Review of the SberBoom Mini 2 smart speaker with the Salute voice assistant

Recently, Sber presented a new smart speaker SberBoom Home with support for the Zigbee protocol, which we have already described in detail. However, an equally important event is the release of the second modification of the well-known SberBoom Mini. Today we will test it and compare both versions.

Looking at the stated specifications, it may seem that the speakers are identical. However, there are still changes, and not only cosmetic ones.

The packaging has remained almost the same — the same cardboard box with bright illustrations and a brief description of the device. According to the developers, SberBoom Mini 2 should eventually completely replace the first version, and both versions will not be sold in parallel. Inside, the speaker is packed in a plastic bag and protected from the rest of the components of the kit by a cardboard lining.

The package includes the SberBoom Mini 2 itself, a power supply unit and documentation. You can also get a SberPrime subscription upon activation.

The power supply unit remains the same as in the previous version. It is quite massive, with a 1.8 meter long cable. The cable is flexible and reliable, there is no doubt about its durability. Brief information about it is placed on the inside of the unit.

The updated speaker will be available in four colors: yellow, black, gray and blue. They should go on sale at the same time.

We tested the neon gray version. If you are familiar with the first version of the SberBoom Mini, you will probably notice that the visual changes are minor — the case is now complemented by a transparent outer panel.

Otherwise, the design has not changed: the column still resembles either a coffee capsule or a radiator valve handle, depending on the viewer’s imagination.

The control panel, LED status indicator, holes for two microphones used for “communication” with the voice assistant – everything remains in its place.

There is nothing special on the sides of the device — just a ribbed transparent overlay, behind which the name of the device, printed on the inside of the case, is visible in one place. Although the presence of a transparent element could be supplemented with a backlight, the current version does not have it. Perhaps we will see it in the third version of the speaker. At the bottom there are holes for the sound output from the downward-facing speaker.

The power connector is located at the back of the speakers, and both versions of the SberBoom Mini use a pin connector rather than the USB Type-C found in other SberBoom models. This choice is probably due to the possibility of wall mounting and the frequent movement of the speaker. The round plug rotates freely in the connector, which reduces the risk of breaking the cable. However, on the other hand, if the cable were detachable and standard, it could be easily replaced if damaged. Therefore, the decision on the connector remains controversial.

There is a special hole on the bottom of the device for wall mounting. Around it is a silicone pad that ensures the stability of the speaker on a horizontal surface.

And finally, the most interesting thing. The developers claim that thanks to a powerful speaker with a neodymium magnet, SberBoom Mini 2 should sound better than its predecessor — we will definitely check this. But first, let's connect the device.

We have already considered the process of connecting Sber speakers in detail, including the recent review of SberBoom Home, so today we will do without unnecessary details. Let us just remind you that for Android-based devices you will need the Salute! application, and iPhone and iPad owners will have to use its web version.

We tested the speaker before its official release and used the beta version of the software. That's why the device icon in the screenshot below doesn't match its appearance — we expect this to be fixed by the time of release. On the SberBoom Mini 2 settings page, you can enable the assistant activation sound signal, create a stereo pair of two identical speakers, restrict access to «adult» content, and customize the placement of the device.

The maximum Bitpool value is set at 250, while the recommended High Quality profile suggests a value of 51. This means that the speaker uses its capabilities to the limit. At the same time, the voice assistant continues to function and respond to commands even when the device is playing content via Bluetooth. All smart functions, including smart home control, remain fully accessible.

Small smart speakers usually perform three main tasks: serve as a smart home center, provide interaction with a voice assistant, and entertain children. They can also play music in the background if the sound requirements are not too high. The first version of SberBoom Mini successfully coped with these functions, and the second version continues to do so. Once connected, it integrates into the smart home system, providing access to all its functions, including the latest ones mentioned in the previous review. GigaChat artificial intelligence and noise control functions, multi-commands — all this works at a high level, as in previous models. The only thing missing is Zigbee support, available only in the SberBoom Home model. However, you can purchase a special hub for integration.

The speaker is controlled unchanged: it is carried out through the voice assistant and five buttons on the top panel. Two side buttons adjust the volume, the bottom one calls the assistant. The top and center buttons are the signature features of SberBoom Mini and SberBoom Home. The top button launches a playlist based on the user's preferences in the Sound service, and the center button allows you to like or dislike the current track.

The like button pleases with its comfort again: it is located in a small recess and stands out well above the surface, which makes it easy to find by touch. There is no need to hit the exact center of the button — just press the edge, and it will work, although it will require a little more effort.

