Content
Design
The top panel is touch-sensitive and can be used to adjust the volume of the speaker. The touch panel also has Siri-themed color lights that look pleasing. The HomePod mini comes mainly in two colors – white and black. The device comes with a braided cable for charging which is already attached to its back. The HomePod mini comes with a standard Apple 20 watts USB C adapter for charging. The device cannot be used as a portable speaker, since the charging cable cannot be removed from the back of the device. The echo dot has a translucent ring around the bottom of the speaker. The ring is actually an LED indicator that provides information regarding the commands running. The LED shows blue while listening to a command. When the device is muted, the LED will show a red color. The device comes with 4 buttons. They are volume up and down buttons, a microphone button(to turn ON and OFF), and the button to summon Alexa. The device has a power connector for charging and a 3.5 mm aux cable to add another speaker to the device if required.
Alexa or Siri? Which One to Go for
Apple’s assistant Siri had its ups and downs in the previous generation. Compared to other assistants, Siri had fewer functionalities back in the day. But the newer generation comes with much more functionalities and usable features. The knowledgebase of Siri has been widely increased and Siri can answer many more questions now. Many third-party applications are taking advantage of Siri to provide a better experience. Siri Shortcuts and automation that works well with the HomeKit makes the HomePod mini seamless in doing tasks with third-party apps and services. Availability and support for HomeKit supported devices and services is still a problem when it comes to the HomeKit ecosystem. Alexa on the other hand is a well-built and maintained assistant that provides great capabilities for smart homes. A large variety of devices that are compatible with Alexa are present in the market. Sharing these devices with the Echo Dot can greatly benefit the user in the venture to make a smart home. Both Alexa and Siri are great smart home assistants that can do a lot of functions. Basically, the choice comes from your personal preference. The device you use depends greatly on the assistant you choose. If you are somebody who belongs in an Apple ecosystem, Siri is your perfect choice. Alexa would be a better option for Android users. Winner: Based on Preference
Which One Sounds Better
Apart from functionality, sound quality is an important factor for a smart home speaker. The perfect smart home device might not have the best audio quality. But comparing these two devices, the HomePod mini has exceptional sound quality. Even with its small size, The Apple HomePod mini can produce great quality 360-degree audio. Apple HomePod mini combined with iTunes or other music apps can provide a great audio experience. Winner: HomePod mini
Services and Streaming
Apart from their inbuilt functionalities, smart speakers ought to come with support for other platforms and streaming services. Integration with certain platforms will ease your life. For example, you can tell any of these speakers to play music for you. You say the song name and they will start playing instantly. Disregard this functionality, it matters whichever platforms they support. Apple HomePod mini with Siri comes with support for Apple Music as of now. Therefore, you need to subscribe to Apple Music in case you want to stream music on the speaker. Apple has not revealed whether they will let more third-party streaming services integrate with HomeKit.
Connectivity and Pairing
The HomePod mini and amazon echo dot can be easily paired and used with their smartphones. Both devices provide easy connectivity and functionalities. You can connect both the Echo Dot and HomePod mini to your home WiFi (2.4GHz & 5GHz). Apple HomePod mini is only compatible to work with the Apple ecosystem. It needs an iPhone to set up and start using. Your iPhone should have the app named “Home” to set up and connect your HomePod mini speaker. The same app can be used to add more HomeKit supported gadgets, Apple TV, Roku, and more. Apple also provides Home controls in the iPhone control center, for faster access. Winner: Depends on the Ecosystem How to Stereo Pair Alexa Speakers to Create a Home Theater Setup
Is Your Data Secure
Winner: Both (Apple is known for security)
Who Should Buy Apple HomePod mini
If you are a beginner and wish to set up a smart home and have an Apple device, the HomePod mini is a great choice for you. The HomePod mini is for those people who already belong to the Apple ecosystem and are used to Siri. If you prefer great sound quality over better functionality and Apple’s privacy, the HomePod mini is your ideal choice. In fact, you will be left behind with the lack of smart devices available for the HomeKit ecosystem. There are only a few HomeKit supported gadgets available, that are too expensive. However, Apple is working with manufacturers to bring smart gadgets to work with HomePod or HomePod mini. New gadgets like garage door openers with HomeKit support are starting to appear in the market. If you are looking to equip your household with smart gadgets within a budget, Alexa can be your first choice for Smart Home controlling. There are tons of smart gadgets, from bulbs to garage door openers available to make your home smarter.
Verdict
If you wish for a device with great audio quality, the HomePod mini is your choice. Apart from the audio quality, the echo dot provides great functionality using the help of Alexa. Both speakers offer great value for money. So it comes down to your personal preference on choosing which one you should be going for. Also, make sure you have the right smart home gadgets under the sleeve before going for either of the speakers. Hope this article has helped you in selecting your perfect smart home device.
Δ
