The FiiO M23 is the latest portable music player from FiiO, a company known for its high-quality audio products. Released in early July 2024, this player aims to offer a top-notch listening experience with advanced features and an elegant design. In this review, we will explore the various aspects of the FiiO M23 to see if it lives up to the hype.
Overview of the FiiO M23
The FiiO M23 is designed to provide audiophiles with a portable device that delivers exceptional sound quality. It features a sleek design, powerful audio components, and user-friendly software. Whether you’re a casual listener or a serious music enthusiast, the FiiO M23 promises to enhance your audio experience.
Key Features
- Design: Elegant and portable
- Display: High-resolution touchscreen
- Audio Quality: Premium DAC and amplifier
- Connectivity: Multiple options, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Battery Life: Long-lasting with fast charging
Let’s delve into each of these features to understand what makes the FiiO M23 a standout in the world of portable music players.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the FiiO M23 is both stylish and practical, making it a desirable gadget for music lovers on the go.
Elegant Aesthetics
The FiiO M23 features a sleek and modern design with a metallic finish that feels premium in hand. Its compact size makes it easy to carry around, and the smooth edges add to its appeal.
Design Highlights
- Body: Aluminum alloy frame
- Finish: Brushed metal with a glossy touch
- Buttons: Tactile and well-placed for easy access
Build Materials
Constructed with high-quality materials, the FiiO M23 is built to last. The aluminum alloy frame provides durability, while the glass front and back add a touch of elegance. This combination of materials not only enhances the device’s look but also ensures it can withstand daily use.
Display Quality
The FiiO M23 is equipped with a high-resolution touchscreen that offers a vivid and sharp display. This screen makes it easy to navigate through menus and view album art in stunning detail.
Display Specifications
- Size: 3.5 inches
- Resolution: 720 x 1280 pixels
- Type: IPS LCD
- Touchscreen: Capacitive, multi-touch support
The display’s clarity and responsiveness make it a pleasure to use, whether you’re browsing your music library or adjusting settings.
Audio Quality
Audio performance is where the FiiO M23 truly shines. It is designed to deliver superior sound quality, making it a great choice for audiophiles.
High-Resolution Audio
The FiiO M23 supports high-resolution audio playback, ensuring that you can enjoy your music in the best possible quality. It is capable of playing various high-res audio formats, including FLAC, WAV, and DSD, allowing you to experience your favorite tracks with incredible clarity and detail.
Supported Formats
- Lossless: FLAC, ALAC, WAV, DSD
- Lossy: MP3, AAC, OGG, WMA
DAC and Amplifier
At the heart of the FiiO M23 is a high-performance DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) and amplifier. The DAC converts digital audio files into analog signals, which are then amplified to produce high-fidelity sound. This combination ensures that the music you hear is rich, detailed, and true to the original recording.
Audio Components
- DAC: ESS ES9038Q2M
- Amplifier: THX AAA-78
- Output Power: Up to 150mW per channel
These components work together to deliver a balanced and immersive listening experience.
FiiO M23 Portable Music Player Review
M23 Hi-Res MP3 Music Player Android 10 Snapdragon 660 with AK4191EQ+AK4499EX, 5.5inch, Lossless DSD/MQA, 5G WiFi/Apple Music/Tidal/Amazon Music 4.4mm
Sound Customization
The FiiO M23 also offers a range of sound customization options, allowing you to tailor the audio to your preferences. It includes a built-in equalizer with multiple presets and customizable bands, so you can adjust the sound to suit different genres or personal tastes.
Customization Features
- Equalizer: 10-band graphic EQ
- Presets: Multiple genre-based settings
- User Profiles: Save custom EQ settings
These features make it easy to fine-tune the sound to your liking, whether you prefer deep bass, clear mids, or sparkling highs.
Connectivity and Features
Connectivity is another area where the FiiO M23 excels, offering various options to enhance your listening experience.
Wireless Connectivity
The FiiO M23 supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allowing you to connect to wireless headphones or stream music from online services. Bluetooth connectivity includes support for high-quality codecs like aptX and LDAC, ensuring that you get the best sound possible when using wireless headphones.
Wireless Options
- Bluetooth: Version 5.0, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC
- Wi-Fi: 802.11ac, supports streaming services
Wired Connectivity
For those who prefer a wired connection, the FiiO M23 provides several options. It includes a standard 3.5mm headphone jack and a balanced 4.4mm output for audiophiles who want to use high-end headphones with balanced cables.
