Hey there! If you‘ve considered getting a smart speaker for your home but feel overwhelmed trying to parse through Apple‘s offerings, you‘re in the right place.
Let me clarify the HomePod situation and provide a comprehensive look at how Apple‘s latest 2nd generation standard HomePod compares to the portable HomePod Mini.
I‘ll arm you with everything needed to decide which model best matches your personal listening preferences and budget. Time to finally solve the mystery of Apple‘s dueling smart speakers once and for all!
Navigating the HomePod Family
First, a quick primer on the HomePod lineage. Apple originally launched the full-sized HomePod back in early 2018 as its initial flagship smart speaker featuring advanced audio engineering for incredible sound quality and deep Siri integration.
However, less than stellar sales stemming largely from sticker shock over its original $349 price tag prompted Apple to discontinue that initial version in March 2021.
By that point, the company found success with the new $99 HomePod Mini introduced in late 2020. The pint-sized but capable Mini delivered surprisingly good audio and Siri voice commands in a more affordable package.
Now in early 2023, Apple is taking a second swing at the premium smart speaker space with the freshly announced HomePod 2nd Generation. Priced at $299, this revamped model packs upgrades across the board while still hitting a more reasonable cost than its forebearer.
Below I‘ll showcase exactly how this new 2nd Generation model compares to the trusty Mini to fit different budgets and tastes.
Sound Quality: A Major Leap with 2nd Gen
Let‘s kick things off with audio performance, since superb sound is the central appeal of any HomePod.
Apple leaves nothing to chance here outfitting the 2nd Gen HomePod with five tweeters backed by the newest S7 processing chip for immersive sound. It supports enveloping Dolby Atmos technology and Apple‘s own Spatial Audio, a first for any HomePod.
This allows placement of vocals, drums, guitar and other elements at different points in a 3D space – you‘ll swear the band is right in the room with you!
While the HomePod Mini sounds fantastic for its diminutive size thanks to one full-range driver and two passive radiators, it simply can‘t touch the spacious, crystal clear output from its bigger stablemate according to experts.
| Audio Hardware | HomePod 2nd Gen | HomePod Mini |
|---|---|---|
| Tweeters | 5 | 0 |
| Full-range drivers | 0 | 1 |
| Passive radiators | 0 | 2 |
| Dolby Atmos / Spatial Audio | Yes | No |
If audio performance tops your priority list, the 2nd Gen HomePod leaves the Mini in the dust. But casual listeners find plenty to like in the Mini‘s cheerful tunes piping out of that cute little sphere.
Design: Find Your Size
Of course a smart speaker‘s sound and smarts rightfully dominate the conversation. But physical aesthetics shouldn‘t go overlooked – this gadget will grace your living space everyday after all!
The 2nd Gen HomePod preserved the original‘s cylindrical shape while slimming down slightly. At nearly 6 inches tall and 5.6 inches wide, it still cuts a striking profile begging to be shown off.
Conversely, the precious Mini treats eyes and ears to a precious spherical casing you just want to pinch those cheeks! It squeezes a 3.3 inch height and 3.9 inch diameter into any available nook or cranny.
Those starved for real estate will lean Mini to conserve precious table territory. Yet some may prefer the eye-catching presence of a domineering 2nd Gen inhabiting your shelves.
And while both models look fabulous draped in white or black fabric, only the Mini comes in snazzy colors like yellow, orange and blue to show off your vibrant spirit!
Smart Features: Sensors Set 2nd Gen Apart
Now for the brains – how do these speakers‘ smart capabilities measure up? Both house Apple‘s newest S7 processor to handle the prerequisite Siri voice controls.
You can ask Siri to queue songs, set timers, relay weather reports, adjust connected smart home gadgets and more. This support remains evenly matched whether you opt for the 2nd Gen or Mini.
But peek inside the larger HomePod and you‘ll uncover extra sensors missing from its smaller counterpart. This includes sound recognition able to actively listen for smoke alarm pings and send warnings straight to your iPhone in case of emergency.
There‘s also a temperature/humidity sensor to monitor indoor climate conditions. And Apple will likely roll out additional sensor-driven features over time to widen the gap.
One area that‘s neck and neck is smart home consolidation for controlling products like Philips Hue lights or Ecobee thermostats. Both serve as home hubs to let you change settings using Siri even when away. And you can sync audio across multiple HomePods scattered throughout your pad.
| Smart Features | HomePod 2nd Gen | HomePod Mini |
|---|---|---|
| S7 Chip | Yes | Yes |
| Sound recognition | Yes | No |
| Temperature/humidity sensor | Yes | Yes |
| 3rd party smart home support | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo pairing | Yes | Yes |
For those wanting the utmost in intelligent assistance, the 2nd Gen model leaves no sensors unexplored to proactively watch over your domain.
Cost: A Substantial Price Gap
We‘ve covered all the flagship features, but what do they cost? The 2nd Gen HomePod fetches three times more than the Mini at a cool $299. That‘s still $50 less than the original HomePod if you want some perspective.
Forking over $299 garners tremendous value though when you consider everything the latest model brings against the competitors. It stands shoulder-to-shoulder with premium picks like the $199 Sonos One and $199 Google Home Max thanks to thundering sound.
Conversely, the $99 Mini nets you satisfactory audio, voice controls, and smart home tech in an adorable orb. It remains the perfect "starter" HomePod before upgrading.
Ultimately if your wallet allows, I wholeheartedly recommend springing for the superior 2nd Gen. But buyers sticking to strict budgets should rest easy snatching the impressive Mini instead. Apple smartly aligned pricing tier to the level of quality.
Bottom Line
Whew, that covers the gamut of considerations around Apple‘s dueling smart speakers! To recap, here‘s the deal in a nutshell:
The awesome new 2nd Gen HomePod improves upon its predecessor across the board. It packs tidy hardware topped with spatial audio support inside a familiar cylindrical tower. Pay up for audiophile-grade performance and clever sensors that earn its premium cost.
Meanwhile the delightful Mini presents inquisitive first-timers a perfect bite-sized taste. For just $99, it serves up shockingly good sound and capable smart integration inside an ultra-portable sphere. Newcomers can‘t pass on this package!
Hopefully the great HomePod debate no longer bewilders after getting the full breakdown! My goal was to equip you with everything required to ponder your personal priorities then pick the model satisfying both ears and wallet.
Any other questions come to mind? Don‘t hesitate to ask! Here‘s to finding audio bliss whichever route you choose. Happy listening my friend!
