Philips TAS1209 Wireless Speaker Review: Small Size, Big Surprises?

When it comes to compact wireless speakers, finding one that balances size, sound quality, and battery life without burning a hole in your pocket is no easy task. With the TAS1209 wireless speaker, Philips has taken another stab at this segment. On paper, this Rs 999 speaker promises punchy bass, splash resistance, stereo pairing, and a solid battery life; all in a palm-sized package. But how does it actually perform in real-world use? Let’s dive in.

Design

First impressions of the TAS1209 are solid. It’s a small, lightweight unit that fits easily in one hand or in a small backpack compartment. It’s got a nice little hook as well, that can be used to hang it on your backpack. This wireless speaker has a plastic body that’s surprisingly sturdy. Just handling it for a while makes you confident that small drops and falls can do no harm to this device. The Philips TAS1209 has five rubber-coated control buttons: two for volume, one for Bluetooth pairing, one for play/pause, and one for power.

The perforations on the speaker grille are complemented well by the orange sheet beneath, which adds a touch of flair to an otherwise conventional design. This speaker charges via a Type-C port that’s sealed shut with a rubber strip. Speaking of this seal, Philips advertises the TAS1209 as IPX4 splash and sweat resistant. And I’m pleased to report that it lives up to this claim. I tested it near a kitchen sink and with light splashes, and it performed without a hitch. This makes it ideal for outdoor use, whether you’re in the garden or at the beach. However, note that it’s splash resistant, not waterproof. So don’t dunk it in the pool or leave it exposed to heavy rain.

Sound Quality

Despite its size, the passive radiator built into the speaker does a commendable job of delivering decent bass. For something this compact, the bass is surprisingly punchy without sounding artificial or overly boosted. Of course, it doesn’t deliver earth-shattering lows like larger speakers, but for casual listening in a small room or outdoors, it holds its own. Volume levels are sufficient for personal or small group use. You can think of picnics, beach outings, or a small gathering at home. However, push it to max volume and you’ll start noticing slight distortion, especially on bass-heavy tracks. This is expected in this price and size category, but worth mentioning if you’re expecting high-fidelity audio at all volume levels.

Also Read: Beats Pill Speaker Review

Functionality

One of the handy features of this Philips wireless speaker is the hands-free calling function. You can merely press a button to pause your music and take calls directly through the speaker. It works, but don’t expect crystal-clear call quality in noisy environments. Indoors, it’s usable for quick calls, but for anything longer, you’d probably prefer using your phone directly or a pair of earbuds. Philips lets you pair two TAS1209 speakers for a stereo effect, which sounds like a great idea if you plan on investing in a pair. However, most casual buyers might stick to a single unit, in which case the stereo pairing feature feels like a nice-to-have but not essential. Also, pairing two speakers adds to the overall cost, making it a less budget-friendly solution.

Battery Life

Philips claims up to 12 hours of playtime, and in real-world testing at moderate volumes, it gets pretty close. You can expect a full day’s worth of casual listening without reaching for the charger. It charges via USB-C, which is a welcome addition in 2025 when micro-USB should no longer exist on new tech products.