When Amazon launched the original Echo Dot, it was an immediate success. It led the sales in the basic smart home speaker market. With a price tag of only Rs. 3500, it was an inexpensive way to get Alexa into your home.
However, Google immediately struck back with the arguably better looking and better sounding Google Home Mini. However, Amazon is back at it again with the Echo Dot 3rd Generation, bringing improvements to the speaker sound and at the same time to its looks also. However, is the change enough to demand the increased price tag? Find out in our full review.
Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) Review: Design
Amazon seems to have taken a different approach when designing the new Echo Dot. The 1st and 2nd generation were more functionality driven, whereas the 3rd generation is more focused on the design. With the new Echo Dot, the size has increased, however, the design is way more good looking.
The third-generation Echo Dot ditches the plastic sides of its predecessors for a cloth-covered finish. The top and bottom are made out of rubber instead of plastic. There are more rounded edges that make it look more like a household decoration piece rather than a smart speaker. This makes it easy for the Echo Dot to blend into your home, which is a major improvement. Rest of the design elements are the same. Also, the LED ring around the top is thicker.
Like with the older Echo Dot, you can connect the new Dot to an external speaker via the 3.5mm audio jack or Bluetooth to amp up its sound. You can also play music through the Echo Dot using Bluetooth.
Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) Review: Audio Quality
With its improved speaker, listening to music on the new Echo Dot is a way better experience compared to its earlier generations. One of the complaints we had with the older dot was that music listening experience was terrible, which is now solved with an upgraded speaker.
That's the same advantage the Google Home Mini had over the Echo Dot. With this new generation, that difference is now thrown away out of the window. However, comparing the new Echo Dot to the full-size Echo will be a mistake as the latter one sports a subwoofer and a tweeter which the Dot lacks.
Also Read: Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Gen vs Echo Dot 2nd Gen: Worth the upgrade?
The Audio Quality difference is apparent as soon as you start doing anything. The newer Dot is much louder and clearer than the older dot. Also, it has better highs and lows. Vocals are also great on the new dot. This makes the new Echo Dot a good speaker with Alexa built in, instead of just an Alexa powered speaker.
Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) Review: Alexa
The previous Echo Dot had seven mics to pick up your voice and did an amazing job at it. The new Echo Dot is more responsive than before, but this time it only comes with 4 microphones. We did experience a few ghost cases, when the speaker activated even when without calling out the hotword.
Alexa's abilities to perform various tasks keep on growing every day. With the ability for developers to integrate their apps with skills and Amazon developers working around the clock to make the experience better, there is nothing Alexa can't help you with.
The ability to use Alexa to call and message others, drop in on other Alexa devices, and broadcast a message to every Echo device in your home is particularly handy. However, it would be handy if we could link our smartphone to make calls to other people using our phone and not only Alexa to Alexa.
Also Read: Amazon Echo Spot Review: Alexa meets a display
Also, the lack of an inbuilt streaming feature like the Google Home Mini makes you want to switch back to Google Home Mini.
Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) Review: Conclusion
Amazon Echo Dot 3rd generation costs Rs. 4,499 which is Rs. 1,000 more than the 2nd generation. The Rs. 1,000 difference brings in a new improved design and a way better speaker.
The new Dot is not worth an upgrade from an older dot unless you really want the improved speaker and design. However, if you don't own the 2nd generation, the new Echo Dot is the best and the cheapest option to get Alexa in your home.
Also Read: Amazon launches Audible in India: Here’s how you can start listening to free audiobooks
With Alexa, you can make calls, control your smart home appliances and many more. This makes The new Echo Dot a great purchase.
