Philips TAS1209 Review: Compact Speaker with Solid Performance

 

Imagine a Bluetooth speaker that is small enough to clip onto your backpack, loud enough for a morning walk, and affordable enough to fit most budgets. The Philips TAS1209 aims to deliver on all three fronts. I have been using this budget speaker for about a month, and here is my experience.

 

Design and Features

 

The TAS1209 features a full plastic body with smooth rounded edges and media control buttons positioned on the top. You will find buttons for power, Bluetooth pairing, and adjusting the volume. There are no dedicated buttons to skip tracks, and the volume buttons do not support this function. A small LED indicator sits next to the volume keys, glowing white when the speaker is powered on and changing to dark blue once it is connected to a device.

 

The front grille is black with a pattern of tiny red perforations, giving the speaker a sporty appearance. However, there are no lights around the grille, which could have added to its visual appeal.

 

One of the standout features is the built-in carrying hook, allowing you to easily attach the speaker to a backpack for walks, park yoga sessions, or short treks. Weighing around 200 grams, it is light enough to carry around without feeling cumbersome.

 

Performance

 

The TAS1209 delivers 5 watts of audio output, which is sufficient for personal listening. While it is not powerful enough to fill a large room, it provides clear sound for individual use. The bass is punchy and enjoyable, making it suitable for Bollywood or Punjabi tracks. However, for fans of indie or vocal-focused music, the vocals may feel slightly less prominent.

 

Philips advertises a battery life of up to 12 hours. In real-world use, the speaker lasts around 7 to 8 hours on a single charge, which is reasonable for its size. Fully charging the device takes about one and a half to two hours. The built-in microphone allows for hands-free calls, but call quality is average.

 

Verdict