There are times when big tech brands decide to completely revamp their flagship product range. This is what Amazon has done with its Echo Dot smart speaker. The fourth generation has arrived on the market with an aesthetic proposal that has nothing to do with that of the third generation. The big question for users is whether this change is also transferred to the functionalities or whether it remains on a visual level. Do you want to check it out? Keep reading our review!
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What are the similarities between the Echo Dot 4 and 3 speakers?
We start by analysing the clearest similarities between the two smart speakers in our comparison.
1. Home intelligence
Both speakers integrate Alexa, so the assistant will be the same in both cases. The Echo Dot 4 has an updated version of the processor, moving from the MediaTek MT516 to the AZ1 Neural Edge. This makes this model a little faster at executing commands, although the difference is not very significant. From a functional point of view, both offer the same home intelligence. Thus, both have the ability to show you weather information, current news, and execute commands related to home automation, such as turning off the lights.
Both include Drop-In, a feature that lets you communicate with any room in your home or with family members, as long as they have an Echo Dot in their home. Both speakers are also capable of playing content from apps such as Spotify, Amazon Music, etc.
And, if you have multiple Echo Dot devices, the music will play in different rooms. Finally, both can be wall-mounted with the corresponding bracket, but you’ll need to purchase it separately.
2. LED light ring
The first thing that catches our eye is the LED light ring, which gives it a much more technological look. Both smart speakers keep it, just in a different position. The Echo Dot 4 has it at the bottom, while the Echo Dot 3 has it in the top area.
3. Sound quality
Both devices integrate a 41 mm speaker, with the difference being that the Echo Dot 4 has a front-facing speaker. This may slightly improve the sound quality, although in practice it is a difficult difference to perceive. The Echo Dot 4 performs slightly better in bass reproduction, but it does not make a big difference. In addition, both have a 3.5 mm audio output for connecting headphones.
4. Sustainable materials
Environmental protection is becoming an increasingly important issue for businesses, and one of the innovations reflected in Amazon’s Echo Dot 4 is its environmentally conscious stance. According to the company, the Echo Dot 4 has 50% recycled plastics, 100% reused fabric and 100% recycled aluminium.
5. Bluetooth and WiFi
The last of the common features we highlight is the ability to connect the speaker to a WiFi network, as well as Bluetooth. In fact, both models support the same version of these connections, so there is no difference in this respect.
Echo Dot 4 Vs 3: Main differences
As this is a new version, there are also differences which, in this case, are obvious:
1. Speaker, and clock?
In case you have any doubts when you go to buy it, you should know that the Echo Dot 4 has two versions, a standard one and another in which the speaker integrates a clock. This is the main difference with respect to the Echo Dot 4, as the rest of its features are the same. However, the model with a clock is slightly more expensive, and is only available in blue-grey and white. However, in this review we will focus on the standard version, without a watch, which has the same features.
Amazon previously released a version of the Echo Dot 3 with a clock, but it is currently discontinued.
2. Shape and visual line
We admit that at first we found it difficult to associate the two smart speakers, mainly due to the aesthetic change between them. Amazon has opted for a total change of visual line, breaking completely with the previous design. The Amazon Echo Dot 3 has a more flattened rectangular shape, with a circle of LED light surrounding the top.
In contrast, the Echo Dot 4 changes its shape and opts for a spherical design, with the circle of light at the bottom. The new model is obviously taller than the previous one, but has a more modern feel. Circular shapes tend to be more attractive to users, although this depends on personal criteria.
If you look at the colours available, the Echo Dot 4 is available in anthracite, greyish blue and white, while the Echo Dot 3 is available in anthracite, dark grey and mauve.
3. Retail price
The Echo Dot 4 has a slightly higher price than the Echo Dot 3, with a difference of approximately 10 euros. However, this increases if you opt for the Echo Dot 4 with clock, with which the difference is around 20 euros.
Echo Dot 4 Vs 3: Our conclusion
This is the typical case where the decision will be based on personal criteria and, specifically, on your aesthetic tastes. Technically they share the same functionalities, there is no key difference that is noticeable. The Echo Dot 4 has a more up-to-date processor, but to be honest, it’s very difficult to notice the improvement in this regard.
As you can see, your decision will depend on whether you like the spherical shape or the more rectangular speaker, or which colour you like best. Another decisive criterion may be the price, although the difference between the two is very small.
If you want to know our opinion, we have to admit that the design of the Echo Dot 4 has surprised us very pleasantly, and we think it follows a modern and technological line that looks good in any room. However, it is larger, which can be a problem if you have a lot of things on your bedside table. But if aesthetics are not a priority for you, the functionalities are the same in both cases and the Echo Dot 3 is cheaper.
Interesting recommendations for choosing the best smart speaker
It is sometimes overwhelming to see the speed at which technology advances and how brands continue to innovate non-stop. In the case of the two protagonists of our review, Amazon has opted for a clear aesthetic break with its previous line, but this is not so much reflected in the functionalities. To help you know what criteria you should look at when comparing, here are some recommendations:
- Operating system: it can be Apple, Alexa or Google, which are the best known. If you are loyal to the Apple universe, we recommend you opt for the corresponding speakers. However, those that integrate Alexa or Google Assistant are somewhat more open and can be compatible with more devices.
- Speakers: some devices have a single speaker, while others have two, which can be woofer and tweeter. In addition to the number of speakers, look at their size, which is usually indicated in millimetres or inches. Another interesting fact is to see if they are front facing, like the Echo Dot 4, which helps to project the sound more clearly.
- Screen: it is worth noting that there are devices of this type that also include a screen, in which case you will need to look at the size and resolution of the screen.
- Design and shape: in addition to your aesthetic preferences, it is interesting to know the size of each model. Especially if you are going to place it on a smaller surface, such as a bedside table.
- Intelligent functionalities: most speakers have the capacity to inform you about the weather, current news, play music lists, etc. Even so, it can be a differential element if the rest of the features are the same.
The most popular speakers on Amazon
If you still have doubts about which smart speaker to buy, let us help you by showing you the best-selling models on Amazon.
[amazon bestseller = “smart speakers” items = “5”]