The remaining buttons are part of a round touchpad that can tilt in different directions. Pressing this panel is accompanied by a pleasant click thanks to the well-chosen force. The volume keys have slightly convex markings, which makes it easy to find them by touch, running your finger along the surface of the panel.

Mounting the speaker on the wall still turned out to be a good idea. Although there was hope that the new version would be waterproof and could be safely used in the bathroom to listen to podcasts and control the «smart home», this is not the case. Water protection is not declared. However, based on experience with the first version of the SberBoom Mini, we can say that with splash protection, the speaker works quite reliably in the bathroom for several weeks.

SberBoom Mini 2 again has two microphones, and they cope well with the task of interacting with the voice assistant. In conditions of loud music (especially if it is not from the speaker itself), you sometimes need to speak louder, which is a common problem for most smart speakers. However, the speaker copes well with household noises, such as running water or a working hood. In the first version, there were sometimes false alarms of the assistant, but they were fixed. During testing of the second version, such problems did not arise.

SberBoom Mini 2, like its predecessor, is a compact speaker, the sound of which should not be too demanding. It can be used for background music playback, but its main purpose is to interact with a voice assistant. However, the developers have paid considerable attention to the sound quality, as evidenced by the Magnetic Sound technology and the use of a speaker with a neodymium magnet, mentioned earlier. Now let's see what results they have achieved.

Like other SberBoom models, this speaker is equipped with a «dynamic equalizer» that adapts the tonal balance depending on the content being played. Subjectively, its work is noticeable when switching from loud and bass-rich compositions to more acoustic tracks with an emphasis on midrange frequencies, although its effect remains quite delicate. Unfortunately, it is impossible to test it in the «on-off» mode, so further evaluation will be based on the sound when connected via Bluetooth. When measuring the frequency response of compact speakers, we usually perform two series of measurements. One of them is by placing the measuring microphone at a distance of about 60 cm perpendicular to the side surface of the speaker.

And the second is by moving the microphone upward and placing it at an angle of 45°, since such devices are often located approximately at the level of the listener’s waist.

The data is then averaged, which allows you to get an overall picture of the sound. For such a compact speaker as the SberBoom Mini 2, the sound is surprisingly good: smooth and pleasant midrange, fairly clear high frequencies and even accurate bass reproduction. Low frequencies, although not impressive in depth, sound without distortion and unpleasant «buzzing».

The most interesting thing here is the comparison of the new SberBoom Mini with the previous version. The progress is obvious: the reproduction of low frequencies has improved, the middle has become more even, and the high frequencies now sound less “jagged”.

In addition, the sound quality of the «baby» is almost as good as that of SberBoom Home — it looks like they have the same speaker. Although the more «advanced» version wins a little due to the larger internal volume of the case and the presence of passive radiators, which provides slightly richer bass.

Compact speakers from Yandex are noticeably inferior both in the depth of low frequencies and in the uniformity of the midrange. Although the latest Yandex.Station Mini 2.0 lags behind slightly, Station Light was positioned from the very beginning as a device for communicating with a voice assistant rather than for listening to music. It is important to note that in any case, we are talking about sound with certain compromises, but here SberBoom Mini 2 showed itself better than the rest.

Finally, let's compare SberBoom Mini 2 with «Capsule Neo» and «Capsule Mini» from VK. In the case of «Capsule Neo», the key aspect is the tonal balance: SberBoom sounds more balanced and, accordingly, more pleasant. And in comparison with «Capsule Mini», the wider frequency range of SberBoom Mini 2 is especially noticeable.

The same can be said about the second version of SberBoom Mini as about the first: its main advantage is access to all the functions of the «smart home» and the Sber voice assistant at a relatively low price. However, to support Zigbee, you will need to buy a hub or consider SberBoom Home, released at the same time.

The sound of SberBoom Mini 2 has become a little more interesting. Although it is still difficult to recommend it for full-fledged listening to music, it copes better with background playback than its predecessor and many other compact smart speakers with Russian-language assistants. The key features of the first model have also remained: the «like/dislike» buttons and quick launch of a personalized playlist, the ability to mount on the wall.

There is no special need to switch from the first version to the second: although the sound has become better, it is still a compact monophonic speaker, and you should not expect outstanding sound from it. However, SberBoom Mini 2 will completely replace the first version on the market in the future, which is logical. But for now, both models are available for sale, and the price of the first version has dropped significantly. So if a transparent case and slightly improved sound are not priorities, you should consider buying the first model.