HomePod vs. HomePod mini, That is the question. The first generation of Apple's first smart speaker, the HomePod, hit the market in 2018. Two years later, the Cupertino-based company introduced the HomePod mini.
But which is better of the two? What does HomePod offer that HomePod mini doesn't? if you want the differences between HomePod and HomePod mini, I invite you to keep reading.
Similarities between HomePod and HomePod mini
Both the HomePod and the HomePod mini share the following characteristics:
- multiroom audio
- Capable of pairing in stereo
- Compatible with Siri and control screen located at the top.
- audio conductive fabric
- smart home hub
- Intercom, Find me, Shortcuts from Siri, Ambient Sounds and Musical Alarms
Although they share a large number of characteristics, the differences that justify the difference in price, we find them in the design, the audio technology, the components…
Differences between HomePod and HomePod mini
The main difference between both speakers is found in size, with the HomePod being the largest model.
Another difference is found in the processor that manages each loudspeaker. While the HomedPod is powered by the A8 chip (previously used in the iPhone), the HomePod mini uses the S5 (Apple Watch processor).
Furthermore, the latter also includes U1 chip that allows you to interact with nearby devices more quickly.
HomePod includes one woofer and 7 tweeters while the HomePod mini includes a full range transducer and dual passive radiators
While the HomePod includes 7 microphones, HomePod mini reduces the number to 3.
Price
The main difference between the HomePod and the HomePod mini is the price. ANDThe HomePod is priced at 329 euros, while the mini version, the price it is reduced to 99 euros, a difference of more than 200 euros that is justified by the deficiencies that the latter has.
Design
with something more than 8 centimeters tall, the HomePod mini it's smaller than the original HomePod, whose alter is closer to 18 centimeters, but without going over. The design of the HomePod mini is spherical while that of the HomePod is shaped like a capsule.
As the latter is larger and has an elongated design, inside it can fit a higher number of components to deliver a fuller audio experience.
On the outside of both devices, we find a mesh material. At the top are the touch controls for both devices, controls that allow us to control the volume and show us if Siri is activated.
None of these models is portable, not include battery, so they need, yes or yes, a power source to be able to work.
Audio technology
Audio hardware is the major area of ​​difference between the two HomePods, in addition to the design section.
Speakers
HomePod features an Apple-designed woofer for deep, clean bass, and a custom array of seven tweeters that deliver pure high-frequency acoustics. Each tweeter includes its own amplifier and with directional control.
HomePod mini offers a single full-range transducer, powered by a neodymium magnet and a pair of force-canceling passive radiators, delivering deep bass and crisp highs.
Both HomePod and HomePod mini use an Apple-designed acoustic waveguide to direct sound flow downward and out toward the bottom of the speaker for a 360 degree immersive audio experience.
This allows users place HomePod almost anywhere in a room and hear a consistent sound.
Microphones
The HomePod uses a 7-microphone array to hear "Hey Siri." In addition, it includes an eighth inward-facing microphone that helps remove sound from speaker to improve voice detection when playing music (the same operation of the headphones are noise canceling).
HomePod mini uses an array of 3 microphones plus one inside to offer the same results.
These microphones help remove the echo And they allow Siri to understand people whether they're near the device or standing across the room, even if loud music is playing.
Stereo sound
Each HomePod is capable of playing its own left or right sound channel. Both devices can perform the Auto detect and balance two speakers.
Regrettably, you can't pair a HomePod and a HomePod mini To take advantage of this functionality, both speakers have to be the same model.
If we use two or more HomePods, only one of the speakers it will respond to our Siri requests.
Surrounding analysis
The HomePod analyzes the environment where you place it to detect its location in the room to adjust and Automatically optimize audio based on your location in the room to improve sound quality.
It is able to detect walls and corners. After analyzing the environment, it takes advantage of that information to deliver consistent sound throughout the room, while reducing distortion and echo.
This functionality it is not available on HomePod mini.
Processor
As I mentioned above, the HomePod uses the A8 processor, a processor that Apple currently uses in the Apple TV HD, and in the past on the iPhone 6 and iPad mini 4.
This processor performs some unique functions, such as bass management using real-time software modeling that ensures the speaker delivers the deepest, cleanest bass possible, with low distortion.
The HomePod mini, uses the Same processor as Apple Watch Series 5 and Apple Watch SE S5, to maximize the performance of less powerful hardware than the HomePod and thus be able to get the most out of it.
This processor, analyze each song to apply complex tuning models to optimize loudness, adjust dynamic range, and control driver movement and passive radiators in real time.
both speakers, run the same operating system (which is updated via the iPhone with the Home app).
Which is better?
It depends on your needs.
If you like to listen to music, the Larger HomePod offers us greater audio fidelity. With directional audio, spatial awareness, and a plethora of high-end audio hardware, the original HomePod is the device for users who want the highest possible quality.
If you are going to use it mainly for interact with Siri, listen to music and the occasional podcast, the HomePod mini is the speaker you're looking for.