Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen vs JBL Charge 4

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

Beosound A1 2nd Gen compared with Charge 4
Bang & OlufsenBeosound A1 2nd GenJBLCharge 4
Overview
ReleasedMay 20202018
Sound
TypePortable speakerPortable speaker
Dolby AtmosNoNo
Drivers3.5-inch aluminium-cone woofer and 3/4-inch silk dome tweeter; 360° sound in a closed boxOne 50 × 90 mm driver and two passive radiators
Amplifiers2 × 30 W class D30 W RMS
Frequency response55 Hz – 20 kHz (−10 dB); up to 92 dB SPL at 1 m; bass capability 62 dB SPL at 1 m60 Hz – 20 kHz; signal-to-noise ratio over 80 dB
Room tuningFive EQ presets and a custom EQ in the Bang & Olufsen app–
Connections
Wi-FiNoNo
BluetoothYesYes
AirPlayNoNo
Voice assistantsAlexaNone
BluetoothBluetooth 5.1; AAC and aptX Adaptive; multipoint for two devices; remembers eight; Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift PairBluetooth 4.2; A2DP 1.3 and AVRCP 1.6; two phones or tablets can connect and take turns
PortsUSB-C for charging, streaming and speakerphone (5 V, 3 A)USB-C charging, USB-A power-bank output (5 V / 2 A maximum) and 3.5 mm audio input; port types confirmed by SoundGuys and TechRadar
Multi-roomStereo pairing with a second Beosound A1 2nd GenConnect+ links more than 100 compatible speakers; original Connect speakers require a compatible firmware upgrade, which the maker offers for Charge 3
AppBang & Olufsen app–
Design
Battery life (maker's claim)Up to 18 hoursUp to 20 hours
Water and dust resistanceIP67IPX7
Weight0.558 kg (better)0.965 kg
Battery life detailUp to 18 hours at typical volume (70 dB), 48 hours at 55 dB; 3,000 mAh; 2.75 hours to charge at 5 V / 3 AUp to 20 hours depending on volume and content; 27 Wh (3.6 V, 7,500 mAh) lithium-ion polymer battery; 4 hours to charge at 5 V / 2.3 A
MicrophonesThree-microphone array with far-field pickup for Alexa and callsNo microphone for phone calls (SoundGuys)
MountingLeather strap for hanging–
Size133 × 46 × 133 mm (W × H × D)220 × 93 × 95 mm (W × H × D), following the maker's W × D × H specification
ColoursBlack Anthracite and Grey Mist at launchDesert Sand, Mustard Yellow, Dusty Pink, Grey Stone, River Teal, Fiesta Red, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black, Steel White and Forest Green at launch
In the boxBeosound A1 2nd Gen, USB-C to USB-A cable (1.25 m), quick start guideCharge 4, USB-C cable, quick start guide, warranty card and safety sheet; no mains adaptor listed

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