Following Apple’s reintroduction of the full-size HomePod, how does the brand new mannequin evaluate to the divisive unique mannequin that the corporate launched in 2017 and discontinued in 2021?
The brand new HomePod is priced at $299. The unique mannequin debuted at a $349 worth level, earlier than being dropped to $299 in 2019. Following a interval of appreciation final 12 months, costs for the unique HomePod on websites like eBay at the moment are falling and it could nonetheless be doable to choose up a unit at a worth effectively beneath $299.
First-time HomePod clients, these contemplating upgrading from the unique, or anybody contemplating including one other HomePod to their setup to create a stereo pair could also be questioning whether or not it’s value shopping for an unique mannequin or the brand new one, so it is very important weigh up precisely what was added with the reintroduced HomePod.
See the detailed breakdown beneath for every new characteristic, change, and enchancment that was added with the brand new HomePod in comparison with the unique mannequin:
New HomePod
- Refined design with acoustically clear mesh material
- Bigger backlit contact floor that illuminates from edge to edge, matching HomePod mini
- S7 chip from 2021’s Apple Watch Collection 7
- U1 extremely wideband chip
- 5 horn-loaded tweeters
- 4 far-field beamforming microphones
- 6.6 inches tall
- Weighs 5.16 kilos
- Detachable energy cable
- Wi-Fi 4 connectivity (802.11n)
- Thread assist
- Temperature and humidity sensor
- Sound Recognition
- Obtainable in White and Midnight
Unique HomePod
- Design with acoustically clear mesh material
- Backlit contact floor
- A8 chip from 2013’s iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus
- Seven horn-loaded tweeters
- Six far-field beamforming microphones
- 6.8 inches tall
- Weighs 5.5 kilos
- Wi-Fi 5 connectivity (802.11ac)
- Mounted energy cable
- Obtainable in White and Area Grey
Ultimate Ideas
If you have already got an unique HomePod, most customers won’t achieve a lot by changing it with a brand new mannequin. In reality, in some senses, the brand new HomePod is a step again from the unique, with fewer tweeters, microphones, and downgraded assist for Wi-Fi 4. The unique HomePod nonetheless receives software program updates with new options and enhancements, and the brand new mannequin is unlikely to sound higher owing to its scaled down audio {hardware}, so you could be higher off ready on your present HomePod to succeed in the tip of its usable life earlier than upgrading to a future HomePod mannequin that has extra to supply.
A minority of customers who particularly need a greater handoff expertise with the U1 chip, the temperature and humidity sensor for good residence automations, Thread assist, and even perhaps the brand new Midnight coloration possibility and tweaked aesthetic could have justifiable causes to improve – however this definitely will not be the case for many current HomePod homeowners.
- Unique HomePod person: Do not improve to new HomePod until you need particular new options
- Unique HomePod person seeking to create stereo pair: Get discounted unique mannequin or purchase two new fashions
- Potential HomePod buyer: Purchase new HomePod, do not buy discounted unique mannequin
The brand new HomePod can’t be stereo-paired with the unique mannequin, so in case your intention in shopping for one other HomePod is to create one, you have to to trace down one other unique mannequin. In the event you can afford it, it could be simpler to easily change your unique HomePod with a brand new one and create a complete new stereo pair with two of the reintroduced fashions.
If you’re merely wanting so as to add a HomePod to your good residence and audio setup, will probably be significantly better to get the brand new mannequin over the unique. The brand new mannequin provides improved efficiency, a considerably higher handoff expertise, a extra trendy design, is unlikely to sound a lot totally different from the unique mannequin, and will have significantly better longevity.