Philips Fidelio AS351 Android Docking Speakers Review

Philips Fidelio AS351 Android Docking Speakers Review

One of the only Android speaker docks in the market in the Philippines!

Review: Philips Fidelio AS351 Android Docking Speakers

The Philips Fidelio AS351 is probably one of the few Android docking speakers in the market here in the Philippines. That said, I’m pretty amazed that only a few people are talking about it given the dominance of Android in the local smartphone segment. It sells for Php7,999 which means it’s not a light investment so we’re here to share with you our review to help you decide if this is worth your hard earned cash or not.

By the way, if you haven’t read our unboxing article yet of this product, click here.

Most Android devices can dock on the Philips Fidelio AS351

The reason why most third party accessory maker companies haven’t made stuff for Android devices is because of the different model designs. This is even more so for docks. The micro USB port is not always at the bottom. Some devices have it on the side and some even on top. That makes it difficult to make a one-dock-fits-all product. Philips was able to nail this with their “Flexidock”.

The Flexidock is basically a micro USB dock that you can rotate, slide to the left or right, and push backwards or pull forward. This lends itself to connect to majority of the Android devices in the market. To illustrate check out the photo of the Galaxy S WiFi and the Nexus 7 below. Notice that the micro USB ports are inverted (the thick part is on opposing ends).

Nexus 7 and the Galaxy WiFi

With the Flexidock you can twist it so that the micro USB can line-up perfectly to connect to either device.

Nexus 7 docked. Btw, check out my cool cat Tiffy in the background, lol.
Galaxy WiFi docked!

If the micro USB port is on the side of your device, there’s no problem especially if you have landscape view. Unfortunately I can’t think of a way to properly dock a device that has the micro USB port at the top of it. You can still do it but your smartphone will look silly since it will be upside down, lol.

If you can’t dock it, connect via Bluetooth or Aux In

Now if you can’t dock it the Philips Fidelio can also stream music via Bluetooth or via the standard audio jack that you can plug from your headphone port to the back of the Fidelio. These features is definitely appreciated since you don’t want your device always docked when listening to your music (especially if your player is your smartphone).

The power outlet, USB slot (you can play via flash drives too), and the Aux In port can be found at the back of the speaker.

It can be portable

You can also bring the Philips Fidelio AS351 with you and play it without plugging it to a wall socket if you have 4 AA batteries! Initially I thought this was a huge pain in the ass since I had to buy batteries each time they ran out of juice but fortunately there are rechargeable AA batteries in the market already like the Energizer Flexible Charger Battery Kit.

For batteries

Ideal for bedrooms and small living rooms or offices

When it comes to the sound quality the Philips Fidelio AS351 doesn’t disappoint. Despite it’s size this thing can pack a punch, especially in the bass department. The music doesn’t break up or distort until you hit 80%-90% maximum volume (depending on the quality of the file being played). The volume is enough for small living rooms, bedrooms, or offices. Personally I have this in my bedroom. It’s perfect since I can just dock the Nexus 7 on it, play a few tracks, sleep, and then wake up to a fully charged tablet.

Pricing and Availability

The Philips Fidelio AS351 is already available in Astro Vision or Astro Plus stores. SRP is Php7,999. If you’re in the market for an Android speaker dock, this is it. 🙂

Good job Philips!

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