decide to charge it, the port is at the bottom. So the only stable position to charge it in is if you flip it upside down. That’s hardly the ideal situation if you still want to use it while it’s charging since the sound would be muffled.

Features

The Element Splash does pretty much anything most other rugged portable Bluetooth speakers are capable of. It connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth to provide wireless audio playback as well as function as a hands-free speakerphone. It was actually a bit disconcerting when the speaker started reciting a series of numbers in the middle of an EDM track. Then I realized that a call was coming in and the Element Splash was actually reciting the incoming phone number!

Unfortunately, there’s no 3.5mm aux port so you can use a wired connection instead. However, it’s the ability to pair with another Element Splash via True Wireless Stereo technology that really gives this particular speaker an edge over its competitors in the sub-Php1k price range. Sure, it would need you to have a pair of these speakers to make this feature work. Then again, room coverage is so much better with a two-speaker setup with each one on either side of the room compared with having a single speaker with twice the power output but set in just one spot.

Sound Quality

The Tronsmart Element Splash packs a single 7″ driver to pump out music in your living room, meeting room, or the great outdoors. It works surprisingly well to deliver great sound quality across the highs, mids, and lows at lower volume. At maybe 25-50% volume, you end up with a slightly boomy soundstage.

Bump it up to around 50-75% and you’ll hit the Element Splash’s sweet spot, being loud enough to fill a small room with reasonably balanced audio. The highs aren’t as crisp as I’d like, but I’m certainly happy with it being able to pump out more bass than your typical portable speaker.

Bump it up higher than 75% and the speaker’s physical constraints, mainly its size become a factor. It just isn’t able to reproduce great bass in such a small body. Still, it’s a decent-sounding portable speaker with great bass reproduction, especially when you consider its size.

So Should You Buy the Tronsmart Element Splash?

Affordable Bluetooth speakers are a dime a dozen, which might make the Tronsmart Element Splash a hard sell to some. The position of its charging port is also an annoyance, however, its ability to pair with another Element Splash via TWS is a huge plus that sets it apart from the competition. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that it sounds awesome for its size and Php999 price tag.

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