Wired Options
- Headphone Jack: 3.5mm unbalanced
- Balanced Output: 4.4mm
- USB-C: For charging and data transfer
These connectivity options ensure that you can use the FiiO M23 with a wide range of headphones and audio equipment.
Streaming and Storage
The FiiO M23 is equipped with both internal storage and a microSD card slot, giving you ample space to store your music library. Additionally, its Wi-Fi capability allows you to stream music from popular services such as Spotify, Tidal, and Deezer.
Storage Details
- Internal Storage: 64GB
- Expandable: MicroSD slot up to 1TB
- Streaming Services: Support for major platforms
This combination of streaming and storage options makes it easy to access your favorite music, whether it’s stored locally or online.
FiiO M23 Portable Music Player Review
M23 Hi-Res MP3 Music Player Android 10 Snapdragon 660 with AK4191EQ+AK4499EX, 5.5inch, Lossless DSD/MQA, 5G WiFi/Apple Music/Tidal/Amazon Music 4.4mm
Battery Life and Performance
Battery life is a crucial factor for any portable device, and the FiiO M23 offers impressive performance in this regard.
Long-Lasting Battery
The FiiO M23 is powered by a high-capacity battery that provides extended playback time. On a single charge, the device can last up to 20 hours of continuous playback, making it ideal for long listening sessions or travel.
Battery Specifications
- Capacity: 3400 mAh
- Playback Time: Up to 20 hours
- Charging Time: Approximately 2.5 hours
Performance
In terms of performance, the FiiO M23 is equipped with a powerful processor that ensures smooth operation. Whether you’re navigating menus, streaming music, or adjusting settings, the device performs efficiently without lag or delays.
Performance Details
- Processor: Quad-core ARM Cortex-A55
- Memory: 2GB RAM
- Operating System: Custom Linux-based OS
This hardware configuration allows the FiiO M23 to handle various tasks seamlessly, providing a user-friendly experience.
User Experience and Interface
The user experience is a vital aspect of any music player, and the FiiO M23 delivers an intuitive and enjoyable interface.
User-Friendly Interface
The FiiO M23 features a custom operating system designed for ease of use. The interface is clean and straightforward, with large icons and a simple layout that makes it easy to navigate through your music library and settings.
Interface Features
- Home Screen: Customizable with widgets and shortcuts
- Navigation: Intuitive swipe and touch controls
- Customization: Various themes and display options
Companion App
The FiiO M23 is compatible with the FiiO Music app, available for both Android and iOS. This app allows you to manage your music library, create playlists, and customize settings from your smartphone, enhancing the overall user experience.
App Features
- Library Management: Organize and sync music
- Playlists: Create and manage custom playlists
- Settings: Adjust player settings remotely
The app adds convenience and additional functionality, making it easier to manage your music on the go.
FiiO M23 Portable Music Player Review
M23 Hi-Res MP3 Music Player Android 10 Snapdragon 660 with AK4191EQ+AK4499EX, 5.5inch, Lossless DSD/MQA, 5G WiFi/Apple Music/Tidal/Amazon Music 4.4mm
Comparison with Competitors
Let’s see how the FiiO M23 stacks up against some of its main competitors in the market.
Sony NW-ZX507
The Sony NW-ZX507 is known for its exceptional sound quality and Android-based system, which supports a wide range of apps. While the FiiO M23 offers similar audio performance, it provides a more streamlined
user experience and longer battery life.
Comparison Points
- Audio Quality: Both offer high-resolution audio
- Operating System: Sony uses Android, FiiO has a custom OS
- Battery Life: FiiO has a longer playback time
- Price: Sony is generally more expensive
Astell & Kern SR25
The Astell & Kern SR25 is another high-end portable music player with a focus on audio quality. It features a robust design and high-fidelity sound, similar to the FiiO M23. However, the FiiO M23 offers more modern connectivity options and a more user-friendly interface.
Comparison Points
- Design: Both have high-quality builds, but different styles
- Connectivity: FiiO has more versatile wireless options
- Interface: FiiO is easier to use
- Price: Astell & Kern is usually pricier
These comparisons show the unique features and advantages of the FiiO M23, making it a strong contender in the portable music player market.
The FiiO M23 is a well-rounded portable music player that excels in delivering high-quality audio, modern connectivity, and a user-friendly interface. Its stylish design, advanced audio components, and long battery life make it an excellent choice for music enthusiasts who want a premium listening experience on the go. Whether you are an audiophile or simply looking for a top-notch portable player, the FiiO M23 is worth considering.